Hunter hesitated for a few seconds before finally telling the truth. “I’m at the hospital.”
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Celine’s voice instantly rose with emotion. “Still with Dana, aren’t you? I said I needed you, but you won’t leave that hospital. Is Dana more important than me? What am I to you, then?”
Hunter quickly tried to calm her down. “That’s not true. You’ll always be the most important person to me!”
He kept explaining, over and over again, but Celine didn’t say another word. All he could hear was her quiet sobbing on the other end of the line.
One of Hunter’s buddies leaned in and said, “Hunter, words aren’t enough. You need to show her with actions. You left Celine and ran back here today–of course she’s hurt.”
“This is all Dana’s fault. She made Celine cry, and she has to pay for it. Here’s what you do–leave Dana on that deserted island for a day. Let her taste what it’s like to be abandoned.”
“No!” Hunter snapped.
“Why not?” Celine jumped in. “Still care about her, don’t you?”
Hunter explained, “That island I bought? It’s never been developed. No one knows what’s out there. After what happened–Dana being mauled by the dogs–she can’t defend herself. If I leave her there, she could die.”
“You’re still protecting her,” Celine accused. “You’ve changed. You used to be different. If it weren’t for Dana, I never would’ve forgotten you. We could’ve been together already!”
She lowered her voice and added, “I have a feeling. After this, my memory will come back.”
Hunter went silent for a long time, then finally agreed. “Fine. We’ll do it your way.”
Dana heard every word and quietly closed her eyes.
Hunter, you gave up on me–so I’m done with you too.
Hunter hung up the phone, his expression twisted with conflict as he looked at Dana. Then he typed a message on his phone and held it out to her. “Didn’t you always want a beach vacation? Let’s go unwind for a bit, okay?”
Dana didn’t answer. Instead, she used a moment alone to send Jamie the coordinates of the island so he’d know where to pick her
- up.
She said nothing as Hunter dressed her and carried her to the car.
They drove to the marina, and from there, they boarded a speedboat to the island. By the time they arrived, it was exactly 3 a.m.
Hunter started a video call with Celine. “Dana’s on the island.”
Celine smiled sweetly. “I knew I was the one you loved most. Now that she’s out of the way, come home. It’s dark here, and I’m scared.”
Hunter wanted to say something, but he stopped himself. He nodded instead. “Alright. I’m coming.”
1/2
2:56 pm G ppp.
Chapter 5 Farewell, Hunter
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He looked back at Dana, then typed one last message on his phone. “I forgot the fireworks. I’m taking the speedboat to grab them. I’ll be right back. Just sit tight and wait for me, okay?”
He set the phone down. A few seconds passed, and he left without another glance.
Dana knew. He was running away.
Just then, her phone buzzed. It was Jamie.
When she picked up, his voice came through, light and cocky as ever. “Hey, I left a meeting halfway just for you. Cool, right?”
In the distance, Dana could faintly make out the glow of a speedboat approaching. Jamie was coming for her.
Then another message arrived. From Celine.
“Dana, enjoy the gift I’ve prepared for you.”
A few seconds later, Dana heard it–growling in the distance. Wolves.
So that was Celine’s real plan. She never intended for Dana to make it off the island alive.
That’s fine, Dana thought. Let Hunter believe she was eaten by wild animals.
She calmly pulled out her phone, blocked Hunter, and murmured to herself, “Hunter, I’m not waiting for you. Not this time. I’m done with you.”
And just like that, she let him go. Forever.
