When His Perfect Mask Shattered I Awoke (Anneliese) novel Chapter 654

His heart had turned to stone long ago. Very few people could stir it now.

Elizabeth was definitely not one of them.

But when he saw the worry in Anneliese's eyes, something in him cracked a little.

His gaze darkened, and after a pause, he sighed, like he'd been caught pretending.

"My chest feels tight. It hurts. Maybe you should rub it for me."

Anneliese didn't hesitate.

She started to move her hand, but Jonathan caught it, guiding her to unbutton his shirt.

"It doesn't work through fabric," he said softly, bringing her hand under his shirt and pressing it against his chest.

Anneliese's heart ached for her husband, and she did whatever he asked.

Her small hand moved gently across his chest while her eyes searched his face.

"Does that feel any better?"

Jonathan frowned and let out a quiet sigh. He leaned down until his chin rested in the curve of her shoulder.

"Yeah, a little…"

His voice sounded muffled and low, nothing like someone who was truly fine.

Anneliese's chest tightened. Thinking about how he had just fought with Elizabeth—and how all of it had been because of her—made guilt twist in her stomach. She had no idea how to make it better for him.

Her hand kept rubbing slow, comforting circles over his chest. Tilting her head, she kissed his cheek and whispered,

"Would this help more?"

Her touch grew even softer, as if she feared pressing too hard might hurt him.

The motion became more like a caress, and as she leaned closer again, the faint sweetness of her scent brushed past his nose.

Jonathan's gaze darkened. Heat stirred in his eyes, and in the next instant, he pulled her into his arms and lifted her, turning toward the bed with sudden strength.

"Hey, what are you doing?"

Anneliese gasped in surprise. She couldn't believe that the man who looked so worn out seconds ago now moved with such energy and purpose.

Before she could react, he lay her down on the bed, his body hovering above hers.

Jonathan caught her hand again and pressed it back against his chest. His voice was rough, his eyes dark and focused on her face.

"Let's try another way to make me feel better. You're smart. You will figure it out."

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