Twisted Ties of Love novel Chapter 442

Casey stepped outside to check out the helicopter parked up, saying with a sense of awe, "If I'd known, I would have rocked up in a helicopter too. How cool would that be?"

His remark made Izabella chuckle, "I don't like helicopters, I prefer you carrying me."

Izabella was pressed against his back, her breath and warmth seeping into him. Her words and exhales tickling his ear, causing Casey to duck his head and his earlobes to flush red.

"I'll carry you home, anytime you want me to."

Izabella playfully pinched his ear, noticing how hot it was. She'd always wanted to do that, and now she finally could.

"Why is your ear so hot?"

"Really?"

"Yes, it's so hot it's warming my hand." Izabella buried her face in his shoulder, inhaling his scent.

His unique minty smell.

Only then did she fully relax, her tense nerves and body unwinding.

She still felt jittery. After all, this place stirred up too many painful memories, including those of Ryker.

The gunshot that tore through Ryker's chest seemed to echo from just yesterday, leaving her emotions in turmoil.

Ever since she arrived, her nerves had been on edge. Even after successfully drugging and binding Nathaniel, she still had to tread carefully.

Nathaniel was the type who wouldn't quit until he achieved his goal. If cornered, he might take her down with him. She didn't dare take that risk.

When Brett showed up, she feared he would force her to leave with him. Drugging Nathaniel was pure luck and his carelessness. But using the same trick on Brett was unlikely.

Brett claimed he would make up for her loss, that he wouldn't hurt her, but who could be sure?

She had been fooled once and wouldn't let herself fall into the same trap.

Especially since Brett had held her lifeless body and promised to let her go if she woke up. But when she did return, he didn't keep his word.

Brett's promises were unreliable.

She had made it clear that she would never trust him again.

She had used death to see the real him. What she feared wasn't death or pain, nor wounds reopening. She feared repeating her mistakes, easily trusting someone, making the same mistake.

"Casey, I want to go see the beach."

"Sure, I'll take you there."

Nathaniel's men had already been dealt with by Casey's crew. As for the rest, Casey left it to Toby. He carried Izabella to the car, gently setting her in the passenger seat and buckling her in.

When Izabella heard the sound of the waves, she tapped on the window, "Pull over here. I want to go over there alone."

"Don't you want me to come with you?"

Izabella gently shook her head, "I'll be back soon."

"Alright, I'll wait here for you." Casey watched as Izabella got out of the car and walked away. He expected her to disappear from sight like usual, but to his surprise, she turned around after a few steps.

Their eyes met in the open air. Izabella stood in the autumn dusk, the cool breeze gently playing with her hair. Her gaze was still distant, but it softened the moment she locked eyes with Casey. The person who once seemed out of reach now seemed within grasp.

Izabella gave a small smile and headed towards the coast. The wind was strong by the sea, a constant whooshing in her ears. Izabella, in heels, stumbled on the rocks. She pulled out a picture of Ryker from her jacket.

Looking out at the vast sea, she didn't want to cry, but the harsh sea breeze stung her eyes, causing a tear to fall onto the photo.

The sea wind felt like it was penetrating her, making her already cool body chill.

Nathaniel had said Ryker's body was dumped in this sea, his remains scattered.

Izabella took a deep, shaky breath, her throat tightening. She balled her hand into a fist near her mouth and yelled, "Ryker——"

She called out to him, then tried to smile at the sea.

"Ryker, I'm doing well now. I listened to you, I don't like Brett anymore. You were right, Brett isn't worth liking. I've found someone who truly deserves my love. He's great and he’s a lot like you, just as gentle. When I take my meds, he knows I hate the taste and always has candies ready."

Izabella smiled, her face growing colder as her cheeks got wet with tears.

Izabella sniffled, her voice choked with emotion, "He's not like Brett. He respects me, believes in me, and always shows up when I'm most vulnerable. He carried me here today. His shoulders are as sturdy as yours, they make me feel safe."

She sounded like a child excitedly bragging about a teacher's praise.

Izabella's teary eyes were brighter than ever.

"I like him because he's him, not because he looks like you."

Tears blurred her vision, the sea wind making her eyes sting. She had to squint and take it slow. Once she calmed down, her mind had the chance to recall the past.

—"Cry Baby, don't cry. I can't carry you home this time."

—"Here's a donut for you."

—"Do you have any cookies? I'll give you all of mine."

—"Can I call you Bella?"

—"Bella, this time you have to find your way home on your own."

"Ryker," Izabella croaked, her voice choked with emotion, "I'm not allergic to strawberry donuts anymore. I can eat a lot of them. I've also found someone who can take me home. I'm happy, really happy. You should be happy too."

The biting sea wind suddenly gentled, lightly drying the tears on Izabella's face. Izabella rubbed her eyes, put the photo back in her jacket, and slowly turned to leave.

Casey was leaning against the car, his gaze fixed on Izabella. The moment she returned, his eyes found her.