Chapter 20 1/2 With solid evidence and Catherine's full confession , the intentional assault case was concluded . She also confessed her past crimes - hiring thugs to abduct Julia and pushing her off the cruise ship . Ultimately , Catherine received a five - year prison sentence for multiple charges . [ 1 The verdict sparked heated online debates . Some argued that five years wasn't nearly enough punishment for everything she had done , while others wondered why crimes from three years ago were only now coming to light . Keith froze when he saw the news . Memories he'd long buried came rushing back - the cruise ship auction and the look of disappointment on Julia's face as she turned back to him . Now he understood why none of it had come to light back then . It was because he had covered it up . Back then , she told him it was Catherine who had pushed her overboard and said she was going to call the police . But he didn't believe her . He'd snatched her phone , canceled the report she was trying to make , and hung up the call . He had trusted Catherine so blindly that he had even testified for her , claiming she'd been with him the entire time and couldn't have done it . 1 As the memories flooded back , Keith's face turned ghostly pale . Only now did he fully realize how absurd and blind he'd been . The regret was overwhelming , but it was too late to fix anything now . Julia suddenly realized she hadn't heard anything about Keith in ages . But almost as soon as the thought crossed her mind , she regretted it . She should have known better than to jinx it . Looking across the table at him , she sighed . " What brings you here this time ? " " I went to see Catherine , " he blurted out . His out - of - nowhere statement would have confused most people , but she had learned to follow his scattered thoughts years ago . Julia didn't respond , instead focusing on stirring her latte . The first sip was too sweet , with that artificial foam taste she'd never liked . She grimaced slightly and pushed the cup away . Keith noticed her reaction . After a moment of confusion , something bitter flickered in his eyes . He really had failed her in so many ways . Three years ago , he'd forgotten she had digestive issues and couldn't eat spicy food . And now , he didn't even know how she liked her coffee . He looked down and , after a long pause , gave a self - deprecating smile . " I just felt like I still owed you an apology . " Keith had been apologizing countless times , but it never felt like enough . This time , he wanted to give her a proper apology - one that acknowledged everything he'd done wrong . Julia looked surprised , raising an eyebrow . " You ask me to come over just for this ? " Chapter 20 2/2 He nodded . " I owe it to you to be honest , even if you don't want to hear it . " She didn't want to get dragged into this conversation , so she stood up and headed for the door . " Since you've already said what you came to say , I'm leaving . " Keith watched her walk away . His gaze was fixed on her until she disappeared from view . The bitterness and sorrow in his eyes felt almost physical , but all he could do was watch her leave . For the first time , he truly understood - she would never forgive him . The realization hit hard . He didn't want to accept it , but there was nothing he could do about it . When Julia stepped out of the cafe , she spotted Calvin leaning against a nearby railing . The October sun had lost its summer heat , leaving only a soft warmth that wrapped gently around him like a halo . She quietly walked over and wrapped her arms around his waist , breathing in that familiar , sun- warmed scent . Just being close to him made her feel at ease . Her display of affection seemed to please him . His chest rumbled faintly with a laugh before one long - fingered hand dropped onto her head , ruffling her hair mercilessly . With his other arm , he locked her in place when she tried to wriggle away in protest . " My parents wanted me to ask when you're free . They want to set up a meeting with your mom to discuss wedding plans , " he said . Chapter 21