“Where are you?” Ryan's voice came on the call.
Sophia’s vision blurred in tears but she kept her voice leveled.
“Home.” She responded simply.
Ryan frowned, hearing her one-word answer, “Are you feeling sick? Or is it because I didn't come home? I must have-”
“Why are you calling Ryan? I'm in the middle of something.” Sophia cut him off, not interested in his explanation For fear of hearing what he would say.
“I've sent Alex over. He'll drive you to the restaurant where I'm waiting for you.” Ryan said and hung up.
Sophia stared at the phone. Debating her next move but ended up giving in. She could use this opportunity to give him the divorce papers anyway.
“I guess it's inevitable.” She whispered to herself.
Sophia stared at her reflection in the mirror, her mind racing. The image Hannah had sent haunted her, a painful reminder of the humiliation and betrayal she endured.
Every fiber of her being screamed for her to stay home, but this was her chance. She would hand Ryan the divorce papers and finally break free from this nightmare.
When she arrived at the restaurant, the staff guided her to a secluded poolside table. The shimmering water sparkled under the afternoon sun, but the beautiful setting did nothing to soothe her nerves.
Ryan was already seated, scrolling through his phone, his appearance impeccable as always.
Sophia hesitated for a moment, taking in his crisp white shirt and dark trousers that fit him perfectly.
His calm demeanor, his confidence—it tore at her.
How could he sit there so unaffected while she was drowning in misery?
“Finally,” he said, standing as she approached. His gaze flickered over her, but there was no warmth in his eyes, only faint irritation. “You kept me waiting.”
Sophia opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say a word, his phone buzzed.
“Give me a moment,” he said, stepping away to take the call.
She sank into her chair, clutching her bag tightly. The papers were inside, ready to be handed over. But as she tried to steady her breathing, a familiar, hateful voice broke her thoughts.
“Well, well. Look who decided to show up.”
Sophia turned to see Hannah sauntering toward her, her crimson dress clinging to her like a second skin. It was as if she didn't have normal-fitting clothes.
“What do you want, Hannah?” Sophia asked, her voice low.
Hannah smirked, circling the table like a predator. “Oh, nothing much. I just wanted to see how you’re holding up after my little gift last night. Was it a good wake-up call?”
Sophia’s jaw clenched, but she refused to engage. “I’m not doing this with you.”
“Oh, but we are,” Hannah said, her voice dripping with malice. “You really thought you could keep him? Ryan doesn’t love you. He’s just keeping you around because it’s convenient. You’re nothing but a placeholder, Sophia.”
Sophia stood, her heart pounding, and began walking toward the pool’s edge, hoping to avoid a scene.
“Walking away already?” Hannah called after her. “Pathetic, just like always.”
Sophia ignored her as she tried to move past. But Hannah stepped in front of her, blocking her path.
“You’re such a coward,” Hannah sneered, her voice a low hiss. “You don’t even fight back. No wonder Ryan doesn’t respect you.”
“Move, Hannah,” Sophia said firmly, trying to sidestep her.
But Hannah’s smirk widened, and before Sophia could react, she shoved her hard.
Sophia’s arms flailed as she stumbled backward, the edge of the pool slipping away beneath her feet. She hit the water with a loud splash, the cold shock ripping the air from her lungs.
Above her, Hannah laughed, peering down at her with malice. “Oops. Careful, Sophia. It’s slippery out here.”
Sophia struggled to resurface, her dress dragging her down as she flailed in the water. Panic set in as she gasped for air, her limbs growing weaker.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Ryan walking back toward the pool, his phone still in hand.
Hannah’s eyes widened in panic. “Ryan!” she screamed, backing up and pretending to slip. With a dramatic cry, she fell into the pool, splashing wildly as she went under.
“Help me!” she shrieked, her arms flailing.
Ryan dropped his phone and dove in without hesitation, swimming toward Hannah as she continued to cry for help. He reached her quickly, pulling her to the surface and guiding her toward the edge.
“Calm down,” he said sharply, his grip firm. “You’re fine.”
Hannah clung to him, shivering. “I slipped, Ryan. It was so scary.” Her voice trembled with fake fear.
Ryan helped her out of the pool, his brow furrowed. “Where’s Sophia?” he asked, glancing around.
Hannah froze, her expression carefully blank. “I-I don’t know,” she stammered. “I didn’t see her. I'm so cold, Ryan. Please help me walk to the change room."
Ryan’s eyes narrowed, “I’m a married man, Hannah. I can't escort you to change.”
“You'll just reach me by the door then. Please!” She cried as she continued to shiver.
Ryan sighed as he stood and pulled her up, “let's go.”
Unknown to Ryan, Sophia was still underwater, her vision blurring as the world around her faded.
The weight of her dress pulled her deeper, her strength fading away. She reached out, her fingers clawing toward the surface, but the light grew dimmer with each passing second.
Her lungs burned, and her mind screamed for air, but it was too late. The last thing she saw was the distorted shimmer of sunlight on the water’s surface before everything went dark.
