She let out a cold laugh. “Allow me to shatter your last little illusion.”
With that, she lunged at me.
I’d sensed danger the moment she spoke. I instinctively tried to dodge, but my body was sluggish, and I wasn’t quick enough.
I had expected some form of retaliation, knowing how I’d pushed back against her earlier. But I never imagined she would be bold enough to attack me so brazenly in front of so many people.
Before I could react, Julianne tackled me, and we both fell into the pond nearby.
Just before we hit the water, she leaned close to my ear and hissed, “Emilia, if Irvin had to choose again, he’d still save me and let you die. It’s time you gave up for good.”
As we plunged into the water, I caught a glimpse of a familiar figure rushing toward us.
I didn’t understand why after forgetting him and everything I’d felt for him, my heart still feacted on its own. Why did it still yearn for him to come for me, even just once?
I hated myself for this, for the hope that refused to die and the pain it caused. Yet I couldn’t stop it.
I watched Irvin as he dove into the water without hesitation.
Every fiber of my being clung to the desperate hope that, in the next moment, he would. choose me. That he would pull me into his arms and save me.
