Filed to story: A Second Chance with My Billionaire Love
“I think… you’ve misunderstood.” A familiar voice came from above her, clearly teasing.
Flossie looked towards the direction of the voice. Even though she just caught her breath, she leaped up and hugged the man tightly. “Halston! But… weren’t you torn to shreds?”
“Can’t you wish me some good?” Although Halston seemed disdainful, he allowed the woman to hug him.
Flossie shook her head, still in disbelief. “You… Were you the one who shot the bear?”
“What’s wrong with that?” Halston was indeed holding a hunting rifle, with wisps of white smoke still coming out of the muzzle. It was clear that he was, in fact, the one who opened fire.
His aim had always been quite accurate. Even though he hadn’t been training for a long time, he was still able to hit a bullseye with a blindfold on. All he needed was sound to dictate which direction he had to shoot in.
“You’re amazing, and almost as amazing as me! If the bounty hunter organization knew about you, they’d definitely spend millions just to hire you!” Flossie rejoiced excitedly, looking at the man with more admiration than before. She thought the man would have turned into a harmless infant after losing his sight, but he was still able to shoot a bear regardless.
‘He’s still quite cruel and capable!’
While the woman was still immersed in the joy of finding what she lost, she was still rather confused. “But… you walked around for an entire night. What happened? Where did you get a gun? And who died under that bear?”
“I just so happened to find this gun. And as for the person who was attacked by the black bear, that night be the owner of this gun,” Halston replied calmly.
“You managed your way through all that? Damn, you really are a lucky one! You’re no ordinary person at all!” Flossie exclaimed again.
‘Halston truly is a toughie! He’s tougher than cement! Besides, he’s so calm and collected. Escaping through a dangerous place with no vision, surrounded by wild animals, and he’s not fazed at all! It’s like a walk in the park for him. I’m absolutely impressed!’
“You’re not that bad either. A woman, coming to such a dangerous zone and beating up a bear with her bare hands? Looks like I got to know you a little more.” Halston smiled softly.
“Umm, well…” Flossie felt extremely embarrassed, and asked, “When did you notice me? You… You probably didn’t hear anything, right?”
Thinking back to how she lost her cool earlier, she just wanted to dig a hole and hide herself like an ostrich.
“From when you were crying over my death.” Halston answered truthfully without any hesitation.
Flossie gasped and thought. ‘Oh god, that means he heard everything I said! Someone please just end me now, I can’t live on knowing I embarrassed myself this much!’
Halston seemed to be in quite a good mood. He turned to Flossie curiously, “I didn’t expect you to love me that much. You were willing to eat that bear’s wife just to take revenge for me. You’re pretty extreme.”
Flossie scowled. “You ungrateful twat! You think it’s funny that I went mad, don’t you? Were you hoping that I would die?”
“At first, I really didn’t care if you survived or not. If anything, I did wish you’d be devoured alive by that bear, then I’d be free…” Halston didn’t hide his cruel ideas.
“Really now? Then you sure are a free spirit, Mr. Guajardo!” Flossie bit down on her lip, trying her best to act nonchalant.
She knew she shouldn’t be upset. After all, Halston currently viewed her as some madwoman who kidnapped him from the love of his life. Hence, it was only natural that he wanted her dead.
However, she just couldn’t help feeling sad regardless.
“But…” Halston’s cold voice echoed through the silent woods, striking her heart. “I’ve changed my mind.
“What do you mean?” Flossie looked back at the man, her lonely gaze glinting with anticipation.
“I’ve decided to stay,” Halston replied.
“Really?” The woman beamed, her eyes sparkling with joy. “You’ve finally decided not to run away? You’ve finally realized that you can’t, haven’t you?”
“Not exactly.” Halston’s expression was plastered with natural confidence. “I can leave as long as I want to, none of you will be able to find me.”
“Pfft!” Flossie burst into laughter. ‘Just look at him! Even with his current state, he’s still the stubborn man I know.’
