Chapter 24

At Freddy's words, the cruise ship's security barriers finally unlocked. But it was already too late. They had sailed deep into open waters. Even if someone made it off the ship in a lifeboat, the unforgiving sea would swallow them whole within moments. Hazel gazed at Hugo in disbelief. Tears instantly flooded her eyes. "Do you really want me to leave? Then what about you? What are you going to do?" Hugo gently wiped away her tears. A bittersweet smile played on his lips. "Be good, Hazel. I'll find a way—" Before he could finish, Hazel collapsed into his arms, holding him tightly. "You're lying! You're going to leave me again, aren't you? Just like before!" Her mind raced back to the day of their engagement. Lily had pulled her aside, and her voice had been heavy with sorrow. "Hugo never told anyone. He walked into the kidnappers' den alone, determined to save you. I didn't learn the full story until later. Before he left, he offered to give nearly all of his blood to save you