Chapter 32

My reaction was intense, and Jonathan seemed taken aback by my anger. The more calmly he remained, the more hysterical 1 seemedincomparison.

“If you insist on causing trouble for her, I’ll havesomeonekeep an eye on you,” Jonathan said. “Grandpa doesn’t have much time left. I can’t allow you to cause trouble during this period.”

That was it.

Whether it was for his grandfather or for Alicia, I was always the one who could be sacrificed without a second thought.

“You’d really lock me up just to stop me from bothering Alicia_”

Even though I had long forgotten the past and erased all the feelings I once had for him, leaving behind only a hollowmemory,I still couldn’t help but ask why for the sake of that girl who had been so broken by him that she once considered ending her life.

Tasked Jonathan, “Why did you marry me in the first place?”

I thoughtthatif the 35–year–old Elise was still here, she wouldalsowant to know the answer to that question

I didn’t understand why he married me in the first place, when it was so clear he didn’t care about me and had his eyes only on Alicia.

Jonathan stared at me.

It was clear he had not expected that question. Naturally, he also had no intention of answering it.

A heavy, indescribable silence settled between us.

This was always how things went between us. If I didn’task, he wouldn’t speak

If I did ask, he still wouldn’t answer.

“Jon.

Suddenly, a lock on thedoorinterrupted, followed by Alicia’s sweet voice.

In that instant, the fragile thread of emotion between us snapped, and the atmosphere shattered completely.

I suddenly didn’t want to know the answer anymore.

Without thinking, I pushed him away. Jonathan gave me a displeased look, then calledtowardthe door, “What is it?”

Alicia hesitated. His tone wasn’t as indulgentasshe had anticipated.

After a long pause, she softly said, “I’m sorry. Did I make you two argueagain? It’s all my fault…”

“Jon, I’ve always seen you as an older brother. You’ve been important to me ever sincewewere children.Grandpasaid you would take care of me, so I’ve come to rely on you. If Elise misunderstood, I can apologize. I’ll do anything to stop her from getting the wrongidea.I never wanted to be your wife. I just don’t want to disappoint the elders,” she added, sounding genuinely remorseful.

When she finished,Jonathan’sexpression softened.

He said calmly, “IunderstandDon’t worry about it. I’ll handle everything:”

I letouta cold laugh, wondering what exactly he planned to handle. Was it me?

Even with adoorbetween us, I could picture Alicia’s expression perfectly,

She let out a sigh of relief and said, “That’s good. Grandpa said he wanted to see you.

“I know. I’ll head over inabit,”Jonathanreplied.

Alicia lingered a moment longer before finally walking away.

I had to admit, she lunew exactly what she was doing

She managed to lower his guard by pretending not to ding to him, when intruth,she was simply playing the long game.

I didn’t know if jonathantrulycouldn’t see th

through her, or if he simply didn’t care. But to me, it no longer mattered.

For the first time, I looked Jonathan in the eye without atraceof anger or emotion I calmly asked, “What will it take for you to agree to a divorce?”

Jonathanheld my gaze. His impatience was even more obvious than before. “Why are you so determined to get a divorce?”