Chapter 5

Maya opened her eyes in pain to find herself back at the Reid residence. Jason sat beside her bed, his gaze dark as he stared at her. "What did you mean by 'leaving'?" Maya's heart missed a beat. She played dumb, her voice hoarse as she said, "Leaving? I must have been delirious from the fever and was talking nonsense…" Jason studied her for a long moment, seemingly convinced, and released his grip. "Why didn't you mention you were on your period? You were even in that lake for so long." Maya smiled weakly. "If throwing me in would make her forgive you, I'd rather not say anything." Jason's expression grew complicated, and he asked again, "Do you really care about me this much?" Maya lowered her eyes. She didn't care about him. She was just maintaining the relationship for the sake of their families. Once Victoria returned, she could disappear forever. The door swung open, and Sophia walked in. "Jason, when are we leaving for the fishing trip?" Seeing Maya awake, she feigned surprise. "Ms. Coleman, are you feeling better?" Without waiting for Maya's answer, she continued with a smile, "I was just angry when I made Jason throw you into the icy lake. I never thought he'd actually do it. I'm so sorry. "I heard you even donated blood for me? Why don't you join us on the fishing trip? Consider it my way of making amends." Maya was about to refuse, but Sophia had already grabbed her hand affectionately. "Don't say no! I already discussed this with Jason." Jason glanced at her, signaling her not to spoil the mood. Maya could only nod in the end. … On the luxury yacht, the sea breeze carried a hint of salt. Sophia stayed glued to Jason's side the entire time, giggling as she asked him to feed her fruit, apply sunscreen, and even playfully demanded he carry her to see the ocean view. Maya stood on the deck, quietly watching the horizon, as if none of it concerned her. It wasn't until Jason stepped away to take a phone call that Sophia suddenly approached her. "Sometimes, I really don't understand you," she said. Maya turned to look at her. Sophia narrowed her eyes. "Everyone in our circle says you're crazy about Jason, that you'd do anything for him. But isn't love supposed to be possessive? "I framed you, made you apologize, but you showed no emotion. He threw you into that icy lake, yet you didn't react. Even now, watching him and me being intimate, and still… nothing." She leaned closer to Maya, lowering her voice. "Do you even like him?" Maya's lips curved slightly. Sophia was right. She truly didn't like Jason. Before she could say anything, a massive wave suddenly crashed over them. They lost their footing and were swept into the sea. The freezing seawater swallowed them instantly. The yacht's metal edge slashed long wounds across their arms, and blood immediately spread through the water. "Someone's overboard! Help them! Quick!" The deck erupted into chaos. Rescue divers immediately jumped in, but quickly resurfaced with grim expressions. "Mr. Reid, their blood will attract sharks fast! And they fell in opposite directions. For safety, we can only save one first!" Jason's face went ashen as his gaze frantically searched the ocean surface. On one side, Sophia struggled desperately. On the other, Maya was being pushed farther away by the waves. "Save Sophia first!" He practically roared the words. When Maya heard this, she had already swallowed several mouthfuls of seawater. She watched the rescuer swim toward Sophia, watched Jason's anxious face, and smiled bitterly before slowly closing her eyes. She should have known all along. In his heart, she would always be the one who could be abandoned. Seawater flooded her lungs as her consciousness gradually faded. In her delirium, she saw a dark shadow rapidly approaching. A shark! Sharp pain shot through her leg. Her final memory was of the brilliant blue water being stained red with blood, bit by bit.