Chapter 7

Norwell Martinez tried to persuade him, “Hargrove, the guide said there won’t be any wild animals around. It’s not dangerous at all.” Hargrove Myers’ gaze was cold. “There’s more than just wild animals in the jungle. Poisonous plants, insects carrying viruses—any of these could threaten her safety. Absolutely not.” “I’ve prepared insect repellent and emergency supplies for you. It’s only one night. At dawn, the guide will come back to escort her out. She won’t wander far in the middle of the night. She’ll stay near the camp—it’ll be fine.” Hargrove Myers still wanted to argue. “But—” His phone rang. Norwell glanced at the caller ID and exclaimed in delight, “Hargrove, it’s May calling! Hurry, answer it!” Hargrove hesitated but pressed the button to take the call. “May...” “Hargrove, if you agree to this plan for revenge, I promise—when I’m back in the country, we’ll get our marriage certificate immediately.” Norwell let out a howl of excitement. “Marriage certificate! Hargrove, once you’re married, May Cross will be completely yours! How long have you waited for this? This is your dream come true!” The other brothers chimed in: “Exactly, Hargrove! Just say yes, and we’ll handle the rest. All you need to do is show up to get your certificate!” “That’s right, Hargrove! Everything’s ready. All we need is your go-ahead!” On the phone, May Cross spoke again, her voice sharp. “Hargrove, is the reason you’re hesitating because you’ve started to care about Tia Brown? Let me warn you—I demand pure love. If you have even the slightest connection with another woman, you’ll never see me again.” “I know,” Hargrove answered, his voice heavy with resignation. “Just because Tia Brown brought me cookies once, you were willing to cut ties with me, no matter how much I begged.” “Exactly. You know me well enough by now. Be prepared. For three years, you’ve tormented Tia Brown. That’s proof enough for me that you have no feelings for her. I’m giving you one chance now. Are you willing to let it slip away?” “Of course not!” Hargrove answered immediately. May laughed softly. “As I said, prove it to me. Once I’m satisfied, I’ll keep my promise.” “Hargrove, what are you waiting for? Speak up!” “Hargrove, just say yes already! You’re killing us here!” Finally, Hargrove said, “Alright, I agree.” May’s laugh was light. “Then I’ll prepare my documents and wait for you to take me to city hall.” “Okay.” --- Tia Brown stayed still, pretending to sleep a little longer. Once his brothers had left, she slowly opened her eyes. Hargrove Myers seemed preoccupied, his brows tightly furrowed. When he saw her awake, he asked, “Do you want some water?” Tia shook her head. “Not thirsty.” “Are you hungry? I can get you something.” “Not hungry.” “Are you cold?” She smiled. “Hargrove, what is it you really want to say?” “I... I was thinking we could go camping in the wilderness. Get some fresh air.” “Sure.” Hargrove was surprised by how easily she agreed. “You can think about it again. If you’re not feeling well, we can go another time—” “Why not go?” she said with a smile. “Tomorrow night. After dinner with Timothy and picking up my leave-of-absence papers, we’ll leave.” “...Alright.” “Could you buy me some fruit? I’m suddenly craving it.” Hargrove immediately stood up. “Sure, I’ll get it now.” As he left the hospital room, Tia sighed, pulling out her phone to make a call. “Joseph, tomorrow night, meet me outside the forest near the city.” --- The next evening, Tia picked up her leave-of-absence proof from Timothy. As she prepared to leave, Hargrove arrived to pick her up. Timothy walked her to the door, taking one last shot. “If there ever comes a day when you leave him, come find me. I’ll always wait for you.” Tia smiled faintly. “Don’t wait for me.” She knew she’d leave Hargrove eventually, but staying in the country wasn’t part of her plan. She would leave with her brother and start a new life abroad. Hargrove drove her to the edge of the forest. The wilderness guide led them through the trees until they reached a flat clearing by a lake. After pitching the tent, the guide turned to Hargrove. “Mr. Myers, let’s gather some firewood.” Hargrove’s expression darkened. Tia laughed lightly. “Go ahead. I’ll stay here.” Hargrove hesitated. “Don’t wander off. I’ve sprayed repellents around here—no wild animals will come close.” “I know.” The guide urged him again. “Come on, Mr. Myers.” “Alright.” Hargrove left reluctantly, glancing back with every step. As soon as he was gone, Tia’s phone rang. Her brother’s voice came through. “Tia, I’m here.” “Okay, I’m on my way.” She stood, pulling down the tent and scattering food and water across the ground. Finally, she retrieved a discarded bag of blood plasma she’d taken from the hospital waste bin and poured it around the campsite. Looking at the mess, Tia smiled in satisfaction before slipping away into the forest. --- Night fell quickly, and the forest grew dark. The cries of unseen animals filled the air, echoing in the distance. Hargrove sat in the car, restless and agitated. The guide, playing a game on his phone, tried to reassure him. “With the repellents I gave you, no beast will come near. Relax. Sleep it off. By morning, you’ll get what you want.” But Hargrove couldn’t calm down. “Ah-wooo!” A wolf’s howl pierced the night, startling both men. The guide froze. “...A wolf? Coming down the mountain?! That’s impossible. They’d only come down if they smelled blood!” Hargrove demanded, “Can you tell where they are?” Judging by the howl’s direction...they’re at the campsite!”