Chapter 317 Bittersweet Tenderness
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Chapter 317 Bittersweet Tenderness
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Timothy didn’t give Selina the chance to make another scene. Exchanging a sharp glance with Perseus, the two of them seized Selina and hustled her out of the hall, stumbling beneath the weight of countless stares.
If they lingered any longer, they risked being forcibly removed–and that humiliation would be far worse.
Once they disappeared, the banquet hall slowly regained its balance. Laughter and conversation swelled back into the air, as though nothing had happened.
Meanwhile, Derek and Marlowe guided Anneliese and Jonathan into a smaller lounge. After exchanging a few courteous remarks, Derek and Marlowe excused themselves–they still had guests to welcome–and left the couple alone, sensing the tension between them.
Jonathan settled into the couch, one leg crossed over the other, his sharp features clouded with ice.
Since Derek and Marlowe’s departure, he hadn’t uttered a single word, yet the oppressive weight of his silence filled the room.
Anneliese risked a sideways glance at him, her heart sinking. He was furious–she knew exactly why–and that knowledge made her uneasy, almost fearful of this side of him.
Her tongue darted across her lips before she spoke, breaking the silence.
“Why… did you suddenly show up?”
The instant the words left her mouth, regret crashed in. Of all things to say, that sounded like she didn’t want him there at all.
Jonathan’s expression darkened, his voice cutting like frost.
“My wife comes to a party with her ex–husband, and I’m supposed to sit back and ignore it?”
Anneliese’s panic spiked. She scrambled from her seat and clasped his hand in desperation.
“No, no! That’s not it! I can explain!”
One eyebrow arched, his gaze piercing. “Then let’s hear it–your excuse.”
Her cheeks burned. She hadn’t even begun, and already she felt guilty, as though every would sound hollow.
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Chapter 317 Bittersweet Tenderness
Still, she forced herself to speak.
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“I helped Zacharias secure the deal with Crucible Group only because he threatened me with my grandma. I pretended to cooperate, but it was all a ruse.
Mrs. Golding is like a mentor to me. Since I was in Oceaton, I would have attended the banquet regardless. I wasn’t playing along with Zacharias to support him–I wanted to make it clear that we’re divorced. We didn’t even arrive together, I swear. Please believe me.”
She squeezed his hand, her voice softening in appeal.
Jonathan remained stern, but her earnestness chipped away at his fury.
His expression stayed cold, yet there was a flicker of restraint.
“Oh? So, you planned to attend alone? Did it slip your mind that you have a husband?”
Anneliese froze, speechless.
She had no defense–she truly hadn’t considered inviting Jonathan to accompany her.
She still wasn’t used to her new role; more often than not, she simply forgot she was married. Besides, she had her own reasons.
But at the moment, faced with the man’s wounded, questioning gaze, Anneliese realized how much that hurt him.
His low hum pressed the silence further.
Anneliese lowered her gaze, conceding. “It was my fault. I’ll make it right next time. And also…”
Her hesitation didn’t provoke him. Instead, he looped a finger around hers, tugging her gently toward him.
She gave in, settling beside him, the couch dipping beneath their weight.
Jonathan slung an arm lazily along the backrest, but soon it shifted to her shoulder. In an instant, she felt her hip press against the firm line of his thigh, her whole body seeming to lean
into his embrace.
The faint trace of champagne on his breath mingled with his subtle, woody cologne,
enveloping her senses.
Her heart hammered.
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Chapter 317 Bittersweet Tenderness
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The thought that anyone passing through the banquet hall could easily glimpse them pressed so closely together left her mind in turmoil.
She instinctively shifted, trying to put some space between them, but Jonathan’s hand slid from the couch to clasp her slender shoulder, holding her firmly in place.
His stance was unyielding.
Anneliese could only look up at him, biting her lip before whispering,
“I just thought… you’re so busy. The Golding Family’s banquet is nothing more than a minor social affair to you. I was afraid bringing you here would only waste your time, disturb you with something meaningless…”
And that was truly what she had believed.
Watching her so cautious and careful, Jonathan felt the last of his anger dissolve, leaving only helplessness and a bittersweet tenderness.
His broad palm suddenly shifted from her shoulder to the back of her neck, urging her forward. Anneliese had no choice but to lean in, and the next moment, a gentle kiss brushed her brow.
He didn’t release her afterward. With his forehead resting against hers, his voice came low and steady.
9:27 Thu, Sep 25
