Aurora stamped out the campfire, reclaimed her shirt, tore it into strips, and wrapped them around the wound on his shoulder, temporarily stopping the bleeding.
Exhausted and sweating profusely from her efforts, Aurora had also been injured, having taken a beating from a group of men. But she couldn't rest.
Though the fire was out, the smoke had already drifted away. If someone saw it and followed, they would be doomed.
Taking a deep breath, Aurora hoisted Heath onto her back and pressed forward. Despite his tall, lean frame, the 6'1" man was surprisingly heavy. Even for Aurora, accustomed to carrying weights, he was a burden.
Heath, in a daze, opened his eyes and murmured, "Rory..." looking at the back of Aurora's head.
"I'm here," Aurora reassured him, pulling him up, "I'm here, honey."
Heath passed out again. Aurora had seen the bruises and wounds covering
Eamon demanded furiously, "Where's Rudi? Interrogate him! The moment you find out where Rudi is, report to me immediately!"Heath and Aurora had disappeared, along with Rudi and several of his elite men—none were to be seen, an ominous sign.Finally, after personally conducting the interrogation all night and nearly exhausting all means, someone cracked, revealing that Rudi had taken a few men into the jungle in pursuit of Aurora and Heath.Jasper, with a cold expression, remarked, "The jungle is vast and endless. It's easy to enter but hard to leave. Rudi actually dared to lead people in pursuit?"Jay looked coldly at Eamon and said, "The person who confessed said that Aurora admitted herself that she killed Luca. If it weren't for our throwing the bomb, Rudi would have shot Aurora dead by now. Eamon is always suspicious of Aurora. If Aurora really had ill intentions towards Heath, why would she put herself in such a deadly situation?"Eamon sneered, "Perhaps your Miss Aurora wants t
Aurora rushed forward, her hands trembling. She was completely stunned, uncertain whether she should pull out the knife or do something else.All she could do was futilely cover Heath's abdomen, the warm blood seeping through her fingers, symbolizing Heath's rapidly fading life. No matter how desperately Aurora tried, she couldn't stop the flow.With a trembling voice, Aurora said, “It’s going to be okay... it’s going to be okay... I’ll get you out of here... nothing bad is going to happen...”She knew it was futile because she had carried Heath on her back for a day to get here. If she tried to carry him for another day without finding a way out, Heath would die from blood loss.She shook her head, trying to think of another solution, but in this godforsaken, desolate place, there was no way to stop the bleeding from Heath's abdominal wound.Heath closed his eyes, seemingly exerting a lot of effort to open them again and look at Aurora. He said, “Just go, Rory.”Aurora shook her head
When Aurora awoke, she found herself confined to a dim cell, its darkness unrelieved by any window or light. Eamon had taken her captive, yet he had refrained from inflicting pain, instead ensuring she received sustenance through IV fluids and three daily meals, her primary constraint being the handcuffs encircling her wrists.Aurora huddled in the cell's shadows, losing track of time. She had no appetite, the thought of food repugnant until she could lay eyes on Heath once more.Upon his arrival for an interrogation, Eamon discovered Aurora lying on the cot, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. He settled into a chair and inquired, "Should I address you as Aurora or Olivia?"Aurora maintained her silent vigil, eyes still on the ceiling.With a sigh, Eamon pressed, "I've not resorted to torture. I harbor no desire to harm women. What I seek to understand is your unwavering loyalty to Heath. Why do you remain by his side?"Drawing her knees to her chest, Aurora met Eamon's gaze. "If I divulg
