No one took what was hers unless she was done with them first.
No other woman was allowed to steal her man.
She wrapped her arms around Gilbert's neck, pressing herself tightly against him.
"I can't pretend in front of you anymore," Julia said softly. "You already saw the real me. I'm scared... I really am."
She looked terrified, yet tried to act like she wasn't.
Something about that look made Gilbert's heart melt.
Before, Julia had always seemed untouchable, like someone he could only admire from afar.
But no matter how highly a man thought of a woman, he still wanted to feel like she belonged to him.
Being too distant only ruined that feeling.
This fragile, dependent version of Julia was exactly what men fell for.
It felt like the old Julia he'd once known, like they'd gone back in time.
They held each other closely as they walked past Sherry.
When Sherry had fallen into the lake, her leg had been injured. Only now, after everything, did she feel the pain.
Her leg throbbed, and she limped. The lake water had been freezing, and she was shaking all over.
But she was more worried about Yelena, so she forced herself forward.
Compared to the cozy couple in front of her, she looked completely broken.
She was certain Gilbert had seen everything. He must have heard Julia lying through her teeth.
He had to know the truth now. Their relationship should have fallen apart.
Sherry had seriously underestimated how deeply Gilbert was wrapped around Julia's finger. Even knowing she'd lied, he still defended her.
If anything, they were closer than ever, hugging each other openly.
There weren't many people here, but there were still staff and a few tourists.
The two of them were already extremely noticeable. Everyone in Seaseat City knew who they were.
They might not recognize Sherry, but they definitely knew Gilbert and Julia.
This would end up online again.
She'd be labeled the useless wife once more.
In everyone else's eyes, they were the perfect couple.
Gilbert immediately touched her forehead. She was burning up with a high fever.
Panicked, he ran to the captain and ordered the boat to return to shore immediately. He'd cover every cost.
Sherry's vision was also darkening. The freezing water had affected her too—she'd jumped in twice, staying longer than anyone.
Her head spun. She couldn't even remember which room the staff had taken Yelena to.
All she could remember was Gilbert saying he'd come back in five minutes.
She felt terrible, so she crouched down to rest.
A moment later, the crew's announcement blared over the speakers.
"Due to an emergency, we are returning to the dock immediately."
The few tourists complained loudly—they weren't done enjoying their day!
They were not happy and wanted to pick a fight—felt like they'd been played.
Then the voice continued, "We apologize for the inconvenience. Mr. Bode says Ms. Mack is ill and needs to go to the hospital.
"He will compensate everyone three times the cost of their trip."
The money was more than generous. And they'd already been out most of the day. Getting paid triple to leave early? It was more than worth it.

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