Chapter 4

So I ended up going with Ethan to Olivia's celebration party. When the three of us arrived, the reactions of the people in the private room were quite colorful.

"Why did Ethan bring her?"

"Not surprising. His wife is always making scenes and acting jealous. She's hostile towards any woman near Ethan, let alone Olivia!"

"I heard she even attempted suicide because of Olivia?"

"That's right! But she really doesn't know her place. Marrying Ethan was already aiming too high for her. What right does she have to control him? Those other women were one thing, but Olivia? She's not even in the same league!"

These voices weren't particularly quiet. I could hear them clearly.

I swept my gaze over the group, guessing they were probably Ethan or Olivia's friends.

They were all part of the same social circle, no doubt.

I inwardly scoffed. No wonder the 25-year-old me had attempted suicide. Hearing such belittling comments day after day, how could my psyche not become warped?

Not to mention, I must have really loved Ethan back then. That's why I suffered through the daily torment to the point of being willing to give up my own life.

Ethan and Olivia had already sat down in the seats reserved for them. I was the only one left standing.

"Is she just going to stand there by herself? Isn't that awkward?"

"How could it be awkward? As long as she gets to be near Ethan, she'd probably even kneel if you asked her to!"

I coldly looked at the man gossiping. "He's not dead, why would I kneel for him?"

The man's expression changed, clearly not expecting me to talk back today.

Ethan's expression was impatient. "Alright, that's enough."

I had just been insulted like that, but not only did he not stand up for me, he just brushed it off equally.

I sneered. "Looks like I'm not welcome here. I'll take my leave."

With that, I turned to leave.

Behind me, I heard those people's sharp intakes of breath:

"Did I see that right? She actually gave Ethan attitude!"

"You don't think she really went crazy because of Olivia, do you?"

"I bet she won't last half an hour before coming crawling back..."

"..."

Those noisy voices behind me were very off-putting. I went to the outdoor pool area to clear my head.

Not long after, Olivia suddenly came out.

"Aria, you've really surprised me."

I glanced behind her, seeing she had come alone. I said mockingly, "I hate you so much. Aren't you afraid I might push you into the pool?"

Olivia laughed. "I was hoping you'd dare. After all, everyone knows Ethan would save me."

I pressed my lips together, not bothering to respond.

Olivia walked closer. "Aria, want to make a bet?"

I found it strange. "If you two really love each other that much, why not just have Ethan divorce me? Olivia, do you really need to step on someone else's sincere feelings to act out your little drama? Is that what you call true love?"

Olivia's expression changed for a moment before quickly returning to her calm, gentle demeanor. "That's because you won't let go! You cling to Ethan so desperately you'd even attempt suicide. He's just taking pity on you!"

Soon, she regained her composure and asked again, "Aria, dare to bet?"

The pool's surface sparkled, looking clear but actually quite deep.

I shook my head firmly. "No."

I can't swim.

One stupid suicide attempt was enough. No need for a second.

I had just stood up when I caught Olivia's disappointed gaze. She was standing behind me and suddenly pushed me hard—

Splash!

Screams erupted all around as my body hit the water and quickly sank.

In that moment, I couldn't feel anything.

Only the terrifying sensation of water engulfing me from all sides.

My throat started choking on water, my lungs growing heavy. I desperately struggled to swim upwards, but only saw a familiar figure quickly swimming in another direction.

My husband, Ethan Sinclair, swam towards her when Olivia and I both fell in the water.

My heart was pierced by a sharp pain.

This was perhaps the last bit of feeling left from my 25-year-old self...

Although I had forgotten the past and no longer loved him, my body's instincts remained.

But this time, they were thoroughly drowned too.

...

When I came to, I was lying by the pool.

Olivia and I had both been rescued, but she was saved by Ethan while I was saved by a stranger.

He was quite handsome.

I lay on the ground as he pressed on my chest, trying to expel the water I had swallowed.

I coughed it all out—

From the corner of my eye, I saw Ethan walking over.

Olivia was still clinging to him pitifully, reluctantly watching him leave.

Ethan seemed to have only just remembered he had a wife. He frowned and asked, "Are you alright?"

I didn't answer, struggling to stand up.

The man beside me tried to help me up, but I pushed him away. When Ethan reached me, I raised my hand and slapped him hard across the face—

A deathly silence fell over the scene.

I could even hear everyone's deliberately slowed breathing.

"Ethan Sinclair, let's get divorced."

After a long moment, I heard my own voice in the silence.

"Consider that slap your alimony payment to your ex-wife."

[Cutoff point]