Water was everywhere.
Cold. Deep. Suffocating.
The icy waves crashed over her, flooding her ears, nose, and throat.
Sophia Woods had one fatal weakness—she couldn’t swim.
And now, she was drowning.
The saltwater burned as it filled her lungs, and her body grew numb from the bone-chilling cold of the early spring sea.
On the yacht’s deck, a crowd gathered, their murmurs barely audible over the waves.
Most of the guests at tonight’s exclusive party were the daughters of powerful families. There weren’t many—just over twenty—but their status carried weight in this city’s elite circles.
But in this world, no one rivaled the Lancaster family.
The night sky darkened further as storm clouds rolled in. A sudden gust of wind sent a shiver across the deck, and then the first raindrops fell, cold and sharp. Within seconds, the drizzle turned into a downpour.
In the raging sea, two figures struggled against the waves.
“Help… help…”
Their cries barely cut through the storm.
Suddenly, a tall figure in black pushed through the stunned crowd.
When Lucas Bennett spotted the figures flailing in the water, his usually composed face twisted in alarm.
Without hesitation, he jumped.
The icy water stole his breath, but he powered forward, ignoring the rain hammering down and the sting of salt in his eyes.
With sheer force, he managed to grab hold of someone.
“Rose! Rose, wake up!”
Lucas gasped, shaking the unconscious woman in his arms. He didn’t care that his soaked clothes clung to him, that the cold seeped into his bones—he only cared about the woman he had just pulled from the water.
But no one realized that someone else was still out there… drowning.
A sharp voice cut through the noise on deck.
“Where’s Sophia? Didn’t Rose call her out? Where is she?!”
Another voice joined in, panicked.
“Yes! Sophia—Sophia fell too!”
A hush swept over the deck.
In the distance, lightning split the sky, illuminating the raging sea for a fraction of a second. The waves surged violently, but there was no sign of anyone struggling.
Then, someone in the crowd sobbed.
“Sophia can’t swim!”.
Lucas froze.
Yes, he had seen Sophia just moments ago.
Before the words had fully sunk in, there was another splash.
Someone else had jumped in.
By the time Sophia was pulled from the water, Rose was already coughing and conscious.
No one could tell whether the wetness on her face was from rain or tears. Her pale, delicate features twisted as she clung to the man before her.
“Lucas…”
Her voice trembled as she reached out, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Despite his dripping wet clothes, Lucas’ brows furrowed slightly, unreadable. Then, slowly, his arms encircled her waist, holding her close.
“Don’t be afraid. You’re safe now."
The relief in his voice was unmistakable.
The onlookers sighed.
Their gazes shifted to Sophia, who lay lifeless on the deck.
A lifeguard was still pumping her chest, forcing air into her lungs.
One time.
Two times.
Three times.
Finally—
She gasped, coughing up mouthfuls of seawater as her lashes fluttered weakly.
Dizzy, barely conscious, Sophia’s blurry vision settled on the pair embracing beside her.
Her lips curled in a faint, almost imperceptible smile—one filled with exhaustion, understanding… and something else.
The rain pelted her pale face as her body finally gave in to the darkness.
—
Three Days Later
Sophia survived.
When she opened her eyes on the third day, it was already midday.
The hospital room was empty.
Sunlight filtered through the window, casting a harsh glow against the sterile white walls. Dust swirled in the air, illuminated by the light.
She stared at it blankly. Her expression was unreadable.
After a long pause, she forced herself up, her limbs weak and heavy.
She didn’t want to be here.
The scent of antiseptic was suffocating.
Slipping on the hospital slippers, she made her way outside.
The hospital garden was peaceful, with only the occasional nurse passing by.
She stood beneath a tree, her hospital gown barely shielding her from the lingering chill. The early spring buds were beginning to bloom.
She hugged her arms around herself, fragile yet unwavering.
She had always been beautiful, but there was something distant about her, something untouchable. A quiet coldness that set her apart.
She took a deep breath. Just as she felt a little steadier, a shadow loomed over her.
Rose Woods.
She was dressed impeccably, her hair cascading in perfect waves. She held a thermos in one hand, the other wrapped in a man’s suit jacket—one far too big for her slender frame.
Lucas’ jacket.
Sophia’s gaze flickered.
Rose noticed.
A smirk ghosted over her lips as she tightened the coat around herself, as if savoring its warmth.
Sophia remained silent, her expression unreadable.
Rose took a slow step forward, her voice dripping with faux concern.
“You’re really stubborn, aren’t you?”
Sophia didn’t respond.
Rose leaned in, lowering her voice just enough for only Sophia to hear.
“Aren’t you going to admit defeat? Even the man you love chose me…”
