---- Chapter 19 Joshua woke to find Kathleen standing by his hospital bed. Sweat beaded on his forehead from the pain, but he managed a weak smile. "Kathleen, I'm so glad you're okay," he said, his eyes hopeful. He believed his actions proved his love for her. Surely, she'd be touched. Maybe they wouldn't divorce. He tried to sit up, but Kathleen stopped him. "The doctor said you need rest. Joshua, thank you for saving me. We're even now. He grabbed her hand urgently. "Sweetheart, you've forgiven me, right? You're all | care about. Come home with me." Tears fell from his eyes onto her hand. She rarely saw him cry. Once, it would have broken her heart, but now, she felt nothing for him. She pulled her hand free, her face expressionless. "Joshua, | just want to stop entanglement. If we're being honest, | was in danger because of you. All you've brought me is pain. What right do you have to ask me back?" She only wanted him to stop wasting their time. "And why should | love you just because you claim to love me? Joshua, ---- | don't love you anymore," she said. Her words landed firmly, leaving Joshua speechless. She was right. He caused all her pain. What right did he have to guilt her? "Sweetheart..." he began. "Enough. Stop calling me that. Joshua, | came to confirm something. Did you know Ella said she's connected to my parents' death?" she asked. Joshua's eyes widened. What did she mean? "Their accident ... how is that related to Ella?" Kathleen stared into his eyes. He seemed unaware, but she'd uncover the truth. "Rest well. I'll wait until you're discharged to bring up the next hearing," she said, turning to leave. Adrian stood guard outside the room, hearing every word. When Kathleen said she no longer loved Joshua, a quiet thrill stirred in him. "Did you find something? Was your parents' car accident tied to Ella?" he asked. Kathleen shook her head. She had no proof, just Ella's words haunting her. "When she tried to kill me, she said | didn't die with my parents because she went easy on me." ---- She bit her lip hard. If Ella spoke the truth, Kathleen indirectly caused her parents' death. If she hadn't fallen for Joshua, none of this would have happened. Her parents might still be alive. It was all her fault. Adrian saw her guilt and pulled her gently into his arms. "Don't be foolish. It's the bad people's fault, not yours. You're a victim too. Ella and Joshua are the ones who should be punished." Kathleen looked up, meeting his clear eyes. Unlike Joshua, he didn't sweet-talk her, but his actions gave her unshakable comfort. "Adrian, thank you for staying with me," she said. Maybe her smile was too captivating, or maybe Adrian had waited too long. He lifted her chin and kissed her. Kathleen froze, trying to pull away, but he held her tighter. She felt his heart pounding. After a long moment, he let go. "I'm sorry... | couldn't help it. It's my... first time. Please don't mind," he said, his face red enough to pinch water from. He didn't know why he did it. Kathleen wasn't divorced yet. Was he crossing a line? Kathleen's cheeks burned too. She was past the age of heart -fluttering moments, yet she felt no disgust at Adrian's boldness. ---- "The doctor said | can leave," she said, hurrying away. Adrian touched his lips, chuckling softly. Kathleen didn't seem to hate him. Neither noticed Joshua, sweating and standing at a distance. Seeing Kathleen kissed by Adrian, his heart felt like it might explode. He wanted to confront her, ask if she betrayed him first, but he lost his nerve. He saw her kiss another man, but she witnessed his countless indiscretions with Ella. How much more pain did she endure then? Joshua gave a bitter smile, realizing this was his punishment. What right did he have to judge her? They left the hospital and went straight to the traffic police who handled her parents' accident. As Kathleen knew, a rear-end collision caused it. But she hadn't expected the other driver, claiming no money to pay, chose jail, only to be released after three years. "It's not that simple. | need to find that driver. If Ella was involved, he's a witness-or maybe an accomplice," Kathleen said, her hands shaking with anger. Adrian ached seeing her distress. She just had major surgery, and now faced such cruelty. She was only a woman. + ---- "Kathleen, don't worry. | told Ellen. She's hired private investigators. They'll uncover the truth," he said, patting her back gently. He wished he had met her sooner.