[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-260322E1C3D0-298":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},298,84,"Chapter 84: The Hand That Tossed Her Into the Tide","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The gala hall was a blur of movement, the air thick with the hum of conversation and the relentless clinking of champagne flutes.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi caught sight of a lonely figure slipping away into the shadows. The back was familiar, though her mind failed to place him.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Remi? What are you looking at?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"That guy over there. He looks... familiar.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Remi!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian’s sharp, annoyed tone made her burst into laughter. She leaned in, deliberately stumbling into him, hiding her hands behind her back with a mischievous glint in her eyes.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Don't get your feathers ruffled. I have a gift for you.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"A gift?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Hold out your hand. Fingers spread, forearm vertical.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian didn't ask questions. He followed her instructions, his gaze fixed on hers. \"And now?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi raised her small hand. Nestled between her index and middle fingers was a ring. With a swift, seamless motion, she locked her fingers with his, letting the ring slide effortlessly onto his middle finger.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian froze. His eyes widened in disbelief. \"Remi, is this...?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Don't tell me you don't get it.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I get it. I absolutely get it.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He cupped her face, his excitement boiling over as he pressed a loud, resounding kiss to her lips.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The surrounding chatter died down instantly. Every head in the vicinity turned to stare.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi felt her face flame a deep, mortified red. \"Oh, ah, carry on! Nothing to see here. Just... a bit of gas. Sorry!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The sudden roar of laughter from the crowd made her want to vanish into the floorboards. She smacked her own mouth, cursed her lack of impulse control, and sprinted out of the ballroom.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Remi! Watch your step!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian caught up to her in long strides, sweeping her into a crushing hug.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I’m so embarrassed,\" she muffled into his chest.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Don't be. It was festive. It fit the atmosphere perfectly.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She tilted her flushed face up, searching his eyes. \"You really think so?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I know so.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Wait—hush. Do you hear that? Someone's crying.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi tilted her head, navigating the sound until she spotted a girl crouched behind a marble pillar, sobbing into her hands. Remi reached out to comfort her, but Damian was faster.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Siena! What are you howling about in here?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The girl looked up. Her face was a ruin of smudged, black mascara and tears. She looked utterly wretched.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Big brother, it hurts...\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The sight was pathetic enough that even Damian couldn't bring himself to keep scolding her. He pulled her to her feet. \"Are you still not over this?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I’ll never meet anyone as brilliant as Marcellus... never...\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Siena, you’re chasing a ghost. He’s out of your reach. Why torture yourself?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian’s tone was uncharacteristically gentle, a rare mercy that only made Siena break down harder. She buried her face in his chest. He stood there, rhythmically patting her back with surprising patience. He understood the ache of unattainable longing better than anyone.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">When the sobbing finally tapered off, Siena wiped her damp face against his shoulder, looking bashful. \"I'm sorry, brother.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Here, use this. You’re dirtier than a mudslide.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Siena snatched the tissue from Remi, scrubbing at her face carelessly. When she saw the streaks of black mascara on the tissue, she shrieked and sprinted toward the restroom.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi watched her go, a small smile playing on her lips. \"She’s such a clumsy, spoiled brat.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Remi, can you stop focusing on everyone else for a second?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"That’s just 'everyone else,' isn't it?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Exactly. From now on, it’s just you and me.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">His voice was a low, velvet trap. Remi felt a tingle in her ears and pushed him away. \"Quit whispering in my ear, you're too close.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian sighed internally: *Note to self: How to flirt with a woman made of cold steel? Asking for a friend.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Remi? What are you doing out here?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh, hi. I was just heading back in. Are you leaving?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Yeah. Heading back to the office.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi watched the man’s retreating back. Damian gave her a sharp nudge. \"Hey, eyes on me. You’re going to start drooling.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Don't be shallow. That's pure, objective appreciation. The guy is talented, handsome, and emotionally stable. He's a catch!