Chapter 126

I was too angry to understand his words, blurting out, “Obviously, it’s better for both of us to move on. Divorce is so common these days. I’m still young, and I’m definitely not planning to stay single forever…”

Before I could finish, Jonathan suddenly wrapped his arms around me from behind. His grip was so strong I felt I might break. I struggled, punching at him. “Let me go! Let me go!”

He loosened his hold slightly, then grabbed my chin, forcing me to turn. His cold eyes scanned my face. “Don’t say things like that again. I told you—I’m not divorcing you.”

I clenched my fists and lashed out with every harsh word I could muster. Jonathan lowered his head and silenced me with a kiss.

I fought back initially, but eventually gave up, all strength leaving me as I slumped against him in despair.

“Elise…” he murmured, finally releasing me. He held my face in his hands, frowning as he studied me closely. He had chosen to ignore me while I was struggling, but the moment I gave up, he stopped.

“Are you really going to make this so difficult?” he asked.

I didn’t bother explaining, shutting my eyes tight, letting the slight tremble of my lashes betray my unspoken resistance.

Jonathan sighed, clearly at a loss. “I’ll have someone bring your dress. You have 30 minutes to get changed. We’re leaving.”

“I’m not changing,” I said flatly.

“Do you need me to help you change?”

His tone brooked no argument. I glared at him, furious. “Jonathan, what exactly do you want from me? Are you forcing me to go to her birthday party? I hate her! Don’t you know that?”

He was quiet for a long time, then ran his thumb along the corner of my mouth. “You’re going. That’s final.”

“Why?” I asked.

“You’re my wife. You’re supposed to be by my side at these events,” he replied.

I gritted my teeth. “Not for long.”

He held my waist firmly. “Right now, you’re still my wife. If you refuse to get changed, I have no problem taking you just like this.”

I glanced down. I was still in my wrinkled pajamas.

Chapter 126 2/2

I let out a cold laugh. “Aren’t you afraid people will laugh at you?”

“Not at all,” he said calmly. “No one would dare.”

I bit my lip. He was like an impenetrable fortress. His mental strength was terrifying; I, on the other hand, was always the one losing control.

I took a deep breath and said coldly, “I’m not going. If you want me there, you’ll have to drag me. Let’s see who ends up looking worse at that party—you or me.”

Jonathan didn’t reply. He just turned and walked out of the room.

Not long after, the maids arrived, carrying armfuls of gowns. Each one was a high-end designer gown from the most famous brands. Even top celebrities might not receive such treatment.

For a fleeting moment, I was reminded again of Jonathan’s wealth, yet it didn’t change my feelings. No amount of money could make me want this life.

I sat on the edge of the bed, my back to the maids, and said coldly, “Tell him this—I’m not wearing any of these. I’m not going. If he wants me there, he’ll have to drag me there himself.”

They exchanged uneasy looks. “Ms. Sawyer, please don’t make this harder for us,” one said.

“Yes, this is Mr. Ford’s order—we can’t help it,” another added.

I cut them off sharply, “Tell him it’s my own choice.”