?<strong>Chapter 455:</strong>


    By evening, Joelle’s hospital room had transformed into a lively hub of activity, bustling with people and resembling a joyful family gathering.


    Joelle was struck by the realization that so many people had rallied around her, offering their unwavering support.


    While peeling an apple for Aurora, Adrian stole a nce at Joelle, only to find her shedding tears, her emotions spilling out amid the lively chatter around them.


    He quickly made his way through the crowd to her side. “What’s wrong?”


    “Nothing,” Joelle replied, her expression carrying an undercurrent of sadness. Even when she smiled, Adrian sensed it was forced, a smile she felt obligated to wear.


    “Are they bothering you?” he asked.


    Joelle shook her head. “I’ve just realized how invaluable life is.”


    Adrian sighed in relief, gently patting her head. “If you ever hurt yourself again, I’ll make sure they all give you the cold shoulder.”


    “Okay,” Joelle nodded. “Rest assured, I won’t put you through that again.”


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    She looked around the room, noticing that even Michael had shown up, but Shawn and Katherine were noticeably absent. “Where are Shawn and Katherine?”


    Adrian had reached out to Shawn, only to learn he was overseas and couldn’t return soon. Katherine had promised toe but, for some reason, had not yet arrived.


    Meanwhile, Katherine was at home, anxiously ncing at the clock every few seconds. “Dad, Mom, what’s going on? I’m going to the hospital!”


    Her parents exchanged knowing nces. Her mother, Agate Nash, said, “Did you know that Bobby is engaged?”


    “Is that all?” Katherine leaned back on the sofa. “I know.”


    “You know?” Her parents stood up, their expressions a mixture of surprise and curiosity. “Weren’t you seeing him?”


    Katherine chuckled lightly. “Where on earth did you hear such gossip?”


    They exchanged uncertain looks before sitting back down. “We’re just concerned for your wellbeing.” They had only heard fragments and rumors from various sources. Bobby had been the one closest to Katherine, and based on this, they had naturally assumed she was dating him.


    Initially, their concerns were palpable. While Bobby had admirable qualities, his personal life was infamously tumultuous.


    Whispers had spread that his engagement was a maniption, with his mother feigning illness to pressure him into acquiescence. However, from Katherine’s family’s perspective, the engagement between Bobby and the girl seemed tenuous at best. Once his mother was discharged, Bobby wasted no time indulging in a three-day clubbing spree,pletely disregarding his father’s persistent calls to return home. Instead, he rented a yacht and invited around a hundred women to join him.


    Despite this, his parents were still enthusiastic about the prospect of Bobby finally settling down, while Katherine’s parents were equally convinced that it was time for her to begin a more grounded journey.


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