Chapter 1

For three years on that remote island, I had four chances to leave on the supply ship, and every time, he crossed my name off the list.

The first time, the seat went to a colleague's pregnant wife.

The second time, it went to her again, when her child fell critically ill.

The third time, without telling me, he erased my name and gave the seat to her once more, after she lost her husband.

The fourth time, a medical assessment confirmed that my pregnancy was unstable, and I was advised to return immediately. I took the recommendation to him, and he said, "Seats are limited. I have to follow priority."

The last seat still went to her. I looked at him, smiled, turned away, and made a call.

"Dad," I said, "send a ship."

*****

I knew it. I really did.

Richard stood in front of me, but every word out of his mouth was like a dagger, stabbing straight into my heart.

"Natalie, would you stop this? Julia's transfer just got approved. There aren't enough spots on the boat, and she's a widow. I have to follow priority," his tone icy and firm.

"Priority?" I echoed, almost laughing at how ridiculous that sounded coming from him, but before I could, my eyes were already burning with unshed tears.

I stared at his handsome face, all business, not a hint of warmth, and suddenly, all the hurt and resentment I'd bottled up for three years came crashing down on me like a tidal wave.

The first time, I told him I missed home, and he just said, "Julia's pregnant. Her pregnancy's been tough on her. The island's medical care isn't great, so let her head back first. You stick around with me a bit longer."

I totally fell for his story, thinking he just wanted me by his side.

The second time, my project was at a critical turning point, and I really needed to get back to deal with it.

And Richard just shrugged and said, "Julia's kid is sick, running a high fever. The poor thing looks miserable."

I looked at that little face, all flushed from the fever, and my heart just melted. So I let it go again.

The third time, my mom got sick and was stuck in bed, wanting to see me.

And Richard? He just went behind my back and crossed my name off the list without even telling me.

His reason? "Mark just died, and Julia's a mess right now. She needs to get off the island ASAP and get some help."

When I found out, I totally lost it and started yelling at Richard. And him? He just stood there, cold as ever, like none of it mattered.

Richard shot me that frosty look and told me I was "not thinking about the bigger picture, not mature enough." Then he gave me the silent treatment for two whole weeks.

In the end, it was me, who swallowed my pride and cooked his favorite meal, just so he'd finally talk to me again.

This was the fourth time now.

And now, I was pregnant with his baby.

Morning sickness hit me so hard that I was practically wasting away, puking up everything I tried to eat. The island doctor said I needed proper rest and real medical care.

My mom called me every day, sobbing and begging to come take care of me.

He swore up and down he'd take care of it.

But what did I get in the end?

"Julia. It's always Julia." My voice trembled as a dull pain twisted in my belly. "Richard, why is it always her? Is this what you call following priority, sacrificing me and our baby just to put her first every single time?"

I pressed my hand to my stomach. "The tide's about to go out, and for the next six months, no boats can even get here. The medical team is pulling out next week. What am I supposed to do? What about our baby?"

Richard's brows furrowed, and his voice carried that unmistakable, commanding authority that brooked no argument.

"Natalie, remember your place," he said.

"I'm the one in charge here. Everyone's got their eyes on me."

He kept going, "Julia just lost her husband. She's alone out here. If I don't make sure she's covered, who will?"

"Your situation matters, but you're not the only one who needs something," he added.

Right, Julia was indeed covered.

I stared at Julia's transfer papers. Everything was stamped and approved in record time.

I remembered the concern on Richard's face when Julia needed to go home for her pregnancy, and now, looking at him when I was the one in trouble, all I saw was cold indifference.

At that moment, something inside me broke, clean and final.

All the love, all the hope, and all those silly little fantasies were gone in a flash.

Just like that, the anger was gone. So were the tears.

I was so calm that it was almost scary.

I looked at him like he was a total stranger to me.

"Richard," I said, my voice eerily calm, "have you ever loved me? Even for a moment?"

My stare seemed to get to him, and his tone softened a little. "Natalie, don't let your mind run wild. Next time there's a boat, I'll make sure you're the first to leave. I promise."

He would make sure? Three years, four chances, and every single time, he picked Julia over me. Always her.

A promise like that was almost laughable, because if there were truly nothing improper behind it, no one with a functioning brain would believe him.

I didn't even bother to look at him. I didn't say a word.

I turned away, walked into the bedroom, and shut the door behind me.

Outside, he let out a sigh of relief, thinking I'd just have a little tantrum and then let it go, same as always.

He was dead wrong.

I reached into the very back of the nightstand and pulled out a satellite phone.

Before I came here, my dad secretly slipped it to me and said, "Sweetheart, if you ever feel mistreated, just call this number and I'll come get you, anytime."

After three years, this was the first time I dialed that number. It was my father's direct line, the CEO of Summers Holdings, reachable at any hour.

The call was picked up almost instantly.

My dad's steady, urgent voice came through. "Natalie?"

My nose prickled and I almost lost it, but I held it together.

I spoke in the calmest, most resolute tone I could muster.

"Dad, send a ship," I said, my voice steady but unwavering.

I took a breath and then added the words that mattered most.

"Take me home."