Chapter 18
Just then, Samara spoke up.
“Aimee, can we talk?”
I was momentarily stunned but agreed to her request.
Samara met me by the poolside. Before I could say anything, she took the lead.
“I know your marriage to Elio is a sham. He has no feelings for you. But now that I’m back, you won’t have to trouble yourself with taking care of him anymore.”
“And Ms. Keller, it’s time for you to step aside.”
Samara’s tone was no longer playful; my instincts told me she was a dangerous person, far from the innocent facade she presented.
Understanding what Samara was implying, tears streamed down my face, each one falling onto the cold, hard ground.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
As I was still formulating my response, Samara unhesitatingly jump into the pool.
Seeing her floundering and shouting for help, I panicked. I leaned over the edge, ready to jump in to rescue her. But before I could, Elio appeared out of nowhere, leaping into the pool and pulling Samara to safety.
Elio lifted Samara out of the pool, holding her close, his eyes filled with concern. “It’s okay, it’s okay. I’m here.”
Watching Elio hold Samara like a precious treasure, as if she were a newfound gem. It seemed as if I was the intruder now. I couldn’t understand why everything had changed since Samara returned.
The frustration I felt remained trapped in my chest, a bitter ache pressing heavily on my heart.
When had Elio ever been this gentle with me?
Elio turned to me, his gaze icy.
“Aimee, why didn’t you save Samara? She’s terrified of water. She nearly drowned as a child. Why didn’t you help her?”
His accusations struck at my heart.
I tried to respond, “But Samara…
Before I could finish, Samara interjected.
“Elio, it’s okay. Don’t blame Ms. Keller. I’m fine now, thanks to you.”
Elio gazed at Samara with heartache, kissing her forehead tenderly. “You’re still the kindest.”
“Aimee, I didn’t realize you were this kind of person!”
Elio refused to listen to my explanation.