《No?Memory?No?Mercy》


 Chapter 1

    "Mrs. Ford attempted suicide!"


    I woke up to a blinding white light. Before I could even register anything, a searing pain shot through my wrist.


    Just as I starteding back to my senses, I heard a man speaking with urgency beside me. Then, I saw the man speaking into a phone with his back to me.


    "Mrs. Ford is in the hospital now, Mr. Ford. Would you like toe over to check on her?"


    A cold voice came through the phone. "Is she dead yet? If she isn''t, then stop bothering me!"


    The call was then promptly ended, and the man in the room heaved a heavy sigh. He was startled when he turned around.


    Momentster, he walked up to me and said, "You''re awake, Mrs. Ford?"


    "Mrs. Ford...?" I stared at him in confusion. "Are you talking to me?"


    "Don''t you recognize me?"


    The man''s expression shifted slightly before he continued, "I''m Bob. Bob Bilber, Mr. Ford''s assistant."


    "And... Who''s Mr. Ford?"


    Bob looked at me with a frown, starting to look annoyed. "Mr. Ford is very busy with work, Mrs. Ford. If your suicide attempt didn''t work, surely a bout of amnesia wouldn''t do the trick either! Just give up already! Mr. Ford isn''ting to see you!"


    That only confused me more. I had no idea what Bob was going on about.


    When he saw me keeping quiet, he took a step forward and said earnestly, "Mrs. Ford, you''ve been married to Mr. Ford for five years, and you''ve been making a scene the entire time. Yet you haven''t gotten Mr. Ford to love you despite all that.


    "Isn''t it time you took a step back and reflect on everything that you''ve done? Stop causing him trouble!"


    I still had no idea what was going on, but Bob''s attitude made me feel


    ufortable. The way he was behaving, especially, sparked an unexinable sense of aversion in me.


    Hang on...


    "Did you just say... five years?"


    I rushed into the hospital room''s bathroom and stared into the mirror.


    I was still me. I didn''t look much


    different from how I remen ofen


    except that I looked more


    mature-and there was a hint of sorrow that lingered, no matter how long I stared at my reflection.


    Could everything Bob said be true? Was it really five years down the road now? Was I really married?


    As it turned out, I was really married. And I''d been married for the past five years, in fact.


    It wasn''t time travel, nor was it a dream. It was amnesia. My current memory was still stuck at the point when I was 18.


    That was when I


    first entered


    college. Back then, I had a crush on a senior named Jonathan Ford. He was the perfect man-handsome, capable, and from a prestigious family. To me, he was nothing short of perfection. And now, I was married to him.


    ording to Bob, I was 20 when I married Jonathan. It was a sh marriage, and we barely had a chance to get to know each other. Since I hadn''t graduated from college at the time, we only registered our marriage and didn''t have a wedding.


    After we got married, I learned that Jonathan''s heart was never mine. Instead, he was on close terms with his childhood friend, Alicia Zimmer. Rumor had it that she was the one who got away.


    As for me, the unloved one, I began acting out within our marriage. I


    used every kind of absurd method to


    get Jonathan''s attention, but I seeded in making him


    Severne


    increasingly resent me. His friends saw me as a joke, counting down the days to when we''d eventually get a divorce.


    Alicia had never paid me any mind. She was the center of attention in their social circle, and every time I acted out or caused a scene, all of them just saw me as a joke.


    In the end, I threatened to take my own life to make Jonathan break off all contact with Alicia. However, he refused. Instead, he told me to go to hell. So, I tried to end my life, and that was everything that happened before I woke up.


    I found it all so surreal. Committing suicide for love sounded like something I''d never do!


    By the time I pieced all the information together, I was already back in the master bedroom of our marital home.


    The doctor said I was fine, so Bob simply sent me straight back. Before he left, he gave what sounded both like advice and a warning to not cause any more trouble.


    Staring at the enormous vi before me, I lost any desire to throw a tantrum. I was stunned by the overwhelming wealth before my eyes. Just the walk-in closet alone was bigger than my old apartment!


    As I stood there, wide-eyed, taking in the luxurious bedroom I shared with Jonathan, I suddenly heard movement at the door. I whipped around and met Jonathan''s eyes. The expression on his face was cold and dark.

 Chapter 2

    I knew that I''d been married to Jonathan for five years, but as far as I could remember, this was the first time I was seeing his face up close like this.


    I had to admit, there was a reason I had such a crush on him in my youth. Just seeing his face was enough to lift my mood considerably. Despite that cold expression of his, I couldn''t find it in me to despise him.


    When he saw me keeping quiet, he frowned and said, "Stop making a scene, Elise."


    As he spoke, he made his way toward the walk-in closet. He didn''t even pause when passing by me and casually picked out a robe.


    I turned and looked at him. "Making a scene?"


    I hadn''t said a word since the moment he came back, and he said I was making a scene?


    Jonathan looked over at me with a dark gaze and said, "Didn''t you always throw yourself at me whenever I came home? What? Are you changing your tactics now?"


    I was a bit surprised. Was I really that bold after we got married? But I kept a calm expression and replied nonchntly, "Oh, that won''t happen again in the future."


    I had expected Jonathan to be relieved. But instead, his frown deepened, and his gaze on me got increasingly impatient. "I''m really tired because of worktely. I haven''t got the time to deal with your tricks."


    That left me stumped for words.


    His gaze grew cold when he failed to get a response from me. He continued, "Don''t try to mess with Alicia again, Elise. She''s done nothing wrong. So, even if you threaten me with your life, it would change absolutely nothing at all."


    I was stunned, and I felt a mix of emotions within me. Bob had told me pretty much everything there was to know about things between Jonathan and me.


    The gist of it was that I loved Jonathan, but Jonathan loved Alicia. So I, as the clown in this crowded rtionship, kept causing trouble for Alicia, resulting in Jonathan getting really fed up with me.


    The reason behind my suicide attempt was also due to my jealousy of Jonathan''s attentiveness to Alicia. Hence, I secretly caused trouble for Alicia''spany and ndered her artists.


    But Jonathan had chosen to back her up without the slightest hesitation. This was essentially telling everyone that I, hiswfully wedded wife, was just his wife in name, and was nothingpared to Alicia.


    w n


    That was such a huge blow to me that I attempted suicide to win him back.


    Clearly, that didn''t work. A man who was already so annoyed by me wouldn''t feel any pity for me, even after a suicide attempt. He''d only see me as a nuisance.


    He lost patience and disappeared into the bathroom after another stretch of silence from me.


    I let out a sigh of relief and flopped down onto therge bed, my mind in chaos. Having lost all memory of the past few years, I truly didn''t understand how I had be such a person.


    At 18, I had always scorned those who lost themselves in love. Yet here I was- dying for a man. I honestly never thought that I''d end up in such a state.


    My thoughts were all over the ce. I hadn''t even figured out what I was going to do next when I felt the quilt being lifted. A tall, muscr figurey down beside


    me.


    The sudden heat startled me, and I


    turned my head, only to meet Jonathan''s deep, dark eyes. Still as cold and indifferent as ever they now had a touch of suppressed intensity within them.


    I stuttered, "I... What... What are you doing?"


    Though I''d lost my memory, based on all the information that I had, I''d deduced that my


    two with


    1.n


    Jonathan was supposed to be terrible It was likely that we''d even been sleeping in separate beds So, why did he just make himselffortable in my bed like it waspletely natural?


    Jonathan acted as though he didn''t see my panic. In one swift motion, he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me into his embrace.


    Without saying a word, he pressed me down on the bed. His calloused fingers moved over me with practiced ease, and an unfamiliar sensation surged through


    me.


    "Jonathan Ford!" I couldn''t hold it back and called out his name. "Stop touching me!"

 Chapter 3

    For a moment, Jonathan seemed surprised by how genuine the refusal in my eyes looked. But that was soon reced by impatience. "Stop kicking up a fuss, Elise."


    I hated the tone he always took on whenever he spoke to me. Even the face I had secretly admired for years was starting to lose its charm.


    "I''m your wife, aren''t I? I got admitted to the hospital for attempting suicide, and you didn''t even bother to show any concern. And what''s more, you''re now speaking to me in such an aggressive and usatory manner. What right have you got to walk all over me like this, Jonathan Ford?"


    My anger seemed to light his fuse as well. He gripped my wrist tight and spat coldly, "You brought all this on yourself."


    His grip was strong, and unfortunately, right over the spot where my wound was. I winced involuntarily, but I forced myself not to cry out. Tears welled in my eyes, and in his gaze, I saw just how pathetic I must have looked. I held back my tears by a thread.


    Then Jonathan suddenly let go, turned me over, and pulled me into his arms from behind. His voice remained cold. "I''ll let things go this time. But never fake a suicide to manipte me again."


    I struggled, but Jonathan only held me tighter, making it clear he wouldn''t let me talk back. The disparity in strength between us was too huge, and after several futile attempts to free myself, I discovered that no amount of squirming would do me any good. So, I gave up.


    When I woke up the next morning, Jonathan was no longer beside me. I casually threw on some clothes and made my way downstairs, only to see him already having breakfast at the dining table.


    The butler, Hugh Stark, greeted me. "Good morning, Ms. Sawyer."


    I stood there unmoving. Jonathan didn''t even look up. "Come over and have breakfast."


    It was just breakfast, but the huge spread left me stunned. I couldn''t help wondering if all wealthy families had such grand breakfasts.


    I sat across from Jonathan, and Hugh served me a bowl of oatmeal. The scent of mango hit me immediately, and I frowned. "Why is there mango in this?"


    Hugh answered, "Ms. Alicia sent them over specially. Mangoes are her favorite, and she had them flown in from Eriop..."


    I lost my appetite in an instant. "I''m not eating."


    The sound of silverware clinking against porcin rang through the room. Jonathan finally looked up at me and said, "Don''t push it, Elise."


    Anger burned within me. "Does it bother you that I''m not eating mangoes now?"


    "You''re not eating them just because they were sent over by Alicia, aren''t you?" Jonathan''s expression was frosty. "When will you stop being so jealous, Elise?"


    Me? Jealous of Alicia? I didn''t know how Jonathan viewed me at 25. Perhaps he saw me as petty and pathetic. But regardless, I was still his wife. How could he not know that I was allergic to mangoes?


    Just as I was about to speak up, Hugh announced, "Ms. Alicia is here, sir!"


    A gentle voice followed. "Am I intruding on anything, Jon?"


    A slender figure walked in from the door.


    All the household staff, including Hugh, greeted her with such familiarity that made


    it clear she was a regr guest.


    It took all but one look for me to know that this was Alicia Zimmer.


    I also noticed how Hugh addressed us. I was Jonathan''s legally wedded wife, and yet he addressed me as "Ms. Sawyer". But he addressed her as "Ms. Alicia". It was clear who he was on closer terms with.


    It was no wonder I had such strong feelings against Alicia at 25 years old. I was Jonathan''s legal wife, but could neverpare to the open. favoritism he showed another woman-all under the pretense of being childhood friends. Anyone


    ere


    would break down under that.


    Alicia looked at me with feigned concern. "Ms. Sawyer, I heard that you... cut


    yourself. Are you alright now?"


    I simply scoffed, not bothering to give her a decent reply.

 Chapter 4

    I didn''t know how Jonathan and Alicia perceived me at 25. Perhaps I was a coward to them, or perhaps I was a pushover because of how much I loved Jonathan. But now, I was back to the person I had been at 18. I didn''t love Jonathan at all, so I had no reason to let them trample all over me.


    Alicia looked at Jonathan like she was in a difficult position. "I''m sorry, Jon, but it seems like Ms. Sawyer doesn''t wee me here. Perhaps I shouldn''t havee..."


    "You knew that and came anyway?" I asked, cutting straight to the point. "Are you here to make a joke of me?"


    Alicia''s face flushed red instantly, and Jonathan snapped coldly at me, "Stop being unreasonable, Elise!"


    grew irritated at how he stepped in to defend Alicia, and my impression of him worsened once more.


    Waking up married to my former crush had initially felt exciting and surreal. But now, it seemed to me that Jonathan really wasn''t all that.


    So what if he was rich and handsome? Did he think that treating his wife like trash made him look good? If he really was so high and mighty, he shouldn''t have married me in the first ce!


    I was fuming with resentment while Alicia remained soft and graceful. "Jon, I came by today to personally invite you to my celebration party..."


    Then, as though only just registering that I was standing right beside them and that it wouldn''t be proper not to extend me an invitation, she said, "Ms. Sawyer, would you care to join us?"


    I originally had no intention of going. But when I saw the subtle disdain and provocation in her eyes, I suddenly smiled and said, "Sure! After all, I''m Jonathan''s wife. I should apany him to public events."


    And so, I ended up tagging along with Jonathan to Alicia''s celebration party. Everyone in the private room looked over collectively when the three of us showed up together. Their expressions were colorful, to say the least.


    "Why did Jonathan bring her?"


    "It''s no surprise at all. His wife is always acting up and treating every woman around Jonathan with hostility, let alone Alicia!"


    "I heard she even tried to take her own life because of what happened with Alicia!"


    "Exactly! But she should know her ce. Marrying Jonathan was already way out of her league. What right does she have to control him? Those other women were one thing-but Alicia? She can''t evenpare!"


    Their voices weren''t exactly loud, but they were just loud enough that I could hear them. I nced over at them and reached the assumption that they were most likely


    Jonathan''s or Alicia''s friends. Either way, they were no doubt from the same social circle. Cont¨¦nt


    I scoffed inwardly. No wonder the 25-year-old me tried to kill herself How could one not get twisted thoughts hearing such demeaningments every day?


