Chapter 22: Have You Forgotten?

Jared planned to wait for opportunities after his July 15th trip to Nameless Island. He also hoped to guide Josephine toward immortality.

"Why the silence? I'm offering marriage despite being the Sullivan heiress," Josephine complained, chagrined by his lack of response.

Jared shook his head. "Of course not! Marrying someone like you would be a blessing! But I'm a man. I can't let you support me. I want to succeed on my own so you'll be revered."

Josephine's face warmed, and she giggled. "I didn't know you were such a smooth talker! But you don't need to strive. I'll have my father transfer all the Sullivan family assets to you. I've already given you my company and made you Chairman; the others don't matter. Besides, I'm his only daughter!"

"Uh…" Jared was speechless. "Isn't that the same as supporting me?"

He changed the subject. "Let's talk business. What's the status of the medicinal herbs? It's been several days." He couldn't argue about marriage; she might drag him to the civil affairs office tomorrow.

"They should be almost ready. I'll finish them tomorrow."

The rarity of some herbs had delayed their preparation, explaining Josephine's recent absence—she'd been searching for them.

As she finished speaking, a gust of wind preceded black clouds obscuring the moon. A downpour seemed imminent.

Crack! Boom!

Lightning flashed, followed by thunder.

"Ahh!" Josephine shrieked.

Her hands slipped, sending the car toward a drain. Jared reacted swiftly, grabbing the wheel as Josephine threw herself at him.

"I'm scared! Terrified of thunder…" she trembled.

Surprised by her fear, Jared chuckled. "You could just ask for a hug. No need for that excuse."

"Pfft! Who wants to hug you?"

Josephine straightened, glared at him, unbuckled her seatbelt, and demanded, "You drive! I'm done."

Exasperated, Jared drove. By then, it was raining heavily.

Near Dragon Bay, a stone's throw from the mountaintop, he saw a woman with an umbrella, seemingly waiting. He rolled down the window and recognized Sandy, drenched despite the umbrella. As soon as she saw him, she rushed to the car.

Clutching the window, she blurted, "You're back! I've waited forever! I'm sorry! Leyton blackmailed me! If I refused to marry him, he'd kill Mr. and Mrs. Chance! I had no choice! He also instigated my treatment of you! I regret it! I'm sorry. You've always been in my heart. Have you forgotten gazing at the lotus and stars? You held my hand and promised to care for me forever. You said we'd always be together. Have you forgotten?"

Her face was wet, indistinguishable from rain or tears.

Jared felt only repulsion. He had no feelings for her, not even hatred; she wasn't worthy. She was insignificant, like an ant.

"Finished? I'm going home," he said coldly.

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