Chapter: 740

“Perhaps. He has been a great help to me."

Jonathan continued, "Jayson—"

Bethany interrupted her. "Why do you need to know so many details? Haven't you heard about my relationship with him already?"

Bethany felt that discussing it further would only bring discomfort to them both. She didn't want to deceive Jonathan, especially since Jayson's kindness towards her wasn't something that could simply be dismissed or forgotten.

"Alright, I won't pry," Jonathan said, giving her a long look. “When do you think would be the best time to pick up Nola and Rowan? It's up to you."

He had considered asking Brody to bring the kids here, but decided it was better to consult Bethany first. Making such a decision without her input seemed discourteous.

“In a few days, maybe?"

Bethany yearned to see the children immediately, but her emotions were mixed with reluctance and fear. She struggled with how to explain this to Jayson, especially since Rowan had been under Jayson's care for a longer period than hers.

The prospect of separating Rowan from Jayson troubled her deeply. The uncertainty of when they might meet again made it even harder to articulate her feelings, whether face-to-face or over the phone.

Therefore, she resolved to allow the children more time with Jayson— just a bit longer.

“I will Listen to you." Jonathan noticed the hesitation in Bethany's eyes and understood why.

He chose not to press her; he desired for her to live as she wished, making her own choices. His own emotions were another matter entirely.

Nothing could match the agony, disappointment, and sorrow he'd weathered in the past four years since losing her. Having borne that pain for so long, fear now seemed redundant.

Both remained quiet, the air between them growing heavy with unspoken words.

The stillness persisted until Nikolas burst onto the scene, shattering the quiet.

“Jonathan! When's Aimee coming back?" he blurted out, unaware of Bethany's presence.

Bethany's brows knit together as she asked cautiously, "Why do you need to know?"

Caught off guard, Nikolas faltered, at a loss for words.

"Nikolas, Aimee's my friend. She doesn't belong in your world. Please stay away from her. Don't treat her like the girls you've slept with."

Bethany had meant to say this yesterday, but had held back because Aimee was there.

"I... I didn't mean it that way..."

"Then why are you always seeking her out?" Bethany pressed, her protective instincts flaring. She couldn't bear the thought of Aimee falling for someone like Nikolas, only to be left heartbroken if he walked away.

Nikolas' mind was in turmoil. He stood there, his mouth agape, but no words came out.

Jonathan sat up, pulling Bethany closer. "You don't need to be so harsh on him yet. Nikolas is not a bad person," he said with certainty.