Chapter 5

After nearly drowning in our home pool when I was six, I became terrified of water.

So when I fell in, I even forgot to struggle.

I let myself sink.

My lungs were compressed, with no air left. As I was about to lose consciousness from suffocation,

I thought:

Life is really amazing, how suddenly it can take a turn.

Lucas Carter, as you wished.

I will never like you again.

As my consciousness was fading, I felt someone wrap their arm around my waist, pulling me towards the surface.

When I touched the air, I coughed up water.

"Little sis, your guardian wouldn't let anyone save you, so I did. You owe me one now."

As my mind cleared, I called out, "Ethan?"

"Good, you're not too dazed. You know it's your big bro."

Back on the shore.

Lucas held Olivia tightly, wrapped in a towel, and looked at me.

"Sophia, this is your punishment. If you cause any more trouble, get out of the Carter house."

He deliberately said such harsh words, no doubt trying to extinguish any feelings I had for him.

I stared at him silently, clenching my fists.

"I understand, guardian."

He seemed surprised that I called him guardian, his face showing disbelief for a moment.

After a while, he returned to normal.

"As long as you understand. Now apologize to your aunt."

I didn't apologize. Instead, I continued looking at him.

"Guardian, thank you for taking care of me all these years. Congratulations on your engagement.

"I won't appear in front of you again."

"That's not what I meant..." Lucas frowned, about to say something more.

Olivia leaned into his arms: "Honey, I'm cold."

I didn't even glance their way.

Instead, I turned and left, my clothes dripping wet.