Built His Empire Then Watched It Burn When He Cheated novel Chapter 559

**Chapter 559: I Love Her**

Jonathan’s voice sliced through the air, halting Nishay mid-sentence. “Even if she feels the same about me, would you still intervene and tear us apart?” His tone was a mix of frustration and determination, a man unwilling to back down.

Nishay’s gaze was unwavering, her eyes sharp and resolute. “You two simply aren’t meant for each other. I want you to be the one to end things with Anne.” Her words hung in the air, heavy with conviction.

Anneliese had shared a significant chapter of her life with Zacharias, and it had been less than six months since their marriage crumbled. The wounds were still fresh, and her relationship with Jonathan was a budding flower, still too fragile to blossom into anything serious.

To Nishay, Jonathan’s intentions felt insidious. He appeared to be taking advantage of Anneliese’s vulnerability, charming her into a web of emotional entanglement that could only lead to heartache.

Anneliese, despite her pride, wore her heart on her sleeve. If Jonathan were to be the one to end their relationship, she would undoubtedly mourn the loss, but her resilience would shine through, allowing her to move on swiftly. She had done it once before with Zacharias; her love had been profound, yet she had emerged from that darkness stronger than before.

In Nishay’s eyes, the two simply did not mesh. There were countless other men who could offer Anneliese the love and stability she deserved. Ending things now would create a void, one that could be filled by someone more suitable in the future.

Moreover, Anneliese had just emerged from an emotional storm, tears staining her cheeks in the elevator. The tension between them was palpable, a storm brewing beneath the surface.

Nishay had made up her mind; she would not stand idly by.

As she contemplated her next move, Jonathan’s voice broke the silence, steady and deliberate, each word a proclamation of his feelings. “I won’t break up with her. If I’m fortunate enough to have her, I intend to keep her for life.”

Nishay’s eyes narrowed, her anger igniting like a match to kindling. “And you think you deserve her? If it weren’t for you, she wouldn’t have lost her parents! You carry that guilt. Why should my granddaughter pay the price for your mistakes?”

Jonathan’s voice deepened, a calm authority lacing his words. “Ms. Morris, I can separate guilt from love. I love her.”

Nishay hadn’t expected such a raw confession. His honesty momentarily disarmed her, leaving her momentarily speechless.

Her jaw clenched, the loose skin around her cheeks quivering as she processed his words. After a long, tense moment, it felt as if all her strength had been sapped away; she sank back into the pillows, her breath coming in heavy gasps.

“I don’t believe you. Get out!” she commanded, her voice sharp and unyielding.

Jonathan had anticipated that trust would not come easily, but he also feared pushing the elderly woman too far. If her reaction turned hostile, he could lose even the slightest chance with Anneliese.

He nodded, assisting Nishay to sit up a bit more comfortably, removing the throw pillow to allow her to recline. “There’s time. I’ll prove it to you. Just rest now.”

Nishay turned her face away, her eyelids remaining stubbornly closed against him.

Jonathan, however, was determined to care for her. He found a hot-water bottle, warmed it quickly, and placed it gently near the quilt, ensuring the IV line was soothed before he left the room.

Anneliese felt her heart flutter at the weight of his words. This was Jonathan—the golden boy, always composed, always in control. She had never witnessed this side of him, so exposed and uncertain.

Nishay wasn’t a cruel woman, and it was unreasonable to judge him based on a first encounter or demand an immediate breakup.

She nudged his chest lightly, trying to ease the tension. “Are you serious? Let me go first.”

But Jonathan wouldn’t relent, pulling her closer, his arms tightening around her.

“No. I need you to promise you won’t leave. Say it.”

His handsome face was pressed against her neck, rubbing gently, his voice hoarse yet insistent. He sounded almost like a spoiled pet, clinging possessively to her, a stark contrast to his usual demeanor.

Anneliese could barely breathe in his embrace, her heart racing. She tilted her head back to meet his gaze, searching for assurance.

Perhaps he had reached the end of his patience. When she hesitated to respond, he suddenly took her earlobe gently between his teeth, a playful yet possessive gesture that sent shivers down her spine.

In that moment, the world outside faded away, leaving just the two of them, entwined in a fragile yet unbreakable bond.