Page 221 of The Re-Proposal

How arrogant I’ve been. I secretly believed that I’d make Max regret what he did so many years ago. I’d make him remember my name. But I see now… it’s all meaningless.

I guess that’s why they say forgiveness is for you and not the other person.

“Is… something wrong?” Max asks, arching an eyebrow.

“No.” I chuckle, humbled. And surprisingly happy.

It’s like a weight is off my chest. I feel lighter. A little foolish, but free.

“No, it’s good to officially meet you.” I shake his hand more thoroughly. “I saw that Stinton Auto is going international. If you ever need help, call me.”

“I’d like that.” He winks. “I’ve heard of what you’re doing in the M&A space. Superb.”

As I exchange smiles with the man I abhorred for almost a decade, Elizabeth comes charging out of Joel’s room.

“Mom! Dad!” Tears fly down her face.

“Honey, what’s wrong?”

Max drops to his knees. “Sweetie, what is it?”

Elizabeth throws her arms around his neck, but she doesn’t look at him. She looks at me. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

“What?” My heart stops cold.

“It’s Joel. Something’s wrong.”

Dawn gasps.

Max looks at me in concern.

“Joel.” The name slips out in a pained hush.

An explosion of sounds erupt from Joel’s room.

Warning alarms.

Urgent beeping.

A team of nurses rush past me.

I move forward on autopilot.

My heart is numb.

My feet are like lead.

I’m the walking dead.

“No. No! Joel!” I groan. “Joel.”

I stop in the doorway.

My eyes slam on Joel’s heart monitor.

A flatline.

Tears sting the back of my eyes.

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