Chapter 19
One day, two days, a week, until half a month passed. Her cries for help had vanished into the void. Briella nearly lost all hope. Until one day, the man who delivered their scheduled shipment of fruits and vegetables changed. The new crew member explained that the previous one had fallen ill. Sheldon was furious, but as the man apologized and left, his eyes briefly met Briella’s.}
In that brief moment, Briella understood. Half a month later, the island was shrouded in continuous rain. Briella packed up all her painting tools. Sheldon was puzzled, “Darling, the finals are coming up. Why aren’t you painting?“}
Briella propped her chin on her hand, looking out at the rain. “I’m lacking inspiration.”}
Sheldon pulled Briella into his embrace, speaking of the future as if it were already set in stone. “Then rest for a few days. My Darling is naturally gifted, you’ll win no matter what. When this competition is over, I’ll hold an art exhibition just for you. The whole world will see your talent and when our child is born, you’ll teach them how to paint. Meanwhile, I’ll teach them how to do business.“}
His voice was full of anticipation as if their future was already carved in stone. However, Briella thought his vision felt like a suffocating prison. It terrified her. She stood up abruptly and strode toward the door. “There won’t be a future for us.”
Sheldon froze. “What do you mean?”
Above them, the sound of rotor blades cut through the air. Briella turned and bolted down the stairs, using every ounce of strength to sprint forward. Realization struck Sheldon like a thunderbolt. His fury surged. “Darling, you lied to me? Are you trying to escape? So, all this time, your obedience was just an act? You used me?“}
His accusations rained down like daggers as if she had committed some unforgivable crime. Still, she had only used his methods against him. Sheldon took off after her. “It’s the paintings, isn’t it? You hid something in them! Briella, you’ve really disappointed me. I did so much for you. Even the coldest heart should have melted by now. How could you … ”
The wind whistled past her ears and rain began to fall. When the helicopter landed on the beach, Jared caught the exhausted Briella. “Briella, we’re going home.”}
Briella didn’t hesitate for a second. Mustering her last ounce of strength, she rushed into the cabin. The helicopter lifted off, drowning out Sheldon’s shouts in the storm. She gasped for breath, looking down through the rain–blurred window. She saw Sheldon kicking the sand angrily, then staring fixedly at the departing helicopter. Even from a distance, their eyes couldn’t possibly meet, but Briella felt a chill in her heart.
It was as if she were prey being watched by Sheldon, unable to escape for the rest of her life. She swallowed, sitting up straight with lingering fear. Jared gently patted her shoulder. “It’s alright, Briella. I was too late, making you suffer. It’s all you.“&
Briella offered him a faint smile. “It’s not your fault. No one expected Sheldon to be this insane.”
my fault for not protecting
Jared’s expression darkened. Clearly, even he hadn’t foreseen this level of madness. However, what none of them could predict was that the real nightmare had only just begun.}
9:09 PM
