Ch. 371..380
Chapter 371
Mila’s face was awash with tears, her emotion a mixture of anguish and resentment, as she gazed up at Murray and screamed, “Why did you have to take his life? Why?”
With a mere smirk, Murray replied, “I kill whoever I want to kill, without any reason.”
Mila’s sobs took an unexpected turn, morphing into laughter. As each tear fell onto her lips, she tasted the bitterness of sorrow.
Seated on the ground, she cradled Nathan’s shoulders in her lap, her arms gently supporting his head as she pressed her cheek against his chilling skin.
Each tear that fell from her eyes found its way onto Nathan’s face, a silent cascade of grief. No longer did she cry out or protest.
Instead, she held Nathan’s cold form close, her body trembling while her tears flowed ceaselessly down her cheeks.
Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath, her throat sore as she whispered, “Nate is dead. None of you will get hydronium, and you won’t find Mila either. You can kill me now.”
“Where is Mila?” Murray demanded angrily.
Mila held onto Nathan tightly. For the first time in her life, she experienced the agony of losing a loved one.
She realized that the pain ran so deep that she didn’t even dare to keep living. It felt like everything in the world was no longer irrelevant to her.
“Kill me,” Mila repeated through her sobs, her tone becoming more intense.
Murray walked over, grabbed Mila’s collar, and pulled her up, his won’t?”
gaze icy. “Do you think I
Mila trembled violently, her eyes red from crying, her body still shaking. In a fit of hysteria, she purposely enraged him, “Kill me, kill me! You coward, scum, trash! You’re a monster. You’re not a monster if you don’t kill me!”
Murray was instantly provoked. He drew his gun and pointed it at Mila’s head.
Mila felt an unprecedented sense of relief. Without a hint of fear, she closed her eyes slowly. All she hoped for now was to catch up to Nathan after death. She wanted to be with him and to find their parents together in the afterworld.
She choked her tears and whispered, “I’m sorry, Nate. I’m late, but please wait for me.”
She awaited the sound of the gunshot with her heart aching terribly. She hoped the shot would end her agony soon.
“No.” A tense roar rang out.
Immediately, Mila felt the gun above her head being pushed away, and a familiar voice, frantic and panicked, pleaded, “Don’t kill her.”
Mila slowly opened her eyes. In her line of sight was Oliver.
He grabbed Murray’s gun, and pushed Mila away forcefully, his expression tense. “Mr. Manning, please, don’t kill her.”
Murray glared at Mila, sneering, “Anyone who dares to insult me in this world ends up She’s asking for it.”
dead.
Oliver’s heart was in turmoil as he glanced at Nathan on the ground and then at Mila, who seemed devoid of any will to live. He knew that if Nathan died, Mila wouldn’t survive either.
Oliver hurriedly tried to calm the situation. “Chubs, stay put and don’t anger Mr. Manning.”
With that, he went down to check Nathan’s carotid artery and found a faint pulse. Immediately, he began CPR.
Seeing a glimmer of hope, Mila rushed over, kneeling beside Nathan without disturbing Oliver’s rescue efforts. She held Nathan’s hand gently, rubbing it softly, hoping to give him some warmth.
Holding her breath with her tears shimmering, Mila gazed at Nathan’s pale cheek.
In her heart, she silently prayed, “Nate, as long as you survive, I’m willing to do anything.”
Chapter 373
Chapter 373
“This is not a place you should have come to.” Nathan’s expression was grave.
Mila pursed her lips and smiled. “Fortunately, I did.”
Nathan’s gaze softened as he looked at her, his heart filled with concern.
“And you? How did you end up getting captured?” Mila asked curiously.
Nathan smiled bitterly, closing his eyes with a mournful expression. “Lucas was bribed by them.”
Mila was taken aback. She never expected it was Lucas after all. For a moment, she was at a loss for words.
She couldn’t help but wonder about his feelings to be betrayed by someone he trusted the most, falling into the hands of the enemy.
Feeling uneasy, Mila nestled into Nathan’s embrace with her hands patting his shoulders and her cheeks against his chest. She wanted to comfort him.
Her sudden, overwhelming hug caught Nathan off guard, freezing him in place. From shock to a sense of joy, Nathan’s emotions surged even more. This was the first time Mila had hugged him voluntarily.
