Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Aurora slept soundly, but Ivy wasn't as fortunate. The impulsive comment she made last night had angered Justin.

Having offended Justin, Ivy couldn't expect to be treated kindly on this ship. Everyone ignored her, except for Frank, the only decent man onboard, who took pity on her and gave her a room.

The room, however, was nothing more than a storage closet. It lacked air conditioning and contained only an old, shabby sofa. Thinking about how they were both people pulled from the sea, yet treated so differently, Ivy felt bitterness rising in her heart.

"Miss, it's cold at night. Let me get you a blanket," Frank offered.

"Excuse me, do you have a phone here? I want to call my family," Ivy asked. She had nothing with her, not even a way to contact her family. She had narrowly escaped death, and the first person she wanted to reach was Mio Walsh. She longed to hear his voice.

"Miss, I'm sorry, but there's no signal for mobile phones at sea. The ship has two special landline phones, one in the control room and the other with the boss," Frank explained.

"I'm worried my family won't be able to find me and will start panicking. Could you please speak to your boss for me? I just need one call to let them know I'm okay."

"I'm afraid that won't be possible. It's late now; you should rest. One more thing-be cautious around the people on this ship," Frank warned before leaving.

Frank, despite being nicknamed the "old good guy," wasn't actually old. He was only in his thirties, but years on the ship with little care for his appearance-unkempt clothes, scruffy beard, and sun-weathered skin-made him look older than his age.

Ivy, observing his scruffy face and stubbly beard, had instinctively called him "uncle." "Thank you," she replied.

Frank's warning replayed in Ivy's head as she realized the nature of the people on the ship. Their casual attire, vulgar language, and the way they had watched her struggle in the water without offering help were clear signs. They had stood there, entertained by her desperation.

My wet clothes are freezing me," Ivy asked, feeling her body tremble from the

a private bath in his room. The rest of us share a communal bathroom, which might not be convenient for a

awkwardly, and Ivy frowned. Compared to the luxurious triple-deck cruise ship she had been on before, this vessel was nothing more

in your room? I can clean myself with some

Frank nodded. "Alright."

had a small private bathroom. "Here's the basin and hot water. I'll go get some clothes

you, Uncle,"

32. Call me Frank," he corrected, feeling awkward about

you, Frank, for speaking up and saving me earlier," Ivy said sincerely. She remembered clearly that if it

it wasn't easy for you," Frank said, scratching the back of his head. "Go wash up. I'll step out. And remember,

were vague, but Ivy quickly understood. Other than Mrs. Woolf, there was now a second woman on the ship-herself. Ivy knew exactly what men like these could do, and she had no intention

carry for life. The stench of the vagrants and their leering laughter still haunted her dreams. Though she had

and used the hot water to clean herself. She was alive, and that was all that mattered for now.

onboard, so you'll

you, Frank," Ivy replied, grateful that fate had at least allowed her to

hear you've already brought that woman into your room? Moving fast, aren't you?" A burly

tightened. This ship was strange, and the people on board even stranger. Frank had warned her that none of

just let her use my hot water. She was freezing after being

haven't had a woman on this ship