บททั้งหมดของ He Chose Her, Then Lost Me Forever: บทที่ 31 - บทที่ 40

The rain in Rio de Janeiro did not fall like the freezing storms back home. It fell in warm, heavy sheets over the quiet harbor, washing away the dirt on the pavement and leaving a thick mist in the humid night air. The ocean smelled of salt, wet wood, and old fishing boats.Noah stood under the dripping roof of a small coffee shop near the docks. He had his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his dark leather coat, his eyes scanning every shadow that moved near the water.Three long weeks had passed since that terrible night at the harbor warehouse. Three weeks of running, hiding, and living like a ghost. He had left behind his fortune, his fancy clothes, his fast cars, and his massive company. He looked completely different now. He wore simple, worn-out clothes, his jaw was covered in a thick, dark beard, a small white scar cut through his left eyebrow, and heavy dark circles sat under his eyes from endless sleepless nights.In his right coat pocket, his fingers rested against the

Noah stood frozen near the cold stone wall, surrounded by four heavy men in dark uniforms. The red laser sights from their rifles hovered right over his chest.Marcus Holloway closed his umbrella with a soft snap, setting it neatly beside the broken wooden door. He adjusted the cuffs of his grey suit jacket, looking around the warm room as if he were inspecting a holiday home he was thinking of buying."It really is a charming spot, isn't it?" Marcus said smoothly, his plain English voice calm and polite. "Quiet. Hidden away from the rest of the world. A perfect place to catch a foolish young man who thinks he can run away from his debts."Clara lowered her silver remote control, a triumphant smirk returning to her face. She stepped over to Marcus’s side, smoothing down her sweater."He figured out the watch, Marcus," she said, nodding toward the heavy steel door that had sealed the other room shut. "He knows she’s in there."Marcus let out a quiet sigh, looking at Noah with mild disa

The hum of the helicopter engine suddenly felt deafening inside the small cabin.Noah’s heart hammered against his ribs. He gripped the cold glass water bottle tightly, staring across the tiny table at Dr. Vance. Beside him, Anna froze, her teacup trembling in her hands as she looked between Noah and her uncle."What did you just say?" Noah demanded, his voice thick with anger.Dr. Vance did not look afraid. He didn't reach for a weapon, nor did he raise his voice. He simply leaned back against his soft leather seat and folded his hands over his wooden cane."You heard me, Noah," the old man said, his plain English voice calm and steady. "The farm in the hills is real. It is quiet. It has fresh air, good food, and warm sunshine. Anna can live out the rest of her days there in peace.""And what about me?" Noah asked, his jaw tight."You have caused too much trouble for too many powerful people," Dr. Vance replied softly. "Your grandfather, Marcus Holloway, even my own brother–you dragg

The sharp red numbers on the small briefcase blinked in the dark back seat of the car.04:55... 04:54... 04:53...Noah’s mind raced as the cold night air filled his lungs. The rain hit the roof of the black sedan with a soft, steady patter."David..." Noah choked out, looking at his old friend standing by the driver’s door. "You were at the harbor. I saw the blood on the pier. I thought you were dead."David looked down at his own wet shoes, unable to meet Noah’s eyes. "It was the only way to get Marcus’s men off my back, Noah. Mr. Reed offered to take care of my family in exchange for my help. I didn't have a choice.""Everyone has a choice!" Noah shouted, stepping toward him.The two heavy guards behind Noah immediately grabbed his arms, pinning him in place with thick, strong hands. Anna cried out as another man stepped out from the trees and grabbed her shoulders, holding her back near the muddy edge of the road.William Reed didn't even look at the briefcase. He adjusted the coll

Noah stood frozen in the cold metal hallway.His hand rested lightly against the wall, his knuckles turning white as Clara's voice crackled through the small radio speaker in the room ahead."Make sure they don't get suspicious," Clara added, her tone sharp and businesslike. "If William's men see that submarine at the docks before the buyer gets there, the whole deal falls apart.""They're exhausted," Old George replied into the microphone, his plain voice cool and steady. "The girl is already asleep. The boy won't be a problem.""Good," Clara said. "We meet at Pier Four in two hours."The radio clicked off, leaving only the static hum of the machine.Noah backed away slowly on his toes, stepping silently into the shadows of the narrow corridor. His mind spun in circles. Old George–the quiet man who had given him advice as a child, the man who had served him hot soup just ten minutes ago–was turning them over to Clara.There was no one left to trust. Every friendly face was just anoth