When His Perfect Mask Shattered I Awoke (Anneliese and Zacharias) novel Chapter 522

**Chapter 522: The Apology He Demanded**

Gianna stood in the midst of an emotional tempest, her heart pounding fiercely against her ribcage, a whirlwind of anger and frustration swirling within her. The very air around her felt electric, thick with unspoken words and unresolved tensions, as if the universe itself held its breath in anticipation.

Before her, Jonathan loomed like an unyielding statue, his silence more oppressive than any accusation she could imagine. He hadn’t cared to ask for her side of the story, yet here he was, demanding an apology from her—a demand that felt utterly unjust, as if she were the one who had committed a grave offense.

Just moments ago, her mother had echoed Jonathan’s sentiments, reinforcing the feeling of being trapped in a corner with no way out. Gianna felt the walls closing in on her, suffocating her spirit.

Anneliese had invaded her life like a storm, and Gianna couldn’t shake the sense that this woman was a harbinger of chaos. The memories flooded back: how Anneliese had effortlessly stolen the spotlight at work, always managing to outshine her, and how, without a second thought, she had taken Zane—someone who meant the world to Gianna—leaving her heartbroken and seething with resentment.

Now, the audacity of Anneliese to intrude upon her sanctuary, her home, felt like a dagger twisting in her side, a further betrayal that ignited her indignation. The thought of apologizing to Anneliese was absurd; why should she extend any courtesy to someone who had done nothing but undermine her existence?

Gianna’s expression hardened as she stood before Jonathan, her fury palpable, her body trembling with indignation. As the proud heiress of the Malone family, she had never bowed her head to anyone—especially not to a woman she regarded with such disdain.

But Jonathan’s cool, commanding gaze pierced through her bravado, sending a chill coursing through her. She felt her breath catch in her throat, and the defiance she had so fiercely clung to began to waver. Even if her father and brother were present, they would defer to him, and that realization only deepened her frustration.

After what felt like an eternity, Gianna forced herself to swallow her anger, her voice trembling as she struggled to maintain control. “I… I was too angry earlier. I said things I shouldn’t have…” Her gaze was locked onto Jonathan, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, a tumultuous mix of hurt and resentment swirling within her. She couldn’t even bring herself to acknowledge Anneliese, who stood there with a smug smile plastered across her face.

Jonathan’s expression darkened, his tone as unyielding as ever. “Apologize to my wife.”

The demand landed on Gianna like a slap across the face. She had already softened her stance, yet he pushed her further, igniting a fresh wave of rage within her. Clenching her jaw, she stood her ground, refusing to yield.

The atmosphere in the room thickened, a palpable silence enveloping them until Anneliese, with a delicate tug on Jonathan’s shirt, broke the tension. “Hubby, forget it.”

Gianna couldn’t help but curl her lip in disdain, yet a flicker of relief washed over her. At least Anneliese seemed to grasp her place, albeit just slightly.

But her moment of respite was fleeting, as Anneliese added with a condescending lightness, “Her apology isn’t worth much anyway. I don’t need it.”

Gianna felt as if her chest might burst from the weight of her anger and humiliation.

Jonathan, unfazed by the escalating emotions, simply nodded. “You’re right, honey. People with foul mouths rarely recognize their faults. We won’t stoop to her level.”

“You’re going too far!” Gianna snapped, her voice rising in protest, the sting of being labeled foul-mouthed again cutting deeper than she could bear.

Overwhelmed, she turned on her heel and fled the room, tears streaming down her face, a torrent of emotions spilling forth.

The silence that followed her departure was deafening, a stark contrast to the chaos that had just unfolded.

Anneliese turned to Jonathan, an amused smile dancing on her lips. “This is Madam Chalmont’s home. You just made her daughter cry.”

What Jonathan said was undeniably true, though such unwavering support was a rarity among men. The sensation of being unconditionally protected was intoxicating, a feeling she had never known before.

She nestled against his chest once more, a strange sense of gratitude blooming within her for Zacharias. If it weren’t for his jerkish behavior, she might never have discovered Jonathan.

“Mm,” she murmured, reveling in the warmth that enveloped her, then lifted a hand toward him. “Carry me out. Otherwise, the host might kick us both out.”

Jonathan took her hand, but instead of lifting her, he shook his head. “Madam Chalmont isn’t the type to spoil her child. You look pale. Rest a little longer, and we’ll go later. I’ll head downstairs first.”

As he prepared to leave, the atmosphere in the living room below stood in stark contrast to the tenderness they had just shared upstairs.

In the aftermath of the confrontation, Gianna found herself grappling with a whirlwind of emotions that left her feeling exposed and vulnerable. Her defiance, once a shield against the world, crumbled under Jonathan’s unwavering gaze and the weight of his expectations. The tears that streamed down her face were not just a release of pent-up anger but also a manifestation of the deep-seated hurt that had festered within her for far too long. In that moment, she realized that her struggle was not merely against Anneliese but against the fragile threads of her own identity and the expectations that came with it. The apology she had been forced to utter felt like a betrayal of her own spirit, yet it also marked the beginning of a painful but necessary journey toward understanding and reconciliation.

Meanwhile, Jonathan and Anneliese’s bond deepened in the wake of the tension, revealing a dynamic rooted in mutual respect and unwavering support. His steadfastness in defending her, even amidst the chaos, illuminated the strength of their relationship, casting a stark contrast to Gianna’s isolation. As Anneliese nestled against him, she felt a warmth that transcended the superficiality of their earlier interactions, a realization that Jonathan’s loyalty was a rare and precious gift. While Gianna’s heart was heavy with resentment and confusion, Anneliese was enveloped in a newfound sense of security that she had longed for. In this moment, the emotional arc of the evening reached a poignant conclusion, highlighting the complexities of love, loyalty, and the painful path toward healing that lay ahead for all involved.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the upcoming chapter, Gianna’s emotional turmoil will take center stage as she grapples with the fallout from her confrontation with Jonathan and Anneliese. The tension that has been simmering beneath the surface is bound to reach a boiling point, forcing Gianna to confront not only her feelings of betrayal but also the complex dynamics of her relationships with both Jonathan and Anneliese. Will she find the strength to stand her ground, or will the weight of familial expectations and societal pressures push her further into a corner? Readers can anticipate a deep dive into her psyche, revealing the vulnerabilities that lie beneath her fierce exterior.

Meanwhile, Jonathan’s unwavering support for Anneliese will be tested as the repercussions of his actions ripple through their lives. As Gianna’s anger festers, the delicate balance of their relationships may begin to unravel. Will Jonathan remain steadfast in his defense of Anneliese, or will he start to question the ramifications of his choices? The chapter promises to explore the complexities of loyalty, love, and the consequences of unyielding demands, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eager to see how these intertwined lives will navigate the storm ahead. Expect unexpected alliances, raw emotions, and perhaps even a revelation that could change everything for Gianna and those around her.