Who Are You Again?

Chapter 4

As the applause fades, Jonah turns to Anessa, offering his hand with a charming smile. “Dance with me,” he says, his voice smooth, confident. She lights up instantly, draping herself over him before they glide onto the dance floor.

I exhale slowly, relieved to be free from his grasp—if only for a moment. But before I can retreat further, a familiar hand extends toward me.

“May I have this dance?” Kellin’s voice is low, careful, but his emerald eyes gleam with something dangerous beneath the surface.

I hesitate only for a second before slipping my hand into his. “Of course.”

As Kellin leads me onto the floor, I’m acutely aware of Jonah’s gaze burning into my back. Good. Let him watch.

Kellin pulls me in, one hand at my waist, the other clasping mine as we move in sync to the elegant waltz playing in the background. “You alright?” he murmurs, his grip reassuring but firm.

I nod. “So far.”

His lips quirk into a smirk. “Jonah looks like he wants to rip me apart.”

I don’t dare glance over, but I can feel Jonah’s jealousy radiating across the room. “Let him stew,” I whisper back.

Kellin twirls me effortlessly, and for the briefest moment, I forget about the prison I’ve been trapped in. Here, in his arms, I feel like myself again.

That is, until Anessa makes her move.

A sharp gasp echoes through the ballroom as icy liquid drenches me from my shoulder down. The scent of expensive red wine fills my nostrils, and I stare in shock at the deep crimson stain spreading across the pale silk of my dress.

Anessa stands before me, empty wine glass in hand, a faux-innocent smile curving her lips. “Oops,” she drawls, tilting her head. “Clumsy me.”

The room falls into silence. I can feel dozens of eyes on me, waiting, watching.

Jonah is already stalking toward us, fury barely contained beneath his polished exterior.

Kellin’s grip on my waist tightens, his body tensing. I can tell he’s holding back every urge to retaliate.

I take a deep breath, pushing down the anger bubbling beneath my skin. This isn’t the moment to break.

Instead, I smile. A slow, knowing smile. One that makes Anessa falter, just slightly.

I straighten my shoulders, meeting her gaze head-on. “You always were so careless, Anessa,” I murmur, voice sweet as honey. “But it’s alright. We can’t all have grace.”

A flicker of frustration crosses her face. She expected a reaction. A scene. But I won’t give her the satisfaction.

Jonah reaches us, his jaw clenched, his dark eyes unreadable as they flick between me and Kellin.

“Come,” he says sharply, grabbing my wrist. “We’ll get you cleaned up.”

I don’t resist. Not yet. Instead, I allow him to lead me away, my smile never wavering.

Because this night isn’t over.

And I’ve just won the first battle.

Jonah leads me through the grand hallways of the estate, his grip firm but not painful. His silence says more than any outburst would.

I don’t fight him. I don’t even flinch. I just follow, my damp dress clinging to my skin, the scent of spilled wine lingering like a reminder of Anessa’s tantrum.

He pulls me into a private lounge, shutting the door behind us with a quiet click. The moment we are alone, the mask drops.

His fingers tighten around my wrist as he turns to face me. “What the hell was that, Jaelin?” His voice is low, controlled—but I can hear the irritation beneath it.

I lift my gaze to his, my expression unreadable. “You’ll have to be more specific.”

His jaw tightens. “Dancing with him?” His grip flexes before he forces himself to release me. “In front of everyone?”

I glance at my wrist where he held me, rubbing my fingers over the spot absentmindedly before meeting his eyes again. “It was just a dance.”

Jonah exhales sharply, dragging a hand through his hair. “You humiliated me.”

I tilt my head slightly. “Did I?” My voice is light, almost curious.

Before he can respond, the door swings open with a bang.

Anessa storms inside, her heels clicking against the floor as she glares between us. “Are you kidding me, Jonah?” she shrieks. “I pour wine on her, and she’s the one getting your attention?”

Jonah turns his glare on her. “Not now, Anessa.”

Her face twists in disbelief. “Not now? You didn’t even look at me after our dance, but the second she gets a little wine spilled on her, you rush to check on her?”

I remain silent, watching the exchange as if it has nothing to do with me. I smooth out an imaginary wrinkle in my dress, letting them argue.

Jonah exhales, clearly annoyed. “You made a scene. It wasn’t necessary.”

Anessa’s eyes darken. “Oh, but she didn’t? She’s playing you, Jonah. She wants you to chase her.”

At this, I finally speak, my voice as indifferent as ever. “You give me too much credit.”

Anessa turns to me, fuming. “You think you’re better than me, don’t you?”

I meet her gaze with a look of quiet amusement. “I think nothing at all.”

Her lips part like she wants to scream, but Jonah cuts in before she can. “Enough.” His voice is firm, leaving no room for argument.

Anessa huffs, glaring at both of us before storming out of the room.

I move toward the door, but Jonah catches my wrist again, though his grip is gentler this time. “We’re leaving,” he says. “You need to change.”

I don’t resist, don’t argue. I simply nod, letting him guide me out.

As we walk, I steal a glance at him from the corner of my eye.

Anessa’s jealousy is growing. Jonah’s control is fraying.

And me?

I remain untouchable.