Chapter 3

The next day, I sat on the sofa.

Alexander came downstairs, his face wearing a gentle expression I hadn't seen in a long time.

"Evelyn, about last night..." He sat across from me, his voice carrying a forced sense of guilt. "I was too harsh. I just hope you and Chloe can get along well. I know you're in pain right now."

I looked up at him coldly.

"I remember you used to love watching sunsets over the ocean," he said tentatively. "Maybe we could go sailing? Just the two of us, like before."

I did love ocean sunsets. Once, I would have been moved to tears watching a perfect sunset with him.

But now, those beautiful memories were like shattered glass, each piece cutting into my heart.

"I still remember your favorite song, 'La Mer,'" he continued. "I could play it on the boat for you. And your favorite..."

He spoke of these details as if trying to recreate our once sweet moments.

My phone suddenly vibrated.

A message from my father: "Your flight is at 8 PM tonight. My people will come for you. I'm tracking your phone now."

"What's wrong?" Alexander asked.

"Nothing." I closed my phone.

He forced a small smile. "That's good. See you later." He leaned in, his lips gently kissing my forehead, then left.

One last time. One last time with this man.

An hour later, we walked toward the dock. Alexander seemed unusually attentive, constantly asking if I needed a coat, if I would get seasick.

If time could rewind, I would have been moved by this care. But now...

Now I only felt sick.

We had just boarded the yacht when Alexander's phone rang.

"Alex?" It was Chloe's voice. "Where are you? I'm not feeling well..."

I saw Alexander's expression change immediately. That worry and tension he never showed when looking at me.

"I'll come back right away," he said.

"No need," Chloe's voice came through the phone. "I might just need fresh air. You're on the yacht, right? I'll have the driver bring me over."

Alexander looked at me with a hint of apology in his eyes. "Evelyn, do you mind? Chloe's condition right now..."

"Of course not," I said expressionlessly. "She always needs your care."

Chloe smiled innocently at me as she boarded the yacht. "Thank you for letting me join."

"I'll go check the engine," Alexander said, disappearing below deck.

The moment he was gone, Chloe's innocent facade dropped completely. She stepped closer to me, her voice low and venomous.

"You really think this little romantic boat trip will win him back?" she sneered. "How pathetic."

I remained silent, watching her.

"You know what's funny?" Chloe continued, running her finger along the yacht's railing. "All it takes is a tiny hole in the right fuel line, and this whole boat becomes a death trap."

My blood ran cold. "What are you saying?"

"Oh, don't look so shocked," she laughed softly. "Did you really think I'd let you have a moment alone with him? I've been planning this. When this boat goes up in flames, guess who Alex will save first?"

She caressed her belly meaningfully. "The mother of his child, of course. And you? Well... accidents happen at sea."

"You're insane," I exclaimed, my voice trembling with disbelief and fury.

"No, I'm smart." Her eyes glittered with malice. "Alex will always choose me. Even when you're drowning, even when you're begging for help—he'll pick me every single time."

Just then, a loud explosion came from below deck.

BOOM!

The entire boat shook. Then smoke began pouring from below.

"Damn! Fuel leak!" Alexander roared. "The boat's going to explode! Run!"

Flames began spreading. The air filled with the pungent smell of gasoline.

I tried to run toward the lifeboat, but a burning piece of wood suddenly fell down, crushing my left leg.

Sharp pain shot through me. I was pinned, unable to move.

"Alex... please... don't leave me..." I reached out desperately.

Alexander looked at me, a moment of struggle in his eyes.

But when Chloe screamed "Save our child," his gaze became resolute.

"Wait for me to come back..." he said, his voice carrying complex emotions. "Chloe needs me more. She's carrying our child. You'll be fine."

He lifted Chloe and jumped into the lifeboat.

I watched them leave, the last trace of hope in my heart completely shattered.

So this was the answer. Faced with life and death, his choice was still her.

The flames drew closer. The smoke choked me, making it hard to breathe. My consciousness began to fade.

Just as I was about to lose consciousness, hurried footsteps approached.

"Miss Sterling! Miss Sterling!"