Chapter 138

Jonathan stared at my wrist, then remained silent. His dark eyes narrowed slightly before he abruptly grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the stage. Before I could react, he was leading me onto it. I froze, confused. Instinctively, I tried to pull away, but he tightened his grip.

“Let go! What the hell are you doing?”

He didn't answer. Instead, he turned to the crowd and announced, “This is my wife, Elise Sawyer.”

The room fell silent. All heads turned towards us. Alicia’s eyes darted to us; her face was drained of color as she stood frozen.

Jonathan seemingly ignored her. He continued, addressing the guests, “She’s an introvert, uncomfortable speaking in public, so I’ve never formally introduced her. I figured this was a good opportunity.”

No one moved. Everyone held their breath.

Frederick gave me a long, complicated look. He said nothing, only lowered his head and drank in silence. I instinctively twisted my wrist, trying to break free. Jonathan loosened his grip slightly, only to intertwine our fingers. Then he looked directly at Alicia. “Alicia and I grew up together. I’ve always treated her like a little sister.”

With each word, Alicia’s expression darkened. When he explicitly stated he only considered her a sister, her face crumbled into despair. But my heart felt only coldness. What was the point of all this?

Alicia had always insisted she and Jonathan were like siblings. Now, with his public confirmation, she couldn't cope. She wasn’t as adept at the long game as I’d thought.

Then, suddenly, a sharp pain pierced my chest. I clutched my heart, my face paling. I couldn't tell if it originated from me or the twenty-five-year-old version of myself still lingering within. She had likely been anticipating this day. She wanted Jonathan to acknowledge her as his wife publicly. She wanted him to declare there was nothing between him and Alicia, that they were just family.

That twenty-five-year-old me had been pathetic. A few simple things could have made her happy. If Jonathan had shown even a little respect, if he’d cherished me, we wouldn’t be here.

I closed my eyes, overwhelmed by the emptiness. But now, none of it mattered anymore. So what if he announced our status? Did that erase everything he’d done? Of course not. It was laughable.

If he truly understood my life, why hadn’t he acted sooner? Why wait until I stopped caring? Until I’d completely given up on him?

After his announcement, the crowd was silent for a moment. Then, slowly, scattered applause began. Someone took the lead, and soon the room filled with cheers. I didn't even know what they were clapping for.

Alicia’s face was worse than ever. She instinctively tried to reach the stage, but her parents stopped her. She composed herself, forcing a strained smile before clapping with the crowd. I gave her credit for knowing when to fold, though her emotions were clearly turbulent.

But that wasn't why I came here. I was about to grab the microphone, to tell everyone Jonathan and I were struggling and planning a divorce, but before I could move, Frederick walked onto the stage. His steps were steady, his eyes locked on mine. He was clearly coming for me.

Chapter 139