    Besides, I must have really loved Jonathan a lot at the time. Why else would have been driven to the point of ending my own life under such


    constant torment?


    Jonathan and Alicia were already seated at seats reserved for them, leaving me standing there by myself.


    "Doesn''t she feel awkward just standing there alone?"


    "Why would she? She''d agree to anything, even if you made her grovel, as long


    as she can be by Jonathan''s side!"


    I looked over coldly at those gossiping men and said, "Who is he to me? Why would I grovel?"


    Their expressions changed, clearly not expecting a retaliation from me.


    Jonathan''s expression grew annoyed. "Alright, that''s enough. Stop making a scene."


    I''d been publicly mocked, but not only did he not take my side, he gave such a nonchntment. I let out a bitterugh.


    "Seems like I''m not wee here. I won''t intrude any further, then."


    With that, I turned and walked out of the room.


    I heard gasps from behind me.


    "Am I mistaken? Did she actually give Jonathan an attitude?"


    "Has she finally lost her mind from all the jealousy?"


    "I bet she won''tst 30 minutes. She''lle crawling back soon enough..."

 Chapter 5

    "Elise might do it, even if Jonathan made her grovel and apologize to Alicia, don''t you think?"


    I remained silent and said not a word.


    They were all mocking me, betting that I wouldn''t really give Jonathan an attitude.


    All the chatter from them grated on my nerves, and I scoffed before walking away without looking back. Only then did the voices behind me finally die down, perhaps in disbelief at my sudden departure.


    I wondered how they''d react if they knew that I had intentions of divorcing Jonathan.


    I went out to the pool in the hopes that some fresh air might help clear my mind.


    But shortly after, Alicia appeared. "Ms. Sawyer, I must say I see you in a new light today."


    I nced behind her and saw that she hade out alone, so I replied mockingly, "You know how much I hate you. Aren''t you afraid I might just push you into the pool right now?"


    Alicia smiled. "I was worried you wouldn''t dare to. After all, we all know that Jon will save me first."


    I pursed my lips, not bothering to reply.


    Then, she walked up to me and taunted, "Want to make a bet, Elise?"


    I found it absurd. "If the two of you are really so in love with each other, why won''t you just get Jonathan to divorce me? Do you feel more in love, trampling all over another person''s feelings and putting on a tragic show, Alicia?"


    Her expression darkened. "That''s all because you wouldn''t let go of him! You were shameless enough to attempt suicide just to cling to him! What he has for you is nothing but pity!"


    Then, she swiftly resumed her calm and gentle demeanor and asked me again, "Want to make a bet, Elise?"


    Light reflected off the ripples on the surface of the pool. It looked clear, yet deceptively deep.


    I shook my head without hesitation. "No."


    I couldn''t swim.


    My hasty answer seemed to have caught Alicia off guard.


    Besides, even if I could swim, why would I risk my life just to test whether aman loves me or another woman more? Attempting an act as foolis as suicide once was more than enough. I would never do it a second time.


    Bet


    Just as I stood up, I caught the malicious glint in Alicia''s eyes. She stood ehind me, and as I was about


    to leave, she shoved me hard I fell into the water with a loud ssh.


    Shrieks erupted around me as I hit the water. I began sinking fast, and at that


    moment, I felt nothing but an all-consuming fear of drowning.


    Water started getting into my throat, and my lungs began to burn. Ie struggled with all my might to swim upward, only to see a familiar figure swimming quickly in anothe direction.


    My husband, Jonathan, chose to save Alicia when both of us fell into the pool.


    A sharp pain shot through my chest. Perhaps that was thest fragment of my emotions from my 25-year-old self.


    Though I''d forgotten about the past and no longer loved him, my body remembered. However, even thatst remaining feeling I had for him waspletely drowned this time.


    When I came to, I was lying at the edge of the pool.


    Both Alicia and I had been rescued. However, she was rescued by Jonathan, while I was rescued by a stranger. He was a rather handsome man.


    As Iy on the ground, he was pressing his palms against my chest, trying to force out the water I''d swallowed. With a sputter, I coughed out a mouthful of water.


    Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jonathan approaching.


    Alicia sat there hugging her knees to her chest, looking pitiful and delicate, gazing longingly at Jonathan''s back.


    Jonathan seemed to have just remembered that he had a wife. He asked with a frown, "Are you alright?"


    I didn''t give him an answer and scrambled to get to my feet.


    The man beside me tried to help me up, but I pushed him away. When Jonathan finally stood before me, I raised my hand and pped him across the face hard.


    Silence fell. The ce became so quiet that I could hear everyone''s breath slow to a hush.


    "Let''s get a divorce, Jonathan."


    After a long pause, I heard my voice cutting through the silence. "Consider that p your alimony to your ex-wife."

 Chapter 6

    I had anticipated all sorts of reactions from Jonathan-anger, shock,


    disappointment, repulsion...


    But whatever his reaction was, it no longer mattered to me.


    The surroundings became eerily quiet, even more so than before.


    I could even hear the dripping sound of water falling from my body onto the floor


    and the subtle sound of the people around me deliberately slowing their breathing.


    They all seemed stunned.


    I, who had basically worshipped Jonathan in the past, had just pped him.


    And not only that, I''d asked for a divorce.


    Jonathan fell silent for a very long time.


    The vivid red mark on his face was clear for all to see.


    All of a sudden, he approached me.


    Afraid that he was going to hit me back, I instinctively took a step back.


    In that split second, Jonathan''s expression darkened even more than before.


    He looked even more pissed off than he had when I had pped him.


    "I told you that p was considered alimony from you!


    Are you going to hit me back?"


    I red at him.


    "Are you so ungentlemanly, Jonathan?"


    He kept quiet and pressed his lips into a thin line.


    Then, he grabbed my wrist and proceeded to drag me out behind him.


    I struggled and put up a fight, but no one around offered to help.


    They were all there to watch the drama unfold.


    "I''m not going with you!"


    In the mess of everything going on, I grabbed onto a sturdy arm.


    The man shot me a nce before looking at Jonathan.


    He did not pull me off.


    Instead, he shed Jonathan a somewhat roguish grin and said, ¡°Jonathan, she nearly drowned.


    Let''s not be so petty, eh?"


    This was the man who had dove in to rescue me earlier on.


    He was also drenched from head to toe, yet he carried an untamed charm about him.


    He seemed the pr opposite of Jonathan.


    While Jonathan carried himself in a cold and aloof manner, this man seemed wild and unruly.


    I got momentarily lost in my thoughts as I stared at him.


    Jonathan seemed to notice it, and a terrifyingly stormy look came over him.


    He tightened his grip on my wrist and said, "She''s my wife, Frederick.


    In what position are you to lecture me?"


    Frederick, still wearing his cocky smile, replied, "Didn''t I just hear her say that she wants a divorce?"


    For a moment, tension was thick in the air.


    When Frederick saw the murderous intent in Jonathan''s eyes, he


    Skled and said, "No matter.ne


    I just saved your wife.


    Shouldn''t you be thanking me?"


    It was only then that Jonathan''s expression thawed a little.


    "I''ll hand the project in Brindlewest entirely to you."


    Then Jonathan turned and walked off, dragging me behind him.


    Gasps erupted behind us, showing just how astonished the crowd was.


    "The Brindlewest project is a goldmine!


    Did Jonathan just give it to Frederick Guzman?"


    "That project''s worth hundreds of billions!


    Even the Zimmers only got a small share of it!


    But Jonathan just gave Frederick the whole thing!"


    "Just because Frederick saved his wife?


    That can''t be!


    I thought Jonathan hated his hick of a wife!"


    The chatter went on for a long time after we left.


    ...


    Jonathan brought me back to a hotel room.


    Because of how fussy he was, he


    never


    upied by others, even if


    OCCUyed in rooms that had been were hotel rooms. Contents


    Hence, he kept a private penthouse suite reserved for himself.


    Yanking me in by the wrist, he said nothing the entire time and shoved me into a bathtub.


    Warm water enveloped me, and I couldn''t help but mutter, "Can you get out, Jonathan?"


    He remained cold and silent.


    He''d been acting like that since I pped him.


    "No,"


    he rasped after a long pause.


    When I was about done soaking in the bathtub, he picked me up and carried me


    out.


    I wanted to walk out on my own, but he ignored my request.


    My weak struggles were no match for his strength.


    He neatly tucked me into bed and got into bed beside me.


    I had no idea what he was about to do.


    The very next second, I felt his weight on me as he pulled me into a hug.


    His arms were like a vise around me, making it hard for me to breathe.


    His sharp jaw rested on my head, and when I tried to wriggle free, he only tightened his hold on me.


    Just as I was about to run out of patience, I heard him say in a deeply restrained and hoarse voice,


    goodness you''re alright, eply


    Wishank


    And all I had to say to that was, "Drop the act, Jonathan."


    The person who had saved me was Frederick.


    What right did Jonathan have to say such words?

 Chapter 7

    I would never forget how Jonathan had rushed toward Alicia when we both fell


    into the pool.


    Even though I had lost the past five years of memories and no longer loved him, my heart still instinctively ached at that moment.


    It was a dull sort of ache, unbearable, akin to a drowning sensation.


    I thought that that must have been thest struggle put up by the 25-year-old me.


    I was truly thankful that I lost my memories.


    Otherwise, with how deeply I used to love Jonathan, that pain might have actually killed me.


    Jonathan was at a loss for words.


    He opened his mouth, as if he had wanted to say something, but ended up saying nothing at all.


    I couldn''t swim, and yet he chose to save Alicia.


    That was the cold, hard truth.


    Had it not been for Frederick, I wouldn''t be lying here safe and sound now.


    It took Jonathan a long while before he finally muttered, "Elise...


    Had it not been her, I would have saved you."


    I snorted inwardly.


    So, what he meant to say was that he''d only rescue me after he was sure that Alicia was safe?


    If that was the case, then I didn''t need his pity.


    "It doesn''t matter anymore,"


    I said nonchntly.


    "Who you choose to save is of no consequence to me once we get a divorce."


    Jonathan tightened his embrace around me and said, "I know that you''re mad, but things aren''t the way you think they are."


    After a slight pause, he continued, "I don''t agree to the divorce."


    "And what right do you have to disagree?"


    When Alicia and I fell into the pool today, he chose to save her without a second thought.


    That alone proved I was less important.


    I saw no reason to keep our marriage going.


    And on top of that, he publicly chose her in front of everyone.


    What about my pride?


    Had I no dignity?


    "I''m telling you, Jonathan, I will get a divorce at all costs!"


    He seemed to have gotten angry.


    But he was probably also aware that I had every reason to be worked up, so he


    held back his anger and tolerated my behavior.


    He forcefully carried me to bed, trapping me in his arms.


    "Let''s get some sleep.


    We''ll talk about this tomorrow."


    "Let go of me!"


    I hissed through gritted teeth.


    "Don''t make me get aggressive with you!"


    He let out a light, derisive chuckle.


    "Don''t you know how weak you are?


    And you''re talking about getting rough with me?"


    I gritted my teeth and gave him a hard kick right where men were most vulnerable.


    His expression twisted in agony in an instant.


    He grabbed my ankles and pressed my feet to his stomach.


    Then, unexpectedly, he softened and kissed my forehead.


    "Alright, stop kicking up a fuss.


    I know you''re furious.


    I''ll make it up to you, okay?"


    My head hurt, and my temples throbbed.


    I had no idea how pitiful the 25-year-old me must have been.


    Even after everything that had happened, Jonathan still thought he


    Smooth things over by


    coaxing me. Content


    What did he take me for?


    sw vel


    I clenched my fists and began punching his chest over and over again.


    Though my strength was feeble, it was


    ough to make sure t


    wouldn''t be getting any slee


    Jonathan''s expression darkened.


    Suddenly, he grabbed my wrists and pinned me down, towering over me as he looked down.


    "If you''re not going to sleep, then let''s do something else instead."


    His grip fell exactly where the wound on my wrist was.


    A sharp pain shot through my arm, causing me to shake all over.


    But when I met Jonathan''s dark gaze, I forced myself to endure it.


    That wound was proof that I once tried to kill myself over love. For the 18-year-old me, such a thing was incredibly stupid.


    I would never let Jonathan see it.


    My face paled from the pain.


    Maybe Jonathan thought that my reaction was solely because I was


    resisti


    him, so he hovered over


    me, Staring at me for the longest


    tim¨¨.


    CUMS


    Desire was thick in his eyes, and his gaze flickered.


    "Elise..."


    he rasped in an unbearably restrained voice.


    I turned my head away, but I could still feel his aggressive gaze burning into me.

 Chapter 8

    8


    I secretly clenched my fists, nning to punch Jonathan the moment he leaned


    in.


    But after staring at me for a long time, Jonathan didn''t do anything.


    He simply wrapped an arm around me andy down beside me.


    I froze for a second, then immediately began struggling.


    "Let go of me,"


    I demanded coldly.


    Jonathan didn''t say a word, but his hold around me tightened.


    With every slight movement I made, I felt the changes in his body.


    My expression changed instantly, as I was filled with both anger and helplessness.


    "If you don''t want anything to happen, then you should stop moving, Elise."


    I could sense that he meant every word he said, and along with the pain in my wrist, despair ate me up from within.


    Jonathan and I were legally married.


    Even though I was currently just the 18-year-old version of myself, who had never even held a man''s hand, I had noticed over the past few days that the 25-year-old Elise and Jonathan had a normal married life.


    In everyone''s eyes, I was hopelessly in love with Jonathan.


    And for someone like him, who spent every day with me, it would seem even more like it.


    He didn''t know about my amnesia.


    He probably just thought that I was ying hard-to-get by refusing him.


    If I actually ended up provoking him...