“Yeah yeah, you’re the strongest guy out there. You even chose the most dangerous path in these woods because you wanted a difficult challenge, I’m sure. If you’re so great, let’s make a bet then. If you can find your way out of Dragonmount, I’ll send you back to Seraphina. You’ll be free.”
Halston raised an eyebrow, seemingly intrigued. “Really?”
“Yeah, but if you don’t dare to, don’t push yourself either. Just be good and stay here as my prisoner baby. I won’t mistreat you.” The woman teased, pinching the man’s cheeks boldly as if she was talking to a child.
“Alright, let’s start.” Halston lifted his head and took a deep breath, as if he was trying to picture his surroundings. After that, he slung the rifle over his shoulder and walked in the opposite direction.
“Hey, hey! No, wait… You were serious about that?” Flossie asked, thinking he would have admitted defeat right then. She never would’ve expected him to accept the challenge.
‘This man is just so competitive!’
“Do you know where this is? This is Dragonmount, the most dangerous area within this forest! Even if there weren’t any wild animals around, the complicated terrain is enough to put your life at risk! If you’re not careful, you might end up falling into a deep pit! That’s quite enough, okay? Why are you trying to act tough?”
Halston was rather determined, having walked quite some distance already. He “Sorry, I never play games, I always mean what I say.”
“You… You’d better not regret this!” Flossie was infuriated by the man’s obstinate attitude. ‘Why is he putting in so much effort just to escape me and see Seraphina? I’d like to see how long this egotistical man can last!’
With that, the two walked silently, one in front of the other, leaving around 30 feet between themselves.
Flossie’s entire body was tense the entire journey. She was furious, and afraid for his safety at the same time. However, she noticed how clever the man was, as he walked along the cliffs, effectively avoiding any dangerous pits. Moreover, his sense of direction was incredibly strong. Every step he took was indeed the way back to the sanatorium.
‘This man… Why do I feel like I’m going to lose? He’s blind and in such a dangerous place! How can he navigate around so well, as if he were walking on flat land? Could it be that… his vision was restored long ago? Has he been toying with me the entire time?!’
Deep in her thoughts, Flossie felt even more suspicious of the man’s behavior. She immediately sped up and caught up to him, spreading her arms to block his way.
Halston felt something appearing before him and halted. “What is it? Are you going to admit defeat?”
“You’re toying with me, aren’t you Halston Guajardo? You’ve been able to see all this time, right?” Flossie questioned with a sharp gaze.
The man’s expression stiffened. His gorgeous eyes still remained unfocused as he replied, “I wish.”
“You…” Flossie felt rather helpless after noticing his pitiful appearance. She waved her hand slowly in front of his face. “Can you really not see?”
“I have no reason nor interest in pretending to be a blind man,” Halston responded coldly, his elegant face plastered with visible pain.
“I’m so sorry, you’re just way too smart. I couldn’t help but doubt you. I… I’m such an idiot!” Flossie gave herself a couple of light slaps out of guilt.
Halston was quite a prideful man. He was already feeling quite depressed because of his disability, and yet he was being doubted for it regardless…
‘This was no different than trampling all over his insecurities. I’m such a disgusting person!’
Halston maintained an expressionless face, still facing forward as he spoke dismissively, “So are we continuing the bet?”
Flossie bit on her lip, feeling rather uneasy. “Only if you want to.”
“Then please step aside.” Halston signaled, as if he had his heart set on leaving the gorge all on his own.
Flossie was silent as she lowered her head helplessly, walking behind him once again.
Since the two were unbelievably headstrong, neither of them wanted to call it quits.
In the end, Halston was able to safely exit Dragonmount relying on only his senses and strength.
At the same time, they bumped into a large rescue team, who all wore disbelief all over their faces.
“Mr. Guajardo, Miss Ellsworth, you’re… you’re okay?”