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Boat Against the Current Chapter 4
The first thing Lucille did once she got better was calculate how much the Dortmans had spent on her over the years.She sat at her table, adding up all the expenses she had incurred since she joined this household. Everything from her living costs to tuition fees added up to three million dollars.Her late father’s inheritance and old property were worth two million dollars, and she had saved a few dozen thousand from her part-time work. It seemed she had to find more work before she left to make up the difference.Lucille’s expertise was photography. With that in mind, she found some freelance jobs online. Before long, she had eight offers for everything from wedding photos to graduation shoots.She accepted every job and worked from day to night. She was too tired to even stand up straight, yet she did not breathe a word of complaint. It was because her mother told her Dan had been divorced even before they met. He just never made it in public. In other words, they had dated
Boat Against the Current Chapter 5
“Wow, what a sweet couple!”“Looks like they’ll be getting married soon. Hahaha, I’ll finally get a daughter-in-law!”Her stepfather’s voice behind her woke Lucille from her daze. She quickly took a few more pictures of the highlight of the night.River and Sophia soon parted. Sophia waved toward the third floor with a bashful smile. “Thanks for everything, Lucy! Let’s stop here!”Lucille heaved a sigh of relief and brought her equipment downstairs, returning to her parents’ side.Victoria was holding Sophia’s hand and smiling at her. “Dan and I encountered some delays along the way and ended up a little late. I hope you don’t mind, Sophia.”“Of course I don’t! You came right on time. We haven’t distributed the cake yet.”Dan patted his son’s shoulder with a proud smile. “I’m glad you found the love of your life, River. Since you gave Sophia that necklace, isn’t it time you invited her family over? We should start discussing your wedding.”Sophia turned bright red, looking at R
Boat Against the Current Chapter 6
Her words and sudden tears caused River to panic. In the four years they had been together, he had never seen Lucille look so helpless and upset.No matter what happened before this, she would only ever smile brightly at him — because she never wanted him to think she was losing faith in their love.He did not know what exactly had happened, but he still hugged her on instinct. “I’m sorry, sweetie. Don’t cry, I shouldn’t have done that. I only lost control because you welcomed her into the family.”After that, he tried to kiss her again. He was even gentler than usual, but Lucille pushed him away again.“Period.”“Even after so long?”“Yes, probably because I had a fever that day.”Worry flashed through River’s eyes when he remembered how weak she was during her fever. He stopped pressuring her, instead carrying her into her room tenderly. He turned off the lights and hugged her in bed.Lucille was too tired to keep her eyes open. She fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pil
Boat Against the Current Chapter 7
Lucille focused fully on her breakfast. She did not look up, nor did she pay attention to River’s replies.She was about to leave after breakfast when she suddenly received a text on her phone. It came with a twenty thousand dollar transfer from Sophia.Lucille looked up just in time to see Sophia’s provocative smirk. The text that came with the transfer read, [I really like the pictures you took yesterday, especially the one of the kiss! I’ll send them to River. I’m sure he’ll appreciate your handiwork!]Lucille simply replied, [Received with thanks.]She then clicked on her bank app. When she saw the three hundred thousand dollars in her account, she chuckled softly to herself.While the rest of the family was still engrossed in their discussion, Lucille went upstairs, got changed, and then called a cab outside.She had invited her besties out for a farewell luncheon. If she did not leave soon, she would be late. In the end, Lucille arrived at the cafe at exactly twelve o’clo
Boat Against the Current Chapter 8
She could not win the argument against him, and she was running late, so she had to take his car. Halfway to the destination, however, he suddenly made a detour, saying he had to pick up someone else.Lucille paused when she saw Sophia. She wanted to ask, Why did they have to bring someone completely unrelated to pick up her father’s ashes? Were he and Sophia that inseparable?However, time was running short. She swallowed her words.On the way to the new cemetery, Lucille walked ahead of the others wordlessly, holding the urn. Everything was ready. Just as they were about to bury the urn, River’s phone.He glanced at the number, frowned, and left the gravesite.Lucille did not ask where he was going. She bent down to put down the urn, but Sophia stopped her with a smirk.“River agreed to watch the sunset with me today. He only brought you here because it was along the way. I bet you didn’t know that!”Lucille did not know that, but she also did not care. All she cared about was
Boat Against the Current Chapter 9
The employees at the cemetery brought Lucille a brand-new urn. She carefully put the last specks of ash inside, buried the urn, and then knelt down, pressing her head against the grave.“I’m sorry, Dad,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “I let the wrong man into my life, and I couldn’t protect you.”She paused, her fingers tracing the edge of the grave. “And now… I have to leave. I won’t be able to visit you for years, but I hope you’ll understand.”After bowing three times, she raised her head. Crows cawed in the distance.A drop of crimson blood slid down her forehead and the corner of her reddened eyes, like a tear of blood.That evening, Lucille left the cemetery and went home alone. She brought all the things she had packed downstairs. She burned the crush diary filled with River’s name. She threw away the matching clothing she had secretly brought. She cut the couple photos they had sneakily taken to pieces.Once everything was done, she returned to her room. The
Boat Against the Current Chapter 10
