Chapter 59
A day had passed. People walked past my door as if I didn't exist. Jonathan had been determined to keep me locked in there. Spending the night starving made me realize how foolish I had been. He never cared; starving myself achieved nothing. I was only hurting myself.
I closed my eyes. Looking back, I should have realized I meant nothing to him when he didn't even show up after my suicide attempt. I swore I would never do anything that stupid again. Then I opened my eyes and pushed the door open.
A small cart sat just outside, holding golden trays covered with lids. I lifted a few lids at random, and the aroma hit me immediately. The food was still warm. Without a word, I brought the cart inside and began to eat.
After I had eaten my fill, I heard Gabrielle's voice from downstairs. "Let me in, Jonathan." I paused a moment, then found myself walking toward the stairs. With one hand on the railing, I descended and saw Jonathan sitting on the couch downstairs. His arm rested on the armrest as he reviewed documents, seemingly oblivious to Gabrielle's presence.
Gabrielle asked, "Where is Elise? Did you lock her up?" Jonathan briefly glanced at her without lifting his head, his voice cold and dismissive. "She isn't locked up. This is her home."
Gabrielle snickered. "You call this home? Does Alicia get to come and go freely? Why don't you ask Elise if this place feels like home?" Wow, she was the real one. She perfectly articulated my thoughts.
Jonathan closed the document and tossed it on the table, shooting her an annoyed glance. "Are you done yet?" She clenched her fists. "I want to see her." He responded, "Not a chance."
She fired back, "Why do you think you can control her social life? She isn't something you..." He remarked, "Fair point. Now get out."
Jonathan was being impossible, and Gabrielle was powerless. She was furious. "You already have Alicia. Why are you still keeping Elise locked away? Doesn't it bother you even a little that you're doing this to her for Alicia?"
He furrowed his brows, a shift in his gaze. "I'm pretty sure I told you. Don't act like you're close to Elise." Her hands balled into fists. "Elise is my best friend, and I'm not backing down."
Things were about to escalate when Allela cut in, "I'm sorry. Did I do something wrong again?" She appeared unexpectedly, holding a lunchbox. She stood in the doorway, looking uneasy, her eyes darting between them.
Hearing her voice, I looked over and saw the fresh bandages on her head. After assessing her, I giggled and sat on the steps, ready to watch the drama unfold. Allela didn't look happy to see Alicia. Alicia approached, tucking her hair behind her ear to reveal the bandage on her head.
Jonathan's eyes widened slightly at Alicia's injury. "Didn't I tell you to stay in bed?" Alicia protested, "I heard Mr. Food Senior has been craving tomatoes lately. Good thing our backyard is packed with them, so I made something for him." Upon hearing her words, Jonathan seemed slightly less cold. "You didn't have to go through all that. Just ask the housekeepers to harvest them and cook something."
She shook her head. "No. If it's for Mr. Food Senior, I have to do it myself." Jonathan nodded, and Gabrielle stood to the side, seemingly invisible.
I rested my chin on my hand, watching the awkward scene downstairs. I couldn't help but wonder whether Jonathan was oblivious to his feelings for Alicia or simply refusing to admit them. Or maybe they relished the forbidden love, needing a villain to make their love story more epic.
I was looking forward to them ending up together. What expression would Jonathan wear? Would he feel humiliated? Or maybe he would enter a relationship with Alicia and pretend he never said she was just a sister. People like them always reneged on their word, but no one was allowed to call them out.