When Love Breaks (Josephine)

Chapter 82

Ethan's earlier restraint and consideration seemed to give Josephine an unexpected

h the weight of her frustrations seeking release.

she found herself blurting out an invitation before she had time to think it louise of security, Coupled with t

Gripping the steering wheel tightly, Ethan hesitated. "I-"

Before he could finish, Josephine cut him off. "I was jolong."

Regret surged through her almost immediately. She had just finalized her divorce, and now she was inviting a single man-a dangerously attractive one-for a late-night drink. She couldn't shake the feeling that her decision was utterly reckless. Josephine bit her lip in frustration, chastising herself silently.

Ethan relaxed slightly when he noticed her flushed cheeks. He smiled and said, "I know you were joking. No need to feel awkward."

By the time they returned to the hotel in Crestwood, it was nearly 1:00 am.

Josephine offered him an apologetic look. "Sorry to keep you out so late. You should head home and rest. When we're back in Sunvale tomorrow, I'll help you get fitted for glasses." "Sure. Goodnight," he said.

Josephine smiled. "Goodnight."

It had been a long time since anyone had said that to her. The warmth of the simple phrase lingered, and she waved at him before tuming toward the hotel.

Ethan stayed where he was, watching her until she disappeared into the elevator.

That night, sleep eluded her entirely.

When sunlight peeked through the curtains, she was still awake. Since her moning flight was already booked, she had no choice but to drag herself out of bed and packherthings.

Fatigue weighed heavily on her as she stifled another yawn, dragging her luggage downstairs with sluggish steps.

Sleep continued to evade her on the plane. By the time she returned to the villa at to do am, her patience had frayed. Suppressing her fatigue, she called Nadine. The first and second attempt went unanswered with growing frustration, she called a third time. An automated voice informed her coldly, "The number you have dialed is switched off." Her fury boiled over, causing her temples to throb.

Nadine had readily agreed just the night before, yet now she was dodging her calls entirely

Josephine dialed Zayn next.

The phone was answered not long after. Zayn's voice carried a hint of surprise. "Josephine, you're awake? Let me come pick you up. We can have lunch together. "Get Nadine on the phone," Josephine demanded. Zaynhesitated. "She's not with me."

"Get Nadine on the phone," she repeated, her fury boiling over.

Zayn sighed. "She really isn't here. She had a fever last night and was admitted to the hospital. She's probably still there. I'm at the office in a meeting. Lonly stepped out because I saw your call." Josephine decided to believe him for now

Her temper eased slightly, but her resolve remained unshaken. "Contact her. Make sure she returns the shoes to Winnie and apologizes to both Winnie and Thompson"

"Is this really why you called me? What's the rush?" he asked, reigniting her anger,

you'll try to cover for her, but I'm

"Zayn, it's only been one night, and she's already avoiding me. If we wait any longer, she'll pretend none of it happened. I know you not budging. Tell her to retum the shoes and apologize that's my bottom line," she said. "Why would I defend her? I'm only concerned about avoiding a scandal for Forbes Group's first signed artist," Zayn replied in frustration.