Coral slowly opened her eyes and sat up, her body feeling stiff and cold. She couldn't quite remember the dream she had been having about being in space, but the memory was hazy.
Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Coral glanced around the dimly lit cave. Her gaze landed on the small fire crackling nearby, providing a welcome source of warmth. As she looked closer, her eyes widened when she noticed Alexander's bare upper body facing away from her.
His broad shoulders and honey-colored skin made him appear strikingly handsome. Coral couldn't help but notice the subtle dips and curves of his muscular back. She felt a flutter in her chest as he turned to face her, revealing his sculpted abdomen. Coral quickly averted her gaze, feeling a flush of embarrassment creep up her cheeks. 'Since when do I stare at a man's body like this?' she chastised herself silently.
Alexander approached her, his footsteps crunching on the damp cave floor. "Are you alright, Coral?" he asked, placing a gentle hand on her forehead.
Coral nodded, still unable to meet his gaze. "Y-yes, I'm fine." she stammered, cursing herself for sounding so flustered.
Alexander gave her a small, almost teasing smile. "You seem a bit red. Are you sure you're not coming down with something?"
Coral bit her lip nervously. "No, no, I'm okay," she assured him, finally looking up to meet his warm, concerned eyes. "How long have you been awake?" she asked, trying to change the subject.
"About half an hour," Alexander replied, settling down beside her. "I've been trying to get this fire going, but the wood is still a bit damp from the rain."
An awkward silence fell between them as they both stared into the crackling flames, lost in their own thoughts. Coral couldn't help but steal the occasional glance at Alexander's profile, her heart still fluttering with an unfamiliar emotion.
Even with the small cuts and bruises on his face, Alexander's handsome features were still striking. Coral couldn't help but notice his long, dark eyelashes framing his dark, black eyes. As his gaze met hers, she quickly shook her head, feeling her cheeks grow warm once more.
Alexander inwardly smiled, amused by Coral's flustered reaction. He couldn't help but recall the moment when she had so bravely tried to save him, her face flushed with determination. He still wasn't sure how she had managed to get them both to safety in this high cave, but he knew there was much about this situation that remained a mystery.
However, those thoughts would have to wait. For now, he was simply grateful to be alive and to have Coral by his side.
***
Meanwhile, five helicopters were scouring the area, searching tirelessly for any sign of Alexander and Coral. The typhoon had calmed to a degree, but the tsunami waters still raged, making the rescue efforts treacherous.
Though the team from James' side was doing their best to scour the waters, it had been ten hours with no sign of the missing pair. The rescuers were growing increasingly concerned, fearful of the wrath that would come from James if they failed to find his son and Coral.
At the private hospital, Aria and the others had been receiving treatment. Everyone was waiting anxiously for them to wake up, hoping they might provide some vital information.
Finally, Gabriel stirred, his eyes fluttering open to the sight of worried faces surrounding him. "Water..." he croaked, his throat dry.
His mother, Lina, quickly poured him a glass and helped him drink. "Gabe! I thought I'd never see you again," she cried, pulling him into a tight hug as tears streamed down her face.
Gabriel hugged her back, the memories flooding back. He shivered, remembering the terrifying ordeal. "Where are everyone?" he asked, his eyes widening as the realization struck him.
"James said he found you all near the private beach house, but Alex and Coral are still missing." Sofia said, her voice thick with worry.
Gabriel shook his head, feeling a pang of dread. "I don't know... The car fell because of the tsunami, and I blacked out. I don't remember how I ended up here."
As the information sank in, Gabriel felt a wave of dizziness and weakness. He fainted, prompting the doctors to rush to his side.
Sofia walked out of the ward, her head hung low. She didn't know where her children were, and the thought was tearing her apart.
"Sister!" a familiar voice suddenly called out, and Sofia looked up to see the tall, figure of her brother, Nolan. Relief flooded her as she rushed into his open arms, letting her tears flow freely.
"Brother..." Sofia cried, hugging him tightly. "Alex and Coral, they're missing!"
Nolan became confused - who was Coral? But this was not the time to ask.
"Don't worry, I've sent some people I know to rescue them." he said, patting her back reassuringly.
Sofia sniffed, her eyes filled with worry. "I hope they're okay..."
Nolan pulled her into a comforting embrace. "We'll find them, I promise. Everything will be alright."
He spoke in a calm, soothing tone, trying to ease his sister's distress. Inside, he felt a growing sense of concern for Alex and this mysterious Coral. But he knew now was the time to be strong for Sofia.