Jonathan.
Chapter 131
She and Peter weren’t exactly close, but they’d known each other for years
In her memory, Peter had always been approachable, almost gentlemanly in his manner, and it was rare to ever see him lose his temper
But it didn’t take Niamh long to realize that Peter was just putting on a show
He was acting the part of her protective boyfriend, making a deliberate effort to defend her.
Jonathan, on the other hand…
He wasn’t pretending.
That was just how Jonathan was when it came to Marina
A party that had started out lively and lighthearted was now suddenly charged with tension.
Jonathan and Peter squared off for a long, uncomfortable moment before Jonathan finally broke into a crooked smile.
“I guess I really am a hypocrite sometimes,” he said.
He left it at that, but everyone caught the implication:
So what are you going to do about it?
Truth was, there wasn’t much Peter could do.
Especially when the whole situation between Niamh and Jonathan was really nome of his business anyway.
“You guys have fun,” Peter said at last. “I’ll take my girlfriend and head out. The flowers in here are a bit much for her–she’s allergic to pollen.”
Everyone knew “girlfriend” meant Niamh.
She caught the cool, sardonic curl of Jonathan’s lips.
She understood that look all too well.
Jonathan probably thought Peter was just making an excuse to get her out of there,
He still didn’t know…
She really was allergic to pollen.
1/3
Chapter 31
Jonathan didn’t stop them. Neither did Marina.
After all, this whole party had been Marina’s idea–to let everyone in the department see for themselves how Jonathan treated her.
And how he treated Niamh.
She wanted to put an end to those rumors, to finally shake off that “other woman” label.
Marina was sure that after tonight, gossip would spread through the office that she and Jonathan were living together, and that he even cooked for her himself.
Peter draped his arm around Niamh’s shoulder and walked her out of Jade Peak House, but they hadn’t even left the neighborhood before Jonathan caught up with
them.
He’d taken off his apron, and even without his suit jacket, the intensity he carried was impossible to ignore.
“Is there something else you need, Mr. Thomas?” Peter asked.
Jonathan’s eyes flicked to where Peter’s arm still rested across Niamh’s shoulders.
“My only concern,” Jonathan said quietly, “is that she’s still a married woman. You might want to keep your hands to yourself.”
His tone was calm, but Peter suddenly felt awkward, unsure what to do with his
hand.
“Why not say that in front of everyone, Mr. Thomas?” Peter shot back.
Jonathan’s mouth curled into a faint smile. “Niamh’s the one who said she was single. I just didn’t have the heart to expose her lie.”
“And what about you, Mr. Thomas?” Peter pressed, his expression serious, his voice laced with accusation. “Are you married, or single?”
Jonathan glanced at Niamh, but didn’t answer.
Back inside, the party was still in full swing, but people’s attention had long since drifted away from the food and games.
“So… why did Mr. Thomas run out after them?” someone whispered.
“Yeah, isn’t Peter supposed to be Niamh’s boyfriend? What’s going on here?” another added.
“There’s definitely something weird happening here.”
14:01
Chapter 131
“Hush, keep your voice down!”
A few colleagues clustered together, whispering behind cupped hands.
Their voices weren’t loud, but Marina still heard every word.
She was handing out desserts, trying to look casual, but inside, her nerves were a tangled mess.
Why did Jonathan go outside?
To follow Niamh?
Marina didn’t believe it.
If Jonathan really had feelings for Niamh, he wouldn’t have acted so indifferent when Peter showed up.
And in front of the whole department, Jonathan hadn’t shown Niamh even a hint of
favoritism.
Gradually, Marina’s anxiety ebbed away, replaced by a renewed sense of confidence. Not long after, Jonathan came back–empty–handed.
“Jonathan, didn’t I ask you to pick up some soy sauce?” Marina pouted playfully.
Jonathan paused, then flashed an apologetic smile. “Sorry, I forgot. I’ll go now.”
“No need, I’ll just order delivery.”
“Alright.”
As the pair exchanged these easy words, those who’d suspected Jonathan of chasing after Niamh couldn’t help but wonder if they’d gotten it all wrong.
