Loved You Once But He's My Forever

Chapter 557 I'm Back

Taylor boarded the ship, but his heart remained unsettled long after that kiss.

At 16, he was no longer a boy-he understood what it meant to be drawn to someone. If Anna had grown up under normal circumstances, she'd probably be in middle school now, learning about these things too.

But growing up on the island had kept her pure, untouched by such thoughts.

Maybe that was for the best. He liked her carefree spirit, the way she did whatever she wanted without hesitation.

This was the only kind of freedom he could give her.

Right now, she was like an elementary school kid about to go on a field trip,

bursting with excitement about the world beyond the island.

She had been taken there at five years old, cut off from everything outside. Now,

she couldn't wait to leave and experience it all for herself.

Throughout the journey, she tugged on Taylor's sleeve, unable to contain her excitement. "Taylor, look! Seagulls!"

"Mm."

"Wow! Dolphins!"

She pulled him toward the deck. Against the golden hues of the sunset, a pod of dolphins leaped from the water, their sleek bodies gliding through the air before plunging back in, sending shimmering droplets flying onto the deck.

Anna burst into laughter. "Taylor, you're all wet!"

Taylor looked at her bright, innocent smile and, for the first time in a long while, found himself smiling just as sincerely. "You too."

Only when he was with Anna did he feel like he could let down his guard, and drop the masks he always wore.

Even drenched from head to toe, nothing could dampen her excitement. She spun around on the deck, twirling in the fading light like a flower blooming after the rain.

"Taylor, I finally made it off the island!"

Taylor opened his mouth to say something but stopped himself. He didn't want to ruin her happiness.

That night, Anna took a shower, changed into fresh clothes, and curled up against him, falling asleep in his arms.

After a long journey with multiple stops, they finally arrived in Jaford.

still remembered Snowville's endless winters-snowfall beginning in deep winter and lasting for what felt like

moment she stepped out of the car, she instinctively grabbed Taylor's hand, like

"Taylor, where are we?"

"Jaford."

enough about world maps to immediately recognize it as the capital of another

at him. "But didn't you say you were taking me

is no longer safe. You need a

a sudden memory flashing in her mind-the first time

told her, "This name belongs to you

Anna's heart clenched with

will find out. My family will find out. Anna..." Taylor hesitated, guilt flickering in his eyes. "This is the price of your freedom. From now on, you have to live as someone else. If you

were still out there. The fact that she

steeled herself. "Alright. I'll do

daughter of James

She forced herself to

passport, and legal documents did Taylor take her back to

in the slightest. Pressed against the window, she

out there. Put on your down jacket before we get out. And don't run

Anna nodded obediently.

who no longer exists. Outside, I'll call

"I understand."

soon as the cabin door opened, Anna threw on her down coat

thought of escaping hadn't crossed her mind-she trusted Taylor

watching as she reached out

streamed down Anna's face. "This

her coat before wrapping a scarf snugly

experienced winter

isn't used to

catch a cold easily."

beamed at him. "Thanks, Taylor. But aren't you cold? You're barely

only wearing a long cashmere coat, which looked thin and

"I'm fine."

now? I just want to

sighed, knowing

Otherwise, you won't be able to sleep tonight. But Chloe isn't at the

Then

it was only then that Anna suddenly realized, "It's