The plane to London took off on time at eight in the morning. Once she was in the air, Lucille finally gave up and closed her weary eyes.She slept for more than seven hours.It was only when she woke up that it hit her. She had really left.She had departed for a foreign country all on her own. It was a future she had never envisioned for herself.Now, though, she finally realized that saying goodbye was not that painful, after all. Being alone was not that unbearable.She calmly took this first step. She did not cry or regret anything; all she felt was endless release… and a simmering but gradually building sense of excitement.With her new mindset, she felt considerably more relaxed.She took out her phone and read through her to-do list. Her apartment and daily necessities in London were already taken care of, so she did not have to worry about that.The only thing she was worried about was the man who had arranged everything for her. It was the childhood friend she had nev
Boat Against the Current Chapter 11
Lucille’s first stop in London was the Vaughn family home. She had hinted she wanted to go straight to her apartment, but Lilian rejected that notion.“Your apartment isn’t fully furnished yet, and the start of the semester is ages away. Just stay with me for now! It’ll be more convenient.”There was nothing Lucille could say in the face of her enthusiasm other than “Okay”.On the way into town, Lilian never let go of her hand. She told Lucille all sorts of stories about her past with Victoria. On one hand, Lucille was happy for her mother. Victoria’s friend still remembered her so fondly after so many years, treasuring all their memories together.On the other hand, she was a little sad. They were such close friends, yet they were miles apart. Both of them had to work hard to keep up the relationship.The two most important people in Victoria’s life were now together in London, while she missed them dearly from across the world. Wasn’t that cruel, in a way?Lilian seemed to fe
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Boat Against the Current Chapter 26
The moment Lucielle ran out of the doors, she saw a black car approaching in the distance.She immediately recognized Elliot’s car and waved frantically to catch his attention.The car screeched to a stop in front of her, and she climbed in without hesitation.“Go! Go!” she urged.Elliot didn’t hesitate and stepped hard on the accelerator.Lucielle anxiously checked the rearview mirror. When she realized no car was chasing them, she finally exhaled in relief.Seeing her relax, Elliot glanced at her and asked, “Who called me? And what were you doing out here?”Before Lucielle could explain, a sharp honk split the air.She snapped back and saw River’s car speeding toward them, with River behind the wheel like a madman.There was no time to explain. She turned to Elliot, her voice tense. “Can you lose that car?”Elliot’s expression darkened as he pressed harder on the accelerator. His tone was grim. “Is that your brother?”Surprised at how quickly he figured it out, she nodded
Boat Against the Current Chapter 25
Three hours later, River returned.He smiled when he saw Lucielle sitting quietly in the corner. Tossing her a bottle of water and a bag of snacks, he said, “Eat something, Lucy. We’re leaving now.”Lucielle looked down and rummaged through the bag but didn’t move.She waited until River’s patience began to wear thin before she raised her hand, holding the bottle of water.Having not eaten anything all day, she struggled to twist the cap open and had no choice but to ask for his help.River’s mood visibly improved.He smiled as he opened the bottle for her and ruffled her hair affectionately. “Finally come to your senses, Lucy? We’re made for each other. Just stay by my side like this, okay? I’ll explain everything to Mom and Dad.”Lucielle didn’t argue. She even gave a slight nod. “Okay.”At her response, all of River’s frustration and anger from the past month seemed to evaporate.He smiled happily, picked up a bun, and began eating.Lucielle took a few sips of water before
Boat Against the Current Chapter 24
After forcing her out of the car, River dragged Lucielle into a small, windowless room with no ventilation.Without a word, he took all her belongings and locked the door behind him.“Be a good girl and wait here. I’ll be back with your passport in a few hours, and then we’ll leave.”He didn’t wait for her response before turning and walking away.Lucielle clenched her fists, then pinched herself to calm down and focus.Squatting on the ground, she began piecing together everything she knew, searching for a way out.Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching. The distinct sound of high heels clacking against the floor told her it wasn’t River.Desperate, she pounded on the door with all her strength, hoping to draw the person’s attention.The footsteps stopped just outside, and a familiar voice spoke.“Where is he taking you, Lucielle?”It was Sophia.Lucielle’s fleeting hope vanished.She hadn’t seen Sophia since that day at the graveyard. For her to be here now could only
Boat Against the Current Chapter 23
Once school started, Lucielle and Elliot were almost inseparable outside of class.It didn’t take long for Lucielle to settle into her new life and move on from the events of the past.Her mother called from time to time to update her on what was happening back home.During one call, her mom mentioned that after returning from Europe, River had abruptly announced that he would no longer be marrying Sophia.Sophia refused to accept this and repeatedly went looking for him at home, but River avoided her at every turn.To make matters worse, River had a heated argument with his father and insisted on leaving Dortman Group.Lucielle listened silently, making no remarks. After all, her mother was her only connection to the Dortmans now.When the call ended, Lucielle checked the time and messaged Elliot, asking when his class would finish.His reply was quick. He told her he would be having lunch with friends and suggested she eat on her own.Understanding, Lucielle packed up her th
Boat Against the Current Chapter 22
Lucielle woke up to an empty house the next morning.Elliot wasn’t home either. He’d left a note saying he had an errand to run.She paid it no mind and returned to her room after breakfast, switching on her computer to prepare for class.She had just finished reading the first chapter when her phone rang. The screen displayed an international number she didn’t recognize. Hesitant, she debated ignoring it but decided to answer.For a moment, the line was silent. Just as she considered hanging up, River’s voice came through the speaker.“I’m downstairs. Spend my birthday with me, Lucy.”Lucielle froze, unsure why he had come to the villa.Knowing him, he would do whatever it took to make her leave the house, dragging her along if necessary.Not wanting to give him the chance, she refused. “You should spend it with your mom, River. It’s been a while since she saw you. I’m sure she misses you a lot. I won’t be coming down, though. Happy birthday.”Another heavy silence followed.