His hand lifted slightly and nervously rested on her back, but before he could hold her tight, Mila sat up straight in excitement. “Nate, we can’t just sit and wait to die. We need to find a way to escape.”
Nathan, still somewhat dazed, nodded.
Mila tucked him into bed and murmured, “I’ll find a way to delay them. You need to rest and recover, then we’ll plan our escape.”
Nathan scrutinized around the cell. Besides a bed, a cupboard, and a separate bathroom, there was nothing else.
“You’ve been here with me for two days?” Nathan asked.
Mila nodded in response.
Frowning, Nathan’s expression grew even more somber. “Where have you been sleeping?”
She patted the edge of the bed. “Here.”
Nathan’s face grew even more troubled as he tried to sit up.
Mila pressed down on his shoulder. “What are you doing?”
“You should sleep,” he said,
“You’re injured, you need proper rest,” Mila insisted.
“My injuries are nothing,” Nathan responded, trying to get up again and pulling back the covers. “You haven’t had a proper rest in two days.”
“Nate, lie down.” Mila pushed him back down and pulled the covers back over him.
Nathan was restless, his face full of concern as he tried to get up again.
Mila sat on the edge of the bed, stretching her legs and lying down in his embrace.
Nathan’s body immediately tensed up, once again shocked beyond words. One of his hands still hanging in the air, frozen.
Mila pulled his hand down and kept her head down so he couldn’t see her flushed face. She whispered in shyness, “I’ll sleep beside you if you don’t mind.”
Nathan swallowed, his chest rising and falling with each rough breath. His voice was but a whisper. “I don’t mind.”
Mila nestled her face into his chest, avoiding his gaze. “Let me know if I touch your wounds.‘
Nathan murmured, “Okay. Now go to sleep.”
Her initiative caught him off guard, leaving him pleasantly surprised. Was it the circumstances that brought them this close? It had been ages since Mila last slept beside him.
A faint smile graced Nathan’s lips as he adjusted his hold, drawing her closer. Contentment washed over him as he closed his eyes to rest.
Nathan’s resilient body recovered after the rest. His injuries seemed trivial to him.
It was the next day when he woke up with Mila in his arms.
Early in the morning, a few armed men took Mila away, only to return her after some time. Upon her return to the cell, Nathan nervously grasped her shoulders, scrutinizing her from head to toe.
Mila smiled lightly to reassure him. “Don’t worry, I’m fine.”
Chapter 374
Chapter 374
Nathan questioned, “Where did they take you? What have they done?”
Mila approached cautiously, raising a hand to block any prying ears, her words a soft murmur in Nathan’s ear. “I made a deal with them. I promised to reveal the location of hydronium if they could save you.”
Nathan’s expression darkened. “You’ve told them?”
Mila nodded, her brows furrowing in confusion. “What’s wrong?”
“If they locate hydronium, won’t that expose your identity?” Anxiety laced Nathan’s words.
Mila acknowledged the risk. “Yes, only Mila Winkler knows the exact location for it. Once they retrieve it, my identity will be exposed.”
“Did you speak truthfully to them?”
“Yes,” Mila affirmed. “I told them that it’s safeguarded in a heavily fortified research facility in Sunterland, and it won’t be easy for them to get it.’
Restless thoughts churned in Nathan’s mind as he released Mila, his fingers running through his hair in agitation.
Mila reached for his hand, her voice a soothing whisper. “Nate, if I hadn’t cooperated, neither of us would have survived. With this leverage, we can get you back to Norvania safely.”
Nathan exhaled deeply, a pang of pain gripping his chest. Without hesitation, he declared, “I won’t abandon you here.”
“We’ll depart tomorrow,” she responded.
Approaching Nathan, Mila reached out to touch his chest. Surprised by her boldness, Nathan watched her hand move freely, his heart quickening.
“Are your wounds fully healed?” Mila’s voice was gentle.
Nathan smiled faintly. All she had to do was ask, but she resorted to physical confirmation.
Taking her wrist, Nathan gently withdrew it, his voice tinged with hoarseness. “Yes.”
Mila inquired, “Do you have a plan?”
Nathan surveyed their surroundings. “I need a weapon. You must arrange a meeting with Murray tomorrow and think of an excuse to bring me along.”
