My heart was destroyed. Although I had a much better night after staying with Gálvez on the main deck for some minutes, the breakup wouldn't leave my mind. Not only that but also the horrible things Dirk said, his betrayal, Luna crying, Miguel defending me... Everything. Uncle Ruben's tragic death still haunted me as well. My only consolation was Luna seemed calmer on the next day... I loved her so much! I wanted to punch Dirk for what he did to her... How could a mother's love be so strong? That was crazy! My eldest daughter was curious, so I feared she'd ask too many questions after witnessing Bosch's violence. However, Luna didn't... and I hoped she continued not to. I took a deep breath while walking around the forecastle deck. Biting my lower lip, I gazed at Tamara... How could the first person my daughters ever saw be Dirk's mistress? That lady helped me with both deliveries! I didn't think Bosch lied about the affair, but I had to be sure.

I crossed my arms, "We need to talk, Tamara."

"Of course!" the woman smiled. "What does my favorite captain need?"

She's asking me to hit her!

I glanced away, trying not to lose control. Tamara's fake grin made me want to say all the bad words I knew... Yes, in Dutch and Spanish. Miguel had taught me some.

"I'm only going to ask this once," I pressed my lips firmly together. "Have you and Dirk been having an affair?"

The Genoese lady gulped and stared at the floor for a moment... I laughed nervously, feeling like the dumbest person ever. Bosch had been cheating on me and I didn't see it... or I just didn't want to see it? Anyway, I preferred not to dwell on it.

"I'm sorry, Captain Storm. It just happened," Tamara knit her brows. "I didn't want to hurt you..."

"I don't care. Mr. Neck Smasher is all yours," I showed the bruises Dirk left on me. "You two will leave Ocean Storm after we dock."

The woman's eyes bulged, "Dirk did this to you?!"

"If you put on a dress, maybe he'll spare you," I raised my brows while observing Tamara's outfit. "Good luck."

Before saying something impolite, I walked away... Don't judge me! She deserved to be scolded, but I couldn't cause a scandal in front of everyone. Even though my heart was broken, I smiled once Luna embraced me. Just like her father, she gave the best hugs. As usual, Miguel was with her.

My little girl widened her eyes, "Is the scary man gone? He was muy enojado..."

"He will be," I swallowed hard. "You have nothing to worry about, sweetie."

"You're hurt!" Luna pointed at my injured skin. "Can I kiss your wound?"

I chuckled, "Of course!"

I knelt down so that Luna could reach my neck. My eldest daughter was unbelievably adorable... Could she be any cuter? For a reason I didn't understand, I felt genuinely better after Luna's quick kiss. Although my little girl couldn't fix the damage Dirk had done, she'd found a way to cheer me up.

She pointed at the main deck, "I'm going to play! Bye!"

Luna ran so fast that I felt some wind on my skin... Yeah, kids didn't like talking to adults much. Miguel smiled once our daughter joined the other kids... How could Luna be so lucky? She had a great dad while poor Tess had a father who despised her! I hoped my love for Tess was enough. I survived not being loved by a mother, so perhaps my youngest daughter would be fine without a father.

"Now that Luna's gone, I can ask..." Gálvez sighed. "How are you feeling? Last night was very complicated."

I stared at the ground, "I'm still upset, but I realized something important."

Miguel tilted his head to the side, seemingly curious. I looked around, making sure no one else was listening. I felt a headache once I remembered Gálvez warning me about Bosch around four years ago in the Cayman Islands.

"I should've listened when you said it was a matter of time until Dirk started disrespecting me," I laughed nervously. "I wish I hadn't learned the truth the hard way."

"I didn't want to be right," Miguel slowly walked closer. "You deserve to be loved, not to put up with mistreatment."

I chuckled, "Perhaps I'll give you extra booty if you keep saying these nice things."

Gálvez smiled, "I appreciate it, but I have everything I need to be happy."

We laughed softly. My smile faded once I laid eyes on Bosch. I pursed my lips as he put an arm around Tamara. I wanted to throw him overboard. Emotional abuse, physical aggression, and heart destruction weren't enough... He had to embrace his stupid mistress! Wasn't that lovely? I couldn't have asked for a better partner... or former partner, in this case. Honestly, I wasn't jealous. All I felt was anger. Breaking up with that idiot was one of my best decisions. Sometimes, heartbreaks can be a relief.

