Chapter: 97

He didn't need to concern himself with Maddie's situation.

Jonathan's response was impeccable, delivered with the same nonchalance one might use to discuss the weather.

If Bethany hadn't seen his tattoo and known the passcode to his door lock, she might have doubted his feelings for Maddie.

"But aren't you two friends?" she asked.

"So, will you accompany me to see her?"

Bethany shook her head. "I've been quite busy lately."

"Is it because of that project with Jayson Watson?" Jonathan paused, holding his milk cup as he studied Bethany.

"Not solely. I'm also collaborating with Brody on the SNS project.”

Bethany remained composed under Jonathan's gaze.

"Keep up the good work."

Jonathan didn't add anything more. After breakfast, they each headed to their respective workplaces.

In the hospital, Maddie was just coming around from her appendicitis surgery.

Her vision was still fuzzy, but she noticed a figure standing by her bed.

"Jon..."

As she spoke, the figure turned.

It was Nikolas.

"You're awake at last. If you had stayed comatose, I was about to call the doctor."

Disappointed not to see the man she loved, Maddie slowly closed her eyes again and moistened her Lips.

"Is it just you here?" she asked.

“Yes! I've been here all night watching over you. See these bags under my eyes?" Nikolas began. Once he started talking, there was no stopping him.

Maddie experienced a dull ache in her lower abdomen, yet it paled compared to the ache in her heart.

She had invested so much in her relationship with Jonathan, yet he wasn't there when she woke up.

"Thank you." Maddie maintained her usual polite but distant demeanor towards Nikolas. The Bennett and Bates families had been close for years, and Maddie feared that being too familiar with Nikolas might lead Jonathan's parents to view her unfavorably.

After all, no parent would appreciate rumors swirling around their potential daughter-in-law.