Chapter 734
The Ceo’s Convict Wife
âReally? If⦠If one day you discover that Iâve harmed you, will you refuse to forgive me even if I beg for your forgiveness?â His words emerged with difficulty, each syllable sounding strained as if they were forced from his throat.
Rosalie turned to face the man before her, her expression tinged with confusion. âJon, whatâs bothering you?â She noted, âIâve noticed that youâve been particularly uneasy lately.â
Jonathan fell into silence for a moment. âUneasy⦠Yes, I am uneasy,â he confessed internally.
The recent events involving Amelia and Warren had left Jonathan feeling restless and fearful that they might encounter a similar fate.
âIf my words made you uneasy just now, I can explain. I thought of Zachary because of Ameliaâs comments. You donât need to dwell on it. How could you ever harm me? Besidesâ¦â Rosalieâs voice trailed off as she lifted her hand, gently caressing his troubled eyes. âDidnât we promise each other before? If, in the future, you cry in front of me, I will forgive you for everything.â
At this moment, Rosalie intentionally spoke these words to lighten the atmosphere and dispel the darkness in his eyes.
It worked as expected. After he heard her assurance, Jonathanâs eyes brightened slightly, and the heaviness in them seemed to gradually dissipate.
âStill, my feelings for you will never waver. No matter what the future holds, they will remain steadfast.â
He took her right hand and placed it over his heart, emphasizing his sincerity. âSo, you must also promise me that your love for me will remain unwavering!â
Rosalie blinked, recognizing that feelings were subject to change. Today, she held this sentiment, but now Jonathan was insisting she make a promise that her feelings would remain constant.
Her past relationship with Zachary had long been erased by time and pain. Now, her heart was filled with Jonathan alone, and her feelings for him⦠âThey will never change. My feelings for you will never change, Jon,â she affirmed solemnly, her hand resting on his chest to feel his heartbeat, which seemed unusually fast.
Perhaps, in this world, there were feelings that could change and those that wouldnât.
In the middle of the night, Jonathanâs phone rang, startling Rosalie awake. She opened her eyes in a daze and watched as he listened to the caller with a serious expression. After a while, he said, âI understand. Iâm on my way.â
for In the next moment, putting away his phone, he turned to Rosalie. âIâm sorry the disturbance. Go back to sleep. I need to go out now.â
09:55 D âWhere are you going?â she inquired urgently.
Considering the late hour, the fact that he had to leave at this time indicated that the phone call had brought unusual news.
Jonathan hesitated briefly before explaining, âIâm afraid Grandpa canât hold on any longer. I need to see him one last time.â
Rosalie was taken aback. While she knew Leonardâs health had been deteriorating and he might not have much time left, the sudden realization that he might be nearing the end was shocking.
The man who had raised Jonathan was about to leave this world?
For a moment, Rosalie couldnât quite describe the mix of emotions she felt.
âIâll go with you,â she insisted.
âThereâs no need. Iâll go alone,â Jonathan replied.
âIâm coming with you!â she insisted again. âHeâs your grandfather, and even if he hasnât been fond of me, Iâm still his granddaughter-in-law. If he doesnât want to see me when weâre there, I can wait for you outside.â
Unable to resist her determination, Jonathan finally agreed.
Together, they made their way to the hospital.
Upon arrival, Jonathan instructed his bodyguards to stand guard near Rosalie and entered the ward by himself.
In the hospital ward, Leonard, emaciated and frail, lay on the pristine white hospital bed. The once-
powerful man was now approaching the end of his life in such a vulnerable state.
Clearly, he was putting up a fierce struggle to hold on. When he saw Jonathan enter, he spoke with trembling words, âY-Youâre hereâ¦â
âYes, Iâm here,â Jonathan replied.
Between Leonard and Jonathan, their relationship wasnât one filled with affection. It could be described as that of a mentor and a protege.
Proteges could be cast aside at any moment, much like chess pieces. If they proved useful, they would stay on the board; if they became useless, they would be discarded and abandoned.
âIn the future⦠the Youngblood family will be in your hands⦠If you let the Youngblood family fall, I will never forgive you, even in death,â Leonard managed to say amidst labored breathing.
âIs that all you have to say to me?â Jonathan stared at the elderly man and responded.
Leonardâs clouded eyes shifted. âRosalie⦠that girl⦠Sheâs waiting outside, isnât she? L-Let her in.â
Jonathanâs eyes narrowed suddenly, âDonât lay a finger on her!â
09:55 D âEven if I wanted to⦠I doubt I could. Youâve⦠probably stationed many of your men outside,â Leonard remarked. After all, Jonathan was the heir he had painstakingly groomed. He was well aware of how his grandson operated. Jonathan pursed his lips and said nothing, appearing hesitant.
âI just⦠have a few words⦠to tell herâ¦â Leonard struggled to speak, his breathing growing louder as if he were nearing the end of his life, fighting for his last moments.
Finally, Jonathan left the ward. After a brief absence, he returned, holding Rosalieâs hand.
Rosalie was visibly pregnant, and she looked at Leonard lying on the hospital bed, clearly in the final stages of his life.
In the past, this imposing old man had filled her with fear. He had been so unapproachable that she found him intimidating. But now, he lay there so weakly, his only endeavor being to cling to his dwindling breath.
âGrandpa, youâre Jonâs grandfather. Iâm Jonâs wife now, so Iâll also address you as Grandpa. But if you prefer Mr. Youngblood, I can call you that too.â Rosalie took the initiative to speak first.
Leonard, however, seemed unconcerned with the form of address. He simply said, âDo you⦠love Jonathan?â
âI do,â she replied without hesitation.
Meanwhile, Jonathan had been holding onto Rosalieâs hand since the moment they entered the ward.
âThen⦠letâs make a bet⦠Letâs bet if you truly love Jonathan so muchâ¦â Leonard spoke in fragments.
âA bet?â Rosalie was puzzled but then stated, âI donât believe my love for Jon needs to be proven through gambling. I love him. He and I both know it. Thatâs enough.â
âYou know? You⦠know nothing at all. Youâ¦â
âGrandpa!â Jonathan intervened abruptly, âI love Rosalie. Sheâs the only woman I love in this life, and she will be the sole lady of the household when the Youngblood family is under my control. There will be no other woman!â