He Didn’t Kidnap Me. Not Exactly novel Chapter 285

It felt like a soft breeze whispering past her ear. By the time Rebecca finally reacted, Vance was already melting into the busy crowd.

“Rebecca!” Desmond called out from the deck.

“Coming!” she answered, relieved.

It seemed Vance had finally gotten it, which meant he wouldn’t keep pushing to take care of her forever.

She boarded with the troupe, and they set sail for the next city.

She didn’t know that Vance hadn’t gone far. He appeared on the third–floor balcony of a waterside hotel, watching her boat gradually drift away.

Catherine stepped up behind him and followed his stare. She murmured, “She’s gone.”

Vance stayed silent.

“You still have us.” She moved closer and stood beside him. “I’m never leaving again. None of us will ever leave you.”

Boats crisscrossed the harbor every minute. In seconds, the ship mingled with the dozens of identical

ones.

He bowed, giving a bitter chuckle. “Yeah. I should be happy. She finally found her life’s purpose. Isn’t that what I always wanted?”

“Exactly,” she said. “You couldn’t spend the rest of your life with someone you don’t love, could you?”

“The rest of my life?” His eyes drifted far out over the water.

Her gaze darkened for a split second, then she sighed theatrically, “Honestly, Rebecca doesn’t know what is good for her. Any other girl would have been over the moon to have a husband like you–money, luxury, and everything else handed to her. She would have treated you like royalty.” 2

He smiled bitterly, saying nothing.

She frowned for a moment. “Anyway, let her go. You deserve someone who truly loves and cherishes you.”

He turned to look at her, and she smiled up at him.

“Let’s head back,” he said. “I’ve been away from the company for too long. It doesn’t feel right.”

“Oh, sure.” She paused. “I miss Aiden and Lucas anyway.”

He pulled out his phone to book the tickets. “Where are you flying?”

She froze. “Back to Soliaridge with you, of course.”

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He checked the flight information. “I’m stopping in Arelmoor first.”

“W–What for?”

“Rebecca started the tour from Arelmoor with the troupe. Josette’s probably still there. I’m going to bring her home.” He selected a flight and looked up. “You heading straight to Soliaridge?”

She fought to keep her expression neutral. “Sure, we’ll wait for you there.”

“Okay.” Her voice trembled with frustration as her plan was wrecked by Josette once again.

“I’ll take Josette home, and Rebecca will come running back.” These words kept echoing in Catherine’s ears the whole ride.

She heaved a sigh of relief.

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