Chapter 8
Joseph hadn’t been able to see me for several days. Each time he came to visit me in the hospital, my parents would furiously drive him away.
It was only on the day I was discharged that he finally found a chance to slip a rescheduled plane ticket into my hand. He said earnestly, “Lena, I know you still haven’t forgiven me. I want to win you back, so let’s start over, okay? Let me confess to you again in Frosia, your favorite place. I’ll propose…”
Halfway through his speech, his phone suddenly rang.
His face stiffened when he saw the number that was calling him, and he hung up quickly. “Lena, please believe me. I won’t let you down this time.”
This time, my phone rang.
I looked down and unlocked it before I quickly answered the call.
On the other end was Tessa. “Yelena, I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t bother you, but I’m really not feeling
well. Can you help me tell Mr. Payne that I need a sick day?”
I gestured toward Joseph and handed him the phone. “It’s for you.”
Joseph’s expression was cold as he growled into the phone, “Didn’t I already transfer you to a different branch? I’m not your supervisor anymore. Don’t bother me with trivial things like this.”
Tessa began to sob softly.
Joseph hung up again. Then, he looked down nervously to observe my expression.
When he saw that I remained calm and unbothered, his frown deepened. He started to feel uneasy about
the situation. So, he quickly explained himself, “Lena, I haven’t had any contact with her since that day.”
“Okay,” I replied.
Mom just finished the discharge paperwork and was called for me.
When I turned back, Joseph stood in the morning light. His features were striking and sharp. He looked just like that on the day he confessed to me years ago.
“Joseph,” I said softly.
He stiffened and stared at me in a stupor.
“Goodbye,” I said.
Goodbye, the man I once loved so deeply.
I packed my things and headed to the airport.
The year I graduated from college, I had actually received a high-paying job offer overseas, but I had
chosen to stay in the country because of Joseph. Now, I was taking up that offer.
I wouldn’t be getting the exact same position, but I was confident that I could still make something of myself.
In the crowd of travelers, I saw Joseph again.
He was looking around as if he was searching for someone. He waited for a long time, but whoever he was waiting for never came. He looked so lost and alone.
He eventually gave out as he crouched down on the spot. His hand shielded his forehead, and his
shoulders trembled as he started to cry.
I watched him quietly for a while before turning around and boarding a different flight.
