Chapter 2

The transfer letter in my hands said it all — three days from now, I'd be deployed to a war-torn zone in Raviah Desert Region as part of the first group of volunteer medics.

Julian's latest post popped up on my feed: [I'll do my best to be a better boyfriend. I can't stand the thought of you being unhappy, not even for a second.]

Everyone thought he was being romantic again, posting about me. But a few people who knew the truth dropped some cryptic emojis in the comments.

I didn't hit "like" or leave a comment like I usually do. Instead, I turned off my phone, folded the transfer letter carefully, and slipped it into the inner lining of my clothes. My legs ached as I forced myself to walk—slowly, painfully—toward the pool.

Julian had gone way too hard on me last night. Now I had to ask my swimming coach, Mike, for a day off to rest.

I looked around the pool, searching for him, when suddenly someone yanked me into the cluttered storage room by the changing area.

It was Julian. His voice was low, almost growling. "I wanna do here."

I almost laughed. Typical. In my old life, he'd done the same thing—used me as a stepping stone for his happy-ever-after with Adeline.

And when it all blew up, when we were caught half-naked, I was the only one humiliated.

He got off scot-free, even earned a few admiring comments from his friends.

I was pale, trembling, and he didn't even notice.

He never cared what it cost me, only that I kept paving his road to happiness.

Pain stabbed through my chest. I couldn't even react anymore.

My voice was hoarse when I said, "Not today. It hurts down there."

Julian frowned but forced a gentle smile, the picture of a "sweet boyfriend." "Aurora, come on. Can't you just bear it for me?"

There it was again—the same script, the same manipulation.

The old me would've caved. But this time, reason took over. I looked him dead in the eyes. "Julian, can't you really see I'm in pain?"

He froze for a second, then said, almost defensive, "Aurora, if you won't even do this for me, I'll be hurt… but it's fine, your health comes first."

His voice was smooth, but cold underneath — like I'd done something unforgivable.

He let go of my arm.

I straightened my clothes and walked out slowly, pretending nothing had happened.

He stood there, watching me leave, confused — like he couldn't figure out why I wasn't the same girl who always apologized.

I didn't care. My whole body throbbed, and I was too tired to keep acting.

*****

Mike was still nowhere to be found, and the poolside was swarming with people.

Honestly, this class was a total crowd magnet—me, the class beauty, and Adeline, the campus queen, both rocking swimsuits. Everyone was here for the eye candy.

Adeline walked toward me, glowing with the smug confidence that only money and attention can buy. She looked at me like I was Julian's maid.

Her tone was sweet, but her words dripped poison. "Aurora, what's wrong with you today? You look pale. Didn't Julian take you to the nurse?"

I pressed my lips together, staring at the woman who, in my old life, had destroyed me and my unborn child.

"What, cat got your tongue? The coach's coming soon—aren't you going to change?" she said. "Oh wait, if you forgot your swimsuit, you can borrow mine.

"Oh, silly me—mine might not fit you."

She pushed her chest forward a little, and a chorus of low whistles followed.

"I'm taking the day off," I said quietly. "So, please move."

Adeline wasn't about to let me off that easily. As I passed her, she "accidentally" slipped, grabbing my arm and pulling me straight into the pool with her.

Instinctively, I reached out to help her, but she dragged me in after her, pulling me straight into the water.

I thought I'd finally escaped the gossip and rumors from my old life, but here I was, getting framed by Adeline all over again.

The water was freezing, my limbs weak, my body still aching. I couldn't fight my way up right away. My consciousness flickered, and I heard Julian's shout — "Adeline!" — dragging me back.

He dove in without hesitation for her.

Only when someone yelled that I was still underwater did he finally jump in for me, reluctant, half-hearted.

But by then, I'd already surfaced on my own.

This time, I didn't need saving.

I climbed out, shivering but strangely calm. Julian frowned. "Aurora, Adeline can't swim. You can. Of course I saved her first. Don't be childish."

"I understand," I said softly. "Saving lives comes first."

That shut him up. The words he wanted to scold me with died on his lips.

Adeline, perfect as ever, started crying prettily. "It's my fault, really. I slipped. Aurora didn't push me."

Julian's expression hardened. "Aurora… so you did push her. God, I'm so disappointed in you. Apologize to Adeline. Now."