Chapter 3 Keep Deceiving Me Forever

• When Frank pulled Zoey down from the windowsill, she was nearly petrified with fear.
• Jonathan's heart nearly ceased beating from the shock.
• "You're willing to risk your life just to call off our engagement?" Anger, worry, and disappointment swirled within him, causing his voice to tremble.
• "I'm not... I..."
• Zoey wanted to explain, but Jonathan cut her off. "Frank, escort Miss Saldana home."
• Before Frank could intervene, Zoey rushed to Jonathan's side, earnestly apologizing, "Jonathan! I came to see you! I know I was wrong—pushing you down the stairs was unforgivable. I'm sorry..."
• The more she spoke, the deeper her guilt sank, her voice fading.
• "You came here only to apologize?" Jonathan's complexion softened marginally.
• Of course not! I came to persuade you to seek treatment for your legs!
• "And there's one more thing..."
• Certainly, she is here to call off the engagement.
• Jonathan's heart sank entirely.
• The ward's temperature seemed to plummet, and Zoey sensed his anger. She needed to calm him.
• Approaching him, she knelt down.
• Throughout, Frank and Finn scrutinized her. If she posed any threat to Jonathan, they would throw her out.
• As she drew nearer, Jonathan held his breath.
• Zoey regarded him, seeing the man who had protected her until now.
• He was the man revered across Avereland, destined to live beyond the gods.
• But she bankrupted his company, nearly landed him in jail, and caused him a lifetime of paralysis.
• What makes me deserving of his love?
• Tears blurred her vision, and her voice choked, "Jon..."
• "What did you call me?" Jonathan's eyes widened.
• "Jon..."
• Jonathan's memories were suddenly drawn back into the distant past. When they were young, Zoey used to shadow him everywhere, addressing him as Jon with tender and soothing words.
• But as she matured, her dislike for him grew steadily, and she increasingly criticized him.
• "Zoey, no matter what, I won't agree to cancel the engagement."
• Gradually, his fervent heart quietened, and Jonathan's tone was somber.
• He knew Zoey too well. Her current actions are solely aimed at persuading me to call off the engagement.
• "Yeah, no canceling the engagement! Jon, I want to be your bride for life. I'll never leave you again, and you're not allowed to leave me."
• Behind them, Finn and Frank appeared shocked beyond belief.
• Is Miss Saldana okay? Why is she acting like a completely different person today?
• "Jon, I know Mrs. Holmes is overseas, arranging for the best doctors for you. Will you please be cooperative and go abroad for treatment? Once your legs are healed, we'll get engaged and never part again." Zoey's voice strained.
• Jonathan regarded her seriously. "You really want me to go abroad?"
• Zoey nodded fervently. She did, indeed. Just the thought of Jonathan in a wheelchair for those years made her want to cry.
• Her urgency was perceived differently by others.
• Finn cursed silently, considering her foolish.
• Indeed, Jonathan's expression changed.
• His dark eyes bore into Zoey, a hint of unrecognized pain in his voice. "Zoey, are you trying to push me away? I won't go abroad, and you shouldn't even consider calling off..."
• The last word stuck in his throat. Jonathan felt warmth on his cheek and shuddered violently.
• Did she... just kiss me?
• Zoey knew he misunderstood, acknowledging her past mistakes were too grave. No matter what she said, no one would believe her; she could only act.
• "Jon, I'm not lying to you. I won't leave you again. Please go abroad for treatment. I'll wait for you to return and marry me. If you still doubt me, I can swear that if I lie, I'll..."
• Jonathan's index finger silenced her.
• He didn't want her oath.
• "Zoey, whether you're lying or not, words once said cannot be unsaid."
• She pledged to wait for him to return and marry her, so there was no going back.
• "I absolutely won't regret it! So Jon, have you agreed to go abroad?"
• Her eagerness was palpable. Jonathan looked at her for a while before hoarsely saying, "I'll consider it."
• She's probably deceiving me. Since she's deceived me once, she could keep deceiving me forever.