Chapter 18
Evelyn shot to her feet.
She dropped everything and bolted out the door.
By the time she reached the beach, a crowd had already gathered. Evelyn shoved her way through, frantic.
“Is that your kid? Over there!”
Following the stranger’s pointed finger, her breath caught. Her legs gave out beneath her.
Lily was in the water, swept far from the shore by the tide. She flailed helplessly, her cries for help muffled by crashing
waves.
Evelyn didn’t hesitate. She dove straight into the freezing water.
Salt and seawater filled her lungs. Panic clawed at her throat. But she didn’t stop. She swam, furiously, blindly, toward her
sister.
Her limbs quickly numbed. Her legs cramped. A wave slammed her under.
She began to sink.
Heavy. Helpless. Drowning.
Until a powerful hand caught her.
She was yanked up into a warm, solid chest.
Gasping for air, Evelyn blinked through tears and sea spray.
It was Callum.
He held her tightly, his forehead pressed to hers. “You can’t do this, Evelyn. You’ll die out there. I already sent someone after Lily. Please. Let’s get you out first.”
She clutched his arm, sobbing. “Callum, save her. Please, save her.”
“I will.”
They reached shore, and Evelyn tore away from him, eyes scanning frantically.
Then came a shout.
A man was emerging from the surf, Lily limp in his arms.
Gasps echoed around them.
Callum froze. His entire body tensed.
“Vincent?”
There, soaked and breathless, was Vincent Hale-one of the former bodyguards Callum had once assigned to protect Evelyn.
When Evelyn disappeared, Callum had punished those he blamed. Vincent received the harshest treatment.
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Eventually, Callum had dismissed them all with severance money.
So what the hell was Vincent doing here now?
Callum’s expression darkened instantly.
Evelyn ran to her sister, crying as she pulled her into her arms. Lily was safe. Shivering, but breathing.
Vincent’s gaze lingered on Evelyn, a softness there she had never noticed before.
Callum took a step forward, voice sharp. “Why are you here, Vincent?”
His eyes flicked to Vincent’s hand still supporting Evelyn.
“Let her go.”
Vincent’ turned, his tone flat, calm. “She almost drowned.”
Evelyn looked up, confused. “Callum, what is wrong with you? Vincent saved Lily. Why are you yelling at him?”
Callum’s throat worked, red flooding his eyes. He grabbed her arm, desperate.
“Evelyn, he’s not your bodyguard anymore. You shouldn’t be so close to him. And don’t call him that.”
Her eyes narrowed. “What are you even talking about? Vincent’s my friend. He hasn’t worked for you in ages.”
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Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.