Five Years of Marriage to Mr. Bradford (by Koi Fish) novel Chapter 493

Chapter 493

“Let go!” Vance wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her away from the edge.

“Can you just leave me alone?” Rebecca yelled, refusing to face him.

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“Are you kidding? After everything we’ve been through, why try to keep up appearances in front of nie?” he said with a frown. You threw up, so what? I’ve seen you in every possible state for over ten years. No one in this world knows you better than I do.”

She had to admit that no matter how many times she insisted they were strangers, he always managed to cross the line.

She glared. “You know me better than anyone? How dare you say that?”

Because he knew her so well, he also knew where her weaknesses were. And he had used them to wound her deeply and leave

her scarred.

He paused, then pulled her into his arms. “I’m sorry. Please trust me just for one night. I swear I won’t hurt you.”

“Let me go. I can walk by myself.” She knew she couldn’t stay clinging to the railing while the ship pitched wildly.

Pushing him off, she braced herself against the bulkhead and staggered slowly toward the other end of the deck.

Thankfully, her leg had recovered most of its function; otherwise, she couldn’t imagine how many times she would have fallen.

He didn’t insist, simply watching as she lurched and swayed until she finally reached the far side. The crew had set up an alcohol burner on the deck and was sharing a big pot of stew. The rich, peppery aroma cut through the salty air.

“Sit here,” Vance said, claiming an empty spot and motioning to the space beside him.

She didn’t argue this time. Squeezing in among the sailors wasn’t such a good option.

“Come eat with us, young lady. It will help calm your nerves,” an older sailor invited, handing her a set of disposable utensils.

“Thank you,” she said gratefully.

With more people around, her fear of the deep sea eased somewhat. Still, she felt cold, especially after the wave soaked her clothes at the railing.

The crew began discussing the earlier incident, finding it unbelievable.

“How could something like that happen? It’s the first time we’ve encountered anything like it!” one said.

Even now, Rebecca still didn’t fully understand what had happened or why those men had targeted her. The police officer aboard wouldn’t reveal details, not before the case was closed.

She glanced at Vance, who appeared just as unaware. He handed her a cup of hot water. “Drink this to warm up.”

The warmth from the paper cup made her shiver harder, goosebumps rising on her arms.

One of the sailors chimed in, “If you really want to warm up, there’s an old trick we’ve used for decades at sea.”

He pulled out a bottle of bourbon. “Back when conditions were rough, this is what got us through the cold.”

“She just threw up,” Vance explained. “Alcohol might upset her stomach more.”

“Then eat something hot first,” the sailor suggested, pointing at the pot.

“Thank you.” Rebecca nodded.

She had been sitting there for a little while now. The steam from the stew had already made her feel better. Despite the spicy broth, she ate some hot meat. Her body warmed noticeably.

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“Want to try a little?” The sailor poured a tiny splash into a disposable cup.

She accepted it and took a sip The fiery heat spread from her tongue through her whole body.

“How is it?” he asked.

It felt invigorating; the warmth was chasing away the chills in every pore.

He laughed heartily. “I’ll give you a bit more, but your boyfriend is looking daggers at me.”

The others laughed along.

Rebecca glanced at Vance and quickly clarified, “He’s not my boyfriend.”

“Oh? My mistake,” the sailor apologized. “He was acting so protective, so I assumed he was.”

“We’re just old classmates,” Rebecca said.

Then, ignoring the sailor’s warning to drink slowly, she finished the second shot as well.

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