Forgive My Ex-husband
Chapter 80 None Of It Was A Joke

Jonas wasn't too drunk to completely pass out. All he took was a short nap. Then he went to take a shower so he could be himself again.

His mind kept coming back to his impromptu love confession back at the police station, and he couldn't help but laugh at his own awkwardness. Before his grandfather could send for him, Jonas sauntered into the older man's study.

"You idiot grandson!" His grandfather held nothing back, and showed just how upset he was. "How much stupider are you willing to become, just to cater to the whims of that girl, Emily?"

Nonetheless, Nelson found consolation in his grandson's apparent obedience and his submission to a good scolding. He even took it upon himself to come here on his own, and was now sitting quietly as he listened to his grandfather's tirade.

Nelson's anger eased, and his tone softened a little. This was his darling grandson, after all, no matter what an idiot he may be. He'd watched him grow up into a man; he didn't have the heart to be truly cruel to him.

"Grandpa," Jonas said when Nelson was finally done. "I've already explained to Melinda. It was all just a misunderstanding."

"A misunderstanding you say?" Nelson was a little doubtful, not about the whole fiasco being a mistake, but more about Jonas claiming to have bothered to explain himself to anyone. "Yes," Jonas said earnestly. "I talked to Melinda and laid it out properly, but I don't think she believed me. She was being rather cross and would cut me off several times while I talked."

"Ha! Serves you right." In spite of his words, Nelson was beaming at his grandson. It may not be too obvious to either youngster, but their relationship had vastly improved with this development. If it were up to him, he would have preferred that Melinda torture her idiot husband even further.

Jonas scratched his chin. He was slightly annoyed as he recalled what happened hours ago, but one thought stood out: his wife had come running the moment she heard something had happened to him. He was pleased with this.

"To think that she would brush off my confession just like that." He was murmuring to himself, but Nelson was quick to catch his words.

"What did you just say?" he blurted out, leaning forward on his huge desk in his excitement. "You confessed to Melinda? A love confession?"

He had always hoped for this, after all. Deep down he had his suspicions that Jonas might have been growing fonder of Melinda, but then something would always happen that alluded to opposite being true. Although he remained hopeful, Nelson had grown wary of the possibilities, and had resolved not too expect too much too soon. Even now he had his doubts.

Jonas had a vague idea of what was going on in his grandfather's mind. He gave the older man a gentle smile. "Listen, Grandpa. I'm in love with Melinda. I will work hard from now on to be the man she deserves."

He had a solemn air about him as he spoke. He swallowed several times after that, as if it took a great deal out of him to say those words out loud.

Nelson realized that his grandson was telling the truth, and he promptly teared up. He had waited so long for this day to come. "Oh, finally! You finally figured it out."

Jonas never thought his grandfather to be one for theatrics, but he now he was seeing the old man raise both hands and look to the ceiling as he exclaimed his joy. His mood lightened at that.

But then the old man's face suddenly grew stern, and his tone became firm. "Now cut off all your ties with that Emily girl and make sure to beg for your wife's forgiveness! You have to attend to Melinda hand and foot, do you understand?"

He was all too aware of what a thorn Emily was to his grandson's marriage. Whether they were romantically involved or not, he knew that Emily would keep at her efforts to destroy what Jonas and Melinda had.

He refused to overlook everything that evil girl had done in the past. He would stand his ground on this matter; it would be in the best interest of the young couple to nip it in the bud and get rid of Emily. Jonas had to laugh at his grandfather's earnest outburst. "Don't worry Grandpa, I know what to do. I already have it all planned out." And he meant it.

He had also come to realize the extent with which he failed his wife and their marriage, all because of Emily's whims. He would never make the same mistakes in the future. Melinda deserved a devoted husband who put her above all else, and Jonas was determined to become that man.

Grandfather and grandson had a long talk after that, both men expressing their thoughts and their shared fondness of Melinda. They managed to unravel and smooth out several years' worth of misunderstandings and ill feelings.

Nelson was smiling the entire time. They only ended their heartfelt conversation when Gavin knocked on the study to tell them it was time for dinner.

Melinda did not join them. According to the servants, the young madam excused herself saying she was uncomfortable to dine in the main villa, and had dinner brought to her room instead.

Jonas was understandably worried about this. He breezed through his meal and hurried over to his wife's villa. He headed straight to her bedroom and found her fast asleep.

"Mellie." He sat at her bedside and took her hand, pressing it against his lips. "You must never let me go after this. Not now, when I've finally come to my senses."

He had always been confident in himself, but he always found himself at a loss when it came to his wife. He already had his work cut out for him, so he was fervently hoping that he could get Melinda to see his sincerity before it was too late.

Knowing that she was in a bad mood, he let her sleep. Although he did stay for a few more minutes just sitting there, holding her hand, sometimes stroking her hair. He eventually left for the guest bedroom. He shouldn't have expected to get a good night's sleep after all that happened, but his restlessness bordered on the unreasonable. To him, at least.

