Jonathan interrupted Nishay before she could finish. "Even if she feels the same about me, you''d still interfere and split us apart?"


    Nishay opened her eyes, steady and unwavering. "You two aren''t suited for each other. I want you to be the one to end things with Anne."


    Anneliese had spent many years with Zacharias, and it had been less than six months since their divorce.


    Her rtionship with Jonathan was still very new, and it couldn''t have developed into something serious yet.


    To Nishay, Jonathan appeared to be exploiting Anneliese''s vulnerability, using charm to manipte her naive granddaughter.


    Anneliese carried pride, yet her heart remained tender. Should Jonathan be the one to end things, she would mourn only for a short while before moving forward.


    She had done the same with Zacharias-her love had been deep, but she had eventually healed and moved on.


    The pair simply didn''t fit together. There were plenty of other suitable men in the world, and breaking up now would allow space for the right person to appear in the future.


    Besides, Anneliese had just been crying in the elevator, her eyes red from tears. Clearly, tension already existed.


    Although the problems could still be fixed, Nishay had decided she would intervene.


    As Nishay calcted her next move, Jonathan''s voice cut through the tension, low and unwavering, each word deliberate.


    "I won''t break up with her. If I''m lucky enough to have her, I intend to do it for life." Nishay''s re sharpened, her anger ring. "And you think you deserve her? If not for you, she wouldn''t have lost her parents! You''re guilty. Why should my granddaughter bear the cost of your mistakes!"


    Jonathan''s tone deepened, controlled but firm. "Ms. Morris, I can distinguish guilt from love. I love her."


    Nishay hadn''t anticipated such raw honesty. His clear, deliberate confession shook her briefly.


    Her jaw tightened, the loose skin at her cheeks trembling. After a long moment, it was as if all her energy drained; she sank back into the pillows, breathing heavily.


    "I don''t believe you. Get out!"


    Jonathan had never expected immediate trust or eptance.


    He also feared pushing the elderly woman too far; if she reacted badly, he''d lose even a small chance with Anneliese.


    He nodded, helping Nishay sit up slightly, removing the throw pillow so she could reclinefortably, and said, "There''s time. I''ll prove it. Rest now."


    Nishay ignored him, her eyelids unmoving.


    Jonathan still found a hot-water bottle, quickly warmed it, and tucked it near the quilt to soothe the IV line before leaving.


    As he opened the door, Anneliese was there, clearly trying to eavesdrop.


    The movement startled her, and she instinctively shrank back like a frightened kitten.


    A brief, amused smile crossed


    bet


    Jonathan''s eyes. He draped an arm ound her shoulders and quietly dosed the door with the other hand.


    "Grandma "


    "She''s asleep. We should talk." Jonathan''s voice stayed low as he guided Anneliese to the guest-room door, knocking gently.


    Maisie''s assistant responded immediately, heading toward Nishay''s room efficiently.


    Only then did Jonathan lead Anneliese into the master bedroom.


    "What did Grandma say? Just now, you two seemed..."


    As the door clicked shut, Anneliese burst out with her question. She''d


    beed to listen, fearing a


    hight might erupt


    Their voices had remained calm; she hadn''t caught a single argument.


    Jonathan turned, pressing her lightly against the door, forehead resting against hers his dark eyes fixed hers His voice was rough, almost raw.


    SWI


    "She wants me to break up with you. I refused. Honey, are you going to leave me?"


    His tone blended worry, uncertainty, and quiet pleading.


    Thest note lingered against her ear, making her chest flutter.


    Anneliese felt she must be imagining it. This was Jonathan the perfect golden boy, alwaysposed, always in control.


    She''d never heard him sound this vulnerable, so unsure.


    Nishay wasn''t cruel, and no one could fairly judge him on a first meeting or demand a breakup right away.


    She nudged his chest lightly. "Are you serious? Let me go first."


    Jonathan didn''t relent. He pulled her closer, tightening his arms.


    "No. I need you to promise you won''t leave. Say it."


    His handsome face pressed to her neck, rubbing gently, voice hoarse yet insistent.


    Like a spoiled pet clinging possessively,pletely uncharacteristic for him. Anneliese could barely draw a full breath in his embrace. She tilted her head back, gazing at him.


    Perhaps his patience had run out. When she didn''t respond, he suddenly took her earlobe gently between his teeth.