Free Web NovelChapter 289: Chapter 289 Diving Deep
Christina’s POV
I’d planned to enjoy this singles cruise properly, hiding in my cabin just to avoid that loving couple would make me look pathetic.
I decided to face my difficulties head-on. I was treating this like post-traumatic stress disorder from getting dumped. The only way through was forward.
Akira had different thoughts on the matter. "I think Hudson hasn’t rejected us yet, which means he still cares."
The image of him draping his jacket over Lea last night flashed through my mind, making my heart ache.
"Maybe he’s just too busy romancing his new girlfriend to remember we’re still fated mates," I quickly countered.
With that bitter thought, I jumped out of bed and made myself look absolutely gorgeous. I chose a smoking hot bikini underneath a flowy, Mediterranean-inspired maxi dress. I even applied vibrant red lipstick and put on my sparkliest jewelry.
If Lea could look that radiant, I wouldn’t be outdone! I’d even decided that if that handsome guy from last night asked me to dance again, I’d grab his hand and reenact the whole Jack and Rose thing at the bow of the ship!
Akira found my plotting hilarious. "Ysolde would have a field day watching this."
"You know why she didn’t dare come?" I growled. "Because she was afraid I’d stab her the moment I saw Hudson on this ship."
Akira howled with laughter inside my head. "You better follow through on that."
I rolled my eyes, practiced my perfect smile in the mirror, and headed out.
Walking along the cruise deck, ready to enjoy the breeze, I heard a voice I’d heard countless times in my dreams.
"Christina."
Damn it," I muttered under my breath, then turned to leave.
"Stay." Hudson blocked my path, his tall frame casting a shadow over me.
I glanced around frantically, searching for an escape route. This restaurant was one of three on board, and it wasn’t even lunchtime yet. I thought I’d be safe here. How did he even track me down?
"I’m busy," I said, trying to sound casual. freewebnovel.cσ๓
"Doing what?"
I almost said "work," my go-to excuse for the past two months, then remembered where I was. A cruise ship wasn’t exactly my office.
A group of guys walked past carrying scuba gear, and inspiration struck.
"Diving," I blurted out. "I signed up for a class, and I’m running late." frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓
"I’ll join you."
I sighed. "I don’t want you to. Shouldn’t you be enjoying this perfect afternoon with your new girlfriend?"
Without waiting for his response, I pushed past him, my dress billowing around my legs.
He caught up effortlessly, his long strides matching my hurried pace.
I started jogging.
He kept up without breaking a sweat.
People turned to stare as we rushed by, probably thinking we were complete nutcases.
I kept running until I reached the area where diving instructors were briefing a group of young men. Committed to my lie, I rented gear and informed the instructor I didn’t need lessons since I already had a diving license. He checked his list and nodded.
Throughout this charade, Hudson stayed close. I strapped on my equipment, and he did the same.
Akira stirred inside me. "You know, this is getting ridiculous."
"Shut up," I thought back. "I’m committed to this bit now."
I almost asked Hudson where he’d gotten his license. In all our time together, I never knew he could dive. But I bit my tongue. Asking meant conversation, and that was the last thing I wanted right now.
I slipped into the water and swam a short distance away, hoping he’d take the hint.
But the day was perfect and the sea warm, which meant the shallower spots were packed with tourists. I tried taking some underwater photos, but all I captured were heads and flailing limbs.
So I swam farther out.
Hudson remained in my peripheral vision, never more than a few yards away. His powerful strokes cut through the water with practiced ease.
I ignored him and tried to recall something I’d read about this stretch of Mediterranean Sea. According to the cruise website, there was a hidden treasure nearby with crystal-clear waters and rare marine life. Hardly anyone knew about it, but it was considered risky since the area was undeveloped.
Back on the ship, I rented a small boat with GPS and entered the coordinates. Hudson boarded despite my icy silence. I tolerated his presence; it wasn’t like I could shove an Alpha werewolf overboard.
"This silent treatment is childish," Akira commented.
"So is following someone who clearly wants space," I shot back mentally.
Thirty minutes later, I spotted a tiny islet rising from the water.
"Don’t," Hudson said as the boat slowed.
"What?"
"A place this remote, not even on the maps, could hide unknown dangers."
"If you’re scared, stay on the boat," I challenged, giving him a look.
I checked my gear meticulously, ignoring his concerned expression. Once everything was secure, I slipped into the sea.
With daylight fading, I carried a waterproof bag containing my phone and a flashlight. I descended slowly, taking pictures as I went. The deeper I swam, the more it felt like discovering a hidden world full of wonders.
Though diving wasn’t my expertise, the ocean’s beauty captivated me, making me pause and linger at various spots. Hudson, however, seemed uninterested in sightseeing. He stuck to my side like some aquatic bodyguard.
Light dimmed gradually as we went deeper. Every so often, our flashlights swept across the water. Curious fish darted close, circling before flashing away in silver streaks.
I alternated between photographing the scenery and simply absorbing what no camera could truly capture. Little by little, the resentment I’d been carrying about Hudson and his new girlfriend faded. Nature had its way of soothing jagged emotions.
"See? This isn’t so bad," Akira murmured inside me. "Maybe you two can actually talk when we surface."
"Don’t hold your breath," I replied, then snorted at my own diving pun.
We reached a depth where going further wouldn’t be safe. I paused, planning to head back, when specks of blue-green light began gathering around us. My heart leaped with excitement.
I switched off my flashlight.
Darkness enveloped us, but the glow only intensified, shimmering in gentle waves. Bioluminescent organisms. Their full glory only revealed in complete darkness.
I remained perfectly still, letting them drift closer until they surrounded me in their ethereal light.
It felt like swimming through a galaxy of stars.
I glanced at Hudson, hazy in the distance. The blue-green glow illuminated his features, making him look almost otherworldly, like some ancient sea god.
Why was he even here? If he was with Lea, why wasn’t he by her side? Why board the same cruise at all? If he’d planned this trip with Ysolde, why bring another woman along? To flaunt their relationship? But that didn’t sound like the Hudson I knew.
I shook my head, trying to clear it. Damn it. Why couldn’t I just enjoy this underwater beauty instead of unraveling every time he appeared?
I swam faster, putting distance between us.
But just as I was about to surface, something disturbed the water around me.
I froze. Something felt wrong.
"Christina, move!" Akira suddenly snarled in warning.
I kicked harder, desperate to reach the boat.
Suddenly, a strong hand clamped around my wrist and yanked me downward.