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Remi Crawford! Did someone possess your soul? You just gave me a ring five minutes ago! Remember?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I have to find Evangeline.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi bolted, leaving the fuming man behind. The sight of that man’s retreating back had reminded her of that familiar, strange presence she’d felt in the ballroom earlier.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline brushed a stray lock of hair from Remi's lip. \"What’s got you so worked up?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi glanced around, making sure Marcellus was out of earshot before leaning in. \"I just saw Jonah Harrison.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"The Harrisons are regular guests. Him being at my gala isn't exactly earth-shattering.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"No, it’s not that. It’s him. His whole vibe... it’s different. I almost didn't recognize him.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"That much of a change?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi nodded hard. \"He’s got this aura—like he could kill. It’s cold, menacing. Honestly? It’s terrifying.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline’s lips curled into a glacial smile. \"It seems he’s finally grown a spine.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Her look sent a shiver down Remi’s spine. \"Evangeline, the history between you two isn't just...\" She stopped herself, suddenly remembering the occasion, and swatted her own mouth. \"Ignore me! Forget I said anything. It’s a happy day, why am I bringing him up?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline chuckled, catching her wrist. \"Easy, you’ve hit yourself enough today. Your mouth is going to be bruised.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I know, I know. My brain just can't keep up with my mouth. My bad!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">***\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Miles away, Jonah Harrison stood at the edge of the coastline he had spent months trying to avoid.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">This was the place where his cowardice had forged a regret that would haunt his existence. This was where he had severed the cord that bound him to Evangeline forever.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline, I regret it. I regret everything,\" he muttered to the waves. \"I lost the right to stand by your side, didn't I? We were supposed to be childhood sweethearts. It was written in the stars, and I... I was the one who shattered it.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He stood by the shore, clutching the heirloom bracelet that should have graced Evangeline’s wrist. Hours passed. The sky turned a bruised gray, and the tide began to roll in. The icy water surged around his ankles, soaking his trousers, but he didn't move. He didn't even blink.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Hey! Buddy! Get back here! It's dangerous!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"He's been standing there for an eternity. He's not thinking about jumping, is he?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Look at him. He’s completely unhinged.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Crowd members whispered, some shouting for him to step back, but Jonah remained a statue. Finally, a burly passerby lunged forward and hauled him back onto the sand.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Kid, whatever is bothering you, it isn't worth it. Think about your parents. Your family!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"My family? Ha!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">In his past life, he had been a coward, always bowing to his parents' expectations. Now? Was he still going to be a prisoner of his own indecision?\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Hey, what’s eating you, kid?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Jonah looked at the stranger with hollow, glassy eyes. \"My fiancée died in this ocean. I was the one who threw her in. Ha. Hahaha. Hahaha!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The laughter was chilling, vibrating with a manic, jagged edge. The stranger stumbled back, skin crawling, and quickly dialed the police.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Within minutes, Jonah was in the back of a squad car. When Angela Harrison arrived to pick him up, she slapped him hard across the face.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Jonah! Can you please just wake up?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Seeing her son in such a fractured state, Angela finally crumbled, sobbing as she hammered her fists against his chest. \"Jonah! My boy! Please, I’m begging you, just stop this!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Ma'am,\" the officer said, glancing at the trembling boy, \"I’d suggest seeing a psychiatrist. He’s experiencing delusions, and—\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Shut up!\" Angela shrieked, cutting him off before dragging Jonah away. \"My son is not insane! He is not!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"God, the poor parents,\" the officer muttered, shaking his head.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Back at the Harrison estate, Jonah remained catatonic, his fingers locked in a death grip around the bracelet.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Jonah, give it to me. Just let it go.\" Angela pried at his fingers, but they wouldn't budge.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Mom, don't worry about me. I'm fine.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Angela let out a ragged, heartbroken sob. \"You are anything but fine.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I am. I'm going to live a good life. I promised her.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"A good life? Working yourself to the bone, drinking yourself into a stupor every night? Jonah, I just want you to be happy! Don't you understand?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Jonah tore himself away from her, walking with a heavy, dead-eyed gait toward the stairs. Angela stood in the foyer, clutching her chest, her weeping echoing through the empty halls.\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272914599]