Chapter 175

“Hayden! Why won’t you let her go? If you don’t love her, you should let her go! You bastard!” Marlon’s shouts and insults trailed behind him, but Hayden ignored them. He wouldn't sever his last connection with Yvonne, regardless of others' opinions.

The setting sun cast its glow upon the sea and a small fishing village thousands of miles from Elysiumville. Smoke rose from a chimney; a family prepared dinner. Dylan, soot smudged on his face, eagerly learned to make fish soup from a woman.

“Young man, you seem fond of that girl. Are you two a couple?” she asked curiously. A week prior, her husband had found two unconscious young people while fishing. The man awoke the next day, but the woman remained asleep for days, waking only this morning in a daze and poor health.

Dylan blushed, embarrassed. “No… she has someone she likes.”

“Is that so?” The woman frowned, recalling Yvonne’s worried expression upon waking. She suspected Dylan’s claim was true.

Dylan changed the subject. “Madam, your husband mentioned this is Naka Village. Is it part of Elysiumville? I haven’t seen a single car. How do you communicate with the outside world?” Since waking, he'd actively inquired about their situation, learning they’d been carried by waves to this remote village, far beyond Elysiumville’s borders. Fortunately, the fisherman’s wife was originally from Elysiumville and spoke the language.

The woman sighed. “My mother warned me against coming; she said it was too underdeveloped. Don't worry, stay and recover. When my husband goes to the port, I’ll ask him to find a way back to Elysiumville.”

“Thank you so much!” Dylan repeatedly expressed his gratitude. The family’s kindness was deeply appreciated.

He carried the finished fish to the nearby thatched cottage. A sea breeze, carrying the scent of fish, blew through the window. Feeling a chill, I pulled my collar tighter and closed the window. I had been in a coma, and only recently awakened. This was a small, underdeveloped village; few families had electricity, and the internet was nonexistent. No one knew me; the past felt like a distant dream.

Chapter 173

The Jackson family, the cruise ship, billions of dollars, love, marriage—none of it seemed important anymore. I looked down, gently caressing my stomach, hoping the baby was still there. The village lacked even a doctor, let alone the possibility of a check-up. I only knew I had scrapes from the reef. The baby was too young to be visible, and I couldn’t tell if it was alright. Fortunately, I was lucid after waking, with no signs of amnesia.

After sitting alone, the door creaked open. Before I could look up, I heard a familiar, tender voice. “Yvonne, we made fish for you.” Dylan entered, holding a bowl.

“Thank you,” I nodded, reaching for it.

Dylan gently lowered his hand. “Lie down. I’ll feed you.”

“I can manage,” I smiled. Seeing Dylan beside me after waking, I realized he’d fallen into the sea with me. He said that upon believing I might be gone, his mind blanked; he felt life was pointless and jumped in without thinking.

His persistent affection touched me, though I didn't love him. I shouldn't give him false hope; a relationship not meant to be shouldn't begin.

Dylan stiffened, but didn't insist. He glanced at the half-closed window, concerned. “Are you cold? I’ll bring you my quilt.” They only had two quilts.

“I’m fine. Just a chill,” I excused, taking a bite. The fish was delicious; the food warmed me. The baby’s well-being was paramount.

“Dylan, when can we leave?” I asked.

“She said to wait until her husband delivers the fish and asks around. I’ve searched the village for days and haven’t seen a bicycle…” Dylan said dejectedly. Their phones were unusable; the village lacked a telephone, even if international calls were possible. They could only wait.

Chapter 175

“Is there a hospital?” I asked.

“No,” Dylan shook his head, immediately asking, “Yvonne, are you feeling unwell?”

“No,” I sighed, concealing my pregnancy. Only a hospital could confirm the baby’s health. We needed another plan.

An idea struck me. “The village sells fish; if there’s trade, there’s a way out. We could leave with the fish collectors!”

“I think so too. Yvonne, take care. When you’re stronger, we’ll find a way back,” Dylan said, his eyes hopeful. His youthful spirit was uplifting.

“Okay,” I nodded, finishing the fish.

Dylan chuckled. “Take your time; the lady said she’ll make roast meat!”

“I’ll help!” I offered.

“Yvonne, rest. I’ll help,” Dylan stopped me, flexing his arms. “Look at me! Perfect for this!” He was trying to reassure me.

“Dylan, thank you so much,” I said, my voice choked with emotion. If he hadn’t jumped in with me, I would be utterly alone.