---- Chapter 22 "Fine, | agree to the divorce," Joshua said, staggering to his feet. It was the only thing he could do now-set Kathleen free. "You'd better keep your word," Adrian said, stepping out from behind Kathleen. Joshua's gaze was hollow as he looked at them. He envied Adrian's place by Kathleen's side, but he no longer had any claim. Joshua walked away, his tear-reddened eyes filled with despair. He knew he'd lose everything, just like ten years ago when he was homeless. But this time, no Kathleen would save him. Kathleen and Joshua finalized their divorce quickly. Ella and Leo were sentenced to death. Adrian, determined to make them pay for Kathleen, used some means to ensure they died in prison before their execution Word was they were tortured relentlessly and, unable to endure, took their own lives. ---- On the day Kathleen left the country, Joshua watched from a distance. He lacked the courage to say goodbye and the right to approach her. He saw Adrian by her side, the two laughing together, much like he and Kathleen once did. "Congrats on being single again," Adrian said, playfully tapping Kathleen's nose. Her face flushed to her ears. This man was getting bolder by the day. "Adrian, you don't have some ulterior motive with me, do you?" Kathleen asked, staring at him intently. He cleared his throat, giving an awkward smile. "What motive could | have? But Kathleen, don't forget, you still owe me for all my help. No backing out later, okay?" Adrian played tough, not admitting his feelings, and guided her toward the security check with an arm around her shoulders. Joshua watched, his eyes stinging with pain. He turned away, forcing a bitter smile. "Kathleen, | wish you a bright future." But her life, her future, would no longer include him. She'd become another man's wife, maybe even have children with someone else. The thought made breathing painful. ---- He loved her so fiercely-how could he bear to watch her leave? But what choice did he have? At thirty thousand feet, Adrian planned a special proposal. Holding flowers, he approached Kathleen, his hand trembling as he held out a ring. He knew it wasn't the perfect moment, but he didn't want to stay by her side without a title. "Kathleen, | know you've suffered and lost faith in love. So, | want to skip love and be your family. Will you marry me?" he asked, kneeling. Kathleen stood, flustered, pulling him up. "I'm sorry, I'm not ready to think about that. | just went through a failed marriage. | don't want to fill that hurt with another relationship." Adrian's eyes dimmed with disappointment. It was Ellen's bad idea, saying women loved romantic gestures. But Kathleen wasn't like most women. Seeing his defeated look, Kathleen couldn't help but smile. "Alright, I'm not thinking about marriage now, but we can try getting to know each other. Who knows, maybe later..." Before she finished, Adrian pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. Kathleen tried to push him away but lacked the strength, letting him take what he wanted. ---- After nearly six months together, she had quietly grown fond of Adrian, though she hadn't dared admit it. When her breathing quickened, Adrian pulled back, panting. "No rush. | can wait as long as it takes." He held her tighter, brimming with joy. Kathleen felt a peace she'd never known before.