Chapter 6
Marissa’s chest tightened, and her phone slipped from her fingers, shattering on the floor.
She never imagined the accident had been part of Jonathan’s plan too.
Lying in the hospital bed, Marissa pulled the blanket over her head, her heart so shattered that she was numb to the pain of her injuries.
Jonathan had gone so far just to make his uncle give in.
He even shielded her with his body when the car exploded.
Why? He had already decided to hurt her, so why save her and injure himself in the process?
She had a theory but dismissed it before it could take root.
“Jonathan, if your goal was to humiliate me, then don’t pretend you feel anything.
“Because if there’s still a shred of real emotion in you, you’re the one who’ll suffer for it.”
Because of the accident, Marissa ended up staying in the hospital for a week, and Jonathan stayed too, taking care of her the whole time.
His back had a large wound, but he only gave it a basic bandage.
He stuck to her side day and night–feeding her, helping her to the bathroom, and covering her when she kicked the quilt off in her sleep.
The nurses all gushed about how lucky she was to have a boyfriend.
like him.
Yet, Marissa did not feel lucky. To her, it was all just part of the act.
Every gesture and every bit of care was all part of a carefully crafted
lic.
Once her condition improved, Marissa could not wait to get. discharged.
Seeing how stifled she had felt in the hospital, Jonathan offered to take her out to a new bar his friend had just opened.
The lighting in the private room was low and moody, and the bass from the music practically rattled the walls.
Jonathan sat close to Marissa, handing her slices of fruit while his friends hovered nearby, all smiles and sweet words.
The more warmly they treated her, the more out of place Marissa felt.
Then the door swung open, and Christina strolled in like she owned the place.
Everyone fell silent, casting each other quick glances and immediately looking down.
Jonathan’s fists clenched at his sides, his whole body tense. A few of the guys rushed over to Christina, whispering into her ear.
“Didn’t we settle this already?” one of them muttered. “You told Jonny to crash the car, and he did. Why are you here again?”
Christina tilted her head with a sly smile. “Relax. I’m not here to cause
a des
a scene. I’m here to help.
“If Jonathan has a problem with her, then so do I. Why not have a little fun together?”
She gestured casually as she spoke, and the guys leaned in.
Whatever she said had them grinning, glancing at Marissa, and then stilling their laughter behind their hands.
Marissa’s gut twisted. The vibe was off. Something was definitely up.
Once Christina finished scheming, she walked toward Marissa. Though she wore a polite smile, her eyes could not hide the disdain.”
“Ms. Monroe, I came to say sorry. Jonathan already scolded me for what happened last time,” she said sweetly, settling beside her.
“He turned down the engagement, and my family agreed.”
Marissa narrowed her eyes and felt the anxiety build inside of her.
That did not sound right. Christina was not the type to give in so easily, so there had to be something else going on.
Jonathan looked tense, his gaze flicking nervously between the two
Women.
Christina pulled a small, elegant box from her purse and placed it in
Marissa’s hand.
“As an apology, I got you a Chanel necklace,” she said, her smile as sharp as glass.
Marissa pulled her hand back, and the gift box fell to the ground.
dwes
“Forget it, I will leave Los Angeles soon, and I don’t want to owe you anything.”
The moment Jonathan heard her, his expression completely shifted.
His face darkened, and he quickly grabbed Marissa by the shoulders to make her face him.
Usually composed, he now looked genuinely rattled, and his voice was rough and almost panicked.
“Mari, what are you talking about? You want to leave Los Angeles? After we get married, aren’t you supposed to stay here with me?”
Marissa stared at him, completely unmoved.
How could he still pretend like this? Like nothing had happened. Like he had not betrayed her.
She brushed his hands off and responded lightly, “I was just speaking offhand. My home’s in Houston anyway, so I probably won’t be living. in Los Angeles much longer.”
