Chapter 1099

Just as the words left Jonathan's lips, Lucian tightened his grip on his glass. Six years ago…

"You must have treated Dr. Jarvis far worse six years ago than she's treating you now," Jonathan continued. "Back then, I wondered how she'd react to your focus on work and Aubree. I thought she'd leave immediately, but surprisingly, she stayed for years and even bore your children."

A thought struck Jonathan. "It seems Dr. Jarvis was deeply in love with you then. You claim to be persevering, yet you're giving up on her after mere months because she's more serious about her work. In contrast, Dr. Jarvis remained by your side for years."

Jonathan even felt sorry for Roxanne, considering what she endured. He clicked his tongue, shaking his head after finishing his remarks.

Lucian's expression darkened. How had she persevered all those years? He'd considered her unreasonable when she left, but now he realized she must have reached her limit. What were her thoughts that night? The memory ached in his heart.

"This is my fault," he admitted after a pause.

Jonathan stiffened. This was the first time he'd heard Lucian admit fault so readily.

"I did this to her six years ago, and now she's doing the same to me." Self-deprecation shone in Lucian's eyes. "Perhaps it's karma, six years late."

Hearing the bitterness in Lucian's voice, Jonathan lowered his gaze, his heart heavy. He'd only mentioned the past because the thought occurred to him; he hadn't meant to make Lucian feel guilty.

"Then why not abandon your original plan and court Dr. Jarvis again? Reconcile your regrets."

Jonathan expected Lucian to consider it, but his rejection was immediate. "It's too late."

Lucian refilled his glass and drained it. Jonathan had lost count of how many times he'd done so. He persisted, "Since you know you were wrong, why not fix it?"

"I can't." Lucian confessed. "I hurt Roxanne terribly. How can I ask for forgiveness? I'm sure she's tired of my clinginess. She's only tolerating me out of courtesy."

Frustration surged, and Lucian downed glass after glass. Only then did Jonathan realize he'd been too focused on changing Lucian's mind; Lucian had finished the entire bottle alone.

The wine's alcohol content was high. Usually, they'd have only a glass or two, focusing on conversation. This day was different.

Jonathan quickly reached out to stop Lucian. "Lucian, stop drinking!"

But before his fingers touched the glass, Lucian stopped him. "I asked you here to drink, not to lecture me." Lucian tilted his head back, draining another glass.