Chapter 2

My words made Teo Silva burst into laughter, as if he’d just heard the most ridiculous joke ever.

"Really, Miss Owens? You're quite spirited. I hope you stick to what you say," he remarked before scooping Edith Warren into his arms and striding out of the boutique.

This turn of events drained all my enthusiasm for picking out a wedding gown. I hadn't expected to see Teo again, but that evening my parents dragged me to the Silvas' Thanksgiving dinner.

I sat, bored in a corner, when Teo's sister, Liv Silva, approached me, scrutinizing me with clear disdain.

"My brother's shadow, why aren't you clinging to him today? Changed tactics, have you?" she sneered.

Liv, being Edith's close friend, was part of the reason Edith knew Teo. She had never liked me—I was well aware.

Hearing about the day's incident, she confronted me, seeking vengeance for Edith. I wished to avoid getting involved with her, but things rarely go as planned.

She grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the Silvas’ backyard.

"Aren't you fond of pushing people? Let me show you what it feels like."

I struggled to free my hand.

"What do you think you're doing? Let me go!"

By the pool, Edith stood watching. Seeing Liv and me tussle, she hurried over.

"Liv, what are you doing?" Edith asked.

Liv pulled me closer to the pool, declaring angrily, "I'm teaching her a lesson for you."

She was about to shove me into the pool when Edith intervened.

"Liv, it's all in the past. Stop it," Edith pleaded. "It's my fault. I met Teo after her. I'm the third wheel in their relationship."

Liv’s anger mounted at Edith's words. "Nonsense, Teo never liked her. She's been clinging to him all along. Without love, she's the real intruder!"

Without hesitation, Liv pushed me. In panic, I tried to grab onto something.

Edith extended her hand, but when I grasped it, I realized she couldn't possibly be this kind. She twisted us around, sending Edith plunging into the pool.

Liv was instantly flustered, staring at Edith struggling in the water. She lashed out, slapping me hard across the face.

"Remi Owens, even if you dislike Edith, you can't push her into the water. She’s terrified of it. You vile woman, you’ll never set foot in my family’s home."

I looked at my hands, bewildered. How did it end up this way? I just didn’t want to be pushed in...

I never intended to drag her into the water.

"Someone’s fallen in the pool! Help!" a voice called out.

As I stood stunned, Teo immediately dove into the pool. In less than a minute, he brought Edith back to the surface. She clung to him, looking faint.

"Teo, I can't be with you anymore," she whispered accusingly. "If being with you means being harmed, then I don't want it. I’m scared, really scared."

Teo glared at me with venomous eyes. After soothing Edith, he confronted me.

"I ignored what happened earlier today, but if I let you go any further, you'd probably try to hurt even me."

"Remi Owens, how can you be this wicked?" he spat.

I was desperate, unable to explain. I was the victim, and yet now she claimed to be.

"I didn’t—I’m not..."

He sneered coldly. "Unrepentant. Everyone here saw it, and you still lie."

"I used to think you were just spoiled. Now I see you’re rotten to the core."

With those words, he shoved me into the pool. Icy water invaded my nose instantly. I struggled, trying to reach the surface, but my efforts were in vain.

Just as I felt I was about to sink, strong hands pulled me up.

Damien Adams, with a steely expression, lifted me out of the water. He faced Teo, his voice calm but laced with unmistakable menace.

"Mr. Silva, if anything happens to my fiancée, I’ll make sure your entire family pays."