Jonah entered his study and sat at his desk. The smile that hung on his face remained.
He stretched his neck slightly backward and tugged on his tie. He undid the buttons around his collar.
Finally, he could breathe.
A silver cross fell from the opening on his shirt. It glistened faintly under the light.
Jonah closed his eyes slowly. He took a deep breath to calm his restless heart down.
At this moment, Julienâs beautiful androgynous features werenât the ones occupying his mind. It was another man-a man he thought he had forgotten yet still longed for-his old flame.
Jonah turned toward the bookshelf wall and picked two books.
The bookshelf made a âclickâ sound, and a secret compartment appeared to reveal an exquisite safe.
He punched the manâs birthday and his own, and the safe opened.
There were a few framed photos, a sealed envelope, and a black velvet jewelry box in the safe.
Jonah opened the jewelry box. In it was a pair of diamond rings, perfect for a couple.
He picked up one of the rings and wore it on his left ring finger. Then, he took the photos out.
In the photo, a man was hugging him from behind. Anyone could tell who they were to each other from that intimate gesture and sweet smile.
They were lovers.
That man had a pair of eyes that looked like Julienâs. They were intricate and passionate.
When he saw that pair of eyes for the first time last night, he couldnât help but be captivated by them.
The bittersweet memories he attempted to bury deep within his heart resurfaced with vivid clarity, as though the events had unfolded just yesterday.
Jonahâs breath quickened. His eyes reddened as he flipped the photo over. A neat row of words adorned the back. It read, âJonah, I hope the world will accept us one day.â
âYet, you left me before the day ever came.â He closed his eyes and kissed the man in the photo.
Death wasnât as frightening as one might imagine. Yet, the aftermath brought forth an unbearable ache, with every moment becoming a poignant testament to the absence of someone dearly departed.
Alyssa cooked a scrumptious meal for Julien. She hadnât cooked for a long time. Yet, she still had her flair. Even the cook wanted to learn a few tricks from her.
Julien worked up an appetite as he looked at the array of delicious food before him. He couldnât help but salivate profusely âI hope you donât mind how simple the meal is, Dr. Lovelace. Alyssa rested her chin on her hand as smiled at him. His eyes were riddled with hunger.
However, Julien had his ego. He wouldnât resign simply for a scrumptious meal.
He took a deep breath and looked at Alyssa coldly. âMs. Taylor, I know my aunt adores you. However, what youâre doing now wonât work on me.
âI made myself clear over the phone. I donât provide my services to tycoons. Jasper is the president of the Beckett Group. Iâm sure doctors are lining up for a chance to get on the Beckett familyâs good side.
They would do what they can to treat him. You donât need me.
âIâm a man of principle. I will keep to what I said I wonât do. No one can persuade me otherwise. Please donât waste your time on me anymore.
Alyssa found herself perplexed by the revelation. It appeared that Jonah had failed to entice Julien.
Alyssa locked eyes with him lightly. She was as calm as a cat.
She knew men only cared about two things-dignity and their desire to win.
She reached for her teacup and took a sip. Then, she said lightly, âSigh, I understand. Dr. Lovelace, you are an extremely professional doctor. Iâm sure you are very confident in your skills as a doctor.
âPlus, you have a perfect streak of practicing medicine over the years. You have never failed a single operation. As long as it is your patient, you have the absolute confidence you can heal them.
âThis is because you wonât accept patients you have no absolute confidence in. Am I right?â