Chapter 119: Committed
"No!" She suddenly declared, her voice sharp and resolute. Without hesitation, she reached for the necklace around her neck, unfastened it, and flung it into the water with all her strength, watching as it disappeared beneath the surface.
"I have chosen Hezekiah, and I only came to war to prove myself, not to be with you. You can try all you want, but I will never be yours again," she stated firmly, her voice unwavering despite the storm raging inside her.
Quinn remained silent, his expression unreadable as he stared at her, his piercing gaze making it impossible to determine what he was thinking. Belle could only hope that he would not make things more difficult for her. She had used every ounce of strength within her to say those words, and if he didn’t let her go now, she feared she might break.
"Alright," he said unexpectedly, his tone neutral. Then, without another word, he unwrapped his arm from around her waist and stepped away.
Belle’s eyes widened in disbelief. Did he just accept it? Just like that? No argument? No attempt to convince her otherwise, as he always did?
"Don’t stay too long in the water. We will depart once Ray is awake. And if you need anything, let Kay know," he added before turning and walking out of the water, leaving her standing there, stunned.
She remained rooted to the spot, staring at his retreating figure with a confused expression. Was this truly Quinn? The same Quinn who had always been relentless in his pursuit? Something inside her whispered that this was merely an act, that he had something planned. Quinn never gave up on anything he truly wanted.
Her heart pounded as she turned her gaze toward the water, biting her lip in regret. Why had she thrown the necklace in? She should have simply handed it back to him instead.
Taking a deep breath, she prepared herself before diving into the water, determined to retrieve it. She searched tirelessly, her hands sweeping through the dark currents, but after what felt like an eternity, she still couldn’t find it. The growing darkness only made her task more impossible. Finally, exhausted and frustrated, she emerged from the water, knowing she had no choice but to give up. Perhaps at first light, she could return and try again.