    I held my breath, forcing myself to calm down and stay still.


    No matter what, I had to make it through this for now.


    ...


    After we left the hotel, Jonathanpletely ignored my protests and had the chauffeur send me straight back to the Ford residence.


    It seemed he had urgent business at thepany, as he took a call and left in a hurry.


    Before he left, he told me to stay at home and not go anywhere.


    Just as he was about to get into the car, I rolled my eyes behind his back.


    Suddenly, Jonathan paused and caught me mid-act.


    His gaze darkened.


    I swiftly spun on my heel and headed back into the house.


    Bob hurried to catch up with me.


    "Ms.Sawyer, Mr.Ford has a very important meeting-"


    I took a seat on the couch, toozy to even nce up at him, and interjected,


    "What has that got to do with me?"


    Bob stared at me in astonishment, as though shocked by my reaction.


    "Ms.Sawyer, you used to want to know Mr.


    Ford''s every move at all times..."


    Now, it was my turn to gape at him in disbelief.


    "I wanted to track Jonathan''s every move at all times?"


    I couldn''t believe it and assumed that Bob was only making things up.


    "Jonathan is the CEO of a huge publicpany.


    His schedule must be packed.


    Even if I wanted to keep track of it all, how could I possibly manage?"


    Bob looked even more surprised and


    gave


    look that said, "So you


    do


    that too?"


    SWI


    Then, he said, "Yes, Ms.Sawyer.


    That''s exactly what I told you at the time, but you didn''t believe me.


    You insisted on knowing every single detail of Mr.


    Ford''s schedule "


    I couldn''t bear listening to it anymore and cut him off, "Alright.


    From today onward, what he does has nothing to do with me."


    I waved my hand dismissively.


    "Go and busy yourself with other things.


    I don''t need you tagging along behind me."


    Bob stood there looking conflicted.


    "I''m sorry, Ms. Sawyer.


    But Mr.Ford gave orders to see that you stay here until he returns."


    That instantly riled me up, and I shot him a re.


    "What''s the meaning of this?


    Is he putting me on house arrest?"


    "That''s not what he meant-"


    Seeing that he was about to


    into one of his smo ak


    exnations again, I cut


    "Alright!


    That''s enough!"


    I was starting to get frustrated.


    With Jonathan keeping me locked in


    like this was I supposed


    prepare the divorce par


    belongs to .


    Swi


    After a moment of thought, I said to Bob, "Bring me to Jonathan''s office."


    He immediately seemed rmed.


    "Mr.Ford is really engaged in business now, Ms.Sawyer.


    As for what happened at the pool, he''ll definitely make it up to you!"


    I found Bob''s reaction out of the ordinary.


    I stared at him for a couple of seconds before finally letting out a mockingugh.


    "You''re so determined to keep me away from thepany...


    Alicia''s there, isn''t she?"


    Bob fell silent in an instant.

 Chapter 9

    9


    After what happened at the pool, I was no longer surprised to learn such


    information.


    After all, in a life-or-death situation where he had to choose between us, he had chosen to save Alicia without the slightest hesitation.


    Compared to that, this was nothing more than a minor inconvenience.


    Iughed coldly.


    "So what if she''s at thepany?


    Why can''t I be there too?"


    I was going!


    And not only was I going, I was hoping that I''d bump into her too!


    I was Jonathan''swful wife!


    Why would I be avoiding her, the mistress?


    I was no longer Elise at 25 years old, who lowered herself for love so pathetically.


    It''d be best if she were there, and even better yet if I caught her and Jonathan in the middle of something.


    I would catch them red-handed and file for a divorce straight away!


    ...


    Bob was silent the entire journey.


    He kept peeking at me from the rearview mirror.


    Though he remained polite, clear disdain was written on his face, as though he was saying, ¡°Just as I thought."


    So, I looked straight back at him and asked, "What is it?


    Is there something you''d like to say?"


    As it turned out, Bob did have something to say.


    He let out a sigh and turned the steering wheel.


    As he did so, he said, "Mr.Ford is really busy, Ms.Sawyer.


    If you keep causing scenes like this, you''re just going to push him further away...''


    He adopted a reprimanding tone.


    If even an assistant could talk down to me like this, it only went to show just how pitiful my image before Jonathan was.


    "Your suicide attempt alone gave Mr.


    Ford enough of a headache!


    And he always had to clean things up for you every time you created trouble for Ms.Zimmer.


    "The more you do that, the more he''d see Ms. Zimmer as gentle and considerate.


    Even if there''s nothing between them now, you''ll push him right into her arms eventually."


    I raised a brow and answered aloofly, "Well, get him to divorce me, then.


    I''m not stopping him."


    Bob shot me a peculiar look.


    Then, he quickly resumed his well-meaning, lecture-like tone.


    "Now that Mr.Ford isn''t here, speaking out of anger isn''t going to help with anything!


    I understand that you''re disappointed because of what happened at the pool, but he had his reasons, didn''t he?


    "When you brought up divorce, I''m sure you were just trying to provoke him.


    But if you say that too many times, it might actuallye true!"


    I was already starting to get annoyed, but still, he rambled on.


    "Ms.Sawyer, I know that I''m in no position to say this to you, but¡ª"


    "If you know that you''re in no position to say it, then it''s best you stop."


    I cut him off sharply.


    "You''re just Jonathan''s assistant, Bob.


    You''re not his father, and you''re most definitely not mine!"


    Bob held his tongue immediately.


    This was probably the first time he''d seen me lose my temper.


    He shook his head like I was a hopeless case.


    We reached Jonathan''spany shortly after.


    The words "Millenia Corporation"


    were boldly disyed at the front of the building.


    Towering above the city, the structure was majestic, with a sleek, state-of-the-art design.


    It was the tallest building in Harthville.


    I was stunned by the sheer scale of it the moment I stepped out of the car.


    Since waking up with amnesia, I only


    knew I was married to Jonathan and


    that his family background was


    decent-but this was the first time I truly felt how impressive his


    background really was.


    As I stood at the entrance, still overwhelmed, a strange sense of familiarity swept


    over me.


    I turned to ask Bob, "How do I go up?"


    Bob had just parked the car and came over when he heard my question.


    He paused in bewilderment.


    "Ms.Sawyer, you work here."


    I was stunned.


    No wonder the building felt so familiar.


    So, it turned out that I actually worked here?


    Back in college, I''d had a crush on Jonathan, but I had no idea he was the heir to


    Millenia Corporation.


    My goal back then was just tond a job at thispany.


    Who would''ve thought that yearster, I''d actually achieved that dream?


    But...I sighed.


    Since I''d decided to get a divorce, I''d obviously have to give up on my job.


    After all, there was no way I''d keep working at my ex-husband''spany.


    Relying on muscle memory, I went straight up to the floor where Jonathan''s office was located.


    Bob followed behind me, still trying to talk me out of it.


    I couldn''t be bothered to listen to his


    nagging, so I walked straight intones n''s office-only to find that


    was there too.


    Not only that, she was half-leaning over his desk, her body tilted


    giving Jonathan, whoel


    d in his office chair, sultry eyes.


    The two of them were in very close proximity.


    I couldn''t help but chuckle in disdain.


    "Am I disturbing something?"

 Chapter 10

    10


    Jonathan frowned and looked over when he heard my voice.


    His gaze was as cold as ever.


    "Elise?"


    Alicia sounded surprised, and there was just the right amount of panic in her voice.


    She hurriedly climbed off the table, stood up straight, smoothed her slightly messy hair, and gave me an embarrassed smile.


    "I''m sorry.


    I didn''t know you wereing."


    She paused for a second before continuing to exin, "I was just fixing


    Jonathan''s cor.


    Don''t get the wrong idea."


    Her whole demeanor was practically begging for me to get the wrong idea, and yet her words were saying the opposite.


    I curled the corner of my lips into a smile and took out my phone before pointing the camera at the two.


    "Why don''t you fix it again?


    I didn''t get a clear look just now."


    Alicia frowned.


    "What are you doing?"


    She lunged forward to grab my phone, but I sidestepped her.


    "Collecting evidence, of course.


    Who knows?


    Maybe these videos can get me more money out of the divorce."


    Alicia''s eyes flickered when she heard that.


    I coldly watched as her expression changed.


    I knew exactly what she was thinking.


    She probably assumed that I was just ying games by wanting to divorce Jonathan, and she''d love for me to stir up even more drama, as that would only make Jonathan more annoyed with me.


    She wanted nothing more than for me and Jonathan to divorce.


    I clicked my tongue and said, "I can also show everyone how you helped a


    married man fix his wardrobe, Ms.Zimmer."


    Alicia''s expression immediately darkened, and she fell silent.


    Jonathan also furrowed his brows in displeasure, and he looked at me coldly. "Elise, stop making a scene."


    It was the same words again-"Elise, stop making a scene."


    I don''t know how many times I''d heard that phrase since I woke up from my suicide attempt.


    To Jonathan, I was always being unreasonable and causing a scene.


    Even when pushed into ending my life, it was somehow still my fault.


    "Just how am I making a scene?"


    I smirked and looked at the two nonchntly.


    "I''m calmly talking to you right now, Jonathan."


    I walked over to him slowly and tapped my finger on his desk.


    "Everyone knows about you and Alicia now.


    I don''t wish to be gossiped about anymore, so let''s get a divorce."


    My tone was very resolute as I continued, "As for the division of assets, I don''t


    want anything that doesn''t belong to me.


    But if you think it''ll be bad for


    Millenia''s reputation for your wife to leave the marriage empty-handed, you can also give me a token amount."


    I wasn''t a greedy and materialistic


    person, but I was also definitely met


    themselves to be above m


    buteous type who t


    the


    I had suffered so much in this marriage, so much so that I had turned to


    Thus, Jonathan surely owed me somepensation.


    I was losing my marriage, so the least I could do was get some money out of it.


    Jonathan didn''t say anything.


    He merely stared at me with that heavy, stifling gaze of his.


    It was like he was furious, but he was shoving it down.


    I didn''t know what he had to be mad about.


    I hadn''t been angry, and I had Alicia trampling all over me!


    "Jonathan, are we getting divorced or not?


    Give me a straight answer!"


    I couldn''t help but badger him."If you don''t want to split your money with me, that''s


    fine, too.


    As long as we can get this divorce over with quickly, then I''m okay with leaving empty-handed."


    I was willing topromise to such an extent, so surely he didn''t still have reservations?


    Alicia, however, chimed in with a low voice, "Ms.


    Sawyer, please don''t be angry with Jonathan.


    Saying such harsh words will only hurt your rtionship..."


    I couldn''t help but roll my eyes hard in my mind.


    I had made myself so clear, yet they still thought I was throwing a tantrum?


    She continued to y the peacemaker.


    "Jonathan is very wealthy, and you can indeed get quite a bit of money in a divorce.


    But the money you can get from being Mrs.


    Ford is beyond your expectations.


    So, please don''t say those words out of spite anymore."


    I looked at her.


    "Don''t you get tired of saying things that you don''t even mean?


    If I don''t divorce him, how will you take my ce?"


    Alicia''s expression stiffened, and she was about to defend herself when Jonathan


    cut in coldly, "Enough.


    Leave, both of you."


    The atmosphere in the office instantly tensed, and there was even a hint of a chill.


    No one dared to take a breath, much less say anything else.


    unreadable


    me,


    at


    e as he stared su and there appeared to be mes of fury flickering behind his eyes.


    WS

 Chapter 11

    I didn''t get what Jonathan had to be mad about.


    I wasn''t even mad, so who gave him the right to be?


    "Why are you ring at me?


    You''re the one cozying up to Alicia, and you don''t see me ring at you!"


    Jonathan tugged on my cor, and I ended up being pulled over to him.


    I stumbled from the force, and before I realized what was happening, I was straddling him.


    "Jonathan!"


    This was a dangerous position, and it left me with no control.


    He held my waist firmly, and his voice was low and impatient.


    "Don''t move."


    I gritted out, ¡°Jonathan, I''ll sue you for assault if you continue like this!"


    He snorted, clearly unbothered.


    "You can try."


    His above-it-all demeanor thoroughly enraged me.


    "If you don''t agree to a divorce, Jonathan, we''ll just eventually end up in court!"


    His expression darkened instantly, and even the slight trace of mockery was wiped clear off his face.


    A storm seemed to brew in his eyes, and they were absolutely stifling.


    I, however, didn''t flinch.


    I merely met his gaze head-on.


    He seemingly saw the seriousness in my eyes, and his lips pressed into a tight, sharp line.


    "Elise, stop threatening me with divorce."


    "It''s not a threat.


    How many times do I have to tell you that?


    I genuinely want a divorce!"


    Jonathan''s gaze grew dark, and he grabbed onto my chin.


    "Because of Alicia?


    How many more times are you going to misread the situation?"


    "Misread the situation?


    When you two were already cozying up to each other?


    Must I find you two in bed before you''re going to admit it?"


    I quickly bit my tongue the moment those words left my mouth, immediately


    regretting them.


    I had made it sound like I cared about him.


    But I really was just mocking him.


    After all, the person I liked was my


    idealized version of Jonathan from my past the one who was slightly aloof, but still well-mannered and not this overbearing and heartless douchebag!


    Jonathan grabbed onto my wrist, and I gasped in pain, but hepletely ignored


    it.


    "I don''t want to argue with you right now, Elise."


    "If you don''t want to argue, then just go ahead with the divorce!"


    Everything I said revolved around a "divorce", and this only made his expression grow even darker.


    "I asked you to wait for me at the Ford residence.


    Why did youe here?"


    I sneered.


    "Well, if I hadn''te, I wouldn''t have caught that little scene earlier."


