Maybe he felt guilty, or maybe he was just trying to convince himself, but he hastily added, "Look, I'm not actually going to register the marriage with Nadia. We're just going through the motions at the City Hall..."
If it was just for show, why did he need his ID?
I responded with a simple "oh," my expression indifferent. Jonah seemed momentarily thrown off by my lack of reaction.
He hesitated, then stepped forward, trying to kiss me as if to soothe me—but before he could, Nadia, who had been eavesdropping at the door for who knew how long, suddenly barged in.
She lunged between us, using just enough force to knock me backward.
I lost my balance, stumbling onto the floor. At the same time, she flung herself dramatically into Jonah's arms.
He caught her instinctively, but the momentum sent them both toppling over.
I sat on the cold floor and watched as Nadia ended up straddling Jonah. Her cheeks flushed, her breath shallow and then—she murmured in a voice just loud enough for me to hear,
"Jonah, your abs are still as hard as they used to be..."
Jonah stiffened, coughing awkwardly. He looked uncomfortable, but he didn't push her away. His hands remained firmly on her waist.
Nadia turned her gaze toward me, her eyes welling up with tears. She bit her lip, as if on the verge of sobbing.
"Arabelle, I'm so sorry! Please, you can yell at me, hit me, do whatever you need to—just don't take it out on Jonah! If he gets hurt..."
Disgusted by their pathetic act, I pushed myself up from the floor and walked straight out of the room.
"If you're so worried, then go ahead and check him out. Want me to give you some privacy?"
Jonah's expression twisted. His face, already tinged with lust, darkened instantly. I wasn't sure if he was holding something back or just furious.
"Arabelle! That's disgusting."
Disgusting?
It hadn't even been thirty seconds and he was already reminiscing about old times with Nadia. Who was being disgusting here?
I turned back and kindly closed the door for them.
As I waited for the elevator, I heard hurried footsteps behind me.
Nadia, her face still glowing, her lips suspiciously moist, rushed over to block my path.