Chapter 169

I looked right into Jonathan's eyes. "Don't worry," I said. "I won't go after him again." Stroking my face, Jonathan sighed, "Elise, that's not what I meant." I shoved his hand away and kept a distance. "No matter how they picked on me or hurt me in the past, I won't hold a grudge against them anymore." I gave him a bitter smile. "Because being with you means everyone gets to step on me." Jonathan's gaze darkened, emotions flickering behind his eyes. His voice dropped an octave as he asked, "Does being with me feel that awful?" "Yeah, it does," I replied flatly. "It's no different from torment. Everyone knows that I mean nothing to you—I'm just someone with a meaningless title. You could toss me aside anytime. "Even if they humiliate me, you'll still let it slide for Alicia's sake. So really, what was I even hoping for?" I turned and left. This time, he didn't follow. As soon as I stepped out of the office, Gabrielle came rushing over. "Elise, are you okay?" Hearing her