The seawater swiftly engulfed me. I closed my eyes with a serene smile, free from panic or fear, only calm. Suddenly, a figure dove down above me. He swam frantically toward me. The moonlight filtered through the water, revealing his face bit by bit. It was Dante.
Dante swam toward me as fast as he could, grabbed hold of me, and steered me toward the nearby yacht. Once we were on board, he held me tightly, a trace of panic in his eyes.
"Are you hurt anywhere? I'm so sorry, it's all my fault. I fell asleep, and that's how he managed to take you. I'm sorry, Stella, don't be afraid. I'm here now."
His warmth chased away the chill of the seawater. At that moment, I felt hope reignite in my heart. He hugged me tightly, like a child recovering a precious lost toy.
Jensen's boat quickly pulled alongside us, and he stumbled out toward me. He embraced me frantically, "Thank goodness, Stella, you're safe!"
I pushed him away in disgust, retreating into Dante's arms. Jensen dropped to his knees, his face full of regret.
"Stella, please, forgive me. I was immature and didn't know how to love someone."
"I finally get it now."
"Stella, you can't be so heartless. You taught me how to love you, and now you're leaving me."
"Please don't leave me! I'll do whatever you want!"
"I'm begging you, please forgive me."
I watched his emotional outburst quietly. After a long moment, I spoke softly.
"Jensen, if I had a choice, I would have rather never met you."
"These past three years have been too painful."
He didn't say another word.
