Chapter 152
Chapter 152:
At that moment, Helen stood at the entrance of Colton’s neighborhood, phone in hand, her face tight with turmoil. She had been there all night, replaying everything over and over, unable to decide whether to tell Colton where Kristine was hiding.
If she spoke up, Colton would surely bring Kristine back and cut off any chance of Ryan developing feelings for her. But if she did that, her family would never forgive her.
“Helen, can you hear me?” her roommate called again. “Ryan came looking for you. When are you coming back p>
Helen’s eyes brightened. “Ryan was looking for me p>
“Yes,” the roommate whispered. “He seemed really anxious. Helen, are you two p>
“Really?” Warmth spread through Helen’s chest. “I’ll come back right now p>
Back in Lunatown, after lunch, Kristine stood by the door, staring toward the distant sea. Susan brought over a chair and sat beside her. “If my husband says he’ll be back today, he means it. Relax p>
Kristine smiled, though worry lingered behind her eyes. Every extra moment she remained in Gridron felt dangerous.
At five in the evening, Frey finally arrived.
“So you’re Kristine,” he said kindly, looking her over. Years of wind and sun had aged his face, yet his gaze remained gentle and sincere.
ո𝗲𝗐 сh𝗮рterѕ е𝗏е𝘳𝘆 w𝖾𝘦𝗄 𝗈𝗇
“That’s right. Vance explained everything to you p>
“He did. The breeze is perfect tonight — best time to sail. We’ll leave at eight p>
The tension in Kristine’s chest eased at once.
After dinner, the three of them went down to the shore to prepare. Frey checked the boat carefully while Susan and Kristine stayed nearby, helping where they could.
“All done. No issues.” Frey glanced at his watch. “It’s time p>
Susan clutched Kristine’s hand, reluctant to let go. “We don’t know when we’ll see each other again. Take care of yourself p>
“I will p>
Though their days together had been brief, Susan’s warmth had given Kristine something she had never truly known. Deep down, she already held her close to her heart.
“You promised,” Susan said, her voice breaking. “Don’t forget p>
Seeing Susan struggle, Frey stepped in gently. “That’s enough — don’t cry. Head back now. We’re leaving.” Susan nodded through her tears and slowly released Kristine’s hand.
A sharp ache rose in Kristine’s chest, but she forced herself to stay composed as she watched Susan walk away. Once she had gone, Frey said simply, “We’re heading out,” and moved forward to start the engine.
Kristine wiped her eyes when he wasn’t looking and stepped into the cabin.
The boat eased forward, gliding across the dark sea like a single drifting leaf. Kristine stood at the rail and stared out at the endless water, her thoughts drifting toward the future ahead. A soft, tentative thrill rose within her.
Then, without warning, bright headlights burst through the darkness behind them.
Such a sight had never appeared in the quiet town before. Fear seized Kristine as numerous vehicles poured in along the shore. Paired beams swept across the water, fixing firmly on the boat. Though the figures on land remained unclear, she knew instinctively who it was.
She rushed forward. “Mr. Bailey p>