    "You came all this way here just to throw a tantrum again?"


    Again?


    From how he said it, it sounded like I often came to his office to make a scene.


    Bob had mentioned that I used to work here.


    Maybe I had taken a job at Millenia just so I could keep an eye on JonathanGoodness.


    How stupidly in love had I been?


    I couldn''t help but give my head a few smacks, and pain shot through my wrist again.


    Feelings of both sadness and anger coursed through me, which only made Jonathan appear even more irritating.


    "There''s an easy way to get me to stop throwing tantrums-a divorce!"


    Jonathan was squeezing my cheeks and forcing my lips into a pout, so


    is nog my lips into a pout,


    y mumble, and the weats


    "divorce"


    came out barely intelligible.


    His expression finally eased.


    "Stop bringing up divorce.


    I know you''re upset, Elise, but this acquisition deal is important¡ª¡±


    I brushed his hand off before he could finish speaking.


    "That''s fine.


    Let''s just get a divorce.


    After that, you can be as busy as you want.


    You can even marry Alicia right away!"


    His patience had seemed to run out, and he had reached his breaking point.


    "You want a divorce? Okay."


    But before could be excited that he had finally caved, his icy, unfeeling voice continued, "ording to the prenup, you need to pay me 100 million dors inpensation first."


    I instantly froze as rage surged through me.


    "What nonsense are you spewing?


    When have I ever signed a prenup like that?"

 Chapter 12

    Even though I had lost my memories, I was still well aware of my background.


    I came from a very average, small-town family with several siblings, and I was the unlucky second-oldest daughter with an older sister and a younger brother.


    Even from a young age, I knew that I could only rely on myself in this life.


    For a student like me who came from a small town, I was already very satisfied to get into a decent college andnd a pretty good job.


    And yet with conditions like these, Jonathan still imed that I had signed a 100 million dor prenuptial agreement?


    I wasn''t crazy!


    Jonathan''s expression darkened when he saw me refusing to believe him.


    "Are you unwilling to admit it, or have you just forgotten?"


    I choked on my saliva.


    I absolutely couldn''t let him know that I had lost my memories, or it would be even


    more troublesome to get a divorce.


    "I... Of course, I remember!


    Clearly, I was just joking!"


    I stared him straight in the eyes.


    "You know full well the kind of family and background I came from.


    Signing that kind of prenup with me-isn''t that just taking advantage of me?"


    Sure enough, he fell silent.


    I knew it!


    With how wealthy he was, 100 million dors was just a drop in the bucket to him, but to me, it was an astronomical number.


    Wasn''t that just outright bullying?


    Jonathan didn''t answer me.


    He just pinned me in ce and opened the safe.


    Then, he reached over with his long arms and pulled out a contract.


    "Look carefully, and don''t say that I''m taking advantage of you,"


    he said in a low and cold voice.


    I pursed my lips and started studying the contract, which turned out to be the


    prenuptial agreement we had signed.


    When I got to the key parts, my eyes bulged wide.


    "If I want a divorce, then I''llpensate you 100 million dors.


    But if you want a divorce, you''llpensate me...


    100 billion dors?"


    My head snapped up as I stared at Jonathan, the shock on my face as clear as day.


    Apparently, the crazy person here wasn''t me-it was Jonathan!


    "Have you lost your mind?


    Why would you sign such a prenup with me?"


    Jonathan''s gaze was heavy as he looked at me.


    "You''re the one who suggested we sign this."


    "Impossible!"


    I refuted him reflexively.


    "Why would I do something as insane as this?


    Don''t shift the me on me, Jonathan!"


    Amidst my emotional outburst, I had forgotten to hide the fact that I had lost my memories.


    Sure enough, Jonathan''s voice


    turned dangerous when he askedet


    You


    "Do you really not remember, or just pretending?"


    "I..."


    I inhaled a deep breath.


    are


    The prenup was right in front of me, so even if I wanted to deny it, I couldn''t ignore the fact that I had signed such a ridiculous agreement with him.


    What state of mind had I been in then to propose such uses?


    Moreover, why on earth had Jonathan agreed to them?


    He knew that there was no way I could cough up 100 million dors,


    but


    was a legitimate CEO


    hundreds of billions in with


    Why would he sign such an absurd agreement?


    After a few moments, I calmed down enough to look him in the eyes and said, "Just think of this as a joke.


    We were too young when we got married, and I didn''t know my married life would turn out like this.


    So, let''s just consider this agreement invalid."


    Jonathan''s gaze was deep.


    "You''re regretting it?"


    "Yes, I''m regretting it,"


    I replied, my lips pursed.


    His gaze turned cold instantly, as if there was ayer of ice across his eyes.


    "No chance.


    This agreement has been notarized, so if you want a divorce, you''ll need to pay


    me 100 million dors."


    I stared at him in disbelief.


    "On what grounds?


    This agreement can''t possibly be valid!


    If you wanted a divorce, would you have to pay me 100 billion dors?"


    Jonathan only stared at me silently.


    I pressed my lips into a tight line.


    My adamant insistence on getting a divorce had been shattered by this prenup.


    100 million dors!


    How could I possibly get that kind of money?

 Chapter 13

    I left Jonathan''s office in a daze, still reeling from the shock of the 100-million- dorpensation.


    He had an international meeting to attend and thus asked me to wait for him in the break room.


    I didn''t want to, so he had Bob send me home instead.


    Even though I had lost my memories and couldn''t remember the details of our life together these past few years, I could tell from our interactions these past few days that he was a very domineering man.


    Maybe it was because he was used to being in power, but there was always a slight condescending air about him.


    It was the same when he spoke to me.


    He didn''t allow further exnations or objections, and he didn''t allow anyone to make changes to his ns either.


    Still stunned by the 100-million-dorpensation, I wasn''t paying attention as I was walking through the corridor when a slender figure bumped into me.


    I snapped back to my senses and was about to apologize out of reflex when I


    heard a cold snort.


    "Serves you right."


    It was a familiar-sounding female voice.


    I looked up in surprise and saw a face I recognized.


    "Gabrielle?"


    I froze, looking at the woman who clearly held hostility toward me.


    When Gabrielle heard me say her name so casually, her expression turned oddly strange.


    The hostility she had shown earlier suddenly


    doused with water.


    "So, you do remember my name,"


    ppeared, as if it had been


    she muttered, her tone still sour, but no longer antagonistic.


    I was very surprised.


    "You work at Millenia too?"


    Gabrielle Harrison was my college roommate.


    She came from a well-off family and was a beauty with a tall stature and a certain aloofness about her.


    But once one got to know her, they''d find her very loyal and easy to talk to.


    She had been ostracized before, so she often gave off a "don''t mess with me" vibe, which in turn made a lot of people dislike her.


    I, too, only realized she was actually a very good person after getting to know her.


    I had been feeling very insecure after losing my memories, and everything seemed confusing.


    Thus, I couldn''t help but feel very excited to suddenly see someone familiar.


    Gabrielle, however, gave me an odd look.


    "I''ve worked here for five years.


    Why are you acting so surprised?"


    I inhaled a deep breath before ncing at Bob andposing myself.


    "Sorry, my emotions have been all over the ce recently..."


    I exined, brushing it off.


    Hearing that, she looked even more surprised and gave me a once-over.


    I was worried that Bob would suspect something, so I asked her, "Can we talk?"


    Bob instantly frowned.


    "Ms.Sawyer, Mr.Ford asked me to send you home."


    Gabrielle''s expression turned


    at merely retorted, ¡°Jonathan isn''t


    annoyed again when she heard this,


    my father.


    Do I really need his permission just to speak to someone?"


    Gabrielle turned to look at me in shock, as if she were looking at aplete stranger.


    "Elise, you..."


    She seemingly had a lot of things to


    few


    say, but after moving her lips a times, she turned to Bob and said,


    "Mr.  vel


    Bilber, I''ll just chat with her for a bit."


    Bob frowned.


    He didn''t outright refuse this, but he didn''t agree either.


    After a long while, he finally said in a low voice, "Mr.Ford doesn''t like you meeting with Ms.Sawyer."


    I was very shocked to hear this.


    Gabrielle was my best friend.


    Who gave Jonathan the right to stop us from meeting?


    Unexpectedly, Gabrielle shot me a cold nce before turning to Bob and saying,


    "You heard her.


    She''s the one who wants to talk to me."


    After a long deliberation, Bob finally gave in.


    When I followed Gabrielle into her office, I couldn''t hold in my exmations.


    "You even have your own office now, Gabrielle?"


    The moment those words left my


    mouth, her expression, which hadet


    softened a little earlier, turned dark again.


    "That''s right.


    I got to where I am today on my own ord, and not by riding your coattails.


    Surprised?"


    she asked passive aggressively.

 Chapter 14

    Gabrielle, who happened to be my best friend, was technically the first familiar face I had seen since waking up with amnesia.


    But I didn''t even get to feel happy for long before she rained down on my parade with her attitude.


    I didn''t know why she was treating me this way;


    it was like she held some sort of grudge against me.


    I couldn''t help but take her hand and say sadly, "I''m sorry, Gabrielle.


    If I''ve done something wrong, please tell me.


    Don''t be upset..."


    She flung my hand off as if she''d been creeped out, then reached out to feel my forehead.


    "Elise, you''re not running a fever, are you?"


    She then stared me right in the eyes as she continued, "You haven''t spoken to me


    in five years!Weren''t you content just clinging on to your Jonathan?What?


    Now that he doesn''t want you anymore, youe running back to me?"


    From those few sentences, I managed to get a key piece of information-we hadn''t spoken in five years.


    Gabrielle''s arms were crossed, and her tone was still upset.


    "I had been very happy for you two when you first got married, but Jonathan didn''t like me taking up too much of your time, and he made you report your every move to him!


    "I tolerated that as it was understandable that you two newlyweds needed your alone time.


    But I couldn''t stand how cold he was to you, and when you were feeling sad about it, I told you that you didn''t need to tie yourself down to just one man if you weren''t happy.


    "That was when he used me of having bad intentions and forbade us from seeing each other again!"


    "Don''t tell me I agreed to that!"


    I retorted, shocked.


    She poked me a few times on the forehead.


    "If you hadn''t, would we have ended up like this?"


    she asked with exasperation.


    This was when she suddenly looked at me in bewilderment.


    "Why don''t you remember anything?


    Don''t tell me your brain is waterlogged from falling into the pool?"


    I smiled bitterly.


    "Not waterlogged, but...it''s not far off either."


    She snorted coldly.


    "I''m telling you, I have no intention of being your backup friend.


    You only thought ofing to me now that Jonathan dumped you, right?"


    "Why can''t I be the one who wants to divorce him?"


    I asked exasperatedly.


    A bitter chuckle escaped her.


    "Do you think I''d believe that?


    You''vepletely lost all sense of self-respect while loving him.


    You gave up everything!


    And now you''re saying you want to divorce him?


    I''m more inclined to believe that he dumped you because he wants to be with Alicia."


    "You know about Alicia?"


    "I now about her, I also only I


    know


    t when you and she fell


    the pool together, he unhesitatingly went to save her first."


    Gabrielle was quite furious at this point.


    "Everyone in our circle is talking about it.


    You''ve turned into aughing stock!"


    Those words pricked at me, and I lowered my head, falling silent.


    She became even more agitated.


    "You don''t even know how to swim, and that piece-of-trash Jonathan knows it!


    You nearly drowned!"


    she said, her eyes turning red.


    I looked at her helplessly.


    I took a step forward, wanting tofort her, but she stubbornly avoided my hand.


    Right then, a cold voice rang out from the doorway.


    "Elise,e here."


    Jonathan had arrived without us noticing, and he was stalking over slowly, each step ripe with tension.


    "Didn''t I tell you to wait for me at home?"


    he asked, displeasure clear in his eyes.


    I drew a deep breath as I met his gaze.


    "We''re about to get divorced.


    Where I go has nothing to do with you, does it?"


    Not only did Jonathan''s expression instantly darken at my words, but Gabrielle also turned to stare at me


    "You''re...really going to get a divorce?"


    I ignored her and kept staring straight at Jonathan.


    "You want 100 million


    dors?Fine.I''ll find a way to get the


    ????


    money Hopefully, you''ll honor the agreement then and go through with the divorce."

 Chapter 15

    Gabrielle was still in a state of shock even after Jonathan left.


    I sighed and walked up to her.


    "I know you might not believe me, but I truly do want a divorce this time."


    The shock in her expression slowly settled.


    She looked at me, nodded, then said, "I''m d you''ve finallye to your senses."


    I pulled her to sit with me.


    "We used to be best friends. What happened between us?How could I have ignored you just because of Jonathan?"I asked.


    "Also, I used to hate people who lost their brain cells when they fell in love.


    How could I have stayed married to someone like Jonathan all these years?


    And how did I even meet him in the first ce?"


    I fired off a bunch of questions, one after the other.


    She was Gabrielle Harrison.


    Even if we did go five years without interacting, I still trusted her implicitly.


    Though her attitude toward me earlier had been harsh, my instincts told me she would never hurt me, so I didn''t hide anything, and I wasn''t afraid of her finding out about my amnesia either.


    As expected, she studied me thoughtfully.


    "I knew something was off about you from the start.


    Is your brain really waterlogged?"


    When she asked that earlier, it had been an insult.


    But now, she was ger


    curious.


    I pursed my lips and lowered my head.


    "Something like that..."


    I answered vaguely.


    Subconsciously, I didn''t want her to know that I had tried to end my life.


    I knew she was mad at me for not loving myself more.


    She was my best friend, after all.


    It was only natural that she would be angry with me for how I ignored her advice,


    or how she was helpless to do anything when seeing how Jonathan demeaned me.She sighed.


