Chapter 8 Nash stumbled back , his face ashen . " Retribution ... Retribution ... " Ha , haha ... Retribution ! " I coolly watched him shuffle away , a broken man . Any love between us had crumbled away , just like that busted ceramic doll . It was not long after Nash's exit that Calvin showed up . I had just gotten back from some errands when Calvin was suddenly there , waiting . " Jo , I've been waiting for you . I− " " What are you doing here ? " I cut in . He brushed off my frosty tone and babbled on , " Jo , you have to hear me out . It was all Rebecca's fault . In our past life , she led to me and claimed all the credit , making you out to be the villain , saying you were all schemes and tricks ... " Now I get it , Jo . I know you've always cared about me , that your feelings never changed . We ... " He reached out , trying to pull me in . " Let's wipe the slate clean , forget all the hurt , and start fresh . We can leave this place , go somewhere no one knows us , and have the life we deserve , okay ? I promise , I'll make it up to you for the rest of my days . " I was floored by Calvin's audacity . " Calvin , whatever we had in our past life ended the moment you walked out on me . And in this life ? The second you hung up on me when I needed you , that was it . We were done . " Without realizing it , he was gripping my hand so tightly that it felt like my bones might shatter . " Just give me one chance , only one ... " The sharp pain shooting through my shoulder made me wince , and I snapped , my voice like ice . " Let go . " " L ... " Before he could finish , Elliott stepped in and forcefully unwrapped his fingers from my arm . " Did he hurt you ? " " I'm fine . " I shook my head , inhaled deeply , and said , " Let's head out . " Elliott gave a subtle nod , casually slung his arm around me , and we made our way into the villa . I never crossed paths with Calvin after that day . A year later , at the Reynolds ' gala , I accidentally heard about Calvin's fate . " Did you hear ? The Porters in Cascade City are done for . " " Which Porters ? Oh , you mean Calvin , the one who had a taste of fame , went under , and tried to rise again ? " " Exactly Rumor has it his company's cash flow is dead in the water , he's swamped with debt , and now he's probably homeless " My hand , holding a champagne flute , hesitated for a split second . 1/2 Expe L +25 BONUS I had not expected his downfall to come so swiftly . Out of nowhere , the lights in the hall dimmed . Elliott was on stage , his eyes finding mine . " Jo , " he said , my name alone hanging in the air , " people often ask me about the greatest , most pride - worthy thing I've ever done . " He paused , letting the suspense build , then went on . " There's only ever been one answer , and that's meeting you . " His gaze was fierce , his voice filled with earnest hope . " Joanna , my feisty little wildcat , the one true love of my life . Will you marry me ? " The crowd erupted , voices blending into a single , joyous chant : " Marry him ! " " Marry him ! " " Say yes ! " I could not help but smile as I made my way to the stage . " Yes . " Gazing at the ring that adorned my finger , my face lit up with a blissful grin . In Zephyr City , even the breeze and the townspeople carried a hint of sweetness . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!