Chapter 23

Since leaving Jonathan, Anna's health had improved significantly. At her follow-up visits, the doctors were surprised by how well she was doing. Closing her eyes, she decided to ignore the swirling gossip.

She knew exactly what she wanted. Magically leaving her past behind, she would never go back.

When her plane landed and she turned off airplane mode, a familiar number appeared on her screen. It was a call from Jonathan. Without hesitation, she hung up and blocked the number. But that wasn't enough.

Jonathan was relentless. Every time she blocked one number, he would call from another. Back when he was confessing his love and proposing to her, his persistence had been endearing, proof of his determination. Now, the endless calls felt nothing but annoying. No matter how many harassing calls she received, Anna didn't feel the slightest bit threatened. All she felt was impatience. What was he trying to prove with all this regret?

In the past, she had loved his persistence and tenacity, touched by the way he kept steadily walking toward her. But now that she no longer loved him, those qualities had become flaws. They no longer moved her.

After hanging up on countless calls, Anna, holding back her frustration, finally answered one.

"Jonathan, we are completely done. I don't love you anymore."

Her decisive words spilled out, cutting off any apology he had prepared. Jonathan fell into a protracted silence. His lips trembled, but for a long time, he didn't know what to say. Her words were a rejection, but he was so overwhelmed that he nearly cried. It had been so long since he'd heard her voice. Only when he saw the latest photos of her shared online did he feel alive. Now, hearing her voice again, he was so overcome with emotion that he was mentally speechless.