    "Let''s not talk about that for now.I''m just d that you''vee to your senses.Oh, right. You mentioned 100 million dors earlier. What''s that about?"


    I told her about the prenup I had signed with Jonathan.


    She was very much stunned.


    "Has he lost his mind?


    If the other shareholders found out he signed such an agreement with you, they''d definitely file a jointint!"


    I shook my head.


    "I have no idea what he was thinking about either."


    I grabbed her hand and continued, "Gabrielle, what happened between me and Jonathan?


    I only remember having a crush on him.


    How on earth did I suddenly be his wife?"


    "I''m not exactly sure what happened between the two of you either.


    I only know that I was quite happy for you when you first married him.


    But after a


    anymore while, you weren''t happy


    and tried to get you to


    him


    talk things through with 16


    Gontent


    "But when I witnessed how much agony the marriage was bringing you, I


    suggested you get a divorce.


    I never thought that when Jonathan found out, he''d forbid us from seeing each


    other anymore."


    I fell silent for a long time.


    When I finally broke the silence, it was to say, "I''m sorry."


    Gabrielle stared at me, clearly still upset.


    But after a while, it seemed like she couldn''t bear to hold it against me anymore.


    "Forget it, you weren''t in a good state of mind then either.


    I was seriously worried you''d developed some mental illness..."


    "Also, I like this version of you more,"


    she finished, emotion clear in her eyes.


    I snuggled against her shoulder yfully.


    "I like this me, too."


    Theme was the 18-year-old


    Elise


    was fearless, bold, and


    hadnt experienced any suffering


    Gontent belongs to Sug


    As for the 25-year-old Elise...


    She was nothing more than an annoying woman who had no sense of self.


    If I had a choice, I hoped I would never get my memories back and never revert to


    that person.


    ...


    Gabrielle was a professionalwyer now.


    She had me show her the prenup so she could review it.


    Thus, I had no choice but to go back to the Ford residence.


    As I was rummaging through Jonathan''s desk in the study, I felt. warmth behind me as a broad chest


    Bet


    pressed against me.


    A cold, deep voice rumbled next to my ear, the vibration tickling my eardrum.


    "What are you looking for?"

 Chapter 16

    Jonathan had suddenly appeared behind me.


    Startled, I turned around instinctively, and our faces brushed against each other.


    The foreign touch made me purse my lips together tightly, and I quickly took a step back to put some distance between us.


    This obvious action made Jonathan frown deeply.


    "What were you looking for?


    Hand it over,"


    he demanded as he stepped closer, his hand outstretched.


    I shook my head and hid the prenuptial agreement behind my back.


    "It''s just a document."


    "You should just rest at home.


    Work can wait,"


    he said, seemingly believing me.


    He retracted his hand and continued, "The secretary will take care of this paperwork."


    I clutched the agreement tightly and nodded, trying my best to remain calm.


    "Is there anything else?"


    Jonathan''s dark eyes stayed fixed on me, but he didn''t say anything.


    "If there''s nothing else, then I''ll head back to the bedroom,"


    I said while moving to walk around him.


    Just as I brushed past him, his deep voice sounded.


    "You can throw your tantrums, but don''t mention the word ''divorce''again."


    My footsteps faltered, and my lips pressed tightly together.


    I didn''t feel like getting into another pointless argument with him, so I merely strode away.


    Back in the main bedroom, I scanned the prenup and sent it to Gabrielle.


    She replied quickly, and we set up a time and location for a meeting the next day.


    After putting my phone down, I shoved the prenup into the nightstand drawer.


    Now that I had a scanned copy, it didn''t matter if Jonathan took the original copy back.


    It was gettingte.


    I let out a yawn, feeling a little tired.


    There was no way I was going to sleep in the main bedroom.


    Jonathan and I might be an actual married couple, but I had no intention of doing any "married couple"stuff with him.


    The Ford residence was a huge mansion filled with plenty of rooms that were maintained daily by the household staff.


    I randomly picked a guest room andy down.


    It had been a long day where so many things had happened, and I waspletely exhausted, so I fell asleep quickly.


    Suddenly, while already half-asleep, I felt myself enveloped in a warm embrace.


    This body that was pressed up against me was much warmer than mine, and I started to feel hot.


    I let out an annoyed harrumph and squirmed around trying to get away, but the body behind me suddenly tensed.


    I tried to open my eyes in my groggy state, but I was just too tired, and I fell into a deep slumber.


    When I woke up the next morning, I found myself lying on the big bed in the main bedroom.


    The space beside me felt cold, and the sheets were perfectly smooth, so I


    couldn''t tell whether no one had slept there or whether the person who had slept there had already left for work.


    My lips tightened in annoyance.


    I threw the nkets off me and got out of bed.


    When I got downstairs, Hugh, the butler, called out to me and said, "Ms.Sawyer, breakfast is ready."


    I didn''t even spare him a nce.


    "I''m not eating."


    Hugh frowned.


    "Mr.Ford instructed us to make sure you finish your breakfast."


    I gave him a nonchnt look.


    "I don''t feel like eating.


    Don''t tell me you''re going to tell on me?"


    He immediately fell silent.


    He studied me for a long while before saying in a low voice, "Ms.


    Sawyer, Mr.Ford was the one who carried you back to the bedroomst night."


    "So?"


    I asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Hugh''s tone carried a subtle reproach, as if telling me I should be more grateful.


    "You know full well how Mr.Ford is.


    He''s already shown a lot of patience with you¡ª"


    Annoyed, I cut him off.


    "I don''t need his patience.


    Tell him he can save it."


    Hugh''s expression fell when he saw me being so obstinate.


    He tried again, trying to get me to see the light.


    "Ms.Sawyer, Mr.Ford left for the Zimmers first thing this morning.


    He''s been very stressedtely because of what''s been going on between you and Ms.Alicia.


    The


    been


    Mr.


    the Zimmers have


    for generations, and


    had faced a lot of pressure


    when he married you. Co


    As his wife, you really shouldn''t be so petnt."


    His voice dropped lower as he continued, "Besides, Mr.Ford and Ms.Alicia have


    been close friends since childhood.


    If you don''t treasure him properly and continue to behave like this-"


    I couldn''t hold it in anymore.


    "This is between me and Jonathan.


    What has it got to do with any of you?"


    First the assistant, now the butler.


    They only needed to focus on their respective jobs.


    Was mutual respect really too much to ask for?


    Why did they insist on lecturing me?


    They weren''t Jonathan''s father, so why were they acting like my father-inw and


    trying to discipline me?


    "If you''re really someone whose


    nevel


    words hold some weight with Jonathan, then please tell him hurry up and go through with the divorce.


    After that, I won''t care if he marries Alicia or B-licia or C-licia.


    He can do whatever he wants."


    re


    With that, stormed out of the house and


    Hugh the door shut, leaving


    after me, mouth agape


    and stunned for a long whit?

 Chapter 17

    I had just sat down in the coffee shop when Gabrielle walked in.


    "Have you been waiting for long?"


    "No, I just arrived."


    Gabrielle studied me for a few seconds, and I could tell that she was debating whether to say something or not.


    "If you have something to say, just go ahead.


    We don''t need to beat around the bush with each other, "I told her.


    She sighed, as if she was worried about hurting my feelings.


    "When I went into the office to take the morning off, I heard from HR that Alicia is getting ready to start work at Millenia."


    I immediately understood why she had hesitated.


    Because of Alicia, I had spent the past few years of my married life as a joke.


    When she and I fell into the pool together, Jonathan had unhesitatingly gone to save her, and I had thus be gossip fodder for those in our circle.


    Now that Alicia was joining Millenia, it felt like a p in the face.


    "Gabrielle, you don''t need to keep track of what happens between the two of them in the future,"


    I said, my tone light.


    But she still looked at me with concern.


    "Are you able to stomach Jonathan doing this?"


    I chuckled helplessly.


    "And what if I can''t?


    Millenia isn''t mine.


    I don''t make the calls."


    "You''re quite epting of this..."


    "That''s pretty much all I can do.


    At this point, I just want a divorce.


    Gabrielle sighed and took my hand, apparently thinking I was very sad.


    I blurted, "Stop looking at me like I''m all pitiful.


    Once I get divorced, I can still start a new life!"


    She nodded, but her concern for me was still obvious.


    I could only change the topic.


    "Oh, right.Do you know Frederick Guzman?He was the one who saved me when I fell in the pool."


    "You don''t remember him anymore?"


    she asked, surprised.


    She suddenly leaned in real close, her eyebrows furrowed tightly.


    "Elise, do you need to go to the hospital to get checked out?


    I''m seriously getting worried about you right now."


    I nced around me before whispering, "Gabrielle, to be honest...


    I have amnesia."


    Maybe it was because I had asked


    her a lot of absurd questions


    before like how Jonathan and


    knew each other-so she wasn''t that shocked right now.  fo


    "I genuinely thought your brain was waterlogged!"


    She nodded to herself before continuing, ¡°Everything makes sense now.


    No wonder you''re asking for a divorce from Jonathan."


    Curious, I asked her, "Did I really love him that much back then?"


    She pursed her lips, seemingly not wanting to recall my past humiliating moments.


    "It wasn''t just in ol''love.


    You had no limits when it came to him.


    I had never seen you behave so fanatically before!


    "Frederick was your friend previously, too.


    He even pursued you, but you rejected him.


    After that, you met Jonathan and the two of you got married in a sh.


    You stopped interacting with other men after that,"


    she exined.


    She then rolled her eyes at me.


    "Of course, Jonathan didn''t like you hanging out with me either, so we had a falling out, too."


    I stuck my tongue out at her, feeling apologetic.


    "I''m sorry."


    Gabrielle stared at me indignantly.


    "Even though you''ve lost your memories, I still want to ask-is Jonathan really


    that much more important than me?


    I can forgive you for putting love


    over friendship and cing me in second ce, but did you have to really kick me out of your lifepletely?"


    I fell silent for a long time before answering, "I can''t answer that me


    question because 18-year-old


    would never abandon Gabrielle Harrison for anyone."


    She moved her lips, but she didn''t say anything.


    After a while, she finally grumbled, "Fine.


    I''ll forgive you this time, but you''re not allowed to pull the same stunt again."


    With that, we smiled at each other.


    She then quickly contacted Frederick for me.


    Since she needed to go back to work, we had arranged for our meeting today to


    be at a coffee shop right by Millenia''s office building.


    When Frederick arrived, Gabrielle said her hellos before taking off.


    He took a seat in front of me, a barely-there smirk on his face.


    "I can''t believe you dared to ask to meet me privately, Elise."


    Just like the day he saved me, he still had that roguish air about him, and he


    exuded a sense of untamed wildness.


    "It wasn''t enough to threaten Jonathan with divorce that day?


    Now you''re even meeting me alone on purpose just to piss him off?"

 Chapter 19

    "So, that''s how it is..." I mused. From Frederick''s and Gabrielle''s descriptions, I was able to piece together a rough idea of what had happened over the years. That should be enough to fool Jonathan. I didn''t want him to know that I''d lost my memory, as that would just make the divorce proceedings even moreplicated. But after hearing all that, I also couldn''t help but feel introspective. Could the 25- year-old me really love someone to such an extent? That was something the current, 18-year-old me couldn''t even begin toprehend. I was finding it very difficult to ept that not only had I suddenly be seven years older, but I had also turned into the kind of love-obsessed fool that I had used to look down on. Just as I was chatting andughing with Frederick, a familiar, chirpy voice sounded. ¡°Isn''t that Elise? Why''s she with Frederick?" Then, as if suddenly realizing something, the voice continued, "It must be because Frederick saved her that day, so she''s here to thank him. I''m sure Ms. Sawyer isn''t the type of person to meet men one-on-one in private." I turned around to find Jonathan suddenly standing there, with Alicia next to him. His dark eyes were staring at me, and there was no warmth in them at all. ¡°I remember telling you that I don''t like you hanging out with him." Frowning, I snapped, "We''re about to get divorced anyway, so what''s it to you?" I couldn''t wrap my mind around the fact that I had cut my friends off just because Jonathan didn''t like it. I could understand wanting me to maintain basic social boundaries, but why on earth could I not have any friends of the opposite sex? Jonathan stared at Frederick expressionlessly. "Thank you for saving my wife that day. I''ve already expressed my gratitude by giving you the Brindlewest project. There''s no need for you two to meet in private anymore." Frederick gave a small smile, his expression slightly taunting. ¡°That was you thanking me as Elise''s husband. And today, I''m epting her gratitude as her friend. Please don''t confuse the two." The atmosphere instantly became tense. I really wasn''t keen on seeing Jonathan and Alicia, so I grabbed my bag and said, "Let''s go somewhere else, Frederick." However, he just shrugged and said, "I don''t want to get mixed up in all this, so I''ll head off first." With him gone, I didn''t want to stay either. As I was about to leave, Jonathan grabbed my arm, his gaze icy. "Where are you going?" "What''s it got to do with you?" I nced at Alicia who was standing behind him. "Go keep your womanpany. And hurry up and send over the divorce agreement. Otherwise, she''ll forever stay the secret mistress." Jonathan frowned as he opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to say something. But I had no intention of listening, so I shook his arm off and followed after Frederick. ... It was evening by the time I reached home. Maybe my actions had been too extreme in the past, and so Frederick still didn''t really trust me right now. And he had probably only saved me that day because he didn''t want to see me actually drown. Thus, I didn''t bother him anymore. I still wasn''t ustomed to this unfamiliar world. I needed to spend the next few days looking for a ce to stay, otherwise, I wouldn''t even know where to go once I got divorced. When Jonathan saw me return, he walked over, his expression icy. "So, you remembered to finallye home?" His interrogative tone annoyed me greatly. "Can you stop keeping track of me? I only went out with a friend. What has that got to do with you?" The moment those words left my mouth, a sharp pain stabbed at my temples, and blurry images popped into my mind. I took a step back and gripped the armrest of the couch tightly. It felt like I had heard simr words before. I suddenly raised my head and looked at him, my eyespletely bloodshot. I remembered. A crystal- clear image in my mind showed me that Jonathan had once said those exact same words to me. He hade homete after a business dinner. When I had asked him about it, he would impatiently dismiss me with those words. And now, I delivered those same exact words back to him.

