---- Chapter 13 Kathleen moved into Adrian's home after her hospital discharge. She didn't know why her Ellen arranged it, and she didn't ask. Adrian welcomed Kathleen's stay. His uncle promised he could take a break from work if he cared for her well. After years of relentless work, Adrian relished the rare downtime, thanks to Kathleen. He felt obliged to treat her kindly. "Princess, here's tonight's dinner. See if it suits your taste," Adrian said, presenting a table full of dishes tailored to Kathleen's preferences. Kathleen glanced at her waistline, which had thickened noticeably. Another meal like this, and she'd gain another couple of pounds. "Adrian, you don't need to cook so much. It's just the two of us. It's wasteful," she said. She loved his cooking, but at this rate, she'd balloon to twice her size. Adrian smiled. At first, he cooked to fulfill his aunt and uncle's request ---- But over time, he found caring for Kathleen's meals and daily needs wasn't dull. She quietly ate everything he made, and watching her grow healthier gave him more satisfaction than closing multimillion-dollar deals. "You better eat and drink well, or my aunt and uncle will make me pay," he teased. They shared a laugh and started eating. After dinner, Adrian washed the dishes. Kathleen watched him work in the kitchen, momentarily lost in thought. Joshua once treated her this way. She thought it was happiness, but it was the greatest illusion. Kathleen recovered well. It was time to move on. "Adrian, thank you for taking care of me. I'm nearly healed, so | won't trouble you anymore. I'll repay you someday," she called out loudly toward the kitchen. She wouldn't owe anyone, nor would she let anyone hurt her again. She thought she was doomed to die, but fate let her live. From now on, she wanted to live well. "Alright, I'll hold you to that," Adrian replied without turning, a warm smile spreading across his face. Kathleen was far more interesting than he expected. ---- That day, Kathleen went for a hospital checkup and ran into Joshua "Kathleen..." Joshua said, seeing the woman he longed for. His voice caught, overwhelmed with emotion. It took him ages to track down the hospital where she had surgery. Knowing she'd come for follow-ups, he waited daily. Today, he finally saw her. "Kathleen, are you okay? I've been looking for you forever. How could you leave without a word? I..." His voice broke, unable to continue. Kathleen gave him a cold glance. "Joshua, we have nothing to discuss. | know about you and Ella. I'm letting you go. | won't hold you back anymore. Let's divorce." The word divorce from her lips pierced Joshua's heart like a blade. "No, Kathleen, sweetheart, | won't divorce. | know | was wrong. Give me one more chance. We've loved each other for ten years. It's not something we can just end," he pleaded. Kathleen sneered. He remembered their ten years of love? She thought she was the only one who did. "Joshua, what does love matter? Thinking of what you did makes me sick," she said. She clenched her fists, her face calm but her heart still aching. ---- How dared he ask for forgiveness? "Ellen showed you those photos and videos last time. That's evidence. If you don't want them public, sign the divorce papers," she said. Joshua shook his head fiercely. "l don't care if you expose them. | really know | was wrong. Kathleen, I've always loved you. Please believe me." He reached for her hand, but she yanked it away and slapped him. "You love me? Is that why you tried to give the liver Ellen found for me to Ella's mother? That's your love? Were you hoping I'd die sooner?" Joshua froze. She even knew about that?