CHAPTER 57: ONE WAY OR ANOTHER

Georgia’s POV

Having Nick with me on this island felt like both a miracle and a dangerous temptation. With my knowledge of plants and his strength and survival skills, we managed to carve out a life here that was surprisingly livable.

We made tools, crafted shelter, cooked whatever we could find—and somehow, we didn’t just survive. We thrived. We are lucky that this island offers so much food that we can eat.

Looking back, it was insane of me to jump off that ship. But seeing how Nick has taken care of me these past few days... I couldn’t help but wonder—maybe, just maybe, if Raymond had found me, he wouldn’t have turned me over so easily. Maybe he would’ve fought for me too.

Nick left early this morning to check the on ridge for any messages from his sister. He came back with good news; she had sent a message yesterday. Their brother was coming tomorrow to rescue us.

We decided to celebrate our last full day by opening the remaining canned goods we’d been saving like treasure. It hadn’t rained in three days, and the air was getting humid.

"Nick, I’m going to the stream. It’s hot in here," I said, wiping sweat from my neck.

"Can I come with you? I want to cool off, too," he replied, already rising.

"Let’s go," I nodded, leading the way through the trees.

As we walked, he asked, "So, what’s your plan once we get rescued? Are we heading straight to the police to report Nancy?"

"No... I want to see Ella and Katie first. I need a proper bath, a full night of sleep in my own bed. Then I’ll deal with Nancy."

"Or," Nick said, his tone dropping lower, more playful, "we can do all that in my bed. Don’t forget, by then... we’re already married."

I froze in my tracks. My heart stuttered. "Right... I almost forgot..."

Shit.

I did forget.

"What? Of all things, you forgot that?" Nick said, his brows pulling together as he looked genuinely hurt. "Have you even thought about where you’ll stay once we’re rescued?"

"Not really..." I muttered, guilt creeping into my chest like a slow burn.

He stepped closer, eyes locked on mine. "Well then, future Mrs. Knight, you’re coming home with me. You’re going to live with your future husband. We can’t exactly be married and live in separate houses. No one would believe that."

He wasn’t wrong. I’d been so laser-focused on surviving this damn island and planning my revenge against Nancy and Raymond that I hadn’t stopped to think about what came next—after. Our lives, our home... us.

"Where do you live?" I asked, half-teasing, half-curious.

"In a penthouse downtown," he replied, voice smooth and nonchalant. "I don’t really own a house—I’m always at sea. But if you want one, we can buy it."

I let out a laugh, shaking my head. "That’s a bit much. We’re only getting married for a year... maybe two. You can stay at my place. It’s big enough. Just me and Katie plus the nanny, and two house helpers."

He tilted his head, considering it. "Well... since you have a garden and my place doesn’t, fine. I’ll move in. Besides, a penthouse isn’t exactly child-friendly. A backyard sounds better for a kid."

"That’s settled, then," I said with a grin—and when the glimmering stream came into view, I ran ahead, went into the water without taking my clothes off.

I turned around and caught Nick staring at me, hands on his waist, his lips curved in a small, unreadable smile. "What?" I asked, splashing water in his direction. "Aren’t you coming in?"

He raised a brow. "You’re not taking off your clothes?"

I smirked. "Should I? It’s our last day here. I can leave these to dry and wear my clean set after."

Without a word, he walked over to a bush, undressed completely—yes, everything—and laid his clothes neatly on the branches. I quickly looked away as he moved to join me in the water. I didn’t want him to think I was watching... even if I was tempted.

He hasn’t kissed me or touched me since that day. Part of me wonders if he’s waiting, being considerate, letting me recover—or if he simply doesn’t want me that way anymore. The uncertainty made my heart twist, even as I tried to pretend it didn’t matter.

He sat beside me in the shallow stream. I had only planned to splash around, pass the time, and maybe relax a little, but if I’d known he’d strip completely and join me like this, I would’ve gone farther, to the deeper part where the water could hide my flushing cheeks and racing heart.

"Are you excited?" Nick asked. "We’re finally leaving this island."

"Of course I am," I said, forcing a light tone, my gaze fixed firmly on the water—and nowhere near his lap. "Aren’t you?"

He sighed. "I’ve got mixed emotions, honestly. I wonder if this island is for sale. I want to buy it."

I whipped my head around. "What?! Are you serious? Why would you want to buy this island?"

He smiled, almost wistfully. "I’d build a vacation house... or maybe a small resort. I’ll never forget this place. Our first time happened here."

My cheeks burned so hot I could swear the water sizzled around me. I am sure my face just turned beet red. I quickly looked away again, my heart hammering like crazy. I wasn’t sure if I wanted him to stop talking—or keep going.

Then he reached out and gently brushed a strand of wet hair from my cheek. "Hey... if I wasn’t involved in the incident with your brother... if we met under different circumstances—would you have liked me?"

My breath caught. The question hit deeper than I was ready for. What was I supposed to say to that?

"I... don’t know," I whispered, barely able to hold his gaze. "Maybe I would’ve... if things had been different."

"Wait... Does it mean that you don’t like me now?" he asked, and I was caught off guard.

I stared at him, speechless. His eyes were steady, serious, and intense. For a moment, even my own heartbeat seemed to vanish.

Would I have liked him? God, yes. I already did. Too much. But this wasn’t some ordinary meeting or a hook-up, temporary romance.

His fingers lingered on my cheek. "Doesn’t matter. I would’ve made sure you did anyway," he murmured. "One way or another."