 Chapter 20

    Jonathan seemed to have recalled something as well, and his Adam''s apple bobbed. After a while, he finally exined, "Alicia and I aren''t what you think. Our two families have been friends for generations, so some things are just unavoidable. I know where the line is¡ª" "You don''t have to exin," I interrupted. "If you''re feeling guilty because you didn''t save me when I fell in the pool, and thus don''t want to get a divorce and want to make it up to me... That''s just not necessary." Shaking my head, I continued, "You''d be better off giving me morepensation during the divorce." ... Jonathan and I parted on bad terms again that day. I just couldn''t figure out why he didn''t want to divorce me. He clearly loved Alicia, just as clearly as he disliked me. So, wouldn''t getting a divorce be exactly what he was hoping for? I couldn''t quite make sense of his thoughts, but I also didn''t want to make sense of them anymore, either. For the past few days, I had been apartment-hunting. I didn''t know if it was because I had pissed Jonathan off that day, but he hadn''te home in days. But that was fine. I didn''t want to see him anyway. I was in the middle of looking at rental listings when I received a call from Gabrielle. "Elise, are you free to talk?" "Yup. What''s up?" "HR asked you toe into the office. They said there''s a task for you." Gabrielle''s voice lowered into a whisper. "They said they couldn''t get in touch with you, so they had me try. Do you want toe in?" After graduating, Gabrielle had be employed at Millenia based on her own capabilities. Unlike me, the lovesick fool who had only gone to work just to keep an eye on her husband, Gabrielle genuinely liked her job. I didn''t want to make things difficult for her, so I went straight to the office. Even though I had amnesia, the muscle memory was still there. Millenia was foreign to me, but when I walked through the building, I didn''t need any directions, and a lot of small details seemed to still ring a bell. I made my way to Jonathan''s office with practiced precision, but before I could head in, I heard Alicia''s deliberately sharine voiceing from inside again. "Jonathan, I have an idea about that project fromst time..." I had found her in Jonathan''s office thest time I came here, and here she was yet again. I had to admit that this n of hers was quite smart. She imed to want to work at hispany, but in reality, she merely wanted a way to be closer to him. Even an idiot could tell what her goal was, and yet Jonathan couldn''t tell. Though it likely wasn''t that he couldn''t tell, and more that he didn''t want to. As I stood by the door and watched them talk, I deliberated filming their interactions with my phone and keeping it as evidence to be used during the divorce proceedings. Alicia was always impably dressed, as she had always put a lot of thought into her outfits. There was nothing I could say about that, since it was only natural to care about one''s appearance. However, whenever she was with Jonathan, she would always tug her neckline down a bit and pretend to "identally" reveal a little something extra. Then, she would quickly ce her hand over her bosom and pretend to be embarrassed, telling Jonathan, "I''m sorry, Jonathan. My clothes are a bit loose today. Was I being inappropriate?" Today, however, Jonathan didn''t even nce at her and continued to look at the documents in his hand. "You can bring up any ideas you have." I raised an eyebrow. I wasn''t even next to them, so why was Jonathan pretending to be all proper? Everyone already assumed that the two of them were involved anyway, so why still draw such a clear line in private? Who was this act even for? Alicia furrowed her delicate brows. "I''ve been involved with this project for a while now, and there are no problems. But if this road cuts through this path, it might harm the local ecology." She then stered on a worried look, as if she were afraid that he''d admonish her. "I''m sorry, Jonathan. I made the call to change the route without running it past you. Is that okay? That township has a very nice ecosystem, and there are a lot of adorable little animals around. "We lived in estates like that when we were young, too. Children love little animals. I don''t want to destroy that kind of environment..." I scoffed. Alicia was clearly trying to show Jonathan how kind-hearted she could be. After all, men always liked women who were innocent and harmless. She really was pulling out all the stops.

 Chapter 21

    As expected, Jonathan agreed with Alicia.


    He looked at her calmly and said, "It''s just a matter of some additional costs.


    You don''t need to get my approval.


    Go ahead and make the decisions." Alicia broke out into a wide smile.


    "You''re the best, Jonathan.


    I knew you''d agree with me.


    Before I came here, those secretaries were saying that you''d never waste your time on pointless things..." I couldn''t help butugh again.


    She truly was impressive.


    She was able to convey several messages in only a few sentences.


    Firstly, she was highly capable and could handle a project on her own from start to finish.


    Secondly, she was kind-hearted and wasn''t willing to make life difficult for those living in that township.


    Thirdly, Jonathan''s secretaries were all cold-bloodedpared to her, and they even presumed things about him.


    Not only was she impatient to show herself off, but she also subtly stepped on others while doing so.


    I also finally understood why my 25-year-old self had been so devastated in this marriage.


    My opponent had been a strong one.


    Though, given my personality, I couldn''t understand why I had taken Alicia so seriously.


    I had never wanted topete with anyone over love.


    Rtionships should never be a battlefield, and I had no interest in men whom I had to wrestle for.


    If Jonathan''s heart had ever strayed, I would have just left him.


    Why had I been pushed to the point of ending my own life?


    Right then, I heard footstepsing down the hallway.


    The secretary''s office was right outside the CEO''s office, so it was likely that some of the secretaries were passing by.


    "Have you heard about Mr.Ford?"


    "Are you referring to Ms.Zimmer joining thepany or what happened between Ms.Zimmer and Mr.Ford''s wife?" "Both are huge news!" "Is there going to be a new Mrs. Ford?


    I heard that when Ms. Zimmer and Mrs. Ford fell into the pool at the same time the other day, Mr.Ford actually went to save Ms.Zimmer first!" "I heard that, too! Poor Mrs. Ford!


    She managed to marry into a wealthy family despite her poor background, yet here she is, being dealt a figurative p across the face right in public!" "Well, she brought it on herself.


    She and Mr. Ford were such a sweet couple when they first got married, but she just had to act out.


    Not only did she keep a very close eye on Mr.Ford, but she even targeted Ms.Zimmer, his childhood friend!


    If that isn''t asking for it, then what is?" "That''s not totally fair.


    What woman can ept her husband''s female childhood friend being around him all the time?


    Mrs.Ford is the legitimate wife, so it''s natural for her not to want to ept it.


    But... She did act out too much." "I think Mr.Ford crossed the line this time as well.


    He didn''t save his own wife but went to save his female friend instead.


    Isn''t that just basically announcing that he wants a divorce?


    I wonder how much money


    Mrs. Ford will get when she''s


    eventually kicked out..." The group of secretaries continued to gossip, but when they saw me standing by the doorway, they all froze.


    The one who had been talking the most earlier looked especially stunned, and


    she stared at me, her mouth opening and then closing again.


    I, on the other hand, wasn''t that bothered.


    I merely smiled at her and raised a finger to my lips, miming a "shh" gesture.


    "Ms.Sawyer..." One of the secretaries


    forced a smile on her face,


    seemingly wanting to greet me out of sheer politeness, but I just shook my head at her, signaling them to pretend that I wasn''t even there.


    Thus, they could only act as if nothing had happened and walk past me


    awkwardly before rushing off with their heads down.


    "Why do we need to be so scared of her?


    She''s just Mrs. Ford in name only.


    Does she really think she ranks above us, too?¡±


    "Exactly. She might even rank below us secretaries at this point." Two of the secretaries were indignant, and they couldn''t resist muttering some more.


    The head secretary quickly nudged them to shut up before shooting me an apologetic smile.


    I didn''t take their words to heart and continued to stand expressionlessly by the door.


    The group of secretaries headed into the CEO''s office, but not long after, the head secretary walked out again, looking apologetic.


    "Ms. Sawyer, Mr.Ford asked you to head inside..." I gave her a nod, and when I walked past her, I caught the name on her work badge-Sunny Maddison.


    The name was vaguely familiar, but I couldn''t remember why.


    When I entered the office, there was


    already a polite distance she ele


    Alicia and Jonathan, but she


    remained standing next to him with no intention of leaving.


    Jonathan raised his eyes to look at me, his gaze calm and unreadable.


    "The secretaries told me that you''ve been standing by the door this whole time.


    Why didn''t youe in?


    "I let out a chuckle.


    "I was worried I''d interrupt you two."

 Chapter 22

    The temperature in the office dropped several degrees the moment those words


    left my mouth.


    Jonathan''s dark eyes, which didn''t have much warmth to begin with, were now


    even icier.


    The secretaries all lowered their heads, not daring to even breathe too loudly.


    Jonathan gestured to them with a jerk of his chin, and they all filed out


    immediately.


    Only Alicia remained standing there, unmoving.


    "Jonathan..." "Leave us for now," Jonathan said without looking at her; his eyes


    stayed fixed on me.


    Alicia''s eyes flickered slightly before she said softly, "I''m not leaving.


    Has Ms. Sawyer misunderstood us again?


    I can exin..." She then turned to me and continued, "Ms.Sawyer, there''s really


    nothing going on between me and Jon.


    We''ve been like siblings since we were young." I raised an eyebrow.


    "Siblings withpletely different parents?


    She pursed her lips and said in a low voice, "We''ve been childhood friends for so


    many years.


    If there really was something between us, would there have been room for you?


    Jonathan''s eyebrows furrowed slightly, and his gaze fell on Alicia briefly.


    A secondter, he looked away again.


    I caught a sh of coldness in his gaze.


    I didn''t know if I had imagined it or if he was just naturally cold and distant.


    His eyes turned to me again, but his words were directed at Alicia.


    "You don''t have to exin to her.


    She won''t believe you." He made it sound like he had exined countless times


    before, and I was just being unreasonable.


    I raised an eyebrow.


    "Jonathan''s right.


    I don''t believe you." There was conviction in Alicia''s voice when she dered,


    "We really are practically siblings!


    Jon does take good care of me, but it''s just out of sibling affection!" "Then shall I


    wish you two siblings a happy ever after as lovers?


    My words only made Jonathan''s expression darken even more.


    Alicia had something more to say, but he cut her off coldly.


    "Did youe here just to say all that?


    "The way he spoke to me was always like he was admonishing a child who was


    throwing a tantrum.


    When he was in a good mood, he''d absentmindedly coax me; when he wasn''t,


    he''d lecture and scold me instead.


    "I''m here to turn in my resignation." I took out the resignation letter I''d prepared


    and looked him straight in the eye, saying, "From today onward, I won''t being


    to work at Millenia anymore.


    You don''t need to have anyone from Millenia contact me either." Jonathan didn''t


    say anything, nor did he reach for the resignation letter.


    After a brief standoff, I simply ced the letter on the desk and turned to leave.


    Right then, my phone rang.


    I was about to answer it while


    heading out when Jonathan walked


    up behind me, wrapped an arm


    around my waist, and snatched the


    phone out of my hand to answer it.


    "Who''s this?


    he asked in a deep voice, his dark eyes lowered as he looked at me.


    I struggled to get away, but his one-arm grip on me held me in ce.


    "Is this Ms.Sawyer?


    You need toe to the hospital for a dressing change.


    When will you be able toe in?


    "I stiffened when I realized it was a call from the hospital.


    "Dressing change?


    Jonathan frowned, and he asked the person on the line, "What''s wrong with her?


    My expression fell, and I hurriedly snatched my phone back from him.


    "Jonathan!


    Who gave you the right to answer my call?


    "His dark eyes narrowed slightly as he stared straight at me.


    "What happened to you?


    Why do you need to go to the hospital?"


    "What''s it got to do with you?


    Just take care of your Alicia, and leave me alone!" I retorted, rolling my eyes.


    I turned around to leave, but Jonathan grabbed my wrist firmly.


    "Elise!" He gritted his teeth, and it sounded as if he had to squeeze my name out.


    "What happened to you exactly?


    Alicia chimed in softly from the side, "Did you get hurt that day at the pool?


    Jonathan stared me in the eyes, and his voice was low.


    "You were hurt?


    I had indeed gotten hurt.


    There had been difort in my


    lungs ever since that day I nearly


    drowned, so I had gone to get


    checked out at the hospital.


    But it wasn''t because of this that the hospital had called me in for a dressing


    change.


    It was because the wound on my wrist was deep, and it needed regr dressing


    changes.


    However, there was no reason to let


    Jonathan know this since he firmly


    believed that my attempt to end my


    life had been fake.


    I shook his hand off and said impatiently, "It''s none of your business!"

 Chapter 23

    My disdain for Jonathan was obvious.


    He looked at his hand that I had shaken off, and his eyes darkened, a storm brewing in them.


    He stared at me unblinkingly, and there was only silence and a chill remaining between us.


    Alicia suddenly looked at me very apologetically.


    "I''m sorry, Ms.Sawyer.


    You got injured because you were in the pool too long that day, right?


    It''s all my fault.


    If Jonathan hadn''t saved me first, you wouldn''t have needed to go to the hospital." With eyes full of worry, she sighed before continuing, "Nearly drowning and choking on water isn''t a small matter.


    You should get Jonathan to take you to the hospital and get checked out again!" It would''ve been fine if she hadn''t mentioned it, but the moment she did, all I could think about was the humiliation I had suffered that day.


