Chapter 183 Apology for Making a Terrible Mistake

About ten minutes later, Joseph arrived to see Kate sitting by the fountain.

She was sure that he would be coming to find her, so she deliberately sat somewhere he could find her. The moment she saw him, her heart began to pound. Kate wanted to run to him and tell him that she never wanted to fight again, but he already had his arms around her before she could.

"Sorry, I was wrong," Joseph whispered. He held her tight for several minutes, not saying a word.

After calming down a little, she looked at him and said, "Let's go back to the hotel. I don't want anyone to be worried about us!"

"Okay," Joseph nodded and picked up Kate's shopping bags.

**

Back at the hotel, the four others waited in the lobby for Joseph and Kate to return. Rowen had a few cuts and scratches but seemed to be doing fine.

Lisa said, "Rowen when they get back here, don't look at Joseph like he is your enemy. Otherwise, Kate will be embarrassed and upset. You are her friend and Joseph is her boyfriend. She doesn't want anyone of us to be unhappy around each other."

Rowen nodded; he felt terrible for what he had done.

After half an hour, Joseph and Kate walked into the hotel.

"Kate!" Lisa ran towards her. She took her hand and asked, "Are you all right?"

Kate shook her head and then turned to Rowen, asking with concern, "Are you okay?"

"Don't worry, Nick and I have already taken him for an examination. There is only a slight flesh wound, so no major problems," Lisa commented and then looked at Joseph, "How are you doing?"

Joseph shook his head as if it was unimportant.

Kate was aware that Joseph had a few injuries and wanted to take care of him, but she didn't say anything.

"Since everyone is okay, let's all go back to our rooms and get some rest. I will have room service deliver our dinner; then we can get together for drinks later in the evening. How does that sound?" Nick suggested. He sensed there was still some tension between Joseph and Rowen; meeting later in the night would give them more time to calm down. Plus, that it would also give Joseph and Kate time to work things out and makeup.

Lisa nodded in agreement, "Rowen, I will go to your room with you and help you apply your ointment."

"What are you talking about, Lisa?" Nick snapped, "You and he can't stay in a room alone? Let me do it!"

Lisa glared at Nick and reluctantly handed the medicine to him.

"Let's go back to our room and get cleaned up," Kate sighed.

Joseph wanted to talk to Kate so that they could relax, "Okay."

"Rowen, you…" Lisa chased after Rowen, thinking he was going to hit Joseph again.

Joseph stopped but did not look back. Everyone was tense and watching as if they were moving in slow motion.

"I'm sorry!" Rowen bowed at his back.

Except for Joseph's cold expression, everyone's jaw dropped; they were in shock. Rowen then turned to Kate and apologized, "Kate, it was my fault. I should not interfere with the relationship between you and Joseph. I was the one who spoke inappropriately and hit Joseph. I aggravated him, and I am very sorry."

Lisa could not believe that it was Rowen who threw the first punch. She thought it was Joseph who had attacked Rowen, judging by who looked worse. Kate had also thought Joseph started the fight, which was part of the reason why she was so angry with him.

"Since this misunderstanding seems to have been cleared up, maybe you could shake hands and be friends?" Nick said cautiously.

However, neither of the two men moved a muscle. Noelle stepped forward and took Joseph's hand, then said, "Rowen, shake hands with Joseph."

"Yes, still friends," Lisa commented and took Rowen's hand to shake Joseph's.

After shaking hands, Joseph said to him, "Anyway, the competition should have been fair. I shouldn't have to warn you about your thoughts. Instead, I will use my actions to defend what I need to!"

"It is my honor to have such a great enemy. I appreciate an opponent like you," Although Rowen apologized, it didn't mean that he was going to give up on the opportunity to pursue Kate. Their conversation hadn't been a peaceful surrender but more of a subtle declaration of war.

The air became tense, and the reason for the fight was clear to everyone.

Joseph took Kate's hand and led her to their room. The atmosphere made Kate's heart pound again.

"Still angry?" He pulled her to the bed and sat down; his deep gaze fell on her delicate face.

Kate shook her head and apologized, "I'm sorry; I misunderstood what happened."

Joseph hugged her and said honestly, "If I feel anxious because other people like you, it means I have no confidence in myself. I do trust you, and I didn't handle the situation well."

"No matter who likes me, it doesn't mean that it changes my feelings for you. You should have confidence in yourself and believe in me," Kate reminded him.

"Okay, I will," Joseph said and held her tighter. He was relieved that things could go back to the way they were.

"Lisa gave me some ointment. Let me put some on your cut so that it will heal faster," Kate said, gently touching Joseph's face.

He nodded and let her apply the ointment.

About seven o'clock, the group met in the lobby to go to the hotel's bar. Nick, Noelle, and Lisa danced and laughed most of the night. Joseph and Kate cuddled close together and giggled, watching the others making fools of themselves, while Rowen sat in the corner alone drinking his beer. Lisa had tried to get him to join them, but he refused each time.