“You intend to use him as leverage?”
“Yes,” Nathan affirmed, his resolve unwavering.
Mila’s curiosity sparked. “Why not Silas?”
“Silas’s influence has long waned,” Nathan replied as he sourced the cupboard for any viable weapons. “If he still held power, he wouldn’t dare lay a finger on me.”
Mila sighed, “Murray truly is ruthless.”
Nathan picked up a toothbrush and examined its handle, pondering how to sharpen it swiftly.
“Nate, are you sure about this?” Mila’s voice brimmed with concern.
Nathan uttered, his resolve unyielding, “Whether we succeed or fail, I won’t leave you alone here to suffer.”
Mila was moved. “Nate!”
Anticipating her attempt to dissuade him, Nathan stated firmly, “I’d rather perish than surrender.”
“Well.” Mila approached him, her hands resting on his shoulders as she once again rose on her tiptoes to whisper in his ear.
Her lips brushed Nathan’s earlobe. Nathan felt a surge like an electric shock, his body tingling, his heart fluttering as he instinctively leaned back.
Mila hooked her hand behind his head, drawing him closer. Under her persistent fervor, Nathan’s thoughts began to blur. Her warm breath teased Nathan’s ear, sending shivers down his spine and kindling a fire within him.
In a haze, he heard Mila’s whisper. “I have a gun.”
Nathan was stunned, locking eyes with Mila, unable to comprehend what he had just heard. It seemed miraculous, yet almost like a jest.
How could she have smuggled a gun into such a heavily guarded place?
Mila took Nathan’s hand and led him into the bathroom.
She positioned him by the door, instructing him to keep watch diligently.
Chapter 375
Chapter 375
Mila delicately withdrew the thick hairpin from her hair, and in an instant, her silky hair tumbled down in a mesmerizing cascade, shimmering like a celestial being, her beauty spellbinding.
Nathan was captivated by her sudden movement. His attention was solely on her allure, oblivious to the presence of the gun.
Seeing his fascination, Mila flicked the hairpin in her hand. “Nate, this is it.
Puzzled, Nathan inspected it. “It appears to be a simple ivory hairpin, with a slightly thicker stem, and it’s hollow.”
Mila offered a faint smile, crouching to pluck a handful of translucent beads from her shoe.
Placing them in Nathan’s palm, she whispered, “Bulletproof steel beads harder than diamonds, crafted by my own hands.”
Nathan examined the beads, increasingly impressed by Mila’s resourcefulness.
Turning away discreetly, Mila discreetly retrieved a tiny spring from within her bra.
Respecting her privacy, Nathan glanced away as she adjusted her attire.
In no time, she retrieved concealed gun parts from various places on her body, all miniature. Handing them over to Nathan, she swiftly assembled them with expert precision.
Nathan watched in awe, his gaze shifting to her beautiful face, her focused expression captivating him. Like the most dazzling star in the universe, she seemed unattainable yet alluring.
Upon completion, Mila placed the gun before Nathan. The gun resembled a thick, round pen, with a small button on top, adorned with a tassel.
Nathan whispered, “I’ve never seen a gun like this before. Did you design it?”
Mila nodded. “Yes, it’s a gun tailored for spies to infiltrate enemy territory. Its material is undetectable by any machine and it’s compact and lightweight, perfect for concealment.”
Handing the weapon to Nathan, she then tied her hair into a neat bun, using the pen–like gun as a hairpin.
Nathan was nervous. “What if it accidentally fires?”
“It won’t. It has a safety lock despite its size.” Mila assured him.
Nathan smiled warmly in return. His gaze was intense and fervent as it locked onto her.
In that fleeting moment, he released all hesitation from his heart.
A woman of her caliber didn’t belong to any person or nation; she was solely her own. She was destined to shine brightly in her own domain, creating wonders. Regardless of the nation that would reap
the benefits, she deserved more.
Mila took Nathan’s hand, whispering, “Nate, tomorrow I plan to eliminate Sila, and then take
Murray hostage.”
Nathan’s curiosity piqued. “Why take the risk of targeting Sila first?”
Mila gestured toward the hairpin–like gun, and countered as she leaned into Nathan, “If I aimed this at you, would you believe it’s a gun?”