Heath paused at the door to the dimly lit room, a moment of hesitation before he pushed it open.The door swung open, and Heath and his entourage were stunned into silence.The room was starkly empty, the handcuffs on the corner wall pried open, leaving no trace of Aurora.But Heath was certain, just moments ago, he had clearly seen Aurora huddled in the corner of this very room!The only explanation was a breach in the surveillance room. The footage Heath had seen must have been from another day altogether.And Aurora? She might have left this place a long time ago."Boss..." Kieran, looking worriedly at Heath's complexion, spoke up. Despite his severe injuries that warranted bed rest, he had insisted on coming to find Aurora, who now was nowhere to be found.Heath, clenching his fists, demanded, "Who took her?"Lysander, momentarily taken aback, ventured, "Heath, you don’t suspect Eamon, do you?"Heath, his face a shade of stormy, turned back, colliding head-on with Eamon. Shaking o
Aurora was lost in a whirlwind of thoughts as Heath studied the girl before him. With her head bowed in silence, she bore none of the fearless demeanor she had within the stronghold.In the tense and quiet atmosphere, Heath's voice finally broke the silence. His slightly hoarse voice sounded unexpectedly pleasant in the night."I've just proposed. Are you planning to run away from our engagement?" he said.Aurora's foot, tracing circles on the ground, paused. She lifted her head, her gaze fixed on Heath in bewilderment, and blurted out, "What?"Heath looked into her eyes with utmost seriousness and said, "I'm merely injured, not crippled. I'll live a long life. Why run?"Kieran couldn't help but let out a snort of laughter, earning a glance from Heath. Kieran immediately silenced himself.Aurora still didn't understand. Her mind was in chaos. Wasn't Heath here to capture her? Then why bring so many people?Heath felt helpless. The girl standing foolishly before him made him wonder if
Aurora was taken aback, turning to face Heath. With his gaze locked on hers, he pronounced every word with deep sincerity, "I love you, more than you could possibly imagine."Kieran, sitting upfront, couldn't help but cough awkwardly. The CEO sure had a knack for charming ladies! Ever since he met Aurora, it had been a non-stop barrage of sweet nothings.Aurora's cheeks flushed with warmth. She leaned into Heath's lap, burying her head in silence. Heath gently stroked her hair, patiently untangling the knots with his fingers.Gradually, Aurora drifted into a peaceful slumber, a luxury she hadn't indulged in for ages. With all matters resolved and Heath by her side, she relaxed completely, sleeping soundly.Upon their return to the base, Heath insisted on carrying Aurora back to the medical room himself. Lysander was delighted to see Aurora returned safely and teased, "Carrying the beauty back in your arms?"Heath smiled wryly, "Carried the beauty, but reopened my wound."Lysander sigh
Lysander sighed deeply and said, "Aurora’s grandpa has passed away. Aurora came looking for you right after the funeral. After all the turmoil of these past days, we still don't know the state of affairs with the Pendletons! I've heard that the old man left all his shares to Maxwell, enough for them to oust Aurora!"Heath narrowed his eyes, his voice icy, "Who's ousting whom remains to be seen."Lysander frowned, "You're not fully healed. Rushing back now could be too much for your body."Kieran also advised, "Boss, it's better to recover fully before heading back. A few days won't make a difference."Heath nodded. Lysander gave him another look, "It's been two days. Don't you plan to meet Eamon?"Heath closed his eyes, replying, "We'll see."With a sigh, Lysander and Kieran left the hospital room.Heath leaned back on his hospital bed. It wasn't that he was unwilling to see Eamon, but he didn't know how to face him. On the matter of Aurora, their stances were too opposed. Even if Eam
Auroralay quietly in Heath's arms, eyes closed. For the first time since her rebirth, she poured out her heart completely. From now on, she wouldn't have to live in fear, nor tiptoe around Heath, worried he might discover her secret at any moment.He had wholly accepted her, understanding every facet of her life.Aurora had thought that unraveling the mystery of her rebirth would be a tangled mess of emotions, shocking and frightening Heath. Yet, when she spoke of her rebirth, his reaction was as mild as if she were commenting on the day's catch being particularly tasty.Heath held her, his heart aching with nothing but compassion for her.His girl had traversed mountains and rivers, bridging the gap between two souls to be with him. What more could he ask for?In the quiet of the hospital room, Heath suddenly asked, cradling Aurora, "So, you really do have feelings for Dom