Chapter 314

“If we’re just friends, cool. If you wanna go beyond that, maybe,” Elizabeth didn’t wanna hurt Joseph. Joseph was a good dude. But she felt she wasn’t good enough for him. Joseph kinda knew what Elizabeth was getting at. She’d been acting all weird since they watched that movie.

“This is my first time chasing a girl,” Joseph said, “I’m feeling all helpless; I probably messed up a lot.”

“You’re awesome,” Elizabeth quickly shook her head, cutting him off.

Joseph smiled, looking pretty chill. You can’t force feelings. He got that about Elizabeth. Elizabeth had been through a rough marriage, so she wasn’t ready to jump into something new. Even though Joseph really wanted to stick around with Elizabeth, she didn’t need that. So he wasn’t gonna push it.

“Friends then?” Joseph asked.

Elizabeth nodded right away. “I’d love to be friends with someone like you, Mr. Stewart.”

Joseph chuckled. He looked down, adjusted his glasses, like he had a lot to say, but kept quiet. The evening breeze was cold, and leaves rustled at his feet. Maybe, like those leaves, nothing lasted forever. Seasons changed, and everything got a fresh start.

Joseph nodded. “Alright.” He looked up at Elizabeth, super gentle. “Then let’s be friends, Ms. Percy. I hope everything goes great for you. If you ever need anything, I’m here, no questions asked.” Joseph held out his hand, kinda like a goodbye.

Elizabeth looked at Joseph, really admiring him. Because Joseph had shown her the utmost respect. She shook his hand, and then they hugged gently. This was the closest they’d been in a while.

“Thanks, and I wish you all the best too.” Elizabeth nodded.

Joseph just hummed in response, not saying much else. Elizabeth watched his car drive away and couldn’t help but shake her arm. A relationship that wasn’t gonna last should end cleanly like this.

Chapter 314

She didn’t wanna hurt Joseph. As soon as Elizabeth turned around, she saw Rose standing there. Elizabeth and Rose looked at each other and then smiled.

“Mom,” Elizabeth and Rose sat on the swing in the yard. Elizabeth leaned on Rose’s shoulder and asked, “I turned down Joseph. Are you mad?”

“It’s not the first time you’ve done your own thing. Why would I be mad?” Rose shook her head.

“But Mom, it feels like I never do anything right,” Elizabeth looked down, her voice soft.

“Does right or wrong even matter? Does the outcome matter?” Rose’s voice got even softer.

Elizabeth leaned on Rose’s shoulder, feeling like a kid again. “Mom, you must blame me too, right? But because you love me, you always put up with me.”

Elizabeth thought, just like I do with Alexander. Don’t I blame and hate Alexander? But because I love him, I put up with all the pain he brings me.

“I love you and will never blame you.” Rose’s voice was gentle.

Elizabeth had to look up at Rose, her eyes all red. “Mom, I’ll live well; I won’t make you worry anymore.”

“Yeah, you’re growing up, I know,” Rose said gently.

Elizabeth didn’t even remember how she got back to her room, but she woke up the next day in her bed.