"I'll tell Laurens and Maartje about the breakup," I chewed on my lip. "Are you coming?"

Gálvez nodded and we sat next to our friends after reaching the main deck. The kids played in a distant corner. Francis cocked his head to the side while on Maartje's lap. I wondered if he hadn't read my mind... Don't judge me! If Dirk treated me like garbage, my dog could have superpowers.

Maartje frowned, "What happened to your neck, Storm?"

"Dirk attacked me, but I'm fine now," I glanced away once the previous night's events returned to my mind. "I have some news."

Laurens gazed at the children, then back at me, seemingly worried they could listen. Maartje moved closer and so did Francis. My dog didn't understand everything I said, but he seemed upset.

"My relationship with Dirk is over," I stared at the ground. "He'll leave Ocean Storm with Tamara because they've been having an affair."

Maartje, Miguel, and Laurens gaped. Yeah, I guess none of them knew about the affair either... Great! At least I didn't feel so dumb anymore! Although that subject bothered me, I felt relieved after telling my friends the truth.

"Dirk cheated on you? Qué locura..." Gálvez scowled. "That's so low!"

"I'm glad you dumped that sour jerk who doesn't treat you and Tess right!" Laurens smiled widely. "What are we doing to celebrate?"

Maartje elbowed my quartermaster subtly. Even though I wanted to be angry at my oldest friend, I couldn't. In fact, I bit my cheeks to avoid laughing.

"What my dear partner means is we're sorry about what happened," my cousin glared at Laurens briefly. "How did the breakup happen?"

I bit my lower lip, "We argued a lot. I was sick of Dirk's disrespect, so I dumped him. He freaked out and tried to strangle me."

"I knew that angry bastard would end up hurting you!" Maartje huffed and shook her head in denial. "I've always hated him."

I should've listened to you...

Swallowing hard, I questioned everything... Were Bosch and I really in love? Did he just want a lady to spend all his rage on? Had I chosen him only because he seemed less different from what I knew? Perhaps I should've paid attention to the voice in my head four years ago. It kept saying I couldn't choose someone I didn't feel safe with. Despite the strong feelings I had for Dirk when we got married, I'd always thought something was wrong... Damn it! You must be laughing at me right now.

Miguel knit his brows, "Was last night the first time Dirk attacked you?"

"He was violent a few times," I chuckled nervously. "Perhaps he got tired of squeezing my wrist and wanted to try something new."

"So, he's hurt you before?" Laurens gawked. "Why didn't you tell us?!"

"I couldn't let you think I'm weak!" I covered my face with my hat. "What kind of captain gets humiliated by their spouse?"

Francis whined and licked my hands. I put my hat back on and glanced at my daughters, wondering if they'd have the same fate... How terrifying! My sweating increased just with the thought of it. My only advice for Tess and Luna about love would be to run away from it.

Gálvez took a deep breath, "Eva, you're the bravest person I know. Nothing will ever change that, much less an aggressive man who doesn't deserve you."

"I couldn't agree more," Maartje caressed my hands. "Besides, we're family. It's our job to protect each other."

My quartermaster nodded, "As always, my woman is right. We're a team and Bosch was never a part of it, so that's why we should have a good time..."

Maartje gently struck her elbow against Laurens' arm again. She couldn't hold a chuckle. Gálvez and I laughed too. I smiled widely while observing my friends... They were precious! I hoped my daughters would trust me like that someday.

"You're the best friends ever! I'll punish you for excessive cuteness," I laughed softly. "Laurens has a point. Maybe we should have some fun."

"My father loved fun. He'd hate to see us whining here," my cousin took a deep breath. "I changed my mind. Let's do something to honor my dad and celebrate Eva's freedom from Captain Acid!"

Francis barked and jumped, seemingly agreeing. I chewed on my lip while gazing at Dirk and Tamara, still heartbroken. However, I was also relieved. I'd wanted to break up with Bosch for a while. His violence, emotional abuse, lack of love for Tess, and betrayal made me realize I should've done it sooner. Although I thought he was my forever, time proved me wrong.

I've wasted so many years with that idiot!

I raised a brow, "Any suggestions on how we should celebrate, Miguel?"

"Before leaving Toledo as a privateer, I ate something good with my mom and sister whenever we were celebrating," Miguel sighed. "I'd make some empanadas for everyone if we had the ingredients."

