He frowned deeply, watching the scene unfold for a moment before barking out, "Get a boat over here and pull them out!"

I was so caught up in my frustration that I barely noticed the torches on the shore.

A group of soldiers, led by my husband Damien—the general of Arcanthia—stood ready.

Seeing him there, I was momentarily stunned, tears springing to my eyes. I paddled furiously toward him. "Damien!"

One of Damien's men looked at me, confused. "Mr. Hale, what's happening here?"

Damien himself was taken aback, his mouth twitching in disbelief.

I was on the verge of tears, struggling to maneuver the boat back to shore.

Finally, Damien sent a rescue boat for me.

Ignoring everyone's astonished stares, I threw myself into his arms.

After all, everyone knew I had feelings for Tristan.

"Damien, it's so wonderful to see you! I've missed you so much!"

Then, in front of everyone, I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him.

Gasps were heard as onlookers quickly turned away, some peeking through their fingers.

But I didn't care about any of that. I just wanted him to know how I felt.

Damien was momentarily stunned but then deepened the kiss. After a few seconds, he pulled away, his jaw set tightly.

"We'll talk about this when we get back."

I hugged him happily. "Okay, handle it however you need to."

In my past life, I had treated Damien coldly because of Tristan, but things would be different now.

A few polite coughs interrupted the moment.

Two soldiers were dragging the unconscious Tristan onto the boat.

Damien shot me a cold look.

I quickly shook my head. "Don't worry about me. Do whatever you want with him—whether you want to dissect him or execute him, it's up to you."

After all, I'd wanted Tristan out of my life for a long time, and this was my chance to make it clear.

Damien studied me for a moment before nodding. "Take Tristan to the king."

The mention of the king made me frown.

The king had torn me away from Tristan and forced me to marry Damien.

When I got home, Damien slammed me onto the bed and gripped my chin, his eyes blazing with intensity.

"Amelia, if you try to run again—"

I quickly wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him down to me, pressing a soft, reassuring kiss to his lips.

"I'm not running anymore. I want to stay with you and build our life together."

After everything we've been through—facing death and now starting fresh on our wedding night—I wouldn't dare run again.