Built His Empire Then Watched It Burn When He Cheated novel Chapter 540

**Created 540**

Anneliese stared intently at Jonathan, her heart heavy with the weight of his consistent refusals to accompany her to visit her grandmother. Each time he declined felt like a sharp, piercing arrow aimed at her heart, leaving her in a whirlpool of frustration and yearning. She felt her lips part as if the words she needed to say were caught in her throat, battling to escape.

“I’m not trying to push you away,” she finally managed, her voice trembling slightly. “The thought of you leaving fills me with dread. The idea of being apart for so many days terrifies me. I worry that I won’t be able to resist the urge to want you by my side. Why don’t you come with me? You could wish my grandma a happy New Year before you leave.”

With every syllable, Anneliese reached for Jonathan’s hand, her pulse quickening with hope as she tried to guide him toward the elevator. But it was as if he were rooted to the spot, an immovable force against her fervent wishes.

Turning to face him once more, she felt her heart plummet as she noticed the distance in his gaze, a chasm that seemed to grow wider with every passing second.

Then, unexpectedly, Jonathan enveloped her in his arms, pulling her close. The warmth of his embrace wrapped around her like a comforting blanket, and he lowered his head to place a gentle kiss on the crown of her hair, a gesture that momentarily melted her worries away.

“Baby, I’m so sorry. I just can’t go up right now,” he murmured, his voice thick with regret, as if the weight of his own emotions was too heavy to bear.

Anneliese lifted her gaze, searching his eyes for some semblance of clarity. “Why not?” she asked, her voice barely more than a whisper, a hint of desperation seeping through her words.

His hand found its way to the nape of her neck, guiding her face back against him, holding her as if she were the only tether anchoring him to reality itself.

Anneliese bit her lip, feeling the light in her eyes dim as uncertainty clouded her heart.

He couldn’t bear to meet her gaze, the burden of his own feelings pressing down on him like an anchor.

Jonathan rested his chin on her forehead, his voice soft and soothing. “Today was just too rushed. I didn’t have a moment to prepare a gift for your grandma. I promise I’ll come with you next time when I’m fully ready.”

Though his words were reasonable, they felt like a flimsy curtain drawn over the truth. Anneliese closed her eyes, attempting to mask the sting that threatened to spill over into tears.

She realized that even someone as genuine as Jonathan could craft a lie that felt awkward and transparent, leaving her feeling more alone than ever.

A heavy weight settled in her chest, as if something profound yet silent had shifted within her.

With a sudden surge of determination, she gently pushed him away. “Alright then. I’m going up without you.”

Jonathan’s grip tightened, firm yet gentle. “Just let me hold you a little longer,” he pleaded, vulnerability lacing his voice, tugging at her heartstrings.

His clean, comforting scent enveloped her, and the warmth of his arms felt familiar, yet there was an undeniable shift in the air, a tension that hadn’t been there before.

“So, after the holiday, when are you coming back?” she asked, her voice steady even as a storm raged inside her.

Jonathan caught the flicker of concern in her question, and a small smile broke through the tension, a brief moment of light in their heavy atmosphere. The nervousness he had felt earlier began to fade.

He released her, leaning down slightly to meet her gaze directly. “I’ll be back by the third at the latest. Will you wait for me?”

“Okay,” she replied, her heart fluttering at the thought of their future conversation, a flicker of hope igniting within her.

When the moment arrived, she planned to lay everything bare, to sift through the confusion that loomed over them like a dark cloud.

Jonathan reached out, brushing his fingers through her hair in a tender gesture before turning away.

Anneliese stood there, watching as the car slowly rolled out of the parking garage. Her vision blurred, a film of tears threatening to spill over, the ache of separation clawing at her heart.

“What’s happening between you and Mr. Fullbuster?” Jessica asked, her voice breaking the silence, concern etched across her features.

Inside the elevator, Jessica observed Anneliese’s silence, noting the weight of her thoughts. Worry creased Jessica’s brow, prompting her to speak up.

Anneliese lifted her head, hesitating for a moment before shaking it off and offering a small, fragile smile. “There are things I still don’t quite understand. I’ll talk to you soon!”

Jessica frowned, sensing the gravity of the situation. Something was undeniably wrong.

From the seriousness etched on Anneliese’s face, it was clear this wasn’t just a trivial matter.

Jessica wanted to dig deeper, to pry into her friend’s thoughts, but she respected Anneliese’s need for silence.

Instead, she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Anneliese and gently patting her back. “Okay. Just remember, no matter what happens, I’m always here for you. I’ll always support you,” she reassured her, her voice steady and comforting.

In an instant, Anneliese felt her eyes welling up with tears, the weight of her emotions spilling over as she clung to Jessica, seeking solace in her friend’s unwavering support.

As Anneliese stood in the dimly lit garage, watching Jonathan’s car disappear from view, a profound sense of loss washed over her. The warmth of his embrace still lingered on her skin, but it was now overshadowed by the gnawing uncertainty that had taken root in her heart. She felt the weight of unspoken words pressing against her chest, each unsaid thought a reminder of the distance that had grown between them. Anneliese longed for clarity, for the assurance that their connection remained strong despite the turmoil, but the confusion left her feeling adrift. Jessica’s comforting presence offered a small solace, yet it couldn’t quell the storm of emotions swirling within her.

In that moment of vulnerability, Anneliese realized that the journey ahead would require more than just waiting for Jonathan’s return; it would demand courage to confront the complexities of their relationship. She understood that the gifts he had brought were not just tokens of affection but symbols of his commitment to her, a reminder that he cared even when he faltered. With Jessica’s words echoing in her mind, she felt a flicker of resolve ignite within her. No matter the challenges they faced, she would embrace the uncertainty and step forward, ready to confront the truth of her feelings and the future that awaited them both.