Chapter 1285
Chapter 1285:
“She is my fiancée,” Rupert said, his expression so severe it was almost frightening. “It would be wise for you to keep your distance p>
Undeterred, Herman spread his hands. “Yes, you’re engaged, but you’re not married. Legally speaking, Miss Annabel is still unattached—which means I have every right to pursue her p>
With that, Herman threw Annabel a suggestive look, his grin stretching from ear to ear. “I will always be here, awaiting your decision, my dear future princess p>
Then he lifted his gaze and locked eyes with Rupert, the tension between them almost tangible.
Annabel tried to speak, but once again, the words wouldn’t come.
Truthfully, she couldn’t help being impressed by Herman’s stubborn determination.
“Herman, Rupert and I are engaged, and you p>
Before Annabel could finish, a sudden shudder ran through the cruise ship beneath their feet. All three of them stiffened, momentarily holding their breath.
Annabel barely managed to steady herself in Rupert’s arms when a shout rose nearby.
“Look! What on earth is that p>
Upon hearing these words, everyone turned their gaze toward the world outside the windows. Annabel thought she glimpsed a shifting darkness in the not-too-distant sea.
The clouds suddenly deepened, as if the heavens themselves had been provoked. The wind rose into a howl, and a distant, relentless thunder began to drum against everyone’s ears. Annabel blinked several times, disbelieving.
Something unimaginable was happening—a tornado, churning the horizon into a furious spiral.
Now it all made sense. That was why the afternoon sky had turned that ominous, leaden gray, and why the clouds hung so oppressively low.
A sharp regret pierced through Annabel. She should have checked the weather forecast before setting out.
Or, to be more precise, she should have consulted her horoscope. What cruel fortune to be caught in a storm at sea? Just then, the ship’s intercom crackled to life, the crew’s voice straining against the growing chaos as they instructed everyone to take immediate shelter inside the main cabin.
The three of them moved without hesitation.
Inside, the cabin was packed with terrified passengers. A chorus of complaints and frightened murmurs filled the air. The thunder boomed with renewed fury, and the frantic patter of rain on the deck escalated into a relentless drumming. Visibly trembling, Annabel nestled deeper into Rupert’s embrace.
Amidst the unexpected calamity, Rupert alone maintained a steely composure. With communication systems down, their only option was to wait out the storm.
A soft, sickening wobble traveled through the ship’s hull. The intercom sputtered, its transmissions growing fragmented and faint—a sure sign the tornado was drawing near.
The passengers’ agitation swelled. Their protests sharpened into cries.
“Help! Let me out! I need to get out p>