<b>Chapter </b>4


    My fingers unconsciously clenched, nails digging into my palms.


    After Daniel dropped me off at the rental, he left hurriedly, iming urgent business at thepany.


    I booked thest flight out that night.


    My best friend called: “What? You’re leaving?”


    “Elena,” she handed me a drink, “you’re so beautiful, but all these years you’ve<b>…</b>”


    Her voice choked up: “It breaks my heart watching you. You could find someone so much better.”


    “It’s all in the past.” I drained the ss.


    We sang,ughed, and criedughing at my wasted devotion, crying for my squandered youth.


    Walking out of the karaoke bar, we ran into a group. Daniel and Serena stood prominently among them. Serena wore a deep V–neck ck dress that made her stand out in the crowd. Daniel exined frantically: “I’m here for team building with some colleagues.”


    I coldly scanned the group–all dressed expensively, their every gesture screaming upper ss. Nothing like ordinary coworkers.


    Daniel was obviously lying, but he was too panicked to care about the inconsistencies, forcefully grabbing my wrist.


    “You’ve had too much to drink,” he frowned, his tone harsh. “Let’s go home.”


    “Oh, so this is Elena?” A rich boy called out exaggeratedly, contempt undisguised in his eyes. The others joined inughing, their condescending looks cutting like knives.


    “Elena shoulde y with us!” Another suddenly approached, grabbing my arm without asking. “We’re heading to the vi for a party!”


    Before I could refuse, they half–pushed, half–dragged me to a luxury vi to join their revelry.


    As I stood by the pool, I suddenly felt a violent push from behind.


    “Ah-” <fn6a91> Get full chapters from FιndNovel</fn6a91>


    In the moment I lost bnce, I iled my arms in terror, grasping only air.


    The icy pool water instantly engulfed me, thest thing I heard being roars ofughter from the shore.


    “Hahaha, holy shit, did you see? Pink underwear–so tacky!”


    “Shh, keep it down, don’t let her hear.”


    “Oh my, what are you doing! So mean!”


    “She really thinks she’s Mrs. ke? Please. Even with a kid, trash like her could never actually marry into the ke family!”


    Daniel rushed over, frowning: “What happened?”


    “Elena went for a swim…” someone answered guiltily.


    Daniel’s heart clenched as his gaze turned toward the pool<b>, </b>but Serena weakly pressed her forehead: “Oh, my head hurts so much…”


    “Daddy!” Susan ran over cheerfully. “Are you having a party? Why didn’t you invite me<b>?</b><b>” </b>


    Using myst strength, I reached out my hand, shouting through the sshing water: “Susan… save mommy… Daniel…”


    A 20<b>% </b>


    Susan nced coldly at me struggling in the water, then tugged at Daniel’s shirt: “Daddy! I want barbecue! Right now!”


    “I’m really dizzy.” Serena leaned limply against Daniel.


    Daniel swept Serena up in his arms, hastily instructing the others: “Keep an eye on things. Make sure Elena gets out soon.”


    “Don’t worry!” Theyughed in response. “Elena’s a great swimmer!”


    As Daniel carried Serena away, the crowd began to disperse in small groups.


    My vision started to blur, icy water flooding my nostrils as consciousness began to slip away.


    Ssh!


    A loud crash sent massive waves sshing.


    Strong arms lifted me from the water, urgent calls filling my ears.


    “Elena! Wake up!”