Chapter: 54

Occasionally, Jonathan's phone would ring, and he'd step out to take the call. Each time, Bethany guessed it was urgent and assumed he'd have to leave. But just when she began to think he wouldn't return, he'd come back and sit down next to her.

"I can take care of this myself," she said with a frown.

"Bethany, I'm your husband," he replied so calmly, as though he was just stating a fact.

"Bute"

“You're pushing yourself too hard."

Bethany bit her lip, hesitating. She desperately wanted to tell Jonathan to stop being so kind, fearing she might become dependent on him. It was like a parched traveler in the desert, tasting cool, refreshing water and always yearning for more.

Yet, she couldn't bring herself to voice her thoughts or reveal her feelings to Jonathan.

When they returned home, exhaustion overtook Bethany, and she went to bed right after a quick shower. However, sometime later, faint noises stirred her awake.

Groggily, she checked her phone-it was three o'clock in the morning, and Jonathan still hadn't come to bed. Concerned, she slipped on her nightgown and ventured out.

In the dimly lit living room, she found Jonathan engrossed in a video conference with someone overseas, a slight frown creasing his forehead.

The meeting must have been postponed because he spent the evening with her, pushing it to this ungodly hour.

Guilt pricked at her heart. Noticing that he was only wearing a white shirt, Bethany fetched a blanket from her suitcase.

As her footsteps approached, Jonathan looked up and muted the call.

"Did I wake you?"

"No, I just got up for a glass of water." Bethany shook her head and handed him the blanket. “Here, take this, or else you'll catch a cold."

But Jonathan didn't take the blanket right away. Seeing the hesitation on his face, it suddenly occurred to Bethany that he was a neat freak. Perhaps he thought the blanket was riddled with germs.

As she was about to explain that it was brand new, Jonathan suddenly reached out his hand and took it. "Thanks."

After Jonathan bundled himself in the blanket, Bethany nodded in satisfaction and headed to the kitchen to get some water.

From behind, she overheard Jonathan apologizing on the conference call.

"Sorry, it's my wife."

Wife? Was he referring to her? How could he introduce her that way?

After drinking some water, Bethany returned to her bedroom. Since she wasn't sleepy anymore, she pulled out her laptop and worked on the project instead.

It was almost dawn when Jonathan finally walked into the bedroom. His handsome face showed signs of exhaustion.

Bethany set her laptop aside and stood up to greet him. "Get some rest. If you're worried about not waking up later, I'll wake you."