Chapter 10

Vivian Shaw POV

Ethan opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but found nothing to say.

Yes, people change.

I had changed.

He probably just didn't know why I changed, or when I changed.

"In a few days," he tried to ease the atmosphere, as if wanting to prove something, "it's our wedding anniversary. Didn't you always say you wanted to celebrate it properly? This year, I'll throw you a party, invite everyone, make it lively, okay?"

As he spoke, he observed my reaction.

I looked at him, my eyes calm. "Whatever."

Whatever again.

Ethan's expression turned unpleasant, as if the irritation in his heart was surging up again.

But he still began preparing for the party.

He booked the most expensive hotel, hired the best planners, ordered me the most expensive gown, bought the most expensive, sky-high-priced jewelry.

On the day of the party, I wore the gown he'd chosen, adorned with that priceless diamond jewelry set, and walked into the banquet hall on his arm.

Everyone looked at me with envy.

"Mrs. Blackwood is so fortunate."

"Ethan treats her so well."

"I heard that jewelry set was bought at auction. An astronomical price."

I listened to those comments, a proper smile on my face, but my heart felt nothing.

Midway through, I went to the balcony for some air.

I had only been standing there a moment when footsteps sounded behind me.

It was Quinn.

"Why are you here?" I turned to look at her.

"Ethan invited me." Quinn walked to my side, leaning against the railing. "He said today is your wedding anniversary and asked me to come witness your happiness."

As she spoke, she smiled. "Vivian, are you happy?"

I said nothing.

Quinn leaned close to me. "I know you're not happy. Ethan's heart only has room for me. You're just a pitiful, laughable substitute! Last night he even because of me..."

"Quinn," I finally spoke, interrupting her words, my voice terrifyingly calm. "You know what? You're really noisy, and really pitiful. Like a child who throws tantrums when they can't get candy. What's between Ethan and me is our business."

"As for you, an eternal failure living in the past who needs to provoke others to prove her own existence, you're not worth me wasting any emotion on."

"You!"

Quinn was thoroughly enraged by the undisguised contempt and pity in my eyes. She glanced at the low, decorative balcony railing behind me, a vicious glint flashing in her eyes.

"Go to hell!" She suddenly reached out and used all her strength to violently push me!

Caught off guard, I instantly lost my balance and fell backward!

In the moment I fell off the balcony, survival instinct made me reflexively reach out and grab wildly. I happened to catch Quinn's wrist, which she hadn't pulled back in time!

"Ah!"

Both of us screamed simultaneously.

Half my body was already suspended in air, hanging on only by my hand desperately gripping Quinn's wrist. Quinn was also pulled down and collapsed at the railing's edge, scared out of her wits, her other hand desperately clawing at the railing to avoid falling together.

"Help! Ethan! Help!" Quinn shrieked and cried.

People in the banquet hall were alarmed and rushed toward the balcony.

Ethan ran at the front. Seeing this dangerous scene, his face instantly turned deathly pale.

"Ethan! Save me! I'm going to fall! Pull me up quickly!" Quinn cried, tears streaming down her face, extending the hand clinging to the railing toward Ethan.

Ethan's gaze swept rapidly between me, gritting my teeth silently, and Quinn, crying and calling for help.

In that split second, with almost no hesitation, he lunged forward and grabbed the hand Quinn extended toward him!

"Vivian, hang on a bit longer!" Ethan looked down at me, his voice trembling. "Once I pull Quinn up, I'll save you right away!"

I looked at him and suddenly smiled.

I let go.

My body fell through the air, wind roaring in my ears.

Finally, I crashed into the swimming pool below.

Water splashed everywhere.

The icy pool water engulfed me. I closed my eyes and lost consciousness.