Chapter: 785

"I'm not! I just needed some fresh air."

“Then promise to marry me when we return." Even in the darkness, Jonathan seemed to pinpoint her hesitant gaze.

"I already said we'd discuss it when we get back. Ah!"

Bethany's hand instinctively tightened around Jonathan's muscular arm, her nails digging painfully into his skin.

His touch was far from gentle, almost as if he was intentionally causing her distress, and his grip remained firm.

"I want you to promise me now."

Jonathan was insistent and forced her to respond to his demand.

Sweat began to form on Bethany's forehead, as she was not used to enduring this type of pain.

"Please, just stop, okay?" Bethany pleaded.

Jonathan's usually mild demeanor had shifted into something commanding and unyielding, and it frightened her a bit.

Hearing the quiver in Bethany's voice, Jonathan realized he might be pushing her too far. He hastened to finish what they were doing and then pulled her into his embrace.

Drenched in sweat, they stayed in the dim light, their heavy breaths mingling as they listened to each other's heartbeats in the quiet darkness.

Neither spoke. It was as if they could hear each other's thoughts.

Bethany remained silent, and Jonathan didn't press her.

He already knew the answer.

After they had lain in the bed for a while, Bethany ventured, "Do you want to take a bath? I can run some water for you."

Jonathan, frustrated and confused, blurted out, “Bethany, what's really holding you back?"

He couldn't fathom what leverage his parents could still hold over Bethany.

Bethany didn't respond.

“I promise you, I'll keep Nola and Rowan safe. And my parents won't come near you again, okay?"

Bethany managed a weak smile and replied, "I've told you, it's not about that. I do believe you'll protect our children. As for your parents... I simply don't deal with them."

"Did they use Jayson's safety to threaten you? Or Aimee's?" Jonathan pressed for the truth.

Today, alone in his hospital room, he had considered every possible scenario. He was determined that if Bethany would allow it, he would help her navigate any trouble or worry that came her way-even if it meant providing protection for Jayson, the man who rivaled him for her affection.

"No, your parents didn't threaten me."