Chapter 276
Chapter 276 Loving Husband
The air between them hung heavy, quiet, yet it carried no awkwardness.
There was only a strange, tense stillness.
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Jonathan finally broke the silence, his voice gentle and full of concern. “Are you feeling better
now p>
Anneliese nodded, her gaze dropping as she added quickly, “Yes, much better. I already left the hospital p>
“Make sure you drink plenty of water. Your voice sounded a little nasal just now p>
The nasal tone had come from the near tears, not sickness.
She did not want him worrying about her anymore, and she refused to burden him further. She gave a small, soft smile. “I know p>
But she did not want to hang up yet. Her voice trembled slightly as she asked, “What are you doing right now p>
He was probably still on the plane.
Her own question made her tense. She worried it sounded like she was grasping for
conversation.
She pressed her lips together, bracing herself, but Jonathan did not give her a moment to feel awkward.
Tm catching up on some sleep,” he said casually.
“What p>
Anneliese froze, guilt stabbing her chest. He had been resting. That lazy, tired sound in his voice now made sense.
She had interrupted him. Her lips pressed together as she began to apologize, but then came the faint rustle of movement from his side.
He was getting up. “I should be up anyway. I have a meeting soon. So, thank you for waking me up, honey!
Anneliese’s chest tightened. She had intruded on his work, and she knew how tightly packed
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Chapter 276 Loving Husband
his schedule always was.
He had flown back just for her, sacrificing hours of sleep she could hardly imagine.
Her chest softened with guilt. “Then I’ll leave you to it p>
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She paused for a moment. Then she spoke, her voice gentle and almost motherly. “Take care of yourself too. Don’t overdo it p>
Her words sounded like a quiet, real wife caring for her husband traveling for work.
She did not wait for his reply and hung up the phone.
On the plane, Jonathan held the phone, a faint curve touching his lips.
He felt the subtle, careful way she was inching toward him, even across the distance.
Yet even that little distance she closed was enough to make her red and shy.
Anneliese felt lighter after the call. She turned, and the faint curve of a shy smile touched her lips.
A gasp left her mouth.
Her eyes snapped up, and she instinctively pressed a hand to her chest.
Outside the balcony’s floor–to–ceiling glass door, a figure stood.
It was Zacharias. His presence was dark, heavy, oppressive, and suffocating even through the glass. His eyes chilled the air around her.
Anneliese frowned. Before she could react, Zacharias pushed the door open.
She took a step back, instinctive fear flashing in her chest. “What are you doing here p>
He looked at her, wary and guarded, his handsome face dark and stormy.
He grabbed her hand, holding it tight. “Who was that on the phone just now? Who were you talking to?
She had been radiant, laughing with another man. Now, at the sight of him, she was cold and
distant.
Zacharias could not tolerate such a contrast. Jealousy flared hot in his chest, and his eyes
darkened red.
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“I can talk to whoever I please, and it’s still none of your business. Who do you think you are, demanding answers from me? You’re my ex–husband, and as I recall, that means you’re as good as dead to me p>
Anneliese yanked her hand free and flicked at her sleeve with disdain.
Zacharias chest rose and fell rapidly, but he did not push further. Force would only drive her
away.
He softened his voice, his tone lower but heavy with longing. “Anne, you must be hungry. I cooked your favorite dishes myself. We haven’t had a proper meal at home together in so long p>
“Seriously, are you already that far gone in your delusion p>
She crossed her arms and cut him off sharply, her voice cold and firm.
“I’ll say it again. I’m married. When Grandma wakes up, I’m taking her away p>
She would not allow herself to return to this place. This residence was nightmare brought to life.
Zacharias‘ brow tightened, anger and disbelief mixing. “Anne, you think I will believe your story about being married p>
“You’re impossible p>
Anneliese turned and walked past him. Communication with him was useless.
You are impossible.
You’re being unreasonable.
Stop causing a scene.
These thoughts felt all too familiar to him. Those were the lines he threw at Anneliese, and all
of them more than once.
He couldn’t remember if he was as impatient as she was now.
Zacharias felt his chest tighten as if an invisible hand squeezed around his heart. His breathing became shallow and uneven.
Even light words could cut deeply.
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“Anne, no matter what you say, I do not believe for a second that you are married. Show me your marriage license,” he said again, pulling her hand toward him.
Anneliese did not expect this request.
Anneliese froze, her mind snapping back.
Then she remembered. Jonathan took photos of their licenses, but he didn’t give her copy back to her.