My Substitute CEO Bride

"This..." Nash looked at Sven in front of him and then at his points. No matter how many times he confirmed it, the points were indeed there as a fact.

...

"Guys! We're back." Alfius' voice came from outside.novelbin

"Someone help Jake. He's really shaken."

Nash's thoughts were pulled back to the present.

"Jake's back?"

He knew it was time for him to make a choice.

"Sven, how are you holding up?" Nash asked one last time to confirm.

"I'm alright now. Don't worry, I'll take care of Marie."

Nash then decisively walked out.

Sven looked at the blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl in front of him.

"So similar... Too similar..."

"What?" Marie asked.

"Oh, nothing. It's nothing." Sven quickly averted his gaze and lay down, turning his back to Marie.

In the camp, Alfius carried Jake back to the resting area. Nash approached them.

"What happened to him?" Nash asked, testing the waters.

"We found the remains of another participant during our exploration. It scared him," Alfius explained.

Nash nodded symbolically.

Then, Alfius looked at Nash, who seemed tense and troubled. He asked, "What's wrong? How's Sven doing?"

To keep Jake under control, Nash

and Sven planned to lie. If Jake heard that Sven had fully recovered, he

ight try something a covered,

"Not good. His fever still hasn't gone down, and he probably won't wake up anytime soon."

"I see," Alfius said, sounding disappointed.

Jake then opened his eyes.

"Where... am I?"

"Jake! You're awake! How are you feeling?" Alfius exclaimed.

"I'm... I'm fine, just a bit dizzy."

"Good to hear. Let's tidy up and prepare dinner," Alfius said. "Everyone's had a long day. Let's rest a bit." "Alright!"

The group shouted in unison. In these dire circumstances, they placed almost all their hope on food. The frightening events had nearly driven them to mental collapse but at least there was some food to comfort them.

After everyone ate, the sun still hung high in the sky. They chatted while digesting their food, but Nash could

UM

not eat and just listened quietly.

"What's going on? Why does time seem to pass so slowly?"

"Really?"

"Isn't it supposed to be dark after dinner?"

"I really feel like I've been eating forever..."

"Huh? Just how many portions did you eat, you glutton!"

Rustling came from the bushes.

"Who is it?" Nash called out.

"Who's there?"