Chapter 6

Joel froze for a moment, then hung up the phone and said softly, “I’m going back to see my father.” Chris and Daniel exchanged glances, unease flickering in their eyes. They both knew Joel had a strained relationship with her father, which was why she had stayed in West Brooke for so long. Daniel hesitated before asking, “So suddenly? Do you want us to go with you?” Chris quickly chimed in, “Yeah, we could treat it like a little trip. It’s been so long since we all went somewhere together.” Yes, ever since meeting Rosanne, any time the three of them were together, it always included her. Joel’s lips twitched slightly, a trace of sarcasm in her voice. “Go together? Should we bring Rosanne along too?” Their expressions froze for a moment, betraying the fact that this was exactly what they had been thinking. A wave of exhaustion and helplessness swept over Joel. Until today, she had felt a hint of reluctance about leaving. After all, in just a few days, she would be leaving West Brooke for good, a place she had lived in for seven years. But at that moment, any lingering attachment shattered completely, vanishing like smoke. Adjusting her expression, Joel smiled at Chris and Daniel. “Oakshire is too damp for traveling this time of year. You two can go to another city with Rosanne instead.” Her acting was impeccable. Even Chris and Daniel didn’t notice anything amiss. Chris’s tense jawline relaxed slightly, as if relieved. “You really mean that? Great, we’ll plan something together then.” There won’t be a “then,” Joel thought. By then, she would already be someone else’s wife. But she didn’t want to complicate things further, so she smiled and nodded. “That’s the right attitude. Rosanne is a good girl, and you two should get along well,” Daniel said, smiling with satisfaction. “How about we all have dinner tonight? Consider it a way for you two to make up.” Joel instinctively wanted to refuse, but they didn’t give her the chance. Before she knew it, they had dragged her to a private room at a restaurant. Rosanne was already seated inside, greeting them with a bright smile when she looked up. Chris and Daniel sat on either side of her, their tones filled with affection. “Why did you come so early? Didn’t we tell you to get plenty of rest?” “Yeah, your health is the most important thing…” Rosanne blinked her wide eyes and said, “I was just too anxious. I wanted to clear up the misunderstanding with Joel as soon as possible.” As she spoke, she placed a piece of food on Joel’s plate. “Joel, I asked Daniel to help clarify things before. I didn’t expect everyone to turn on you. I’m sorry for that… Can you forgive me?” Joel stared at the food in her bowl, unmoving, and replied flatly, “It’s fine. It’s all in the past now.” At the time, she might have been furious, but now… She didn’t care anymore. Rosanne, however, pressed on. “Then why aren’t you eating? Are you still mad at me?” Her eyes began to glisten with tears, as if she might burst into sobs at any moment. If she channeled this level of acting into a movie, people might stop calling her a pretty face with no talent. Of course, Chris and Daniel couldn’t help but take her side. “Joel, just eat a little. Don’t upset Rosanne anymore…” “It’s just food. Why does it have to be so difficult?” Unable to withstand their persistence, Joel reluctantly picked up her chopsticks. The moment the food touched her tongue, an unbearable spiciness exploded in her mouth, making her scalp tingle. The dish looked ordinary but was outrageously spicy. Joel, who already had stomach issues, couldn’t handle spicy food. She immediately turned and spat it into the trash can, her face pale as she grabbed a cup of tea to down in one go. Rosanne’s eyes sparkled with amusement for a split second, though her face was painted with hurt. She stood up abruptly, her voice trembling with accusation. “What’s that supposed to mean? If you’re still upset with me, just say it! You don’t need to humiliate me like this!” Before Joel could respond, Rosanne covered her face and ran out, just as she had done countless times before. Chris dropped his chopsticks and rushed after her. Daniel followed close behind, pausing only to shoot Joel a look of reproach. It was happening again. Joel sat there, clutching her throat, waiting for the burning pain to subside. Her lips stretched into a stiff, bitter smile. Once again, they had chosen Rosanne.