    I flung her hand off, my tone as cold as ice.


    "That''s not necessary." I then looked at Jonathan, who was standing behind her.


    "Remember to sign the divorce agreement and approve my resignation." With that, I walked out without even a nce back.


    ... After leaving Jonathan''s office, I paid Gabrielle a quick visit before heading straight to the hospital.


    Once the doctor redressed my wound, I suddenly thought of something and asked him, "Were you the one who called me today?"


    "Why?


    "The doctor was quite young, and there was a calm andposed air about him.


    When he removed his mask, he revealed a very handsome face, where his light brown eyes were looking at me coolly.


    I calmed down quite a bit, just feeling his gaze on me.


    "The person who answered the call is my ex-husband.


    In the future, I don''t want him to know anything more about my condition," I informed him.


    The doctor raised an eyebrow.


    "What new trick is this?"


    "What?


    "I froze, not understanding what he meant.


    He slowly walked over and looked down at me.


    "I don''t have that much spare time on my hands.


    I had my assistant call you.


    The wound on your wrist is very deep, and since it was stitched up, you should remember to take care of it." I nodded.


    Just as I was about to leave, he called out to me and studied me with interest.


    "You don''t remember me?


    "My heart leapt into my throat, and I forced myself to stay calm.


    Was he someone I was supposed to know?


    No, I couldn''t let anyone but Gabrielle know about my amnesia.


    "Of course I do," I answered calmly, though my eyes flickered slightly.


    "You''re my doctor." The man left out a soft snort before saying, "Go home.


    I''ll keep your secret." I gave him a slight nod and turned to leave, but I couldn''t shake the feeling that something felt off.


    I clearly didn''t recognize the doctor, and yet there was a familiar feeling about him.


    When I returned to the Ford


    residence, I grabbed my phone and my messages regarding


    check


    the rental listings, but there were


    barely any responses.


    I had to admit that it was proving to be quite difficult to find an affordable rental in


    this city, where every inch ofnd cost a fortune.


    Even after so many days, I still hadn''t found a suitable one.


    I was feeling a little frustrated, so I just grabbed a quick bite and went back to my room to rest.


    Other than finding a rental, I also needed to find a stable job, otherwise I''d be eating dirt after the divorce.


    Although felt that Jonathan


    wouldn''t be that petty and would likely give me some money in the divorce, it wasn''t exactly a done deal, and I couldn''t entrust my life to a man''s conscience.


    As I was resting, I suddenly felt a familiar tension fill the room, and caught a whiff of patchouli-sharp and aggressive-mixed in with the stirring air.


    I was just about to fall asleep when the overpowering and domineering presence interrupted me.


    Annoyed, I opened my eyes and found Jonathan standing right before me.


    ¡°Jonathan¡ª¡± I was about to stop him, but he had already thrown the nket off of


    me, his long fingers reaching forward.


    I froze momentarily before I shoved him away, hard.


    "What do you think you''re doing?"

 Chapter 24

    I stared at Jonathan unblinkingly, my gaze aware and alert, guarding against his


    next move.


    He paused, seemingly surprised by how strong my reaction had been, and


    displeasure colored his expression.


    After a while, he spoke in a low voice.


    "The hospital said that you needed to redress your wounds.


    "What was that about exactly?


    I pursed my lips, feeling very impatient with him.


    "Haven''t I already told you?


    "It''s none of your business!" His gaze darkened, and it was obvious that fury was


    brewing beneath his eyes.


    He grabbed my wrist and pressed me onto therge bed behind me.


    Then, he pulled my clothes up and inspected me for signs of injury.


    I struggled hard against him.


    "Have you lost your mind?


    Let go of me!


    Jonathan!


    Let go!" But he ignored me and merely focused on his inspection.


    Once he was sure I didn''t have any external injuries, he looked me in the eyes


    and asked, "Where exactly is it that''s hurting, huh?


    Jonathan''s eyes bore into mine, not wanting to miss even the slightest sh of


    emotion.


    "Elise, did you get any other injuries that day after you fell in the pool?


    "I don''t know if I had imagined it, but I actually saw a trace of regret beneath the


    restraint in his eyes.


    Why would he have such an emotion?


    I let out a self-deprecatingugh.


    I must''ve seen it incorrectly.


    Or maybe it was the remnants of my feelings for him that were ying tricks on


    me, like signs of withdrawal that had been etched into me.


    I didn''t have any feelings for him now, nor did I have any memories about us, but


    just one look into his eyes and those subconscious feelings still stirred inside me


    involuntarily.


    But that didn''t matter as it was only the tiniest bit.


    I had already forgotten him now, and other than the involuntary reactions of my


    body-probably muscle memory built up over a long period of time-the only


    things I felt for him were disdain and disgust.


    "Whether I was injured or not, it has nothing to do with you," I emphasized this


    once more.


    Jonathan frowned, and his voice deepened.


    "Come with me to the bedroom, and let me take a proper look." "You''re not even a


    doctor, so what point is there in you looking?


    I retorted.


    I couldn''t help but roll my eyes at him.


    Then, Iy back down, ready to sleep.


    He, however, suddenly picked me up in his arMs. "Jonathan!" I yelped as I found


    myself suddenly mid-air.


    Just as he was about to move, I suddenly felt drained, and I stared at him


    helplessly.


    "I''ve already given you the divorce agreement, and I''ve also submitted my


    resignation.


    What else do you want from me?"


    "That''s the question I should be asking you.


    "What do you want from me, exactly?


    Jonathan stared into my eyes, his gaze dark andpletely unreadable.


    That was the kind of person he was.


    No one could ever see through him or know what he was thinking about.


    I thought he loved Alicia and thus


    wanted to let them be together, but


    it seemed like he had no intention of


    divorcing me.


    But, if the reason he was with me


    and wanted to stay in this marriage


    was because he liked me... Well, no


    one would believe that either.


    He had unhesitatingly chosen Alicia when it came down to life or death.


    So, I couldn''t understand why he wouldn''t divorce me, especially when things had


    gotten to this stage.


    I gritted out, "I don''t want anything other than a divorce!


    A divorce!


    Can''t you understand that?


    "I was practically hysterical by the end of the sentence.


    However, it was as if Jonathan didn''t even hear me.


    He merely carried me back to the main bedroom, his expression stony.


    "Put me down!" I struggled fiercely, not wanting to take even one step into that


    room.


    "Jonathan, I want a divorce!


    I don''t want to sleep with you!


    I want a divorce!


    Don''t you get it?


    I don''t want to stay under the same


    roof as you-" I hadn''t finished


    speaking when I suddenly felt a


    sharp pain on my bottom, and


    looked up at him in shock and


    disbelief.


    "You... You hit me?"

 Chapter 25

    Jonathan looked at me with dark eyes.


    Before I could react, another firm smack fell on my bottom again.


    The crisp sound filled me with both fury and shock.


    He had actually smacked me!


    I stared at him in disbelief, my gaze dripping with anger and hatred.


    I was just about to get up when he pushed me back onto the bed.


    He looked at me solemnly and said, "You''re not allowed to brush me off when it


    You have to tell me if you''re injured, do you hear me?


    "I gritted my teeth and seethed, "Jonathan, do you have trouble understanding


    simple words?


    "I inhaled a deep breath, but before I could say anything more, he seemingly


    already knew what I was about to say, and he sped a hand over my mouth.


    Then, hey down behind me and pulled me back into his arMs.I couldn''t move,


    trapped in his embrace.


    With an arm wrapped around my waist and his warm breath falling behind my ear,


    he said, "I''ll take you to the hospital to get checked out tomorrow.


    If nothing''s wrong, then we''ll go to the Ford Manor.


    Grandpa hasn''t been feeling welltely, so we''ll need to stay with him for a while."


    Grandpa?


    Hearing that word suddenly caused a dull ache in my brain.


    I had no recollection of such a person, and yet, just hearing that term made me


    feel extreme difort and resistance, and a deep panic spread through me.


    ... Early the next morning, Jonathan took me to the hospital.


    When he met with the same doctor from yesterday, I realized that the two were


    friends.


    "We meet again," Jim White, the doctor, said as he looked at me with a slight


    smile.


    He had been aloof with me yesterday, so his attitude today was rather intriguing.


    My heart thumped loudly, and my thoughts became muddled.


    I quickly avoided his gaze, so I couldn''t tell whether he had noticed something


    was off about me or not.


    Fortunately, he didn''t say much and only gave Jonathan a few instructions.


    "There''s nothing majorly wrong with her right now, but-" I immediately burst into


    a cough, interrupting him.


    Jim gave me a heavy look, and I looked back at him with a silent plea in my eyes.


    He frowned, as if deliberating something in his mind.


    After a while, he finally said to Jonathan, "It''s nothing serious.


    You can take her home." I immediately let out a sigh of relief.


    Jonathan went to get some paperwork, leaving Jim and me staring at each other


    in his office.


    It was a little awkward with just the two of us here, though it hadn''t felt this way


    yesterday.


    It could be because Jim had just covered for me, so I was feeling a little self-


    conscious when looking at him now.


    "What''s going through your mind?


    " he asked suddenly as he looked at me, his finger tapping on the desk.


    He kept talking in such a cryptic and mysterious manner.


    I didn''t want to say too much to him,


    worried that I''d expose myself, so


    just shook my head and pressed my


    lips together in silence.


    He suddenly let out a small chuckle.


    "I just helped you hide your secret, and this is how you treat me?


    "I leaped to my feet, studying him warily.


    There was a faint smirk on his face.


    "You don''t want Jonathan to know how deep the cut on your wrist is, so I didn''t tell


    him.


    Shouldn''t you be thanking me?


    "I pursed my lips tightly before


    answering, "He knew from the start


    that I cut my wrists, but he just didn''t


    believe me and thought that I was


    messing with him.


    It''s fine even if you told him; he won''t believe it." "Is that so?


    "Raising an eyebrow, Jim continued,


    "He might not have believed you, but


    if I told him how severe the wound


    on your wrist was, he''d likely believe


    me With that, he made a move to


    stand.


    I quickly grabbed onto him.


    "Don''t..."

 Chapter 26

    My calm mask instantly shattered.


    I looked into Jim''s eyes.


    "Don''t tell him..." My sincerity must''ve taken him aback, because he only looked at me in confusion.


    "Why not?


    If this were before, you would''ve been more than happy to let him know." I pursed my lips and answered, "Maybe I''ve changed.


    Is that not allowed?"


    "That''s not like you," he said with a shake of his head.


    "The old you would''ve never skipped a chance to make him feel pity toward you." He then let out a meaningful chuckle.


    "You''ve used this kind of ''woe-is-me'' ploy plenty of times before." I clenched my jaw.


    "Is that so?"


    "It is," he answered nonchntly.


    "However, these tricks will get old if you overuse them, and he''ll eventually stop caring." I nodded in affirmation.


    "Then, don''t tell him about this.


    He won''t believe it anyway." Jim''s gaze rested on me heavily, his eyes filled with scrutiny.


    "You''re really different from before.


    It''s quite the drastic change.¡± ¡°Really?


    "I asked while ncing at my wrist.


    I had been deliberately avoiding that wound these past few days.


    The cut had been deep, and it was obvious that I had truly intended to end my life.


    I couldn''t remember the years I had spent married, but I knew that my 25-year-old


    self clearly had to be in helpless despair to want to end it all.


    Jim suddenly narrowed his eyes at me.


    "The biggest change seems to be that... You''ve forgotten a lot of things?


    "I shuddered, and my expression fell.


    I didn''t want him to know that.


    After a while, I replied nonchntly, "Really?


    Well, those weren''t particrly happy memories anyway.


    I wanted to forget them and start anew." He didn''t press further and merely tapped


    his finger on the desk before continuing, "Starting over isn''t a bad idea.


    Make a good life with Jonathan, and stop throwing meaningless tantruMs promise I''ll keep this secret for you, but I also suggest you be as honest as possible with him and talk things through properly." I frowned.


    "There''s nothing to talk about.


    This is a personal matter, and it doesn''t concern you.


    But I am thankful that you''re keeping my secret." In the end, he didn''t say anything more.


    "You can leave.


    I''ll have my assistant change your dressings from now on." "Alright.


    Thank you."... When I got to the car, Jonathan was already waiting for me there after having gotten my medication.


    His gaze swept over me when he saw me get in, and he told the driver, "To the Ford Manor." "Yes, sir." I frowned in displeasure.


    "I don''t want to go." "Why not?"


    "That''s not my home.


    We''re about to get divorced anyway, so why do I need to go?


    "He looked at me coldly.


    "How many times have I told you-you can throw as many tantrums as you want, but stop bringing up divorce." "And how many times do I have to tell you that m not throwing a tantrum!" Clearly getting irritated, Jonathan cut me off.


    "There''s no need to go to the hospital anymore.


    Jim said that you''ve just been under


    a lot oftely, and you under


    need


    O rest at home." Lexhalene?


    5 breath upon hearing that.


    I couldn''t help but feel like Jim had caught onto something.


    I had no idea why I had lost my memories-I had no clue about anything in that


    field.


    But Jim was a doctor, after all, so he had to know something.


    He and Jonathan were quite close friends, too, so I hadn''t expected him to


    actually keep my secret.


    My distaste for him lessened a little when I came to this conclusion.


    But only just a little.


    After saying what he wanted to say, Jonathan started to work.


    He read documents and didn''t say one word to me the rest of the ride.


    I nced over at him.


    He truly was quite focused while working.


    He didn''t look up at me, but he somehow knew I was looking at him.


    "Stop staring at me," he said tly.


    I quickly averted my gaze and didn''t say anything, but I felt a bit annoyed with


    myself.