He kept thinking about the rare times that he and Melinda enjoyed each other's company, talking amicably, even laughing together, or just sitting in companionable silence. Every now and then the unpleasant memories would intrude, but the happy ones always stood out, more vividly than the rest.

His thoughts inadvertently went to Emily. He must do something about that woman immediately. He looked back on the friendship they had over the years, and his head began to ache.

He couldn't renege on his resolve to make Melinda his top priority, but he couldn't bring himself to be so cruel to Emily, given their background. He tossed and turned and brooded as he lay in bed. It wasn't unti dawn that he finally fell asleep, his mind exhausted.

In his dream, his wife had finally left him, saying she was too tired of their marriage. She kept telling him to go to Emily instead.

In the dream, he begged Melinda, saying that he could only be happy with her and no one else. Melinda would push him away every time, and tell him that Emily could undoubtedly make him happier, since he always came to his childhood friend anyway.

Jonas woke with a start, his face beaded with cold sweat. The dream was all but a hazy memory in the light of day, but the alarm and urgency pumping in his veins were very real. He made a decision right there and then. He couldn't bear to lose Melinda, no matter the cost.

He was going to help Emily, but this would be the last time. He'd even allow some excess with the favor she was asking, but that would be the end of it. After that he would make a clean, absolute cut. When he came down for breakfast, he found Melinda already seated and silently eating some porridge. She cast him a brief glance as he pulled out a chair, saying nothing. A sense of guilt assaulted him but he pushed it down. It was time to act with full intent. He pulled his chair right next to hers and sat on it, purposely brushing his legs against hers in the process.

"You should have waited for me." He brought his face closer to hers as he whispered, and was rewarded by the sight of her dainty little ears reddening.

"I was hungry." Her reply was calm and curt, but deep down her nerves were a wreck, and she struggled to appear nonchalant.

His proximity and the scent of his cologne brought up memories of the night at the police station, his sudden confession, and that brief peck on the lips. She took another spoonful of porridge, and had to swallow a few times before it went down her throat.

Her cool facade didn't fool Jonas, however. Well, even if he believed her to be unaffected, he would never shrink back and run away; he would tear her walls down brick by brick.

He motioned for their servant and asked to prepare the same breakfast, and cheerfully ate beside his wife. He was quick with it, and they ended up finishing the meal at the same time.

She tapped her lips with her napkin, and Jonas grabbed the opportunity before she could rise and flee to her room. "Mellie, everything I said last night-none of it was a joke. I'll prove it to you later, and in the coming days, or weeks or years, whatever it takes. I'll cut all ties with Emily."

At that she turned her head to look at him, obviously astounded at his words. He just smiled, and reached out with his napkin to wipe a spot in the corner of her mouth that she'd missed. "All you have to do is trust me, please."

She could only stare him. His intimate gesture, coupled with his low, seductive whisper, rendered her speechless. She could feel her cheeks start to heat up. Jonas watched in fascination as he made his wife blush. Ever since he became conscious of her, and aware of his own feelings, it seemed like he was discovering something new about Melinda every day.

He rather enjoyed the rosy bloom on her cheeks. He decided he wanted to see it more often. Unfortunately he had to leave for work, and told Melinda as much. He could tell she was relieved to be rid of him as she hurried back to her room. Nevertheless, he was certain it wasn't due to any negative feelings, and he left the mansion with a spring in his step.

The moment he was back in his office, Jonas immediately saw to the issue with Emily. He called for William and gave his instructions for the necessary arrangements, which included pouring funds amounting to five million dollars into her company. That company only served to increase her popularity anyway, and not much else.

Soon news spread through the vine, and people from the entertainment industry, who wanted the chance to cozy up to a conglomerate heir, started to invest on Emily as a celebrity, offering her various projects.

This pleased her immensely, of course. In a matter of a few hours, countless projects had landed on her lap. Despite this, she was rather disappointed when she realized she couldn't continue her habit of frequently visiting Soaring Group uninvited.

Still, she wasn't worried. Instead, she relished in the assumption that Jonas had chosen her over his own wife. Little did she know that this sudden and magnanimous outpouring of favor was a prelude to the severance of their relationship.

Jonas had a business dinner that night, and the minute he was home, he headed for the shower. He knew Melinda hated the smell of alcohol and tobacco, and he had every intention to spend the night with her.

It was a little past eight in the evening when he was done cleaning up, and he knew Melinda would probably be watching television or reading magazines at this hour. He made a beeline for her bedroom, and opened the door after a couple of knocks.

His wife wasn't in her room. He stood in the doorway, trying to decipher the complicated mix of emotions he was feeling. Mostly, he was baffled.

This was quite unexpected. He hurriedly went down and asked the servants where the young madam was. He was told his grandfather took her out for a visit to an old friend; Jonas surmised they had dinner outside as well.

Well, it wasn't such a big deal. He would simply wait up for his wife. His good mood restored, Jonas walked to his own study to get some work done after making sure the servants would notify him when Melinda came back.

