CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY: RUMOR

In the days following Anna's kidnapping and subsequent rescue, the tight-knit world around Jonathan and Anna began to stir with rumors and speculation. Despite Jonathan’s efforts to keep the details private, whispers about Anna's ordeal and her relationship with Jonathan began to spread. The rumor mill churned, and soon, malicious gossip painted Anna as Jonathan's mistress, a gold-digger who had ensnared the wealthy businessman in her web. Anna heard the whispers at the grocery store, saw the accusatory glances at the park when she was with Oliver, and noticed the sudden coldness from some of Jonathan's acquaintances. The malicious talk hurt her deeply, eroding the sense of security and belonging she had started to feel. Each insinuation was a dagger to her heart, causing old insecurities to resurface. Jonathan, seeing the toll it took on her, was furious. He had worked hard to protect Anna and Oliver, and the cruel rumors felt like an attack on his family. He knew he had to do somet