Chapter 4

I ended up going to Olivia's celebration party, with Ethan, of all people. When the three of us walked into the private room, the reactions were... colorful, to say the least.

"Why'd Ethan bring her?"

"Not surprised. His wife's always throwing jealous tantrums. Can't stand any woman near Ethan, let alone Olivia."

"Didn't she try to kill herself over Olivia or something?"

"Yeah. Pathetic, isn't it? She doesn't know her place. Marrying Ethan was already a reach. What gives her the right to control him? Other women were one thing, but Olivia? She's way out of her league."

They weren't even trying to whisper. I heard every word loud and clear.

I scanned the group. Probably Ethan's or Olivia's so-called friends. Same clique. Same toxic energy.

I couldn't help but scoff inwardly. No wonder the 25-year-old me had tried to end it all. Hearing this kind of garbage day after day? It'd mess anyone up.

And I must've really loved Ethan back then, to stay, to suffer through this hell, to the point where dying felt easier than staying alive.

Ethan and Olivia were already seated in their places. I was the only one still standing.

"Is she just gonna stand there like a lost puppy? How awkward."

"Awkward? Please. As long as she gets to be near Ethan, she'd probably kneel if you asked."

I turned and looked straight at the guy running his mouth. "He's not dead. Why would I kneel?"

His face dropped. Clearly didn't expect me to talk back.

Ethan gave an irritated sigh. "Alright, that's enough."

That's all? After I was openly humiliated? No defense. No pushback. Just... enough.

I let out a cold laugh. "It's obvious I'm not welcome here. I'll see myself out."

And with that, I turned and walked out.

Behind me, the gasps came fast:

"Did she just talk back to Ethan?"

"Think she's finally snapped because of Olivia?"

"Bet she'll come crawling back in twenty minutes…"

The noise faded as I made my way to the pool area outside, hoping the fresh air would clear my head.

A few minutes later, Olivia followed me out.

"Aria, you really surprised me tonight," she said, her tone all sugary sweet.

I glanced past her. She came alone.

"I hate you so much," I said flatly. "Aren't you afraid I might push you into the pool?"

She actually laughed. "I was hoping you'd try. Everyone knows Ethan would save me."

I didn't respond. Just stared at her.

She took a step closer. "Let's make a bet, Aria."

I raised a brow. "If you and Ethan love each other so much, why hasn't he divorced me? What's the point of stepping all over someone's feelings just to play your little love story? Is that your version of true love?"

For a second, her expression cracked, but only for a second. Then she put on her usual innocent mask.

"That's because you won't let go," she said, voice softer. "You cling to him like your life depends on it. You even tried to kill yourself. He just pities you."

Then, back to business: "So? You in for the bet?"

The pool sparkled in the evening light, clear on the surface, but deceptively deep.

I shook my head. "No."

I can't swim.

One stupid suicide attempt was enough. I didn't need a sequel.

I stood up to leave, and caught the flicker of disappointment in her eyes.

She was behind me when it happened. She shoved me hard.

Splash.

Screams rang out as my body hit the water and sank like a stone.

Everything disappeared. The sound. The air. My heartbeat.

Water rushed into my nose, my mouth, my lungs. I thrashed, panicking, desperate to reach the surface.

That's when I saw him, Ethan.

Swimming… but not toward me.

He swam straight to Olivia.

A sharp, cold pain pierced my chest.

Maybe that was the last leftover feeling from the old me, my 25-year-old self who loved him.

But even that... drowned.

When I came to, I was lying on the pool deck, coughing up water. Olivia and I had both been pulled out.

She was saved by Ethan.

Me? By a stranger.

He was handsome, I noticed vaguely, as he pressed down on my chest to get the water out.

I turned my head and saw Ethan finally walking over.

Olivia clung to his arm, looking like the picture of delicate heartbreak as she watched him leave her side.

Ethan frowned, like I was an inconvenience. "Are you okay?"

I didn't answer. Just pushed myself up.

The man who'd saved me tried to help, but I brushed him off.

Ethan reached for me, and I slapped him, hard.

Smack.

The silence afterward was deafening.

Even the sound of people breathing seemed to pause.

"Ethan Sinclair," I said calmly, "let's get divorced."

I turned my back to him as I added over my shoulder, "Consider that slap your alimony."