“To give them a warning. I got it,” Nathan responded. His Adam’s apple moved as he gently pushed Mila away.
He wondered what was she up to today, for consistently leaning on him, whether intentionally or not. Their physical closeness unsettled his thoughts, hindering his focus on the impending task.
Mila sensed Nathan’s evasion.
&
She regarded him suspiciously, a frown creasing her brow as she questioned, “Nate, didn’t you used to say you liked me a lot?”
Nathan was taken aback, a hint of bewilderment in his eyes as he stared intensely at her.
Chapter 376
Chapter 376
Mila found Nathan’s response disheartening, her dissatisfaction cast a shadow over her mood. It appeared he was reluctant to admit it.
Meanwhile, Nathan remained deep in contemplation.
Mila changed the subject, asking, “Nate, if we manage to escape from here, what are your plans?”
Taking a seat at the bed’s edge, Nathan responded casually, “I aim to dismantle the Dark Shadows Society.”
“This is Dorzania, not Norvania,” Mila reminded, settling in beside him, their shoulders touching. “How do you intend to dismantle such a vile society here?”
“By targeting their leaders. With no one to lead, the society will crumble on its own,” Nathan explained.
“Excellent, count me in.” Mila smiled warmly.
Nathan glanced at her, his eyes reflecting a hint of confusion. He had no clue about her
statement. After their escape, Mila would return to Sunterland.
Under Nathan’s intense gaze, Mila felt a tinge of shyness and discomfort. She gently took his large hand, placing it on her lap, and holding it tenderly.
Nathan was once again taken aback, observing her actions with curiosity.
He couldn’t help but wonder what she was up to and why was she initiating contact by holding his hand and gently caressing it.
His heartbeat quickened as he silently observed her. Even during their marriage, she had never been this affectionate with him.
Mila continued to rub his hand and lightly pat its back, speaking with assurance, “We will certainly leave this place safely, Nate. I have faith in you.”
Nathan withdrew his hand slowly. “Behaving like this might give me the wrong impression.”
Mila paused as Nathan pulled away his hand with a bittersweet expression. She was unable to suppress her smile.
A straightforward man like him needed her to confess before he could understand her feelings. Blushing, Mila smiled, opting to remain silent.
Following their conversation, they delved into more detailed planning, readying themselves for any unexpected turns of events. Mila felt a sense of calm wash over her.
Regardless of the outcome, as long as she remained as Mila, she held the power to compel those people to send Nathan back to Norvania.
In the depth of night, Nathan and Mila received a summons from Silas as if the opportunity presented itself without their seeking.
As they entered the opulent meeting hall bathing in the glow of countless lights, they found
themselves amidst a crowd. Among the attendees stood Lucas and Oliver, an unexpected sight that piqued their curiosity.
On the table rested a familiar box, its presence instantly darkening Mila’s countenance.
Sensing her unease, Nathan leaned closer, his voice a soft murmur, “Wha’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”
With a subtle nod, Mila gestured toward the high–tech box before them. Nathan followed her gaze. “What is it?”
“48 bottles of hydronium,” Mila whispered, her voice barely audible. “I hadn’t anticipated their swift acquisition of it from the heavily guarded Sunterland Research Institute.”
Nathan contemplated her revelation. “Have you considered the possibility of Sunterland spies. among them?”
Mila’s expression soured as she realized her oversight.
Meanwhile, Murray reclined with crossed legs, his gaze fixed intently on Mila. After a moment of silence, he inquired, “What are you two whispering?”
Baffled by Dorzanian, Nathan furrowed his brow at the question.
Mila offered a warm smile. “Congratulations on swiftly securing the hydronium.”
Murray pointed toward the box, his skepticism evident. “Is it truly hydronium contained within this box?”
Assuming the contents had been verified, Mila was caught off guard by the doubt.
Murray persisted, “We couldn’t open it, so we’ve brought you here to inspect it.”
Chapter 377
Chapter 377
“Thank goodness you didn’t open it,” Mila said calmly. “This thing reacts even with oxygen. If you had opened it, this place would have been leveled in an instant.”
“Sounds rather mystical,” Murray commented, his curiosity piqued as he examined the box. 48 bottles of hydronium was a very small object, transparent, resembling liquid jelly.
