Forced Into Marriage: My Husband’s Too Mean novel Chapter 174

Shaun’s heart ached again when he saw Lindsey’s pleading gaze, but he also felt a hint of satisfaction.

He said, "Mr. Guggenheim, Lindsey's choice is obvious, so please let go of her."

However, Zayn's eyes were like knives as he glared at Shaun. He did not loosen his grip one bit as he said, "Get out of my way!"

"Sorry, but I won’t."

Shaun still maintained his demanding posture. Both men had a strong sense of determination and looked like they were betting all in.

Their biggest bet was the choice of the woman in their arms.

"Both of you! Let go!" Lindsey finally found her voice. "Put me down! I'll walk by myself."

She wanted to walk by herself so all of them could get lost.

Hearing these words, she broke away from Shaun's hands and slapped Zayn's shoulders again, but with not much strength. "Let me go!"

Zayn's chest heaved violently, but he still let go of her.

Allie immediately came forward to hold Lindsey.

Lindsey could barely stand and glanced at the two men, then she turned around and left. Before she could take a few steps out, she suddenly stumbled and almost fell to the ground.

Allie did not manage to catch Lindsey, but behind her, a strong arm held her steady.

Lindsey raised her eyes and met Zayn's pale face as well as the suppressed emotions under his eyes.

Some memories came tumbling back, which made Lindsey emotional, so her words were a bit harsh.

"Zayn Guggenheim, are you feeling culpable?"

Zayn looked at her for a long time and finally responded, “If that makes you happy, then sure.”

Lindsey let out a bitter laugh. The stabbing pain surfaced in her mind again. Her carefully-drawn lips were pale at that moment. She had a mocking tone as she said, "You’re so hypocritical."

Zayn did not deny her words nor did he refute, as if he accepted whatever she said.

There were many guests on the boat and all eyes were focused on them for a while, but the two of them did not care about those curious gazes.

Lindsey extended her hand to Allie and said, "Allie, help me up."

Allie glanced at Zayn and could clearly see the emotions in his eyes. A bout of bitterness rose in her heart.

Lindsey was supported by Allie. She walked to a corner with fewer people and tried to make herself more comfortable.

However, this was simply futile because no matter how far away she was from the railing, she still could not get rid of that repetitive nightmare.

She took Allie by the hand and said, "I'll leave now. Allie, if you need anything, you can find my brother. He’ll take care of you."

Lindsey said such a simple sentence with great difficulty and the air here seemed to become thinner, making her breathless.

At that moment, she heard Allie suddenly say, "Lindsey, this ship seems to have departed the harbor."

Lindsey was stunned and moved to the side. She then saw the escalator being retracted slowly. The ship was already leaving the harbor.

The dark seawater below could not even reflect the moonlight and Lindsey felt suffocated at the sight of it.

Just as she was about to take a step back, something tripped her feet.

This incident happened too fast, but Zayn reacted instantly. He was like a madman as he stepped over the railing and jumped down after Lindsey.

Quentin did not even have time to stop him.

Lindsey could not speak as she was still engulfed in her nightmare. Zayn’s presence was the driftwood that gave her a sliver of hope.

"It's okay, you'll be ashore soon. Don't be afraid." Zayn carried her. His arm tightened around her and this was obviously very strenuous, but his words were gentle and comforting.

"Zayn..." Lindsey suddenly spoke. She looked up at Zayn, but she could not see his expression, only his glimmering eyes. "You should’ve come earlier."

Lindsey seemed to be unable to distinguish between now and then. After nearly a year, in the dark night, this sentence seemed to hit Zayn hard.

If he came a little earlier or had accompanied her then, she probably would not have been so afraid.

There was a commotion on the ship behind them, but they only saw each other at that moment.

Shaun was immersed in the cold seawater as he looked at Lindsey and Zayn embracing each other not far away. He suddenly found himself no longer qualified to be there.

He was always one step behind.

Zayn wanted to lead the struggling Lindsey to a rock near the shore. However, at night, the tide was high and the waves were too strong. He felt a little out of strength and did not want Lindsey to swallow too much seawater, so he could only reserve his strength and try to keep them both afloat while he waited for someone to rescue them.

Fortunately, the rescue measures on the cruise ship were quite complete and they had lifeguards on duty, so the two of them were quickly brought to shore.

They were drenched and the night sea breeze made it even colder, so Lindsey fainted right after getting out of the water.

Zayn did not even care to go home. Seeing Lindsey's pale face, Zayn carried her to the nearest hotel and ordered someone to buy a change of clothes as fast as possible.

Shaun was also rescued, but he refused Quentin's help.

With such an accident, the Guggenheims' mid-year party came to an end, so Shaun just stood at the bottom of the ship, soaked in saltwater.

When Allie came down, Shaun dragged her to the side.