Chapter 8

Josephine didn't reply and couldn't be bothered to look at her phone anymore. She set it aside and closed her eyes in exhaustion. The feeling of her heart being repeatedly torn apart was unbearable. She had experienced it when she lost her mother as a child. But she knew. All she had to do was hand it over to time. A year, two years, at most three to five years, and she would slowly move on and heal. After all, everyone would have hardships in their life. "Ms. Dunn, Ms. Dunn!" Josephine fell asleep. When Mason woke her up, she thought the plane was about to take off and immediately opened her eyes. But Mason handed her the phone with a worried expression. "What?" Josephine looked at the screen. "The head of Forbes Group had a car accident. He was seriously injured and sent to the hospital. It was reported that he was calling his wife's name before losing consciousness. His current condition is unclear…" A car accident! How did that happen? Recalling what Zayn said before she fell asleep that he was coming to the airport to find her, Josephine quickly dialed his number. Unexpectedly, the call was answered quickly. Even more surprisingly, it was answered by a woman. "Josephine!" It was Nadine. But Josephine didn't bother asking why Nadine had his phone. "How is he?" "If you want to know, why don't you come to the hospital and see yourself?" Josephine immediately ended the call. She didn't want to waste time with someone speaking sarcastically. Therefore, she called Shawn. "Mrs. Forbes?" "How is Zayn?" "It's not looking good…" "What do you mean not looking good?" Shawn stammered, "He is still in surgery. The results aren't out yet. Mrs. Forbes, you should come to see Mr. Forbes. After all, he got into an accident on his way to find you. Before he lost consciousness, he kept saying not to let you leave." Josephine's heart sank, and she was overwhelmed with guilt. She knew his temperament too well. When he was anxious, he always acted impulsively. Why did she intentionally provoke him by saying she was at the airport? If something really happened to him… She didn't dare to think further. "Mason." She stood up, her gaze apologetic. "Cancel this flight, I need to go to the hospital." Mason smiled wryly. "Ms. Dunn, I'll drive you to the hospital. Don't worry about the flight, we can leave anytime." "Thanks." At that moment, she couldn't care about Mason's feelings. Grabbing her coat, she hurried toward the airport exit. On the way, she called Shawn thrice, only to hear the same response. Her anxiety grew and she found herself biting her nails again. When she finally reached the hospital, she didn't even wait for the car to stop firmly before opening the door to rush in. As soon as she entered the lobby, someone blocked her path. "Josephine!" Nadine stood there with a white lace dress that Josephine immediately recognized as a new release from her favorite brand. Why was Nadine wearing it? But Josephine didn't have time to dwell on that. She coldly said, "Move." Nadine crossed her arms and smiled. "What's the rush? Are you in such a hurry to see your husband? No need. He's fine with just a few minor scratches. Scratches? Josephine froze. "You're lying." Shawn had clearly told her it was a severe car accident and he was in surgery. "Of course, you wouldn't believe me." Nadine laughed mockingly. "That's because this whole thing was an act between your husband and Shawn. And guess what? I'm the director of this little drama to make you, the wife who stormed out because of a mistress, obediently come back home." Josephine's fingers trembled. Her lips pressed tightly together as she stiffly turned to Nadine. "What did you just say?" Seeing her reaction, Nadine laughed even harder. "Why are you so surprised? Did you really think Zayn would go all the way to the airport to find you? Haha! You're so naive!" When her laughter finally subsided, she smirked and added mockingly. "Zayn didn't even want to bother. I told him to just make a call and get the media to publish some news. He would be able to sustain the image of a loving husband and bring you back without lifting a finger. Isn't it brilliant?" The air seemed to freeze. Josephine's mind went blank. She couldn't believe Zayn would play her like this. Ignoring Nadine, she walked straight into the elevator. Behind her, Nadine called out disdainfully, "Oh, by the way, those sandwiches Zayn bought are my leftovers." As the lift doors closed, Josephine leaned weakly against the wall, barely able to stand. She thought, "Zayn… Please don't… Don't do this to me." Ding. The lift door opened. Josephine walked slowly toward Zayn's private ward. She pushed the door open and held her breath. But then she saw him sitting on the sofa, sipping coffee while reading a magazine. "Mr. Forbes, Mrs. Forbes is here." Zayn only realized she was there when Shawn prompted him. He immediately got up, walked over, and said, "You're finally willing to see me." His tall figure blocked the light, casting a shadow over her. He reached out to gently touch her hair, his eyes full of affection. "Don't torment me anymore, Josephine." Josephine looked up at him, feeling he was a complete stranger. "Zayn, you lied to me." Zayn's body stiffened, but then he smiled indulgently. "You destroyed our acacia tree and wedding photo. I lied to you once, so now we're even." Even? How could they be even? She had loved him for three years and gave him everything she had, only to be repaid with deception and betrayal. This account could never be settled. "Shawn." Not wanting to argue with Zayn, she turned to Shawn. "Three years ago, Zayn didn't want to hire you because you lacked experience. I recommended you and that was why you were hired. "During your probation period, you made two major mistakes. I pleaded for you and helped resolve the issues so you could stay. And this is how you repay me?" Teaming up with Zayn to deceive her about Nadine was one thing. But teaming up with Nadine to trick her was another. She didn't expect gratitude, but she expected at least for him not to stab her in the back. Shawn's eyes reddened. "Mrs. Forbes, I… I'm sorry." "Josephine." Zayn grabbed her hand and tapped her forehead playfully. "Don't blame him. It was my idea." Josephine's eyes turned cold. After a long pause, she slowly asked, "Zayn, where is your phone?" "My phone?" Zayn looked confused, he patted his pockets and found nothing. Then he glanced at the table. It wasn't there either. Just then, the door to the ward swung open and Nadine walked in. She smiled mischievously. "Mr. Forbes, you left your phone with me!"