Chapter 337 I Need You In the end, she bought the tickets for the ship. Even though the journey by sea took more time, the ship would sail directly for Frosa. She had taken into consideration Jeffersonâs condition and the high probability of them being tracked by Curtis if they were to fly.
Over the last two days, the emotionless Jefferson barely said a word as he allowed her to lead him around. Raynaâs heart ached in sympathy because she felt she was guiding an empty shell of a man.
Once they settled into the ship, Rayna prepared a cup of warm water and handed it to him along with his medication.
When he took them without a word, Rayna couldnât stand it any longer. âJefferson, it pains me to see you this way. Whatever it is, tell me instead of keeping it to yourself.â
She hated it when he behaved like he was already a dead man.
Jefferson glanced out the window, taking in the expansive blue sky and the glistening tips of the ocean waves.
A short while later, he replied softly, âDonât go looking for the lab. Take me sightseeing instead. Iâm well aware of my own condition, and going to the lab isnât going to make a difference.â
Despite taking his medication a moment ago, he began to cough uncontrollably until his hands were covered in blood.
Rayna, eyes burning, frantically wiped his hands with a paper towel. âIâm sure it will work. Who knows, they might already have completed their research by the time we arrive.â
Holding his hand tightly, Rayna pleaded, âYouâre only in your twenties. How can you resign yourself to death? At the very least, stay alive for my sake. I want you to find happiness.â
Jefferson gave her face a gentle stroke.
Such soft and tender cheeks. She looks the same as when we first met. In fact, she didnât seem to have changed at all. And now, she has grown very confident and can face adversities without my protection. Curtis is right to say that I have underestimated her. She can no longer be restrained anymore.
âI was wrong to be crippled by my fear,â Jefferson murmured. âI was worried that my brother would attack you but learned that you were more courageous than I thought and was capable of protecting yourself.â
Instead of guiding her properly, he pushed her away causing them to lose each other.
Rayna shook her head. âNo, you have always been protecting me. Youâre the reason why I am unharmed. I still need you now, just like in the past.â
âBut my days are numbered.â
Raynaâwith a firm yet sorrowful look in her eyesâshushed him with a finger on his lips. âYouâll live a long life. Once you recover, take me skiing, all right? Didnât you promise to teach me how to ski?â
Jefferson couldnât help but smile.
He wasnât under the illusion that Rayna broke up with Curtis because of any love she had for him. He was well aware that she sympathized with him due to his impending death.
Consequently, she was just trying to comfort him.
Jefferson held her hands tightly. âAll right. Iâll teach you how to ski once Iâve recovered. Moreover, letâs go traveling and see the most beautiful sceneries across the world.â
Wearing a teary-eyed smile, Rayna gave him a forceful nod. âIâll be waiting.â
âMmm-hmm.â
Thereafter, Jeffersonâs mood visibly improved as he began chatting with Rayna. It was only then that the latterâs concerns were finally eased.
At noon, Rayna brought Jefferson to the restaurant for lunch.
Even though Chanaean food was served on board, it was barely cooked through and even had a stench to it, as the chef wasnât Chanaean.
Rayna couldnât stand it anymore after having a few mouthfuls. When her stomach began to churn, she attempted to rush to the restroom. Nevertheless, she was unable to make it in time, so she turned her head and puked into the garbage bin instead.
With an anxious expression, Jefferson came over to stroke her back. âAre you all right?â
Rayna shook her head. âIâm fine. I just canât get used to the food on the ship.â
Jefferson poured a glass of water for her at once. When she had finally recovered, he summoned the waiter and whispered something into the latterâs ear.
Noticing what was going on, Rayna asked, âWhat did you tell him?â
âI got him to prepare lunch again.â
âItâs fine. Iâll eat something else instead.â
However, Jefferson insisted, âNo, weâll have to change the food if youâre not used to it. Otherwise, it will be bad for your stomach.â
Rayna had no choice but to let him have his way.
Ten minutes later, the waiter came back with another Chanaean meal.
Rayna wasnât sure if a different chef had prepared it, but the food no longer smelled and was spicy enough for her taste. As a result, she wolfed it down in no time.
Once they were done with lunch, Jefferson handed the waiter his card.
However, the waiter returned it after twice failing to swipe it. âSir, your card isnât working.â
âGive it another try.â Jeffersonâs brows furrowed slightly. âI use it very often.â
Unfortunately, the waiter came back when it still didnât work.
âHere, take mine.â Rayna handed her card over as she teased Jefferson, âYou might have used it too many times and forgot that you emptied the account.â
Jefferson replied with certainty, âThat canât be. There are at least tens of millions inside.â
Rayna was bereft of words.
Upon leaving the restaurant, Jefferson insisted on using the phone on the ship. A gloomy expression descended upon his face when he was informed of something over the phone.
After hanging up, he informed Rayna, âAll my cards have been frozen.â
âIs this your brotherâs doing?â
âOther than him, I canât think of anyone else capable of doing so.â Jefferson attempted to make another call. âIâll get Ringo to come over.â
However, Rayna held his hand back. âItâs tiring for him to go through such a hassle. Why donât you call him when you reach Frosa instead? Besides, we can still use my card.â
She then dragged Jefferson away. âAll right now, itâs time for you to go back to your room and rest.â
Jefferson had no choice but to comply.
After she had painstakingly returned him to his room and watched him fall asleep, Rayna trod out softly and walked to the shipâs deck where the wind pounded on her cheeks.
Despite the painful sensation she felt, Rayna felt invigorated by it.
As she stared out at the deep blue sea, her mind began to wander. Does Arnaud know where we are? I wonder how Curtis is back in Norwal City. Is James taking good care of him?
Other than Jeffersonâs sickness, her second biggest fear was Arnaud telling Curtis about the matter.
Therefore, she hoped that her arrangements didnât come too late.
Despite her detailed planning and securing James and Cillianâs help, little did she expect Arnaud to have already sent the information to the Faymon residence before she even kick-started her plan.
Meanwhile, at the Faymon residence, Alfred fell into a long silence after reading the anonymous letter.
Although he was aware that such letters usually come with insidious motives, he still couldnât stop the surge of emotions within him when he learned that his daughter-in-law was still alive.
After a long while, he gave the number on the letter a call.
âHello, who is it?â When the call quickly connected, the gentle and familiar voice almost brought tears to Alfredâs eyes.
âXandra?â he asked in a quivering voice. âIs it really you, Xandra?â
A brief silence was followed by the sounds of a womanâs repressed sobs. âDad...â
Alfredâs lips began to tremble. âXandra, youâre still alive!â
As Alfredâs health was deteriorating and stopped him from going out, he even obtained Sandyâs permission after much persuasion to have the butler bring her over. He was dying to meet his dear girl.
Waiting anxiously in the living room, he finally heard the faint roar of an engine twenty minutes later. Only then did he rush out of the house excitedly.
From afar, he could see the butler leading a woman who was dressed in a black jacket. Even though he couldnât recognize her face, he couldnât deny the familiarity of her eyes.
At the sight of Alfred, Sandy pursed her lips in silence.
When both of them were finally standing face to face, Sandyâs shoulders began to bob while tears gradually streamed down her face. The sympathetic Alfred pulled her into his embrace. âXandra, I know how tough things have been...â