Chapter 3

I stood quietly at the back of the crowd, witnessing his happiness with someone else.

In my heart, I gradually stripped away my feelings for him.

By the less crowded pool, I waited for Chloe to return.

I casually picked up a glass of champagne.

As I turned around, I saw today's leading lady, Olivia.

Olivia was only a year older than me.

So I didn't understand why Lucas, who thought I was too young, would choose someone his own age.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, looking wary, as if afraid I'd ruin her engagement party.

"I'm here to witness my guardian's happiness. Congratulations," I said.

I had no hostility towards her, but since she was with the man I liked, I couldn't bring myself to be overly friendly.

As I was about to leave, she grabbed me: "Sophia Wilson, don't try to steal him from me."

I lowered my gaze.

"Whether you believe it or not, I came today with no ill intentions. I won't make a scene and embarrass everyone."

Olivia didn't let go. Instead, she glared at me fiercely.

"You think I believe that? Someone as spoiled and willful as you? You're like a weasel paying New Year's respects to a chicken, up to no good.

"And aren't you disgusting? Liking your own guardian?

"No wonder they say you're motherless. Clinging to Lucas Carter, aren't you ashamed?"

Before she could finish, my hand had already struck her face.

It was all Lucas's fault for spoiling me so much that I couldn't take any insults.

Olivia held her cheek, stunned for a moment.

"As you said, I'm such a willful person, so slapping you isn't too much, right?"

I underestimated Olivia's fighting spirit.

Before I knew it, we were grappling with each other.

I had been forced by Lucas to learn boxing and martial arts since childhood, so Olivia was no match for me.

In the chaos, she still had the strength to speak: "Sophia Wilson, you're finished."

It was then that I realized.

I had fallen for her trap.

Olivia's hair was a mess, her clothes torn and disheveled.

I wasn't much better off, with bruises where she had pinched me.

Still defiant, I said, "So what? Are you so sure Lucas will take your side?

"Do you think he's someone who can't tell right from wrong?"

Olivia's makeup was smeared, but she still smiled triumphantly.

"Sophia Wilson, do you have a misconception about your importance to Lucas?"

"What do you mean?"

As soon as I finished speaking, she stepped closer, took my hand, and placed it on her chest.

Then she fell backward into the pool.

"Olivia!" Lucas's worried voice came from behind.