“It must be handled in a specific environment.” Mila reminded, “Do you know about the explosion at the border of Norvania? It left behind a massive crater and contaminated the entire province with toxic purple gas.”
Murray’s expression darkened as he looked at Lucas and Oliver.
Lucas nodded, confirming the truth of her statement.
Mila cast a disdainful glance at Lucas. He was repulsive to her now. She used to perceive him as a decent person and had treated him kindly.
Mila discreetly checked Nathan’s expression. He seemed composed, showing no discernible change. She wondered if he harbored any inclination to harm Lucas at this moment.
At that moment, Silas on the bed sat up, cross–legged, his gaze intense as he fixed it on Mila. ” Who are you exactly?”
“I’m Chubs Hoffis.” Mila gestured toward Oliver. “His niece, although we’re not related by blood.”
Silas smirked, uttering casually, “You’re Mila.”
Everyone in the room stared at her in disbelief, their eyes widening with shock, a blend of apprehension and confusion evident.
Nathan leaned down to whisper to Mila, “Why are they reacting like this? What did he say?” Mila leaned against Nathan’s shoulder, whispering, “He’s figured out my identity.”
Nathan wasn’t surprised. With the hydronium now exposed, her identity was inevitably revealed.
Oliver took a couple of steps forward, staring at Mila incredulously. “You’re truly Mila?” Mila shot him a disdainful glance, her lips sealed in silence.
Murray’s laughter echoed, rich with amusement. “Ah, here comes Mila, strolling right into our trap as if it were a mere stroll in the park.”
Mila countered sharply, “What’s so amusing? My answer is final. No one can coerce me into doing something against my will.”
Murray drew his gun, inspecting it meticulously, his words dripping with implication. “Once we have you in our grasp/your consent becomes irrelevant. Refusal means consequences. I’ll end him.”
As Murray aimed the gun at Nathan, Mila’s heart raced with anxiety, but she couldn’t afford to show weakness.
Maintaining a facade of indifference, she remarked, “To kill or not to kill, it’s your choice. If you want my cooperation, you’ll need to hand over my parents.”
Silas turned to Murray. “Who are her parents?”
Murray hesitated briefly, then glanced at Oliver. “Where are her parents?”
Oliver furrowed his brow, his expression growing solemn as he met Murray’s gaze. They had targeted Mila’s family to facilitate Suzanne’s infiltration into Nathan’s circle, where she posed as Sally.
Murray approached Oliver slowly, prodding his shoulder with the gun. “I’m asking you, where are her parents?”
Oliver’s voice was barely a whisper. “Dead.”
Mila was shaken, her gaze piercing Oliver as she cried out, “You’re lying! Their graves are empty!”
“They’re empty because they were dumped into the sea after serving their purpose.”
Mila’s vision blurred, her legs weakening, tears streaming down her cheeks. Nathan enveloped her in his embrace, holding her tightly.
Mila sought solace in Nathan’s arms, crying out in her native tongue, “You’re lying. My parents aren’t dead, they’re not dead!”
Chapter 378
Chapter 378
Nathan couldn’t bear to witness Mila’s anguish. He enveloped her in a tight embrace, murmuring soothing words into her ear, “Chubs, gather your strength.”
Mila clung to Nathan’s chest, her sobs heavy with grief. “Nate, that monster took my parents from me.”
Nathan leaned in close, his voice a gentle whisper in her ear. “Stay strong. You must seek justice for them.”
Mila nodded through her tears in determination. “Fine.”
“Are you ready?” Nathan delicately cradled the back of Mila’s head, drawing her close to his chest, their closeness puzzling onlookers.
Once more, Milanodded. In a swift motion, Nathan plucked the hairpin from Mila’s hair and aimed a shot at Silas, who was lying on the bed.
The muffled sound of the gunshot barely registered. Before anyone could comprehend the events unfolding, a crimson dot appeared on the forehead of the elderly man on the bed.
Silas froze, his eyes wide open, his body rigid and unresponsive.
As Murray grasped the gravity of the situation, he moved to raise his gun, only to find Nathan aiming the hairpin squarely at his forehead.
All eyes turned to Nathan and Mila, guns at the ready.
Murray, gripped by fear, pleaded, “Please, don’t kill me.
Nathan swiftly disarmed Murray and passed the weapon to Mila.
