“There would be three rooms downstairs too. A kitchen, a firewood room, and a dining room. Then, I would build a two-meter-high wall and a well outside. Our children could play in the yard every day. We could also take them to the beach every day and live a free and unfettered life.” Jasper Milton said thoughtfully.
She listened to him talk.
His voice was deep, pleasant, much like the sound of a cello.
An image flashed through her mind: A house facing the sea and spring flowers blossoming around.
Stella Grace moved a stone to his side so that she could sit down beside him. She held Jasper’s arm and leaned her head on his shoulder. “You know, we still have our own responsibilities.
Your parents, your army, your promise, my parents, my promise, and my wish.
However, as long as we are alive, there will still be hope.
I promise that when we finish what we have to do, if you still want to come to this island, I will accompany you.”
Jasper looked at Stella and his gaze softened. He smiled and said, “I should thank Ryan Lameer. If it weren’t for him, I’d no idea how you would torture me.”
Stella lowered her eyes and looked at the steaming surface of the pot, her complicated thoughts seemingly filtering over her eyes.
She once hated the unfairness of fate, but she also thanked God for His kindness that she found love. Now when she thought of how Jasper would be after her death, she felt very pitiful and cursed the heavens above.
However, what was the point of resentment?
In the end, it was still up to her to choose the ways to live her life.
When she found that her face was wet, she knew that she was crying again.
“Why are you crying?” Jasper asked worriedly. He turned her shoulder so that she was facing him.
Stella looked at Jasper with red eyes. “I thought of our son. I believe that he is still alive and living safely somewhere, but I don’t know where he is. I want to find him, but I don’t know if I could fulfill this wish.”
“I have also thought about our child. Someone must be involved in this matter. It is unlikely to be Frederick, your father, or my parents. It’s highly likely it’s someone from my side. If we can go back alive this time, I promise you that we will find our child within a year.” Jasper promised.
“It seems that we really do have a lot of things to do.” Stella sighed.
Jasper put his arms around her shoulders and pulled her into his arms. “No matter what happens, we will do it together. We will definitely solve them all.”
Stella did not say anything. She could not bear it and closed her eyes to take a nap.
Hearing no reply from her, Jasper looked at her and thought that she had fallen asleep, so he bent over to pick her up.
Stella opened her eyes.
Jasper smiled gently. “Sleep if you’re tired.”
“Okay.” She climbed up the bamboo ladder and lay down.
Jasper put his clothes on her. “It’s cold tonight. Go to sleep first. I’ll come up to accompany you after I add a bit more firewood.”
She did not sleep. After Jasper came up, she put his clothes back on him, took the initiative to hug him, and nestled in his arms.
Stella was never clingy. Even after sex, she was never so intimate.
In fact, he liked her initiative and her clinginess. This way, he would feel that he was also loved and needed by her.
He kissed her forehead.
They went to bed early.
Stella finally woke up after a long time. The storm had ended. There was no sound of the rain, but only the ticking sound of raindrops dripping from the leaves.
There was a particularly fragrant scent that made her take a deep breath.
Jasper also opened his eyes. “Morning, my lazy piglet.”
“What time is it?” Stella asked.
He glanced at his watch and said, “It’s 6:35 a. m. Do you want to sleep for a while more?”
Stella shook her head.
She felt wet and uncomfortable, so she wanted to get up and change her clothes.
Jasper went down first and stood at the bottom to protect her.
After Stella came down, he turned around and added some firewood.
She saw that the fire was still on. Jasper had probably gotten up several times in the night.
“After the heavy rain, the road in the forest should not be easy to walk on. Why don’t we wait and then take a look around in the afternoon?” Stella asked.
Jasper brought in the pot from outside and put it on the fire. “After breakfast, I’ll go out alone to cut some trees. There are a lot of big trees on this island, so it shouldn’t be so hard to find one that can be made into a boat. I should be back before dark. You stay at home and don’t go out, understand?”
“You’re going out alone?” Stella was a little worried.
Jasper smiled gently. “I have a gun and a knife on me. Don’t worry.”
“Slow down when you walk, and be careful of snakes and insects.” Stella instructed.
“Don’t worry. What should we eat this morning? Fish soup or pork ribs?” Jasper asked.
“Probably the ribs. I’ve thought of a way. We can bring a bag of sand on to the boat, and then bury the fish in the sand. If it is exposed in the sun, the fish will be cooked, but the pork won’t be cooked, right?”
Jasper nodded. “You’re right. Let’s eat pork ribs then. Now we have everything ready, and we’re just missing a boat.”
Stella took out the ribs and poured them into the pot. The conditions were harsh and water was scarce. She washed them the last time, so she decided to forgo the washing this time.
Jasper went out, put out the wet wood to dry on the beach, and then found a dozen pieces of dry wood and put them in the house.
“Go find some trees or leaves with a lot of fiber. I can make ropes with them.” Stella said to Jasper.
“I guess they are all damp now. Do you feel better today? You can rest for a day,” he said, feeling sorry for her.
“It’s better now. I can put them on the stone and dry them first. I wouldn’t have anything to do when you’re gone. It’ll be so boring,” she pleaded.
“Got it.” Jasper went out to cut down some trees and put them on the stone.
The ribs were almost ready. Stella put the rest of the mushrooms from yesterday into the pot.
Jasper handed her a few leaves.
“What’s this?” Stella was surprised.
“Put it in your mouth, chew it and spit it out. I found them yesterday. They’re similar to toothpaste, and will help strengthen the teeth.” Jasper threw a few pieces of leaves into his mouth and spat them out after chewing them.
Stella also chewed. It was cool, but a little bitter.
Jasper left after breakfast. Before leaving, Stella picked out most of the ribs and put them in the bamboo tube for him to bring long.
“Wait for me at home.” Jasper ordered, kissed her forehead, and turned to leave.
After an unknown period of time, Stella, who was still weaving a rope, suddenly heard a familiar voice. “Stella…”
Nervousness built up in her heart and she looked up in surprise.
Frederick Addington stood outside the wooden boards. After a few days of separation, he’d become much thinner and his stubble was showing. He looked at her in surprise and happiness, showing a relieved smile…