The night descended late in Fairport, with the sounds of the waves crashing and washing over the shore accompanying the gradual encroachment of darkness.In stark contrast to the bustling scene near the hotel, the hospital's surroundings were notably quieter. Distant neon lights could be glimpsed through the window, but it was quiet. Even the sporadic and occasional chirping of frogs and birds seemed hushed in the vicinity of the hospital. On closer inspection, the dim streetlights beneath the hospital windows cast a peaceful and inviting ambiance around the area. After having dinner with David, Rebecca leaned against the window to savor the hospital's night view. In reality, there wasn't much to see; it was just a few trees illuminated by the lights. However, after being surrounded by the various billboards and colorful lights of the city center, quietly observing the scenery below was a truly wonderful experience. Rebecca found it especially heartwarming when she noticed
In fact, a hint of guilt had lingered within Rebecca when she had disposed of those two pills in the bathroom the previous night.She couldn't shake the feeling that she had betrayed David's trust. This guilt left her with mixed emotions when confronted by his kindness today. However, the text message she had seen in the afternoon completely eradicated her guilt and unease. It revealed his true intentions—to exert complete control over her, even if it meant turning her into a mindless fool. How could she continue to stay by his side? How could she foolishly indulge in those fleeting moments of 'kindness'? It might have been the genuine emotions that had developed between them during their time together, or perhaps it was an attempt to eliminate the last shreds of hope from her heart. Regardless of the reason, Rebecca couldn't help but ask him, "David, what kind of job do you think I should look for once we're abroad? “You mentioned earlier that I used to work in design,
Rebecca's soothing voice eventually snapped David out of his reverie.David raised his intense gaze to her. Rebecca had just come out of the bathroom. A few water droplets still clung to her damp hair. Her delicate figure appeared even more fragile in the hospital gown. Fortunately, the mist from the bathroom had added a touch of moisture to her skin, and her pale face seemed healthier than it did during the day. David's gaze shifted away from Rebecca. He looked at the couch, where Rebecca's thin jacket was. Initially, he hadn't noticed any lingering fragrance in the room's air. But at this moment, he inexplicably felt that her scent had become more pronounced, especially after her freshening up.There was a subtle hint of her favorite shower gel's fragrance lingering in the air. David suppressed the thoughts that crossed his mind and rose from the couch. His voice was hoarse as he said, "I'll freshen up. After that, if you're not tired, we can spend some time together. We
When David came out of the bathroom, he noticed that Rebecca was slouched on the couch. A pillow was covering her face.Apparently, she had truly fallen asleep. She didn't even flinch at the sound of his movements. "Becca?" David called her, but she remained oblivious. Rebecca was slouched in the corner of the couch. A soft pillow was supporting her head. Her face was turned towards the backrest, and she hadn't budged an inch. David couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness. After all, she had told him to rest if he felt tired, and now she was the one who was resting. However, she was sick, so he couldn't really blame her. David approached and bent down slightly. However, as his outstretched arm was about to reach Rebecca, he suddenly remembered something and straightened up. His own quick shower in the bathroom had not been as thorough as Rebecca's meticulous routine. He had simply rinsed himself off. Since he had used cold water, his skin still felt a little cold.
When Rebecca and Sam made eye contact, both of them felt a twinge of embarrassment.However, Sam didn't want to make Rebecca uncomfortable, so he cleared his throat and averted his gaze as if nothing had happened. As they left the room, Sam naturally crouched down in front of her. "Becca, if you're feeling tired, I can give you a piggyback ride." Rebecca struggled to put her feelings into words, but she didn't resist his offer. She looked at the broad back in front of her and broke into a warm smile. Without hesitation, she climbed onto Sam's shoulders. A mix of familiarity and novelty filled her chest. Initially, Rebecca was somewhat reserved. But when she felt Sam gently adjusting her position to ensure she didn't fall, she tightened her grip on his shoulders and softly thanked him. Sam chuckled and said, "Is that how you talk to me?" Rebecca's head felt heavy, but she responded candidly. "What else can I do? I had forgotten about you. It just doesn't feel right not
Sam's expression instantly turned dark. Before he could send a reply, a voice message came through. The voice sounded lackadaisical and chilly, like the night air. It was impudent and maniacal."I know Becca's still asleep right now. I also know how important Becca is to you all. How about this? I won't penalize you for what happened tonight. As long as you send her safely to the hospital, I'll forget anything happened. I'll return your two cousins as agreed, Mr. Johnson."That meant that, as long as Rebecca was back in the hospital ward, David would let Caleb and Alex go unharmed.Sam's heart burned with a righteous fury. "Why should I believe you?"David sounded amused when he said, "Sam, you certainly have the choice not to believe me. But then, I won't be able to make any promises about the state you'll find your cousins in."After a pause, a third voice message came through."By the way, what makes you so sure you can take Becca safely out of Fairport, Sam?"Though tinged w
Nate looked down and checked this watch. "She'll wake up in about three minutes or so."Though Nate had only given an estimate, the timing proved to be exactly right.When Sam received yet another message from David sent from Caleb's phone, Rebecca's eyelids fluttered. Looking at the woman whose head was on his shoulder, Sam smiled. He'd been extremely anxious before, but now his worry lessened by a lot. He stared at Rebecca and asked, "Becca, how do you feel?"Newly awakened, Rebecca felt like her brain was empty. Her eyes held a look of confusion in them. It was the faint herbal scent coming from outside the car that allowed her to slowly regain her senses."Sam …" Rebecca looked at the building behind Sam, and a look of confusion overtook her pretty face. "Sam, I remember that w-we left the hospital, right? Why …"Why were they still at the entrance to the hospital?Rebecca was perplexed by this. She thought she might have dreamed up her escape from David on the road. But
"Becca!" Sam cried out from behind before Rebecca could get too far. He had put away the note without opening it and jumped out of the car.Rebecca turned back. Sam's tone was impatient as he stood by Nate's side. He looked at her. "You should still let us send you there. How could you just walk off alone? This time is different from the last."The two siblings thought back to what had happened at the hotel. They both smiled.Rebecca, especially, felt a sense of release as she smiled.That had just happened two days ago, so Rebecca naturally remembered it. She also remembered how much she feared that she couldn't bear to leave. Thus, she hadn't even dared to turn back and look at her family.She was afraid that if she looked back, she would want to go back home. If she did, then the safety of Sam and Nate couldn't be guaranteed.She didn't look back. She told herself that she had always been alone. Thus, she wouldn't drag anyone else into trouble now.Yet, now, her choice to l