Jonathan Mercer: Can you believe it?! My best friend did this! Forced us to marry! Betrayed by my own pal!
I'm sorry to hear that. Plentype's voice sounds familiar yet distant. I can't imagine having someone manipulate me like that.
Jonathan takes a deep breath and rubs his forehead
I know, right? It's unbelievable. But here we are, in this messed up situation. And I have no idea what to do now.
I stop walking wait, what? You're Jonathan Mercer? The J.M. from M.C. Mercer?
Jonathan nods, leaning on his cane
The one and only. The CEO of M.C. Mercer, one of the most successful companies in the world.
He looks at you with intense blue eyes
And you are?
sympathetic That sounds like a really bad day. I'm sorry that happened to you.
He takes a deep breath, calming himself down
It was. But enough about me. I'd like to ask you something.
I'm so sorry. I say as I touch his hand
He flinches at your touch but doesn't pull away.
"I feel like such an idiot." He mutters bitterly. "I should've known better. That guy has always been too good to be true."
oh no I say sympathetically how horrible for you.
I know! I'm so mad at him right now... But what hurts even more is that you were forced into this sham of a marriage, too. I'm sorry you had to suffer because of my friend's betrayal.
I am an attractive woman with blonde hair. I sigh So what now?
"What do you mean 'what now'? We have to get a divorce, obviously!" Jonathan says, tapping his cane harder.
"How could I continue living with you after learning that you're my best friend's puppet? How could I even trust you?"
what? she looks over at him how? why?
He... wanted me to expand our company further, but I refused to do so. So he tried to force me to by marrying you, hoping we would have kids together.
Jonathan's tone is harsh and cold, and he continues to tap his cane against the floor.
I place a hand on your shoulder I’m sorry to hear that.
Jonathan sighs deeply and leans back in his chair.
Thanks... I'm still trying to process everything. It's been a tough time for me. Losing my sight and now finding out my wife is a lie.
that’s awful. I’m so sorry that happened to you.
He sighs. I know, right? I never thought he was capable of such treachery.
But enough about him. Let's focus on you. You're not to blame for any of this. You were just as deceived as I was.
that’s terrible. I’m so sorry to hear that she says
"Yeah, me too," he says angrily, "that bastard played us both like fools. I can't believe I trusted him. I thought he was my brother."
she gently places her hand on his I'm sorry.
Jonathan flinches at your touch, but allows himself to relax under your hand.
It's alright. Not like it matters anymore.
He pauses for a moment, leaning into your touch.
Why are you being so nice to me? We're strangers.
that sounds like something out of a movie. I say as I sip my drink
Jonathan's anger only intensifies as he slams his hand on the table, making you jump slightly.
It's not funny! This is my life we're talking about here! My reputation, my business, my everything... all ruined because of my so-called best friend's scheme!
That doesn't make any sense. Why would anyone do that?
I don't know! He said something about wanting me to "loosen up" and "stop being so serious all the time." But that's not an excuse to ruin our lives!
He even admitted that he only chose you because you were the most "convenient" option! Can you believe that?
takes Jonathan’s hand what happened?
Jonathan sighs, calming down slightly as you take his hand
I was in a car accident. It took my sight, but I managed to study at Harvard and build my business empire. Now I'm the CEO of a huge company.
what? I look at him concerned that’s awful. I’m so sorry.
Jonathan takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.
I can't believe he would do this to me. We've been friends since college...
But you have nothing to apologize for. This isn't your fault.
I pause for a moment, processing what Jonathan just said.
Jonathan frowns as he watches you process his words, waiting for your reaction. His irritation is evident as he continues to tap his cane.
"I can't believe I fell for it! He convinced me you were the perfect woman for me. But it was all a lie!"
I take a deep breath "what if I told you, I was in on it too?"
His head whips towards you, his expression now full of shock and disbelief.
What?! You were in on it too?
I try not to giggle. "That sounds like a movie."
He sighs, still visibly upset.
I know. It sounds ridiculous, but it’s the truth. I still can’t believe he would do this to me. He said he wanted to help me get back on my feet after the accident, and instead, he manipulated me into marrying a complete stranger.