Chapter 192 A Wedding Without A Groom
“I’m sorry, Mr. Mitchell. We’ve done everything we can in the search and rescue efforts, but, unfortunately, we’ve found no sign of Mrs. Mitchell so far,” the rescue team captain said apologetically to William.
The morning light had fully arrived. The sea stretched out, empty except for the coast guard vessels and the cruise ship. There was no other sign of life.
Renee and Ryland had vanished, leaving behind only uncertainty. No one knew if they were still alive or lost forever.
The rescue team had expanded their search area, combing the waters throughout the night, but their efforts had yielded nothing.
“Thank you,” William replied, his voice barely a whisper.
He had remained on the deck all night, braving the biting wind. His voice was hoarse, his body weary from the long hours.
With the thugs now in custody, a few of the bolder guests had gathered to witness the commotion.
The rumors about the previous night’s incident had spread, and now they whispered among themselves.
“A man and a woman? Did they jump for love? That can’t be it.”
“I heard the guy lost it over something, couldn’t take it, and just leaped. The woman followed him right after.”
“It’s been a whole night, and still no trace of them? The chances are low, but their loyalty and love for each other are certainly undeniable.”
10.21
“Hard to believe, but maybe love really is that powerful.”
The gathered crowd whispered among themselves.
Denton’s anger flared as he overheard the conversation. He was about to confront the gossipers, but William seemed oblivious to the whispers around him.
He closed his eyes, stood still for a moment, and then, in a soft voice, asked, “Are there any islands nearby?”
Denton blinked, confused. “What?”
The rescue team captain, taken aback, paused before answering, “No, none at all.”
He was intimately familiar with the waters. No islands were in sight.
William’s brow furrowed. “What about farther out?”
“Farther out… there are a few, but it’s unlikely,” the captain said. “They’re about an hour’s boat ride from here.”
An hour’s boat ride–no one could possibly swim that far, especially in the freezing night sea.
Yet, William’s voice was unwavering as he gave his command, “Then let’s
head in that direction. We search there!”
The rescue team captain was certain it was a lost cause, but still, he went
to issue the orders.
Denton opened his mouth to say something but thought better of it. Instead, he silently handed William a bottle of water.
William took it without a word.
“Do you want something to eat? You’ll need the strength if you’re going to keep searching,” Denton suggested.
William gave a subtle nod.
His expression remained unchanged, his face like stone, as though all emotion had drained from him.
At that moment, his phone rang.
It was Eric.
Without hesitation, William ended the call.
But Eric, persistent as ever, dialed again.
Irritated, William finally picked up.
On the other end, Eric didn’t rush to speak, waiting for William to break the silence.
“Dad, if there’s nothing important, I’m hanging up.”
“Your wedding with Laurie is in three days. Don’t be late.”
“Dad, are you even hearing yourself? People might actually think you’re inviting me to your wedding.”
“You little brat! What nonsense are you talking?” Eric shot back.
William scoffed. “You realize how ridiculous that sounds, right? When did I ever agree to marry Laurie?”
“This isn’t a request, William. It’s an announcement!” Eric snapped.
“I won’t be there. If you insist on going ahead with it, the wedding will be without a groom.”
“Are you threatening me?” Eric demanded, his voice rising.
William responded only with silence.
Eric’s frustration boiled over, and with a bitter snort, he spat out, “In that case, you’ll never see Renee again!”
