Chapter 1848

"Reluctant?" Jonathan arched an eyebrow, a cool edge to his voice.

"No, I’m willing to do that!" Lance's heart skipped a beat as he bobbed his head anxiously.

"Remember, I want a public declaration of love. If I don't hear it, well, you can forget about women and

dedicate yourself to men from here on out," Jonathan's tone was flat, but it sent a chill down Lance's

spine.

Lance shuddered uncontrollably and instinctively crossed his legs. "I'll go, I'll do it!"

Jonathan towered over him, his gaze commanding. "Do you know the girl chatting with Manley?"

Lance immediately shook his head. "No clue!"

"If you see her again, steer clear. If I catch you both in my sight, I'll be telling your dad to pick out a nice

plot for your family's eternal rest," Jonathan said, his voice icy.

Lance's face drained of color.

"Get out!" Jonathan dismissed him with a wave.

Lance, nursing his pain, made for the door, eager to put as much distance between himself and

Jonathan as possible. What had he been thinking, trying to cross this man?

As he flung open the door, Charlie stood there, his smile suave. "Make sure you look heartfelt when

you confess."

Despite the smile, Lance felt a cold dread. He nodded hurriedly and scampered away.

Charlie stepped inside to find Jonathan on the couch, a cigarette in hand. "Thought you were trying to

conceive? Why pick up smoking again?"

Jonathan was feeling stifled, unsure how to vent his frustration. He took a couple of puffs and crushed

the cigarette out. Spotting Lance's forgotten phone on the coffee table, he picked it up, snapped it in

two, and tossed it aside.

"What did you make you listen to? A recording of Manley and Estelle? What were they doing on the

third floor?"

Charlie had arrived in the midst of Jonathan's interrogation of Lance. He hadn't intruded, catching only

the gist of their conversation.

"How should I kill him?" Jonathan murmured low, leaning back on the sofa, his eyes shut, his

expression stormy and fierce.

Manley had once saved Estelle, and that act of heroism seemed to bind Jonathan, filling him with such

loathing yet preventing him from exacting revenge.

More importantly, Estelle was protective of Manley. If Jonathan hurt Manley, it would drive a wedge

between him and Estelle.

For Manley's sake, to make his Ella suffer? He wasn't worth it!

Charlie frowned slightly. "Manley's got a thing for Estelle, but she doesn't seem to reciprocate. If they

were meant to be, they'd be together by now. The third floor has cameras. If it bothers you, I can have

someone pull the footage."

"No need!" Jonathan's lips parted slightly, his eyes betraying no doubt. "My Ella wouldn't. She only has

eyes for me. Of that, I'm certain."

Lance's recording was edited, never once capturing Estelle's voice. Jonathan knew she wouldn't have

given Manley the time of day.

He trusted Estelle implicitly. It was just the thought of her hugging Manley that set his insides ablaze

with jealousy, itching to sever Manley's hands then and there.

"If you trust Estelle, there's no need to fret. It's normal for a girl like her to have admirers. You can't

expect her to stop talking to every man," Charlie said with a chuckle. "The ceremony's almost over.

Let's go out there."

"I'm not going," Jonathan grumbled, scowling.

"Just thinking of seeing Estelle and Manley together in their bridesmaid and groomsman getup gives

me a headache!"

"But Estelle's looking stunning today. You're going to miss out on that?" Charlie teased.

Jonathan was desperate to see her, especially after so many days apart. He missed her like crazy.

"Fine, let's go," Charlie coaxed, raising an eyebrow.

Jonathan rose, grabbed his black trench coat, and made for the door.

Arriving at the chapel, they caught the ring exchange. Estelle and Manley were each holding a ring,

ready to slip them onto Magdalen and Morrison's fingers.