After we arrived at M Country from K City, we took a private jet and landed on the coastline of international waters. The propellers spun furiously, causing turbulent ripples on the water surface. A foreboding shadow eclipsed our hearts as we landed on the mysterious and dangerous island.
A castle-like frontage came into sight the moment we got off the jet. Greeneries covered the places where seawater could not reach the structure. A pebble-paved path parted the grass, leading all the way up to the top of the hill. Walking through the island of tropical plants felt as if we were meandering through a tropical rain forest, save for the slimy swamps.
The sequestered island made it a good hiding place for Nicolas for the past twenty years.
I busied myself with observing the surroundings, failing to notice the accessorial rock on the path. If Ashton had not caught me by the waist in time, I would have tripped and fell.
“Thanks,” I said, trying to fake a smile to calm myself down.
Being in a foreign environment was disconcerting.
“Be careful,” Ashton chided, holding my hand tight. “Don’t be nervous. The Halls are only interested in the kids. They don’t care who we are, so relax and treat this as a vacation.”
His words indeed rang true, but I could not help but recall Nicolas’ threatening words when he said he would make Ashton disappear from the surface of the earth the first time we confronted him.
Although I should have assured Ashton, I still felt I needed to caution him a little. “This island is on international waters. It does not fall under the jurisdiction of any country. Who knows what he’s gonna do. It’s better we stay wary.”
At my statement, Ashton’s footsteps fell short, and his piercing gaze landed on my face. “Remember, I’m your husband. I’ll protect you no matter what. Promise me you’ll trust me no matter what happens.”
My brows stitched together as I reciprocated his gaze. If Nicolas were a loving parent like Cameron, I could well let Ashton face him up on his own, but that was not the case. Nicolas and his wife did not love Ashton.
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