Chapter 8

Joseph hadn't been able to see me for several days. Each time he came to visit me in the hospital, my parents would furiously drive him away. It was only on the day I was discharged that he finally found a chance to slip a rescheduled plane ticket into my hand. He said earnestly, "Lena, I know you still haven't forgiven me. I want to win you back, so let's start over, okay? Let me confess to you again in Frosia, your favorite place. I'll propose…" Halfway through his speech, his phone suddenly rang. His face stiffened when he saw the number that was calling him, and he hung up quickly. "Lena, please believe me. I won't let you down this time." This time, my phone rang. I looked down and unlocked it before I quickly answered the call. On the other end was Tessa. "Yelena, I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't bother you, but I'm really not feeling well. Can you help me tell Mr. Payne that I need a sick day?" I gestured toward Joseph and handed him the phone. "It's for you." Joseph's exp