The minutes ticked by, and when Jonas finally looked up from his desk, it was well past nine o'clock. His wife still wasn't home. Miffed, he gave his grandfather a call.

Nelson actually did it all on purpose-planning a visit and dragging Melinda along. He wasn't exempt to the grapevine of his own company, and news of what Jonas did today for Emily also reached him. He felt he earned the right to be pissed at his grandson, what with this apparent turnabout from everything he said just last night!

When he answered his phone to an agitated Jonas, demanding for him to come home with Melinda-immediately, Nelson felt a vindictive gratification. Nope, they weren't coming home anytime soon, he was regretful to say.

He kept going on and on about how they were having a grand time, taking pleasure at his grandson's annoyance. Melinda sat across him with a little smile throughout the phone call. They were having a grand time, indeed at Jonas's expense.

She finally cut him off by pointing out that he was still in recuperation, and that he shouldn't be staying up so late in his condition. Nelson finally relented, and they were back in the mansion grounds before the clock struck ten.

Jonas was waiting for them in the foyer, leaning on the mantelpiece with his arms crossed. He had a dark expression over his face, and a pregnant silence hung about him; a silence which, ironically, seemed to be inviting attention.

It somewhat succeeded, since Melinda and Nelson were immediately giggling to themselves as soon as they saw him. His brooding intensified.

He strode over to them and took hold of his wife's arm. "You must be very tired after such a long excursion, and so late at night." There was an edge to his voice, and his greeting initially sounded sarcastic. It immediately gave way to a softer tone as his fingers ran down her arm to take her hand. "Are you hungry? I brought some cakes from Chen's pastry shop."

Nelson was grinning quietly as he watched the interaction between the young couple. Stupid boy, not even greeting his own grandfather. But if he was to be ignored for Melinda's sake, then he would gladly oblige. The woman in question, however, only stood there and stared at her husband, obviously at a loss with what was happening.

Nelson cleared his throat before things got more awkward between husband and wife. "So I heard you've been busy today." He raised a brow at his grandson. "Something to do with that Emily girl again. Perhaps you've already forgotten everything you said, your professions of love and whatnot, you idiot grandson!"

This time it was Melinda who cleared her throat, and Jonas flashed her a smile before answering the older man. "This will be the last time, Grandpa. Something like a bribe, if you will, I swear. I will be cutting off all ties to her the next time we talk."

Then, without missing a beat, he took out his phone from his robe pocket and showed them as he blocked all of Emily's contact information and then also deleted them. Then he turned to his wife with an earnest expression, expecting...praise, maybe? He wasn't sure.

Melinda only continued to stare at him blankly. 'What is he up to?' She had a fairly good idea just what he was trying to do, of course, but she had long conditioned herself not to expect too much when it came to this man.

Nevertheless, she couldn't deny the tiny bit of satisfaction she felt at his childish display. Jonas squeezed her hand, and she couldn't help taunting him. "For all we know, you might already have all her contact details memorized."

The look on his face was priceless. "Do you... do you want custody of my phone then?" He held the mobile device up in offering, and Nelson laughed. Melinda struggled to keep her face straight, and only shook her head.

Even so, her expression mellowed, and she never once pulled her hand back from his grasp. He escorted her to her room in silence, still holding hands, and they exchanged pleasant good nights. Jonas felt like he may finally be doing the right things where his wife was concerned. He was already looking forward to have a happy future with his wife.

Emily had been enjoying her new status as a much sought after actress. Contracts had been coming in for the past couple of days, and everyone seemed all too willing to adjust to her demands. She would always dial Jonas's number whenever she was on a break, but she never could get through. At first she thought he might be busy as well, but it had been two days now, and she didn't get even a single return call.

Suspecting something was wrong, she borrowed her assistant's phone and dialed his number. She discovered that while no one answered, the call was diverted to voice mail. It could only mean one thing: Jonas had blocked Emily on his phone.

Unwilling to accept this, she gave a call directly to his office, and told his secretary she wanted to invite him out to dinner to thank him for the recent favor. She didn't hint that she was aware of the number blocking.

Jonas told his secretary to set up the appointment with Miss Bai, and then hurriedly dialed his wife's number. He told her everything, and asked her to come with him to his appointment with Emily. "Why would I go there? It's your date; it would be in extremely poor taste if I went, don't you think?"

"Melinda, you don't understand. This is the opportunity I was waiting for, to effectively cut her off from my-from our lives." There was a pause on her end, and Jonas could tell her brain was analyzing the situation warily.

"Listen, you don't have to sit at the same table if you don't want to. You could just sit at another one nearby, where you have a perfect view of us and you could hear everything we say."

Another pause. Jonas prayed that his sincerity would get through to Melinda. And then he heard his wife say, "All right."

He heaved a shameless sigh of relief. "Perfect! Oh, and wear something nice. I'm taking you to dinner afterwards."

And so it was that the young master and the young madam of the Gu family entered, hand in hand, one of the luxury restaurants in the city to meet up with Miss Emily Bai.