Mila accepted the gun, wiping away her tears, and trained it on the opposite side of Murray’s forehead.
“Release Mr. Manning,” a nearby gunman demanded, “or we’ll end both of you.”
Mila approached calmly, retrieving the box containing the Azurium and tucking it into her pocket.
Addressing the others, she warned, “I’ll use him as a meat shield if anyone dares to shoot.”
Murray raised his hands, a smirk playing on his lips as he eyed the device in Nathan’s hand.
He had never encountered such a formidable weapon–compact yet potent, concealed within Mila’s hair like a simple hairpin. No one could have guessed its lethal capability, a gun cloaked in silent death.
Murray’s voice trembled with anxiety as he asked, “How did you manage to get it in?”
Approaching Murray, Mila asked softly, “Are you familiar with Mila?”
“We’ve been hunting her for years, investigating extensively. Of course, we’re familiar with her,” Murray replied./
Mila chuckled softly. “Aside from her work as a chemist, she has another identity. Any
guesses?”
Murray’s complexion turned ashen, and his throat constricted as he replied slowly, “Yes, a system engineer.”
Mila hummed in response. Then, she glanced at the others in the room. “Arrange for a speedboat for us if you want him alive.”
Murray barked, “Move, what are you waiting for?”
His subordinates hurried away to prepare the boat.
Murray glanced at Silas, who was lying on the bed. He lay there, eyes wide open in death. Technically, he didn’t even know he had been shot, yet he was already dead.
“Why kill him instead of holding him hostage, and why risk holding me?” Murray asked, bewildered.
Mila explained calmly, “If we hold him hostage, your men will kill us all, including him. If we hold you, his men will kill us all, including you.
“You both refuse to compromise for each other. With him dead, you become the leader. Holding you hostage is the best choice.”
Mila smiled faintly, examining the gun in her hand, and added, “By the way, let me demonstrate the power of this small gun I designed.”
Chapter 379
Chapter 379
“You really are Mila,” Murray repeated, his astonishment palpable.
Mila offered a helpless smile. “Silas outwits you by far. You possess bravery but lack strategy, leaving only brutality.”
Murray’s gaze turned fierce, his eyes ablaze with anger.
His subordinate returned with an update. “Mr. Manning, the speedboat is prepared.”
Mila addressed the group, “Don’t try to plant any bombs on the boat. Murray will be departing this island with us. We’ll release him at Dorzania airport.”
Upon hearing this, his subordinate dashed out immediately to disarm the explosives. Nathan asked softly, “Chubs, is everything under control?” Not comprehending Dorzanian, Nathan could only await Mila’s directives as he was unsure of the situation’s progress.
body, searching for weapons and confiscating all guns and blades to eliminate any potential threat. “They intended to plant bombs on the speedboat?” Nathan sought clarification.
“Let’s wait a bit longer. He’s off to disarm the bomb,” Mila said as she patted Murray‘
Mila nodded.
Before long, the subordinate returned, panting. “It’s done.”
Mila and Nathan held their guns to Murray’s head, guiding him outside.
The island was tranquil at night, the moon casting its radiant glow, illuminating their path with clarity.
Lucas and Oliver, accompanied by several armed men, trailed behind until they reached the boat.
Nathan turned to Mila. “Can you steer the boat?”
She shook her head. Nathan handed her the gun. “Don’t worry. Just kill him if he sudden moves.”
Mila tensed. She gripped the gun tightly, aiming it meticulously at Murray’s head.
res any
As the boat commenced its swift departure from the shore, back on land, Lucas promptly seized his subordinate’s gun and aimed it toward the speedboat.
Oliver pressed down on his gun, his voice trembling as he asked, “What are you doing? Mr. Manning is still on the boat.”
Lucas roared, “I know Nathan. The moment he’s safe, he’ll go for Murray first. He won’t let him get away, and then it’ll be you and me.”
Pushing Oliver’s hand away, Lucas raised his gun again.
Oliver intervened once more, applying force to stop him. “You can kill Murray and Nathan, but you can’t touch Chubs.”
With a swift kick, Lucas sent Oliver sprawling, shouting, “Your sentimental bullshit is just
getting in the way.”
Oliver was knocked back.
