Jonathan’s gaze bore into Ethan, his tone unyielding and filled with authority. “Is Emily the reason you’re divorcing Jessica?”
Ethan remained silent, his expression unreadable.
The stern lines of Jonathan’s face deepened, his voice rising. “Ethan, let me make myself perfectly clear. As long as I am alive, I will never allow you to marry Emily!”
Grace, alarmed by Jonathan’s intensity, quickly interjected. “Jonathan, please, calm down. This isn’t good for your health.”
Ethan’s expression darkened, his emotions swirling just beneath the surface. He fixed Jonathan with a hard stare, his voice tinged with frustration. “Why can’t I marry Emily? Six years, Dad. For six years, she’s stood by me, proving her love over and over. Isn’t that enough?”
Jonathan’s face softened slightly, though his tone remained resolute. “Ethan, as your father, have I ever wished anything but the best for you? Emily isn’t right for you. Trust me on this, just this once. Let her go and give your marriage to Jessica the chance it deserves.”
Ethan’s scoff was sharp, laced with bitterness. “You’ve been singing the same tune for years—claiming to protect me while controlling every decision I make. You threatened me to end things with Emily, forced me into this marriage with Jessica, and justified it all as being ‘for my own good.’”
He paused, his voice dropping to a cold, cutting tone. “But, Dad, I’m not that naive kid anymore. Do you really think I’ll cave to your threats again?”
His words struck like a whip, the tension in the room climbing higher with each syllable. His unblinking gaze locked onto Jonathan’s, an unwavering challenge blazing in his eyes.
Jonathan’s anger surged in response, his complexion reddening as his frustration reached its peak.
“Jonathan, please,” Grace implored, placing a calming hand on his arm. Turning to Ethan, she spoke urgently, “Ethan, this isn’t the time to stress your father. Please, just stop.”
Ethan sealed his lips, his silence doing little to ease the chill in the room. Yet, for a fleeting moment, a hint of softness flickered in his eyes, betraying a sliver of concern.
Eventually, Jonathan’s temper ebbed, though his breathing remained labored. After a moment of thoughtful pause, he spoke again, his voice steady but firm.
“Ethan, let’s make a bet,” Jonathan proposed. “We’ll give your relationship with Jessica one month. During this time, I need your full cooperation with my plans and an honest attempt to nurture feelings for her. If, after this period, you still prefer Emily, I promise to stay out of your love life forever. However, if things change—if you realize Jessica is the right choice—you will end things with Emily and commit fully to your marriage.”
Jonathan knew that the Ethan of today was not the same man he had tried to manipulate six years ago. Coercion and ultimatums would no longer work. A subtler approach was needed.
Ethan raised his eyebrows, mildly surprised by the proposition. He hadn’t expected such an unusual gamble from his father.
Jonathan’s lips curled into a knowing smile as he noticed Ethan’s momentary hesitation. “What’s the matter? Are you afraid? Or maybe… worried that you might actually fall for Jessica?”
To Ethan, the suggestion was almost laughable. Falling for Jessica? The idea was absurd.
“Fine,” Ethan said confidently. “I’ll take your bet.”
It was only one month, and afterward, Jonathan would finally stop meddling in his personal life. As for developing feelings for Jessica? That was as likely as the sun rising in the west.
Ethan felt assured of his victory.
“Very well,” Jonathan replied with a firm nod. The bet was set, and the clock had begun ticking. In the evening, Jessica arrived at the distinguished local restaurant she had agreed to
have dinner with Ryan.