Chapter 44

The noise around me was loud, but I could still hear the voices coming from over there,

“Jonathan I’m sorry. I just feel so terrible…” Alicia said.

Herfacewas flushed red as she lay on the bar counter. In front of her was a triangular glass filled with a sky–blue liquid that reflected the rosy color onhercheeks.

Jonathan sat beside her, frowning as he looked at her. Though he wore his usual cold and serious expression, he patiently stayed by her side.

I snorted coldly, pretending not to see, and tumed to leave.

Gabrielle instinctively called out, “Elise..”

Thepeopleover there seemed to notice the commotion, andalllookedourway.

The moment jonathan saw me, his expression shifted, and hestoodup to come over.

“You said you were going to the hospital. Why are you here?” he questioned sharply.

I caught the darkemotion flickering in his eyes let out a bitter laugh but didn’t respond, simply brushing past him to leave.

People around us froze,clearly not expecting me to ignoreJonathanlike that.

Gabrielle quickly followed behind me,calling out, “Elise..

Her worried expression made me give her a ceassuringlook, signaling that she didn’t need to worry.

Jonathan’s face dadened as he grabbed my wrist tightly. “Why are you here?” hedemanded.

frowned and tried to pull away.

“Let go of me!” I snapped.

Since he already caught me, there was no point in lying anymoter

“where I go is none of your business! I’ll go wherever I want! 1 shotback

“Why did you lie to me?”hepressed.

“Because you wouldn’t let me go out. What choice did I have but to lie?” I replied defiantly

My blunt words clearly angered Jonathan. His face grew stem aghis grip on my wrist tightened painfully.

“Come back with me,” he ordered,

I’m not going! Let me go!” I insisted

Just as we were at a stalenute, Frederick stepped forward,

With a smile, he gently pulled Jonathan’s hand away and stood by my side.

she doesn’t want to go back, then don’t force her,” Predericksaidcalmly.

Jonathan’s exprecision instantly darkened

“Who do you thinkyouare, Insertering in our marriage?” he spat.

Frederick’s expression turned cold as well. The two of them lockedeyes, and in that instant,thealtgrew thick with tension

Alicia couldn’t stand the atmosphere and tugged on Jonathan’s sleeve. “Jonathan,I’msorry. Did I bake Elise angry again?” she asked nervously.

Jonathanglancedat me deeply. I sorted coldly, refusing to respond to Alicia’s attempt to stir trouble.

“Elite, come back with me,” nathan said with a frown.

“Take care ut Alicia and stay out of my business!” I snapped, yanding my hand free and shooting the two of themascathing look. “And don’t bother questioning whyI’mnot at the hospital. Youliedtoo. You said you were visiting Alicia’s grandmother, but somehow ended up in a bar.”

My wordswereblunt, laced with both sarcasm and accusation.

jonathan’s Lace dashed to the extreme. “Whalese are you maling up now?“)

“Am I the one making dings up?” I asked, glancing at the tipsy Alicia, whose cheeks were lushed, “She’s drinking herselt miserable, and you’re better off comdosting her! That’s what bars like this are for, lan’s It? People come to drown the sorrows, and it a man and awomanhit it off, they just end upinbed. Problem solved, right?–

1 knew law Bacaliny words sounded, and i said them on purpose,

Jonathan’s handsome face flushedred, and is eyes bued with suppressed auger “Elise, do y

you even know what you’re Lying?” he growled.