Raising his gun, Lucas unleashed a flurry of shots toward the departing boat. The sound of Bunfire reverberated.
“Chubs, get down!” Nathan exclaimed, hurrying over to shield Mila. He used his body to cover her, guiding her to the floor of the boat.
The gunfire poured down like a relentless storm, without discrimination, until the bullets ran
out.
With a splash, Murray leaped off the boat.
Mila quivered in Nathan’s embrace, her body trembling from the fierce onslaught of gunfire. She struggled for breath and slowly regained her senses.
Urgently, she touched Nathan’s face. “Nate, are you okay? Are you hurt?”
Nathan’s breath was labored, his voice rough as he replied, “I’m alright. What about you? Are you injured?”
“I’m fine. Who was shooting? They were firing everywhere, even at Murray,” Mila said, still shaken.
“It had to be Lucas.”
“Why?”
Nathan sighed, resting his head on Mila’s shoulder, his voice weakening, “He’s been by my side for years. He probably anticipated my moves.”
“Murray seized the opportunity amidst the chaos and jumped into the water,” Mila said.
Chapter 380
Chapter 380
Nathan responded with a soft murmur.
Mila’s racing heart calmed as she gazed upon the star–studded sky, its ethereal beauty enveloping her in a sense of peace.
stay on top
top of
With flushed cheeks, she shyly asked, “Nate, how much longer do you intend to stay me? The boat seems to be drifting off course.”
Nathan slowly shifted, propping himself up with his hands. But before he could fully rise, he collapsed back onto Mila.
Under the weight of his sturdy chest, Mila struggled to breathe, a sense of unease creeping
over her.
“Nate, what’s wrong? Are you injured?” Mila’s hands wrapped around his waist, frantically searching his back.
As her fingers brushed against his shoulder blades, she felt moisture. She withdrew her hand and brought it to her nose, detecting the metallic tang of blood.
Her heart twisted with anguish, hands trembling as she applied pressure to the wound, her voice choked with tears, “Nate, you’ve been shot.”
Nathan whispered weakly into her ear, “Don’t worry, I’ll be okay.”
Struggling to speak through her tears, Mila gently pushed him aside and crawled out from underneath him.
She held onto his injured back tightly, fearing he might bleed out and slip away.
“You’re so silly.” Mila sobbed, feeling utterly helpless.
Nathan weakly uttered, “Chubs, help me up.”
Mila helped him to sit, supporting his arm.
Leaning against the edge of the chair, Nathan pointed to the brightest star in the southern sky. “Chubs, can you see that brightest star?”
Following his gesture, Mila wiped away her tears and nodded. “Yes, I can see it.”
“Adjust the ship’s course in that direction,” Nathan instructed.
Mila adjusted the direction, aligning the ship’s course as indicated and securing the navigation. Turning back toward Nathan, Mila settled beside him, her voice trembling with concern. “Nate.
Nathan lay silent with not a single movement.
Mila’s chin quivered as her hand trembled. She caressed his cheek gently, her voice choked with emotion. “Nate, are you okay?”
Nathan remained still, his breaths becoming faint.
Filled with fear, Mila wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, tears staining his cheeks.”
Nate…”
“I’m not dead,” Nathan said, his deep voice echoing in the silent night.
Upon hearing his voice, Mila felt a surge of relief, yet anxiety still gripped her heart. Tears streamed down her face as she asked, “Then why won’t you respond?”
Nathan touched the back of her head, his voice gentle, “Chubs, would you be sad if I were truly gone?”
Pushing him away, Mila exclaimed in frustration, “Can’t you see how much I’m hurting already? Are my tears meaningless to you?”
Nathan smiled softly, his gaze tender as he murmured, “You’ve always been sensitive. Tears come easily when facing challenges, fears, or injustices. You even cried when the neighbor’s pet passed away.”
Wiping her tears away, Mila grumbled, “I was a child back then. I’m an adult now.”
Nathan chuckled softly and closed his eyes. “But you’re still the same crybaby.”
Mila pouted. “Please, don’t put yourself in such danger again,” she said concernedly, “You’re a Norvanian general. Your life is invaluable and shouldn’t be risked.”
Nathan smiled faintly, his voice weak. “You, Chubs, are more precious to me. And you, Mila, are precious to the nation.”