Chapter 8. Lena and I Are Dating

DEAN

I had to tell Carla that I had a business trip. I told her I'd be back soon. She believed me. The reality was different. In my hand, I held the plane ticket to see Lena in California. I didn't know what I would say to her when I saw her or how I would apologize. I didn't even know if she would forgive me, but since she left, I realized I made the most mistake of my life. I should have never gotten divorced.

I thought about Lena and our children. Was Lena really in danger? Was her health deteriorating? I would never forgive myself if something happened to her and my children.

The journey was long, and my anxiety was unstoppable. My best friend accompanied me.

If Lena rejected me, I didn't know what I would do. I couldn't bear her rejection.

We arrived in California. After dropping off my things at the hotel, I went to the bar where Lena worked. It was likely that my brother would be there. I did not want Jake to be close to