Chapter 18 1/2 When Julia turned around and saw Catherine on her knees , she hesitated for a moment but said nothing . She simply stood there , waiting for Catherine to continue . Catherine knew she had to beg , but the words were stuck in her throat , especially in front of someone she'd once despised . However , she was terrified that Julia would leave again . She clenched her teeth and forced herself to say , " I was wrong . I don't want to go to prison . Can you please forgive me ? " " You were trying to kill me earlier . Tell me . Why should I forgive you ? " Julia spoke with an icy detachment . Catherine fumbled for words but found none . She could only watch helplessly as Julia turned her back on her , each step carrying her farther away until she was out of sight . After seeing Catherine , Julia went to see Keith , who had just woken up not long ago and was still lying in the hospital bed . Seeing her by his bedside , a flicker of joy crossed his face . He instinctively reached for her hand , but his fingers closed on empty air . His eyes followed the movement and landed on the ring on her middle finger . Its shape and design were unmistakably the same as the one Calvin had used when he proposed to her . The realization hit him like a brick - she had ultimately accepted Calvin's proposal . At that instant , Keith felt something inside him die . The cold reality of her choice seeped through him , leaving him numb and hollow . Bitterness spread from the tip of his tongue , and the pain was so sharp he almost couldn't hold back tears . " So … you said yes to him after all . " Julia glanced down at the ring on her finger . She smiled faintly , and her eyes showed undisguised happiness . " Yes , he treats me well . He loves me deeply , and I love him too . " The blunt honesty of her words hit Keith like a physical blow . All color drained from his face as sharp pain twisted in his heart . He studied her face desperately , hoping to catch even the slightest hint that she was only saying that out of spite . Even when she looked at him , he couldn't detect any lingering attachment . " Is there really no chance for us at all ? " His voice cracked . Desperation filled his eyes as he silently begged her to lie , just to leave him with the faintest shred of hope . After a moment of silence , Julia's gaze fell on his tightly bandaged chest . Instead of answering his question , she changed the subject . Chapter 18 2/2 " I came here today to thank you . If it hadn't been for you , the one lying in this hospital bed might've been me . She paused , then continued , " The doctor said your condition was serious . That knife nearly pierced your heart . He also said you need to avoid emotional stress , so try to rest . You were hurt because of me , so Calvin and I will both come by to check on you during your recovery . " She seemed to have avoided answering his question , yet somehow had already given her answer . Keith didn't want to see Calvin at all . But a part of him was afraid that if he refused , Julia would stop coming too . In the end , he swallowed back his words and stayed silent . The evening sunlight streamed through the window and cast a soft golden glow around Julia . He sat there , transfixed by the sight of her , but then she was on her feet , moving toward the door . " Where are you going ? " he asked instinctively . She paused for a moment and didn't answer his question . Instead , she looked at him meaningfully . " I don't like dragging things out in a relationship , Keith . When I decide to let go , I mean it . " Just then , the hospital room door opened , and Calvin walked in carrying a food container . He glanced at the atmosphere between the two of them but didn't ask questions . He simply smiled at her and said , " I made your favorite chicken noodle soup . Let's go eat together . " Julia nodded , and the two left side by side . The door closed behind them , leaving Keith alone . Silence settled over the room . He lay there staring at the spotless ceiling , breathing in the sharp scent of hospital disinfectant . The smell was unpleasant , but somehow it triggered memories from long ago . Chapter 19