"That'd be great! I didn't know you cooked," I touched my hair briefly. "I remember you mentioned a good Spanish drink with wine and fruits once. Let's try it someday too."

My cousin widened her eyes, "I believe you're talking about sangría! I drank it with my father and his Spanish crewmembers at The Revenger."

Maartje tilted her head downward. I caressed her back since she'd probably thought of her father. Francis licked her arms, apparently trying to comfort her... Why were deaths so hard? We wouldn't forget my uncle easily... if ever.

"We arrived, Captain Storm!" Ashton shouted.

My cousin called her assistants and docked Ocean Storm with them. Different from last time, Bosch looked at me with despise rather than anger... What did I miss? Why hadn't I noticed Dirk was so cruel? I'd never stop thinking about it.

"It's time to leave, lovebirds... or should I say love bastards?" I walked closer to Dirk. "Will you be a decent person for once and say goodbye to Tess?"

"Of course not," Bosch shot an icy glare at our poor child. "Ms. Annoying Voice isn't my daughter."

I squeezed my eyes shut to avoid cursing, "Let's go before I lose my patience."

The two idiots followed me. Dirk huffed and Tamara pressed her lips together, seemingly regretful. I couldn't care less about her feelings... Don't judge me! I might have a soft heart, but I'm not insane. I wouldn't let the woman who helped my marriage be destroyed stay in my ship.

Love definitely isn't for me...

When I was about to leave with the traitors, my eyes bulged. A massive amount of Navy, Armada, and RNN men were at the port. Miguel, Maartje, and Laurens gawked. The men pointed their pistols at us... How long had they been waiting? Why did they have to be so efficient? Damn it!

Dirk shot me a defiant gaze, "What's your plan now? Crack a dumb joke?"

"Feeding you to the seagulls wouldn't be a bad idea," I forced a grin. "Wait! I forgot they don't like rotten fish!"

My friends laughed so much that I thought they'd run out of air. Tamara put a hand on her mouth as if she wanted to hide a smile... Yes, even the mistress knew I was right! Bosch narrowed his eyes at my friends, but none of them seemed to care. I gulped while glancing at the children. I'd lose my mind if the damn SHA harmed them... I bit my lower lip while turning to Gálvez.

Miguel nodded, "I'll hide the kids."

I chuckled softly, "You literally read my mind."

The Spaniard's lips curled into a sweet smile. It was crazy how he often knew precisely what I wanted. I sighed in relief once Gálvez took Willem, Tess, and Luna downstairs.

"Surrender, Captain Storm!" an RNN officer yelled. "Leave your vessel, or we'll kill everyone!"

Francis growled. My cousin and Laurens pointed their blunderbusses at our enemies. I stared at the ground since there was no way out. Although I defeated those men in a naval battle once, I wouldn't risk the lives of my crew and much less of my family members.

I need to do this.

I smirked, "You were so kind, so how can I deny your request?"

Maartje gaped, apparently thinking I was crazy. My quartermaster rubbed his forehead. Even though doing what the SHA wanted wasn't my idea of fun, I had no choice.

"Eva, don't!" my cousin pulled me by the hand and breathed heavily. "I can't lose you too!"

Laurens knit his brows, "There has to be another solution!"

"I'll find a way out," I forced a smile. "I always do."

Let's hope I'm right...

Francis licked my boots repeatedly as if he said goodbye. I bit my lower lip so firmly that I tasted my blood. Although I had no plan in mind, there was no other way. Because of the SHA, I'd probably never see my family again... Wasn't that amazing? Best feeling ever! As if dealing with my uncle's brutal assassination and my breakup wasn't enough... At least the kids were safe with Miguel. I trusted him to protect them. However, no one could keep me away from danger at that moment. It was me against a bunch of SHA men. Hopefully, they'd accept my fake surrender. 

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Author's note: Hey! Thank you for reading! I hope everyone is well. Please vote and comment if you enjoyed this chapter and follow the "Battles and Secrets" playlist on Spotify. All translations can be found below. Will Eva's fake surrender deceive the SHA? Why is the SHA so obsessed about our captain? Keep reading and you'll find out... :-)

I dedicate this chapter to my amazing friend Sivstar30

Foreign words/expressions in order of appearance:

1. Muy enojado means "very angry" in Spanish

2. Qué locura means "how crazy" in Spanish