Chapter 41

"Joann, will you marry me?"

Boom!

Joanna's mind reeled. She stared at Jaydon in horror. He immediately produced a diamond ring—the size of a dove's egg—from his pocket.

As the restaurant's music began, couples in matching outfits arrived, carrying enormous bouquets. Blueiva Diner was a popular spot for marriage proposals; the restaurant assisted with elaborate setups, though the cost was prohibitive for most.

"Joann, I confess my love for you today! Marry me!" Jaydon knelt, offering the ring.

Joanna was unprepared. "Jay, please get up. Don't do this!" She was stunned by his public proposal.

"Joann, we've known each other for 3,652 days! I've loved you for 2,520 of them, and I'll love you for many more!"

Nervous, Joanna's face paled, her throat went dry. "Jay, please stop joking! Get up, everyone's watching!"

Jaydon remained kneeling, gazing earnestly at her. "Joann, I'm serious! I've waited a long time for this. We missed each other in the past, my greatest regret. Now that God has given me another chance, I won't let it slip away!"

Joanna's cheeks flushed. If I were my old self, I'd accept him instantly! she thought. But I'm broken. I'm not worthy of him; I can't hurt him, or be a burden.

"Marry him! Marry him! Marry him!"

Melodious piano music filled the air as countless rose petals rained down like snowflakes. The atmosphere was warm and romantic.

However, Bruce watched with jealousy, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked. Even after abandoning Joanna, he couldn't bear the thought of someone else with her. It felt like someone had retrieved his discarded trash, only to discover it was a priceless gem. He was consumed by regret, frustration, anger, and irritation.

Roxanne exclaimed jealously, "Wow, Mr. Grimm is so romantic! He really planned this out!" She looked at Bruce with a forlorn expression, but he was too furious to notice. Disappointment and jealousy were etched on her beautiful face. Seeing his reaction, she understood his feelings for Joanna. "Bruce…"

Meanwhile, Joanna, overcome with anxiety, burst into tears. "Jay, get up! Please!"

Jaydon stared intently at her. "Will you accept?"

"I… I'm sorry!" Joanna turned, grabbed her bag, and fled to the restroom. Her depression made emotional outbursts dangerous.

"Joann!" Jaydon was stunned, his mind blank. She had rejected him.

"Hmph!" Bruce stood, unable to contain himself any longer.

"Bruce, where are you going?"

Ignoring the question, he headed straight for the restroom.

Bang!

The restroom door burst open. Joanna, startled to see Bruce, cried, "Bruce, what are you doing?"

His face was fiendish. Without a word, he grabbed her wrist and dragged her out. Joanna's heart pounded; she struggled desperately. "Bruce, let me go! What are you doing…?"

He dragged her furiously, like a husband catching a cheating wife. Joanna fell, her gown slipping, exposing her. Unable to pull her, he lifted her forcefully.

"You're crazy! Let me go!"

He carried her out of the restaurant, their actions drawing everyone's attention.

"What's going on?"

"Mr. Grimm's proposing, why is Mr. Everett causing a scene?"

Roxanne, her face contorted with fury, ran out in tears.

In the parking lot, Bruce shoved Joanna into the passenger seat before getting in. "Bruce, what are you doing? You're drunk, you can't drive!"

Vroom!

He sped off, reaching 75 mph instantly.

"Bruce, you're insane! Stop the car! What are you doing?"

The car swerved violently, heading towards the mountain road. Joanna was thrown against the door, quickly buckling her seatbelt. "Bruce, please stop, it's dangerous…"

"Ah!"

The steering wheel jerked violently. The car skidded, narrowly avoiding a collision with an oncoming truck.