The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart (Brittany and Isaac)
Chapter 983

Ophelia was the epitome of grace in her sky-high stilettos, mingling among the guests with a smile that belied the searing pain in her heels. She had been enduring the discomfort all evening, but a moment of weakness had betrayed her to Jonathan.

Jonathan had always been headstrong.

Their families, observing the bond between them, turned a blind eye to the little indiscretions of young love.

Seeking solace in the sanctuary of a quiet lounge, Jonathan located a first-aid kit. He knelt before her, reaching out to tend to Ophelia's injured foot.

Ophelia flinched, instinctively pulling back. "Jonathan..."

There was no need for him to go to such lengths.

Jonathan, usually easygoing, could be imperious when he chose to be.

Ignoring her protests, he gently took her foot, removed her shoe, and with meticulous care, dabbed at the wound with a cotton swab soaked in antiseptic. He then applied a band-aid and handed her a pair of comfortable ballet flats. "Don't wear those shoes anymore. Put these on." Ophelia frowned. "I can't possibly..."

Who ever heard of pairing a cocktail dress with flats?

"Ophelia, please," Jonathan urged, his grip firm yet tender on her ankle.

His touch was warm and persuasive. She found herself yielding without further objection.

Jonathan poured her a glass of honey water. "You've had quite a bit to drink. This will help."

"Why were you so harsh with Saskia?" Ophelia asked.

Jonathan was known for his kindness, rarely speaking ill of anyone. Especially Saskia.

It was a surprise to Ophelia.

"Was she the one I used to fancy?" Jonathan downed a glass of the sweet liquid, his voice laced with disbelief. "Hard to imagine I ever liked her."

Ophelia was puzzled.

Was he questioning his past judgments?

"If she ever cared for me, she wouldn't have disappeared when I was hurt. If it was just me chasing after someone who didn't love me, then it's my own fault. But if she ever reciprocated, that just means she never really cared, maybe didn't love me at all." Jonathan's insight was sharper without the cloud of romance. "Given my status, if she wasn't in love with me, then she was after my name. So why should I hold back any punches?"

He wouldn't let Ophelia suffer for someone who didn't love him.

"She was indeed someone you had feelings for," Ophelia confirmed. "You did a lot for her, even had a falling-out with the Metzgers over her."

Jonathan's expression turned odd, and after a moment, he approached Ophelia. He took her hands with solemnity. "Ophelia, I'm sorry for the pain I've caused you. From now on, I won't let you suffer a single slight." Meeting his gaze, Ophelia felt a ripple of emotion. After a pause, she replied, taking his hand, "Jonathan, if you ever make me suffer again, I'll kick you to the curb without a second thought!" "Agreed."

Holding Ophelia close, Jonathan thought to himself, she was too precious to let down.

...

Saskia's pride was wounded, her face unable to hide the sting of rejection. Were it not for the presence of Gabriel, she might have pursued Jonathan right then and there.

The banquet was in full swing, the hall buzzing with life and laughter.

After half an hour, Ophelia and Jonathan reappeared. Ophelia, now in flats, looked radiant with joy that came from deep within, her smile genuine and infectious. Cameras captured every moment. Brittany and Ysabel exchanged knowing looks. "It seems Ophelia has truly accepted Jonathan."

Ysabel admired Jonathan's courage. "Jonathan may have been excessive in his actions, but it was all for love. Apart from that, he's an ideal partner."

He was intelligent, well-mannered, and came from a distinguished family. Handsome and respectful towards women, he genuinely wanting to be with Ophelia. Such a man was a fine match for her. Overhearing this, Saskia bit her lip, concerned about Gabriel's thoughts. She excused herself to the restroom.

As she entered, she overheard Mrs. Metzger's voice saying, "Ever since the memory loss, he's been so much easier to manage."