Chapter 19
“So, that’s how it is…” I mused. From Frederick and Gabrielle’s descriptions, I pieced 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 I’d lost my memory; it would only complicate the divorce proceedings. But hearing their accounts also made me introspective. Could my twenty-five-year-old self truly love someone so deeply? My eighteen-year-old self couldn’t comprehend it. It was difficult to accept not only being seven years older but also having become the kind of love-obsessed fool I once scorned.
As I chatted and laughed with Frederick, a familiar voice chirped, “Isn’t that Elise? Why’s she with Frederick?” Then, as if realizing something, the voice continued, “It must be because Frederick saved her. She’s here to thank him. I’m sure Ms. Sawyer isn’t the type to meet men privately.” I turned to find Jonathan and Alicia standing there. His dark eyes, devoid of warmth, fixed on me. “I told you I don’t like you hanging out with him.”
Frowning, I snapped, “We’re getting divorced; what’s it to you?” I couldn’t believe I’d cut off friends because Jonathan disliked it. I understood wanting me to maintain social boundaries, but why couldn’t I have male friends? Jonathan stared impassively at Frederick. “Thank you for saving my wife. I’ve already expressed my gratitude with the Brindlewest project. There’s no need for you two to meet privately anymore.”
Frederick smiled faintly, a hint of mockery in his expression. “That was you thanking me as Elise’s husband. Today, I’m accepting her gratitude as her friend. Don’t confuse the two.” The atmosphere thickened. I didn’t want to see Jonathan and Alicia, so I grabbed my bag. “Let’s go somewhere else, Frederick.” He shrugged. “I don’t want to get involved; I’ll leave.” With him gone, I wanted to leave too. As I turned to go, Jonathan grabbed my arm, his gaze icy. “Where are you going?”
“What’s it to you?” I glanced at Alicia. “Go keep your woman company. And hurry up and send the divorce agreement. Otherwise, she’ll remain your secret mistress.” Jonathan opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to speak, but I didn’t listen. I shook off his grasp and followed Frederick.
It was evening when I reached home. Perhaps my past actions had been too extreme; Frederick didn’t entirely trust me. He probably only saved me because he didn’t want to see me drown. I didn’t bother him further. This world remained unfamiliar. I needed to find a place to stay; otherwise, I’d be homeless after the divorce.
When Jonathan saw me return, he approached, his expression frigid. “So, you remembered to come home?” His tone annoyed me. “Can you stop tracking me? I was with a friend. What’s it to you?” As the words left my mouth, a sharp pain pierced my temples, and blurry images flooded my mind. I stumbled back, gripping the couch. I’d heard similar words before. I looked at him, my eyes bloodshot. I remembered. A crystal-clear image surfaced: Jonathan had said those exact words to me after a late business dinner. When I’d questioned him, he’d impatiently dismissed me with those same words. Now, I’d echoed them back to him.