Chapter 216 Sharing Joys and Sorrows

Chapter 216 Sharing Joys and Sorrows

Mary's mind was getting foggier by the second, wrapped in a thick haze that left her unable to control her actions.

In this semi-conscious state, her hands moved on their own, yanking at her jeans and pulling them off in a few quick motions.

Now, she was left in just her underwear, almost completely lost to the strange heat that had taken over her body.

Thomas stood nearby, sweat dripping from his forehead, his eyes filled with anxiety and helplessness.

Seeing Mary about to remove more clothing, he sprang forward. If she continued, she would be completely exposed, and he couldn't let that happen.

Grabbing her wrists with a vice-like grip, he shouted desperately, "Mary, snap out of it!"

Despite the turmoil inside him, he knew he had to stay calm and find a solution quickly, or they would both die here. His mind raced, but no ideas seemed to work.

Suddenly, a bold and dangerous thought crossed his mind. Since Mary had eaten the Deer Fruit and ended up like this, maybe if he ate one too, he could find a way to help her.

But as soon as the thought appeared, he dismissed it.

He wanted to return safely to Amanda. If he did this, Amanda would worry. How could he risk his life so recklessly?

On one hand, Amanda was waiting for him. On the other, Mary was in dire straits and needed help. If he didn't save her, his conscience would never forgive him.

Mary had endured so much pain on this mission with him—first the skeletons, then the snake bite, and now this, all because of him.

As Mary's condition worsened, her breathing became more labored, and her face turned pale. Thomas felt a growing weight in his chest.

Watching her struggle in pain, he knew that if he didn't act soon, Mary would die.

After a fierce internal struggle, Thomas made a decision. His eyes showed a glimmer of resolve.

He quickly turned and almost lunged at his backpack, his hands trembling as he opened it and pulled out a Deer Fruit.

Clutching the fruit tightly, he hesitated for a moment before closing his eyes and swallowing it with difficulty.

This time, he was using his own body as an experiment. If he survived, they could both make it back. If he died, he accepted his fate.

Time seemed to freeze, each second dragging on endlessly.

Within five minutes, Thomas felt an intense heat surge through his body like a tidal wave.

It was as if he had been thrown into a blazing furnace, his bones feeling like they would melt from the heat.

The unbearable pain radiated from every corner of his body, forcing a harrowing scream from his lips.

Now he understood the agony Mary was in—this was worse than being hit by a hail of bullets.

Mary, still clinging to a shred of consciousness, heard Thomas's scream. It was as if an invisible force was holding her up.

With immense effort, she dragged her weakened body, step by painful step, towards Thomas.

When she finally reached him, she used the last of her strength to embrace him.

Tears streamed down her face as she choked out, "It's all my fault you're like this. If we're gonna die, we'll die together. But we'll never see Amanda again."

In that moment, memories flooded Mary's mind like a tidal wave.

She had once dreamed of meeting a wealthy man in Silverlight City and living a luxurious, carefree life. That had been her dream.

But fate had other plans. After meeting Amanda, a sudden cruise ship disaster had completely changed her life.

Stranded on this deserted island with a few others, she initially saw Thomas and Amanda as temporary companions in a dire situation.

At first, their relationship was mostly cooperative, with little emotional connection.

But as they faced countless challenges together, searching for precious food and scarce water in the dense jungle, they encouraged and supported each other through many hardships.

Over time, their bond grew deep and unbreakable.

"I never thought I'd die like this, without really living or achieving my dreams. And Amanda, I'm so sorry," Mary murmured, her voice filled with despair and regret, each word coming from the depths of her heart.

She still had so much to do—she hadn't married, hadn't had children. She was still so young, and now she was going to die.

Thomas, who she had initially disliked, had become a friend, and now they were both facing death. What a pity.

As time mercilessly passed, their body temperatures continued to rise, their strength waning as life drained from them.

Finally, unable to endure the torment, they closed their eyes, slipping into darkness, awaiting death.

The heavy shadow of death seemed ready to swallow them whole, leaving no trace. As she closed her eyes, Mary took one last look at Thomas.

Who knows how much time passed—maybe a day—when Mary's eyelids fluttered and she slowly opened her eyes.

At first, her gaze was filled with confusion, as if she hadn't fully woken from a terrible nightmare.

But as her vision cleared, she saw Thomas, who had also just woken up.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, their minds went blank. Then, simultaneously, they let out high-pitched screams.

They realized they were almost naked, their clothes nearly gone from the heat and their unconscious struggles.

An awkward silence quickly spread between them, making it hard to breathe.

Mary's face turned bright red, the blush spreading to her ears and neck like wildfire.

She quickly turned away, her eyes darting around, avoiding Thomas's gaze.

Frantically, she grabbed the scattered clothes on the ground, her hands shaking as she tried to dress.

As she dressed, she snapped, "Thomas, you pervert! You watched me undress!" Her voice was sharp and hurried from embarrassment and shyness.

Thomas was equally flustered, his face red with embarrassment.

He knew this would happen. If he hadn't stopped her, it would have been even more awkward—Mary had almost taken off her underwear.

As he hurriedly dressed, his hands clumsy with nerves, he tried to sound calm. "You watched me too, you know."

"And I ate that fruit for you. Do you still feel wronged?"