Chapter: 981

“What about later?"

Bethany's lips barely moved, her eyes lowered in concern. "Jonathan, you need to rest. Nola and Rowan are still in Wesden. If you make yourself sick, they'll be left without their father."

Nola and Rowan...

Yes.

They had two children together.

Their connection ran deep. It wouldn't be so easy to just end things.

“Bethany, don't leave me alone."

“I won't," Bethany replied. She withdrew one hand and gently stroked his hair. “Sleep now. I promise that when you wake up, I'll still be here."

Jonathan's dark eyes were dull, lacking their usual brilliance. He looked at Bethany and then turned his head to kiss her.

Bethany didn't pull away. Instead, she tilted her head to meet his kiss. No matter how intense or chaotic, she accepted it.

Jonathan's body, chilled from the cold water, was shivering involuntarily. Bethany removed her own clothes to warm him with her body.

When the kiss ended, and she anticipated he might take things further, he simply panted and did nothing more.

“Jonathan, you~"

“I'm going to sleep."

Bethany was taken aback by his words.

He closed his eyes, though his eyelashes still trembled. Bethany reached out to touch his face, but he caught her wrist with a firm grip.

"I'm sorry."

Bethany was puzzled.

“I'm sorry, Bethany," he repeated.

He had hoped to be her salvation, guiding her out of the darkness.

However, he felt he had become the source of all her suffering.

Jonathan fell asleep, quietly murmuring an apology.

Perhaps it was due to exhaustion or the comfort of having Bethany in his arms that allowed him to drift off so peacefully.

Despite the brewing storm ahead, it felt like a blessing just to be able to hold each other and share the warmth of sleep.