Page 65 of Rescuing Mia

But even as I savor the memories, I can’t shake the unease that settles in my gut.

The secrets I carry, the danger that chases me… It’s not fair to drag Rigel into that mess. He deserves better than a life on the run, always looking over his shoulder.

And yet, the thought of letting him go, of facing the future without him by my side—is too painful to bear.

With a sigh, I roll over, burying my face in my pillow. Tomorrow is another day, another chance to figure out what path I need to take. For now, all I can do is try to get some rest and hope that the answers will come to me in time.

Chapter Twenty-Six

MIA

The next evening,Rigel and I share a quiet dinner in the ship’s dining room. Despite the abrupt conclusion of our kiss, the conversation flows easily, punctuated by laughter and inside jokes. However, all is not well. As we enjoy each other’s company, questions brew in Rigel’s eyes.

Across the room, I catch Jessica and Samantha whispering to each other, their gazes flickering between Rigel and me. Their jealousy is palpable, and I can’t help but feel a twinge of satisfaction knowing that Rigel only has eyes for me.

“Tell me more about your life back home. What do you do for a living?” Rigel takes a sip of his wine, his gaze intense and probing.

“Oh, you know. Boring office job. Nothing too exciting.” I hesitate, my mind racing to come up with a plausible story. It’s not a lie, but it’s also not the truth.

“Really?” Rigel raises an eyebrow, sensing my evasion. “What kind of company do you work for? What does your day look like?” He’s digging, looking for information.

I don’t blame him, but I continue to deflect. I shift uncomfortably in my seat, feeling the weight of his questions.

“It’s a small company. I spend most of my day behind acomputer, crunching numbers.” Again, it isn’t a lie, but it’s also far from the truth. I shrug and studiously avoid his gaze.

Rigel nods, but he’s not convinced. Desperate to change the subject, I turn the conversation back to him.

“What made you fall in love with the ocean?”

“No, you don’t. No more deflecting. Tell me about yourself. I’m eager to know more.”

“My life is—boring.”

“I don’t believe that.” He leans forward, his eyes narrowing. “What about your family? You haven’t mentioned them at all.”

My heart constricts at the mention of my family. Images of my parents flash through my mind—memories I’ve tried hard to bury.

“There’s not much to tell,” I say, my voice strained. “My father was a diplomat. My mother was a biomechanical engineer working in Taiwan. They met, married, and had me.”

“Was?” Rigel’s brow furrows, and he looks at me with compassion. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know he was gone.” He senses there’s more to the story but doesn’t press.

In an odd moment of wanting to share these bits and pieces of myself with him, I tell him what I never speak of to anyone.

I take a deep breath, weighing how much to reveal. “My father… He died when I was young. It was sudden and unexpected. There was a break-in at our home, and he was killed. There were rumors that he was considered a political dissident, but I never knew the truth.”

Rigel reaches across the table, his hand covering mine. “I’m so sorry. That must have been incredibly difficult.”

I nod, swallowing past the lump in my throat. “It was. After that, it was just my mother and me. She raised me on her own, which is why my English is as good as it is. But then, when I started college, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She fought hard, but in the end, it wasn’t enough.”

“You’ve been through so much. Any siblings?” Rigel says softly, his thumb stroking the back of my hand.

“I wish. One family. One child.” I shake my head and cast mygaze down. “My father, despite what people say, was fiercely loyal but always hoped for a son. I was a disappointment to him.”

“I can’t imagine how tough that must have been, losing both your parents like that.”

I shrug, trying to play off the ache in my chest. “It was the hand I was dealt. I learned to rely on myself, to keep my head down and focus on my studies.”

Rigel’s eyes search mine, a flicker of understanding passing between us. “You don’t have to bear it all alone. Not anymore.”

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