 Chapter 27

    I had to admit that Jonathan truly had the kind of face that could make all men


    jealous.


    He was so good-looking that it almost felt surreal.


    After all, he was the man that I had a secret crush on for so long.


    Countless women had crushes on him during our college days, but most of them had kept it to themselves.


    I heard that only those gorgeous and wealthy women dared to pursue him.


    But it seemed like he had only been focused on his studies and work and had never been interested in dating.


    Thus, I had no idea how I ended up marrying someone like him.


    To be honest, when I first woke up and found out that Jonathan and I were married, it was a small happy surprise.


    But his aloofness soonpletely stamped out that feeling.


    As good or as handsome or as wealthy as he was, he was still nothing more than


    an emotionally clueless man who could be as cold as an iceberg.


    And not only was he clueless, but he also had absolutely no respect for me.


    I couldn''t stomach continuing to live like this.


    But I was still curious-how did we end up together in the first ce?


    I hadn''t found a chance to ask him before the ck Cullinan pulled into arge estate.


    This area was remote, but it didn''t take us too long to get here from the city center.


    The moment I stepped out of the car, I felt a strange sense of familiarity.


    The Ford Manor held over a century of history, with the sprawling estate having belonged to the family for many generations.


    After enduring the passage of time, it had be even more timeless and sophisticated.


    Each generation of Ford heirs had put in a lot of effort in maintaining this ancestral home.


    Even after all these years, the ce didn''t look run down at all, and instead


    looked ssic and resplendent with history and culture.


    I shook my head, feeling stunned.


    When Jonathan saw this, he asked, "What''s wrong?


    Are you feeling unwell?"


    "No," I answered, before continuing, "This is thest time.


    Tell your grandfather that we''re getting divorced.


    I won''t being here anymore." ... Jonathan''s expression was stormy the whole


    walk into the manor, and he didn''t say a word to me.


    His face had darkened right after I brought up the divorce.


    This had been the case these past few days.


    Every time I mentioned divorce, he would just turn cold and ignore me.


    I didn''t even know why he was giving me such an attitude.


    What did I need to do for him to believe that I truly wanted to divorce him and that


    I wasn''t just throwing a tantrum?


    How dramatic had I been before that


    made them firmly believe that I


    n¨¦


    wasn''t serious or just trying to Jonathan''s attention by asking for a divorce now?


    Did I really have to find a man and pretend to cheat with him for them to finally believe me?


    Just as my thoughts were running wild, Jonathan had already led me into the living room.


    This genuinely was a luxurious manor that had spanned generations.


    It just radiated wealth and extravagance, and I¡ªsomeone who hadn''t seen much


    of the world-couldn''t help but let out gasps of amazement.


    The truly expensive builds weren''t


    those that were tantly decked out in expensive items, but a ssic, elegant manor like this, where any of the items lying around could be a priceless antique.


    Not long after, an elderly gentleman wearing a suit walked out.


    His hair and beard werepletely white, and he held a normal-looking cane in his hand.


    But from the deep, booming sound it made when it hit the floor, the cane was


    likely another item of considerable value.


    At first nce, the elderly gentleman


    appeared to be someone who preferred to stay out of the limelight, but his demeanor and presence clearly insinuated that he was no ordinary old man.


    "Jonathan." With the help of the butler, the elderly man took a seat, and he looked


    at Jonathan with a mix of sternness and warmth.


    "You''re here." Jonathan nodded, and he led me forward.


    When the elderly man saw me, he scoffed coldly before proceeding to ignore me.


    I froze.


    I had never seen him before, but there was an odd sense of familiarity flowing through my mind, as well as an inexplicable sense of resistance.

 Chapter 28

    I shook my head, feeling a dull ache inside.


    Fragments of mocking voices echoed in my mind.


    "How could someone from such a humble background possibly be a match for the Ford family?"


    "Jonathan is the brightest young man in all of Harthville.


    He could marry a princess if he wanted, yet he chose an ordinary student?"


    "Alicia''s grandfather was myrade in arms, and before he died, he entrusted his granddaughter to me.


    He''s the pride of our family.


    Only he is fit to take care of her!" "Who does Elise think she is?


    Alicia is the heir I painstakingly groomed.


    Elise doesn''t deserve that role!" Those words kept looping in my head, spinning like a storm I couldn''t escape.


    A sharp jolt of pain surged through me, making me stumble slightly.


    Jonathan caught me just in time, steadying me with a hand.


    He looked at me with a hint of concern.


    Though his eyes were so guarded, it was impossible to tell what he was really thinking.


    I wondered if he was worried.


    However, I quickly shook off that thought.


    He likely wasn''t concerned about me.


    He was probably just afraid that I would embarrass him in front of his grandfather, Edward Ford.


    I took a deep breath, straightening myself up.


    Jonathan leaned in and whispered in my ear, "Greet him." I opened my mouth and said, "Good day, Mr.Ford Senior." The moment the words left my lips, a collective gasp echoed through the room.


    The butler, especially, looked at me in shock.


    Jonathan''s expression darkened as he frowned.


    "Call him Grandpa," he said firmly.


    When I didn''t respond, he leaned in and repeated hismand in my ear.


    I pursed my lips, unwilling toply.


    Edward let out a cold snort.


    "Forget it then.


    You''re so petty!" The insult stung, and my face flushed with anger.


    Even though I couldn''t remember him, something about him struck a nerve.


    That gut feeling couldn''t be wrong.


    He must have always been harsh with me.


    That was probably why I was so afraid.


    What surprised me most was that my instinctive reaction to him was fear-not irritation or impatience.


    I couldn''t help but wonder what kind of person I had been turned into after all these years of marriage to Jonathan.


    Faced with someone who so clearly disrespected me and didn''t even try to hide his contempt, my gut reaction wasn''t anger or disgust.


    It was fear.


    Just as I intended to say I was fine and ready to leave, Alicia''s cheerful voice rang out from across the room.


    "Mr.Ford Senior, I''m sorry I''mte."


    I turned toward the sound and saw Alicia standing at the doorway, though I hadn''t even noticed when she had arrived.


    Dressed in a pink dress, she walked in gracefully, carrying a bundle of neatly wrapped gifts.


    Edward''s expression noticeably softened the moment he saw her.


    "Alicia, you''re here," he said warmly.


    His affectionate tone was worlds apart from how he spoke to me.


    Jonathan nced over and frowned slightly.


    Then, he lowered his eyes and gave me a quick look.


    That look carried a warning.


    I stared right back.


    "What are you looking at me for?


    "I snapped.


    Jonathan said nothing.


    He simply pulled me closer and whispered in my ear, "Don''t upset Grandpa." I scoffed and shrugged off his arm.


    "Did you not see?


    "I said coolly.


    "He''s been picking on me this whole time.


    The fact that I didn''t just walk out shows more respect than he deserves." Jonathan said nothing, but instead, he stared at me as if I were a stranger.


    After a long pause, he finally said, "You weren''t like this before." "And what was I like before?


    I asked, shrugging.


    I nced over at Edward and Alicia, who were chatting happily.


    "It''s obvious he wants Alicia to be his granddaughter-inw.


    "Why should I go out of my way for that?


    With that, I turned and walked away.

 Chapter 29

    Jonathan instinctively reached out to grab me, but I dodged him before he could.


    "Elise!" Jonathan snapped, his voiceced with anger.


    Hearing themotion, Edward looked over.


    "I haven''t dismissed her yet.


    Why is she leaving?


    "His tone was filled with anger and disdain.


    I slowed my pace slightly but showed no intention of stopping.


    Alicia quickly chimed in, "It''s okay, Mr.Ford Senior.


    Ms.Sawyer must have been upset when she saw meing." Alicia seemed a bit put off, setting down the gift box in her hands.


    "Sorry, Grandpa.


    I''ll leave right away..." Edward immediately grabbed her, firmly saying, "Who would dare make you leave while I''m here?


    "His cane struck the ground, making a sharp, echoing sound.


    "This is my home.


    I promised your grandfather that wherever I am, it will always be your home too.


    If anyone is leaving, it''s her!" His words were clearly aimed at me, though he didn''t say my name outright.


    I shot him a disinterested nce and replied, "Then let her stay.


    I wasn''t nning to stay anyway." With that, I turned and made my way toward the door.


    Why would I stay when he was speaking to me so rudely?


    Alicia said with a distressed tone, "I''m sorry, Grandpa.


    I really didn''t mean to.


    I don''t want to see you two arguing.


    Things have already been tense between them because of Jonathan and me these past few days.


    I can''t keep making it worse between them!" I scoffed, seeing Alicia y the perfect role of the innocent, virtuous victim.


    I looked at herzily.


    "If you really didn''t want to ruin our rtionship, you wouldn''t be here in the first ce.


    What''s all this pretending now?


    "Edward''s face turned pale with fury.


    He looked at me like I was some kind of monster.


    "Elise!


    I once thought you were just petty and insignificant, but now I see you have no manners at all!


    You don''t deserve to be part of this family!" I scoffed.


    "What a joke of a family.


    I don''t care about belonging to it!" nced over at them, and finally, my gazended on Jonathan.


    With no emotion or hesitation, I turned and walked out.


    Just as I reached the door, I suddenly felt my feet leave the ground.


    Jonathan had swept me up in his arMs. "What are you doing?


    "I eximed.


    "Put me down!


    Didn''t you hear how your grandfather spoke to me?


    "Jonathan gave me a heavy, unreadable look.


    "That''s just how he is.


    "


    low and gravelly, tingedet


    Voice dropped,


    emotion I couldn''t quite


    identify. . to


    "He''s sick.


    He doesn''t have much time left.


    Please, just bear with it." I fell silent, caught off guard by his words.


    The way Edward had looked earlier didn''t suggest anything close to someone on their deathbed.


    Then, I remembered how Jonathan had mentioned I should stay here for a while.


    He was Edward''s only grandson, who was doted on since childhood.


    I could understand why he would want toe and take care of me.


    But why did I have to stay?


    However, I couldn''t quite understand why I had to be involved.


    Did he think I had an obligation to stay by Edward''s side just because I was still


    his wife?


    Yet, the


    hard Edward had seemed


    mentally sharp just now made hard to believe he was near


    his


    end.


    Seeing Jonathan''s serious expression, I fell silent.


    "Since he looks down on me so much, I have no obligation to show him any


    respect.


    Even if he''s dying, it has nothing to do with me," I said calmly.


    "Elise!" Jonathan snapped, gripping my wrist tightly.

 Chapter 30

    Jonathan was always like this.


    Just when my wounds were starting to heal, he would rip them open again.


    I smelled blood and immediately jerked my arm away from him.


    A sharp pain shot through the wound, and I quickly hid my left hand behind my


    back, gritting my teeth as I red at him.


    "Did I say something wrong?


    Didn''t you see how he treated me just now?


    Why should I rush to take care of him?


    He''s got Alicia.


    That should be enough!" "You''re his granddaughter-inw," Jonathan said, staring


    at me.


    "The reason he''s so good to Alicia is because her grandfather was hisrade.


    He lost his life on the battlefield saving him." I hadn''t expected that.


    "But what does that have to do with me?


    "I shot back.


    "It''s your grandfather who owes Alicia''s grandfather, not me.


    Why should I care about your family''s feelings?


    "Jonathan''s expression grew colder, and I saw a flicker of disappointment in his


    eyes.


    "Elise, you weren''t like this before," he said, looking at me as if I were a stranger.


    I couldn''t help butugh.


    "What was I like before?


    Should I have smiled and endured it even when they stepped on me?


    "Well, sorry, but I''m not doing that anymore!" Jonathan paused, clearly struggling


    to contain his emotions.


    Without another word, he suddenly lifted me over his shoulder.


    I was startled, immediately pounding on his back.


    "Jonathan, put me down!


    Put me down!" However, he ignored me.


    Lately, he seemed to be carrying me around more and more, and he was getting


    better at it.


    He knew exactly how to block me, effortlessly countering my attempts to fight


    back.


    Then, he swiftly carried me into a room at the far end of the manor''s corridor.


    This room was a spacious,


    fully-equipped suite, with


    distinct decor that perfectly


    matched Jonathan''s personality.


    He threw me onto therge bed.


    As I looked up, I saw our wedding photo by the bedside and realized this must be


    our room in the manor.


    I quickly climbed off the bed.


    "Where are you going?


    "Jonathan asked, wrapping his arms around my waist.


    "Didn''t you hear what I just said?


    I don''t want to stay here.


    Whether your grandfather lives or dies, it has nothing to do with me!


    If you want to be with him, let Alicia stay with him.


    Why are you forcing me?


    "My anger reached its peak, and I spoke without thinking.


    Jonathan''s eyes burned with barely contained emotion as he stepped closer.


    "Elise, do you even realize what you''re saying?


    "I took a deep breath and met his gaze.


    "Let me go.


    You know he doesn''t like me, and I can''t go back to trying to please him like


    before.


    If you want him to be happy in his final days, don''t make me stay here.


    I''ll only make things worse for him."


    Jonathan''s patience snapped, and


    he forcefully pinned me against him,


    tightening his grip around my waist.


    "You''re my wife, and his granddaughter-inw.


    At a time like this, you must stay here." "Why should I?


    Why?


    "I struggled against him, but in his strength, my efforts were as weak as a cat''s


    scratch.


    "You don''t have to be in front of him,


    you don''t have to show filial piety to


    him, but you will cooperate with me."


    His tone left no room for


    negotiation-it was an order.


    I was furious.


    Without thinking, I bit into his palm.


    The taste of blood filled my mouth.


    I looked up at Jonathan, meeting his deep, unreadable gaze.


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