Chapter 177

In all fairness, it was impossible for me not to be moved by someone who would risk everything for me, especially now, stranded in a remote fishing village with an uncertain future. In this foreign land, only those around me felt trustworthy. However, I still didn't want him to fall too deeply for me. I knew all too well the pain of loving wholeheartedly only to receive nothing in return. With a long sigh, I slowly said, "Dylan, please go. I'm tired and want to rest."

"Yvonne…" Dylan attempted to speak, but seeing my insistence, he could only turn and leave, his dejection evident. As the door creaked shut, tears welled in my eyes. I had let go of my feelings for Hayden, relinquishing my capacity for love. Hope for love was gone.

Dylan and I remained in Naka Village for the following week. The woman's husband, Denton Cole, was at sea and hadn't returned. I temporarily cared for her children, Terry and Irene Cole. Terry, a seven-year-old boy, and his three-and-a-half-year-old sister, Irene, were both at the age where they clung to adults.

"Yvonne, what's on the other side of the sea?" Terry incessantly asked. He'd never been to school and was endlessly curious.

"There's a city called Elysiumville," I smiled, stroking his short hair and gazing into the distance.

Terry's eyes lit up. "I know! A city is much bigger than our village!"

"Yes, Terry. You're so smart!" I nodded.

Irene, too young to understand, lay on my lap, chewing on a shrimp larger than her face. Though isolated, the environment was unpolluted, and the seafood incredibly fresh. Even after days of eating fish, I didn't tire of it.

As we talked, Nagume Cole approached with a plate of dried shrimp. "What are you doing with Yvonne? She's not fully recovered and needs more rest."

"It's alright, Nagume," I smiled. "I felt stuffy inside and wanted some fresh air." Chatting with the children genuinely lifted my spirits. A child's world was so pure and innocent, untouched by adult machinations. Looking at their adorableness, I couldn't help but imagine if my own child would be equally charming.

Hearing this, Nagume divided the dried shrimp between Terry and Irene and sent them off to play.

Chapter 172

"Yvonne, you're too thin. Fish won't help you gain weight. I've asked the neighbor for some chicken," Nagume said, sitting beside me and holding my hand.

My heart warmed, and I felt a little embarrassed. "Nagume, you don't have to go to such trouble. Dylan and I are already burdening you enough by staying here." This village was underdeveloped and poor; the diet consisted mainly of seafood. Pigs and chickens were considered precious commodities.

"I heard Terry say you're teaching him to read. He likes you very much!" Nagume laughed, her nature unrestrained and straightforward.

I glanced toward Terry and Irene, my heart softening further. "Terry and Irene are very well-behaved," I said.

Nagume seemed to perceive something and smiled. "As women, we all like children. When are you planning to have children?"

My face stiffened, and I awkwardly changed the subject. "It's still early…"

"I think Dylan is very good to you. Wouldn't you consider him?" Nagume asked again. She was a straightforward woman, accustomed to the village's uncomplicated ways, speaking her mind freely.

I frowned slightly and quickly explained, "You misunderstand, Nagume. I'm already married."

Nagume was momentarily stunned. She likely hadn't noticed a ring. My wedding ring with Hayden probably fell into the sea; its presence or absence was immaterial.

After a moment, she cleared her throat. "Dylan is so kind to you. I thought you two were… Where is your husband? He must be worried sick about you."

"He probably wishes I were dead," I sneered, imagining Hayden celebrating with his friends. Even without Joanna, he'd always find another. He never lacked female companionship.

Nagume was speechless. She quickly surmised my complicated past. She sighed. "Men are all the same. When I was young, I took love too seriously. I had to come here. Look, my children are suffering…"

As she spoke, tears welled in her eyes. Her family was poor, hailing from a small village bordering Elysiumville. She met Denton when her family came to work there. Young love was impulsive and passionate. Nagume's parents threatened her life to dissuade her, but she was determined to marry him, severing ties with her family. Fortunately, her children were bright, and her husband caring. However, daily poverty gradually eroded their initial love. Seeing her children grow without education, Nagume began to regret her decision.

Chapter 177 (continued)

She felt she saw her children's future mirroring her own. Recalling her life, Nagume wept. I saw a deep longing for her parents in her eyes and asked, "After all these years, haven't you gone back to Elysiumville to see them?"

Nagume wiped her tears and shook her head. "How could I dare? When I married, I swore never to see them again. My mother cried daily because of me. By now, she's probably forgotten me…" She dared not return, her life a mess, too shameful to face her parents.

Seeing a glimmer of hope in her eyes, I suggested, "Nagume, if I can return, I will visit your parents and tell them you're doing well."

"Really?" she asked, shocked.

"Yes. You and Denton saved Dylan and me. We should repay you," I nodded seriously.

Nagume started to speak, but Terry ran toward us. "Mom! Dad's back!"