Boat Against the Current Chapter 21
Lucielle spent the next two days at home.Elliot’s parents were busy with work, leaving just her and Elliot in the house.Perhaps at his mother’s request—or maybe out of concern that she might get bored—Elliot took her on a tour of the house.From the wine cellar in the basement to the rooftop garden upstairs, and from the private cinema on the third floor to the pool in the backyard, they explored every corner.They made full use of the facilities, chatting casually throughout the day. Before they realized it, the sun had set.That evening, Lillian hosted a barbecue party. As they gathered around, she shared stories about Victoria’s past with Lucielle. Meanwhile, Elliot and his father managed the fire, handed out freshly grilled skewers, and kept everyone’s glasses filled.A warm summer breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers, and the soothing notes of a romantic piano solo played in the background.Lucielle felt her entire body relax. She leaned back, gazing up at the fai
Boat Against the Current Chapter 20
Elliot’s well-reasoned offer stunned Lucielle. She hadn’t expected him to understand River’s personality and tendencies so quickly after just one meeting, nor had she anticipated his initiative in offering to protect her.But she had to admit—his concern was valid.From her years of dealing with River, she knew he wouldn’t back down after losing today. He would surely continue to harass her.Elliot’s worries weren’t unfounded.After giving it some thought, Lucielle nodded and agreed to let him know whenever she planned to leave the house.Satisfied, Elliot led her upstairs.As they pushed open the door, they were met with an explosion of confetti.“Surprise! Welcome to London, Lucy!” Lilian shouted excitedly.Lucielle jumped in shock, nearly hitting the doorframe.Having anticipated his mother’s surprise, Elliot reached out to steady her and casually picked a stray piece of confetti from her hair.Lucielle’s attention quickly shifted to the group of people gathered in the l
Boat Against the Current Chapter 19
River scoffed.“Busy? With what?! Going on a date with your friend here? Don’t forget, Lucielle, I haven’t agreed to break up with you!”Lucielle’s expression darkened, but her gaze remained resolute. “Do you have to argue until there’s no turning back? Why can’t we end things on good terms, River?”In the ten years River had known her, this was the first time he’d seen her so angry. For a moment, he was stunned.He had grown too accustomed to being the one in control during their relationship. Now, as they faced off, he refused to back down.The frustration and anger bubbling beneath his surface threatened to erupt.“No! I told you—you’re mine!”Lucielle realized he had entered his unyielding, stubborn mode, where reason was futile. She gave up trying to communicate and turned to leave.Before she could take a step, Elliot spoke up. “Lucielle is an independent person capable of making her own decisions. She doesn’t belong to anyone. If you can’t respect her or her wishes, she
Boat Against the Current Chapter 18
The apartment was located beside the University of London. The area was quaint and charming, and Lucielle liked it immediately.Elliot decided to bring her to the apartment first to take note of everything they needed to buy. Afterward, he showed her around the neighborhood, pointing out nearby markets, restaurants, parking lots, and even alleyways.Lucielle jotted everything down and thanked him.Elliot waved her thanks off casually. Noticing it was almost lunchtime, he asked, “What do you feel like eating?”Unfamiliar with the local restaurants, Lucielle asked for suggestions.Elliot chose a nearby restaurant and led her there.Compared to his parents, Elliot was more soft-spoken. He wasn’t cold, but he rarely spoke unless spoken to. His dependable nature left a good impression on Lucielle. Slowly, she found herself developing a sense of closeness and trust in him.Just as they placed their order, Elliot’s phone buzzed. It was a call from Lillian, asking when they would be bac
