Chapter 1619

It was the dead of night. The bone-chilling wind echoed in their ears, as Stella held onto Keegan and ran fortheir lives. They knew that the abusive man was a mentally unhinged lunatic. Their lives would be at stake once he realized that they were gone.

The desolate surroundings offered no comfort. There was not even a glimmer of light in sight. However, Stella did not care. She continued running with Keegan in one direction, hoping to put as much distance between them and their captors.

After running for what felt like an eternity, Keegan’s legs gave out, and he collapsed to the ground.

“Keegan!” Stella’s heart tightened, as she called out his name.

“Don’t shout,” Keegan quickly responded, but his voice was weak. “They’ll hear us.”

Stella swallowed her words and crouched down to help Keegan up. Just as she was about to speak, she felt a warm dampness in her hand.

Stella froze. While trembling, she slowly opened her hand. The moonlight was faint, making it impossible to see what was in her palm, but the heavy scent of blood told her what it was.

“Can you tell me where it hurts?” Stella forced herself to ask. Her voice was hoarse.

“It’s nothing serious. I’m fine,” Keegan whispered.

“You’re bleeding. How can you say it’s nothing serious?” Stella started to choke up. “Let me look at the wound,” she said. She tried to lift Keegan by his shirt, but he grabbed her hand and murmured, “North is in that direction. I heard the sound of water from that way when we arrived. Run along that path.

Once you see a bridge, it means you’re not far from the main road.”

“Okay. Let’s go.”

Stella tried to pull him up, but Keegan held onto her wrist.” Stella, you have to go on without me.”

Stella froze. “What are you talking about?”

“I can’t run anymore, but you can. They’re after me. They’ll get scared of being caught and flee when they realize you’ve escaped. They won’t track you down. Call the police and come back with them to find me. I’ll try to leave some clues behind.”

“No!” Stella cried. “That man is insane. You won’t be able to survive if he catches you. It’s fine if you can’t run. I’ll support you while we walk. I’m not leaving you behind!”

Keegan’s heart ached when her tears fell onto his hand. However, this was not the time to be sentimental.

“Stella, calm down…”

“No! I can’t calm down, and I won’t calm down! I can’t just leave you here, Keegan. How do you expect me to do that?”

Suddenly, Keegan reached out and embraced her. Even though the act affected the wounds on his back, causing his face to turn pale, he did not let go.

Stella sobbed in his arms. “Can’t we give it a try? Maybe they haven’t even found out that we’re gone.

Maybe the police will find us soon. Please don’t make me go alone…”

Keegan’s heart ached at the sound of that. He gently patted her back and said, “Stella, listen to me. It’s clear that the driver has the final say among them. He won’t let me die, at least not for now.”

Keegan scanned the surroundings and continued speaking in a low voice. “See that grove over there? I’ll head into the woods while you run to the bridge. I’ll try to hide and delay their efforts. Once you’re out, find the police and come back for me. Can you do that?”

“How would you hide in the woods?” Stella asked.

“I can climb a tree. It’s really dark out here. They won’t see me,” Keegan assured.

Lights were already flickering in the distance, indicating that the kidnappers had realized their escape.

Stella clenched her fists, struggling to make a decision.” Hide well. I’ll go find help.”

Keegan smiled and kissed her. “Alright,” he whispered.