Chapter 238 Bad Memories
Chapter 238 Bad Memories
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Zacharias had gone to White Inc. when Selina called, pulled into fixing problems that were not his. Later, he explained it away, saying he had only done it because he did not want her to cut ties with her parents. He told her he wanted to keep the peace in her family, so he had thrown himself into helping.
She had believed him then. Looking back, she realized how naive she had been. That marriage had never been genuine. It had never been treated as something real, not from the very first day.
Now, in this marriage bound by a contract, she felt something she had never expected. Jonathan’s respect for her was clear, and there was sincerity in the way he carried himself.
“Do you really think it looks that good?”
His voice rolled over her, low and magnetic, as his fingers slipped the marriage license from her
grasp.
Anneliese snapped back to the moment and lifted her eyes.
Jonathan was staring at the photo with unwavering focus.
“Someone looks like they got dragged there against their will.”
Her mouth opened. She admitted silently that her smile had been stiff, but his words were far too much.
She pushed up on her toes, leaning close to see for herself, and her voice came out in protest.
“I was just nervous. If you don’t like it, then stop staring at it. It won’t matter in two years anyway. The marriage is just a…”
The word “contract” pressed hard against her throat, and she cut herself short. The contract would end in two years.
Before she could finish, Jonathan’s arm wrapped tight around her waist, and he spun her aside.
A group of men and women stormed past, their voices loud with argument, and one came close to colliding with her.
Anneliese stumbled, falling straight into Jonathan’s chest.
His heartbeat filled her ears, steady and strong.
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Chapter 238 Bad Memories
For a fleeting second, her own heart fell into rhythm with his.
She pulled away, her voice breaking. “T–Thank you.”
Before she could say more, Jonathan tapped the license against her forehead.
She froze and lifted her eyes. He gave the booklets a small shake.
“Mrs. Fullbuster, that wasn’t what you were supposed to say.”
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His eyes narrowed in quiet warning. The license was theirs now. To fool the world, they both had to stay in character.
The name slipped from him so easily that heat crept into her cheeks.
His ability to step into the role unsettled her.
But she knew the truth. This marriage had given her more than him.
She had fought for it, and she had promised to play her part. If affection was what it required, then she would give it.
She lifted her chin, her flushed face blooming with a smile.
“You’re right, Mr. Fullbuster. You kept me safe, so a thank you isn’t enough. You deserve a reward.”
Before he could speak, she pressed a quick kiss against his cheek. Then she shoved him back and darted away, her eyes flashing with mischief.
Jonathan froze. This was… unexpected.
The kiss was soft, fleeting, and light as a butterfly wing brushing his skin. It passed in an instant, yet it rippled through him like waves breaking across a still lake. A boyish rush filled his chest, something he had not felt in years.
He stood where he was, lips curving faintly, his gaze fixed on her as she sprinted ahead. Only when she was far did he lengthen his stride to catch up.
Outside City Hall, Anneliese turned to him.
“You said you’re leaving on a trip this afternoon. You don’t need to drive me. I can grab a cab.”
Jonathan caught her hand. “You’re hungry, aren’t you?”
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Chapter 238 Bad Memories
Her stomach gave her away with a loud growl.
She pressed her palm against her belly and glared at him.
She remembered perfectly well who had kept her from eating lunch.
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For once, his composed face shifted with something rare, an almost embarrassed flicker.
It vanished in a blink.
“My fault. Let’s get food.”
He brought her to a restaurant tucked into a quiet neighborhood of garden homes.
The setting was beautiful, private, and refined, the kind of place that did not welcome just anyone. The service was flawless.
The food was a blend of flavors, each dish delicate and rich. They ate until they were full, and the air between them eased into something warm and unhurried.
“I know another place. A Riverland spot. The food is incredible. Next time, I’ll take
you there.”
Her words were soft as they stepped out into the evening, her smile gentle.
The place she spoke of belonged to Raven and his wife. Raven’s cooking alone was worth the visit.
Jonathan’s brows lifted, his interest plain.
“After I get back from my trip.”
“Alright.”
They walked side by side, their voices fading into the air. They did not see the group emerging from another garden path.
At the front of it walked Zacharias, beside a man with the calm and polished bearing of a scholar.
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