Chapter 30

Jonathan always did this. Just as my wounds began to heal, he’d rip them open again. I smelled blood, jerking my arm away. A sharp pain shot through the injury, and I quickly hid my hand behind my back, gritting my teeth as I glared at him. “Did I say something wrong? Didn’t you see how he treated me? Why should I rush to care for him? He has Alicia. That should be enough!”

“You’re his granddaughter-in-law,” Jonathan said, his gaze unwavering. “He’s kind to Alicia because her grandfather was his comrade, who died saving him in battle.” I hadn’t anticipated that.

“But what does that have to do with me?” I retorted. “It’s my grandfather who owes Alicia’s grandfather, not me. Why should I care about your family's feelings?”

Jonathan’s expression hardened, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. “Elise, you weren’t always like this,” he said, regarding me as a stranger.

I laughed. “What was I like before? Should I have smiled and endured everything? Well, sorry, but those days are over!”

Jonathan paused, clearly struggling. Without a word, he hoisted me onto his shoulder. Startled, I pounded on his back. “Jonathan, put me down!” He ignored me. Lately, he’d been carrying me more often, and he was getting better at it—blocking my attempts to escape with effortless ease. He carried me to a room at the manor’s far end; a spacious, well-appointed suite, simply yet distinctly decorated, reflecting Jonathan’s personality. He deposited me on the large bed. Seeing our wedding photo on the nightstand, I recognized our room. I quickly got off the bed.

“Where are you going?” Jonathan asked, his arms encircling my waist. “Didn’t you hear me? I don’t want to be here. Whether your grandfather lives or dies is none of my concern! If you want to be with him, let Alicia stay. Why are you forcing me?” My anger peaked; I spoke without thinking.

Jonathan’s eyes burned with barely suppressed emotion as he drew closer. “Elise, do you realize what you’re saying?”

I met his gaze, taking a deep breath. “Let me go. You know he dislikes me, and I can’t keep trying to please him. If you want him happy, don’t make me stay. I’ll only make things worse.”

Jonathan’s patience broke. He forcefully pinned me against him, tightening his grip. “You’re my wife, and his granddaughter-in-law. At a time like this, you must stay.”

“Why should I? Why?” I struggled, my efforts as futile as a kitten’s scratch against his strength. “You don’t have to be in front of him, you don’t have to show him filial piety, but you will cooperate with me.” His tone brooked no argument; it was a command.

Furious, I bit his palm. The taste of blood filled my mouth. I looked up at Jonathan, meeting his deep, unreadable gaze.