---- Chapter 17 Kathleen went for a checkup three months later. The results showed no issues. "Kathleen, Adrian's heading abroad for work soon, and we're settling there too. Come with us," Ellen said, taking her niece's hand. Kathleen had gained weight and looked healthier than three months ago. Ellen feared Joshua would cause trouble and upset her. "Ellen, | know you're protecting me, but | need to handle things with Joshua myself. Don't worry, once the divorce is finalized, I'll join you abroad," Kathleen replied. Her lawyer said the divorce would be settled in about a month. She wanted to wait until everything was resolved before leaving. Ellen nodded. "Alright, I'll have Adrian stay with you." Kathleen gave a wry smile, rubbing her forehead. Why did her aunt keep pushing Adrian onto her? "Ellen, there's no need. I've troubled him enough these past three months. | can manage the rest," she said. Ellen cut her off. "We're family. No talk of trouble. Besides, | ---- think Adrian enjoys being around you." She always thought Kathleen and Adrian were a good match. She even discussed it with her brother years ago, hoping to set them up. But back then, Kathleen only had eyes for Joshua, and Ellen didn't want to interfere. Now, things were different. Joshua's actions broke Kathleen's heart. Having Adrian support her now could spark something between them. "It's settled. | wouldn't feel at ease leaving you here alone," Ellen said. Kathleen saw her aunt's red-rimmed eyes and didn't argue further. Ellen was getting older, and Kathleen couldn't let her only family worry more. Adrian visited often, sometimes staying at Ellen's house. "Adrian, your uncle and | are leaving for abroad tomorrow. Kathleen's divorce hearing is the day after. Go with her. While we're gone, take good care of her. If anything happens to her, you'll answer to me," Ellen said. Adrian raised his hand in a mock salute. "Don't worry, Ellen. | won't let you down." He grinned at Kathleen. For some reason, he always wanted to see her lately. When Ellen asked him to stay with her, a quiet ---- joy stirred in him. "Kathleen, you owe me another favor," he said. After dinner, Adrian visited Kathleen's room. She chuckled softly. "Alright, Mr. Gray, how do you want me to repay these favors?" He nearly blurted out, "Be my girlfriend," but swallowed the words. He knew Kathleen wasn't ready for such jokes. "I'll let you know when | figure it out," he said. One day, he'd make his feelings clear. After seeing Ellen and her husband off, Adrian drove Kathleen to the courthouse. Joshua showed up at the hearing but refused to agree to the divorce. Despite the overwhelming evidence, he insisted their marriage wasn't broken and stood firm. Kathleen hadn't expected such stubbornness. After leaving the courtroom, Joshua blocked her path. "Kathleen, it's been a while. You're fully recovered now, aren't you?" he said. His deep eyes, made sharper by his thin frame, lit up with joy at seeing her. ---- He drowned himself in alcohol daily, the only way to briefly forget Kathleen's absence. Seeing the woman he longed for, he stumbled over his words, overwhelmed. Kathleen glanced at him. "Whether I'm well or not is none of your concern. If you truly want me to be happy, agree to the divorce. Leaving you is the only way I'll be okay." Joshua's smile froze. He knew he hurt her deeply, but he couldn't let go. "Kathleen, no matter what you say, | won't give up on you," he said. He smiled, his eyes filled with sorrow. He knew they couldn't go back, but as long as he refused the divorce, they remained tied. He'd still have chances to see her. 2 He didn't hope for the past. Just seeing her like this was his greatest happiness.