Chapter: 673

However, the wires attached to the monitors constrained him. He winced in pain as the effort threatened to reopen his wounds.

Hearing his pained gasp, Bethany quickly turned and grasped his hand.

"What's wrong? Does it hurt?"

“No." Jonathan gave her a reassuring smile. “Are you worried about me?"

Bethany, flustered by his direct gaze, looked away. “I'm just worried that moving too much might hinder your recovery."

Jonathan's smile turned wistful, and he teased her in a playful, indulgent tone, “Bethany, you must be the most stubborn person in the world."

"You're the most stubborn person in the world!" Bethany blurted out.

Yet, Jonathan didn't miss a beat, replying with a smirk, "Yes, I am. I'll own that."

Bethany hesitated, then shot back, "I'm done talking to you!"

As she turned to leave, Jonathan grabbed her hand firmly, anchoring her in place.

Her annoyance bubbled over as she glared at him, demanding, "Why are you acting like Nikolas now? Picking up his worst traits!"

Her thoughts drifted back to Jonathan's decision to buy Goldwald Company. He was usually so poised and controlled, never one to let his emotions show. How could he stoop to such petty antics?

That decision had served him no benefit.

"It turns out, sometimes the only way to keep you close is by dropping the gentleman act," Jonathan confessed.

Before Bethany reentered his life, Jonathan had stuck to a strict routine-wake, work, travel-believing it flawless. However, reconnecting with her taught him that in matters of the heart, playing the gentleman was useless.

Like now, if he had to play the gentleman, he would have to release her hand.

"Where did you get that idea? Did Nikolas feed you that line?"

Bethany asked.

"I figured it out on my own."

Bethany laughed derisively. “Let go of me. I'm going to eat."

Jonathan released her hand with a nod. “Alright. Once you're done eating, I'll have someone take you to rest. You must be tired too."

"I'm not leaving," Bethany declared, her brow furrowing slightly. She had only one month left, and she didn't want to spend a moment away from Jonathan. "I'll stay right here with you."

Noticing Jonathan's hesitation, she pressed, “Is there something wrong?"

Jonathan was indeed in a bind.