Ophelia was the epitome of grace in her sky-high stilettos, mingling among the guests with a smile that belied the searing pain in her heels. She had been enduring the discomfort all evening, but a moment of weakness had betrayed her to Jonathan.

Jonathan had always been headstrong.

Their families, observing the bond between them, turned a blind eye to the little indiscretions of young love.

Seeking solace in the sanctuary of a quiet lounge, Jonathan located a first-aid kit. He knelt before her, reaching out to tend to Ophelia's injured foot.

Ophelia flinched, instinctively pulling back. "Jonathan..."

There was no need for him to go to such lengths.

Jonathan, usually easygoing, could be imperious when he chose to be.

Ignoring her protests, he gently took her foot, removed her shoe, and with meticulous care, dabbed at the wound with a cotton swab soaked in antiseptic. He then applied a band-aid and handed her a pair of comfortable ballet flats. "Don't wear those shoes anymore. Put these on."

Ophelia frowned. "I can't possibly..."

heard of pairing

grip firm yet tender on

warm and persuasive. She found herself yielding without further

water. "You've had quite a bit

you so harsh with

known for his kindness, rarely speaking ill of anyone.

a surprise to

Jonathan downed a glass of the sweet liquid, his voice laced

Ophelia was puzzled.

questioning his past

after someone who didn't love me, then it's my own fault. But if she ever

the cloud of romance. "Given my status, if she wasn't in love with me, then she was after my name. So why should I hold back any

Ophelia suffer for someone

you had feelings for," Ophelia confirmed. "You did a lot for her, even had

approached Ophelia. He took her hands with solemnity. "Ophelia, I'm sorry for the pain I've caused you. From now on, I won't let you suffer a single

pause, she replied, taking his hand, "Jonathan, if you ever make me suffer again, I'll kick you to the curb without a second

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