Chapter 55

Thea's chest felt tight, and her nose stung with the threat of tears. This was the first time Nicolas had ever spoken to her so harshly. That video was full of flaws; anyone who looked closely could see Thea was already in distress. Someone without a life jacket, unable to swim, wouldn't even think of saving someone else. But he didn't see that; Nicolas was like so many malicious people, unwilling to believe her, not even for a second.

Holding back tears, Thea said, "Mr. Hendrix, I swear I haven't betrayed you. As for the video" Before she could finish, her phone buzzed. The number was unknown.

Thea didn't intend to answer, but Nicolas reached over, grabbed her phone, and answered it.

"Thea, it's me, Jake," a voice said.

Thea's eyes widened. Jake? A wave of anger surged inside her. "He watched me nearly die, left me in that state, and now he calls?" she muttered. She reached for the phone to end the call, but Nicolas casually restrained her. In a cold, detached tone, he said, "What do you—"

Jake's voice held a hint of guilt. "I saw the video online. I had no idea you'd go that far for me. Things were chaotic; Madelyn had pregnancy complications, and we rushed her to the hospital. She's been asking me to call and apologize. You're not mad at her, right?"

Thea almost laughed in disbelief. Her voice sharp, she retorted, "You two should be grateful I'm still alive. Otherwise, you'd both have a death on your hands. I'd haunt you forever."

Jake's tone shifted. "Thea, I don't know what to say about your temper. You jumped into the water to save me. Why didn't you just get on a lifeboat?"

"If you're still upset, how about this: Madelyn and I will take you to dinner, and I'll make it up to you."

Thea was dumbfounded by his shamelessness. She began to reply, "I—" before feeling a warm breath on her neck. Nicolas's lips brushed her skin, and her body went rigid. Her ears turned red as she clutched his hand, staring at him in disbelief. What's he doing? she thought.

Nicolas raised an eyebrow. His voice was low and rough. "Keep going."

Jake, sensing something was wrong, asked, "Where are you? Is someone with you?"

Thea regained her composure. "What does that matter to you? And let me be clear: I didn't jump into the water to save you. Don't flatter yourself. I jumped because you took the last lifeboat. If not for—" Nicolas leaned closer, whispering in her ear, his voice commanding, "Tell him you don't love him."

Thea was utterly confused. But a rebellious part of her flared up. What is this? He's forcing me to declare my loyalty now? Does he ever take anything I say seriously? What am I to him? she wondered.

Noticing Thea's silence, Jake seemed almost pleased. "Thea, admit it. You still have feelings for me. I've always said you have a terrible temper. And you're nothing like Madelyn. She's so gentle. Maybe try being more like her? If you could meet me halfway, I'd pretend nothing happened, and we could be together again. What do you—"