"Mr. Hayes, we've combed through the nearby waters, and I'm afraid Mrs. Hayes..."

The search and rescue team leader's words were cut off mid-sentence by lan's sharp command. "Keep searching. She has to be alive!"

Despite his own creeping dread that Clara's chances were slim, lan clung to the belief that she wouldn't leave him behind.

Edwin's expression was somber as he turned to lan. "Heidi's been badly burned. Her face is disfigured, and her vocal cords are damaged. Paolo pulled her from the fire. Do you want us to bring her back?" At the mention of that name, lan clenched his jaw hard. "Send the orders. No matter what, she must survive. To die like this would be too easy for her."

Edwin nodded, his voice saturated with regret. "lan, we need to steel ourselves for what's to come," he said, gripping lan's shoulder with a firm, reassuring hand. His words rang with a somber note, resounding in the silence that followed.

With the storm raging as it was, Clara's odds of survival were low, especially with her deep-sea phobia. If it had been a river, with its less fierce currents and shallower depths, there might be hope. But this was the deep sea.

five days and nights, not closing his eyes

You should go rest. I'll

was impossible, but in such situations, everyone held

stood on the deck of the search vessel. His hands trembled as he pulled a cigarette from his pocket. It took several attempts

took a long, desperate drag. His eyes were bloodshot as he stared into the distance.

the chance to spoil her. Fate can't be that unfair." He

his cigarette. The coldness in his eyes deepened.

just

and I get married, I'll make sure Heidi is

to the heart - the best

own heartache was

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255