He turned around to meet Madeline’s mirthful gaze with a handsome smile of his own. “I can say the same to you, Linnie.”

“So despite that look of disappointment at the entrance this morning, you already knew that I had said it on purpose?” Madeline asked.

Jeremy nodded, turning around to walk toward Madeline. His gaze seemed softer than the moonlight. “How could I not believe you? I’ve already made that grave mistake once. I won’t make it again.”

His lips curled, and his gaze was sincere. “I’ve told you before, Linnie. I’ll believe you even if you lie to me. Be it hell or the abyss, as long as you’re there, I’ll jump in without a second thought.”

“Is that so?” Madeline smiled meaningfully. “Then why did you turn and leave when I fell into the water that day?”

Fell into the water that day?

Jeremy was stunned.

He had jumped in without hesitation and pulled her back to shore.

His heart had hurt so much that it felt like he was suffocating when she refused to wake.

Why did