Thorns Grow After Betrayal (Celeste and Chester) novel Chapter 188

This neglected stretch of Oceana Park used to have a modest aquarium, tucked away from the main roads, forgotten by most. For a while, its star attraction was a massive megalodon, the kind of creature that drew morbid curiosity from the handful of visitors who wandered in.

But business was poor, the location too remote. It wasn't long before the aquarium shut its doors for good.

The manager, too weary to bother with logistics, simply released the exhibits into the wild. Rumor had it that the megalodon was dumped into the nearby bay under cover of darkness.

Every so often, someone would snap a blurry photo of an enormous shark fin slicing through the water and post it online. Over time, the locals gave the place a new name: Sharkwater.

If you fell into these waters, chances were slim you'd make it out alive.

"I'm gonna start at ten—"

The kidnapper's voice was sharp and impatient.

"Nine—"

Chester's mind was spinning. He couldn't bring himself to look up—he was terrified of meeting the gaze of those two wounded souls. He knew this moment would haunt his dreams for the rest of his life.

"Five—"

"Chester, don't worry about me. Save Celly. I owe her. We both do." Joanna's voice was ragged, sobs breaking her words.

Chester's face twisted with anguish, torn by an impossible choice.

"Three—"

"Two—"

"One—"

"I choose Celestine!"

As the final count echoed across the rocks, Chester all but screamed his answer, eyes wild with desperation.

The sun had slipped below the horizon. Now, aside from the relentless waves crashing against stone, silence gripped everyone. No one had expected Chester to choose Celestine—not even Celestine herself.

"Joanna, don't do anything stupid!"

The two kidnappers flinched at his shout, startled by the sudden outburst. They glanced over to see their employer bleeding, panic flickering in their eyes.

Unsure what to do, they exchanged a look as Joanna's gaze hardened with hatred.

That was the signal: time for Plan B.

The lead kidnapper straightened up, boots scraping across the rocky ground. "Well, listen to Mr. Fordham's touching speech. It's the twenty-first century—we know the difference between robbery and murder, and we know what we're risking. Just having a bit of fun, that's all. Didn't think we'd get such a confession out of you, Mr. Fordham. You're quite the romantic."

"What the hell does that mean?" Chester slammed down the toolbox he'd been clutching, veins bulging at his temple.

The kidnapper cleared his throat and patted Joanna on the shoulder. "You can buy her freedom too, but it'll cost you triple. And you'll have to wait three more days."

"Wait." Chester's eyes narrowed, voice low. "What if I want to change my choice?"

"Oh?" The kidnapper arched an eyebrow, interest piqued. "Let's hear it."