Chapter 3

After dinner, Ethan continued the charade. He took Olivia shopping, buying her an expensive diamond necklace. Then, they went to a movie, him holding her hand as if they were a loving couple.

Olivia played along, but she felt nothing. She watched him, seeing the mask he wore. Every smile, every touch was a calculated performance. His true heart was with Sophia.

As they left the movie theater, the air was bitingly cold. Ethan was pointing out something in a shop window when he suddenly froze.

Across the street, in the park, Sophia Miller was arguing with a park ranger. She was gesturing frantically toward the park' s lake, which was already beginning to freeze over at the edges.

"Please, you have to get it!" Sophia cried, her voice carrying across the quiet street. "It' s my necklace! It fell in!"

The ranger shook his head. "Ma' am, I can' t. The water is dangerously cold. It' s not safe to go in."

"I' ll pay you!" Sophia pleaded, pulling cash from her purse. "I' ll pay you whatever you want!"

The ranger stood firm. "It' s not about the money. It' s too dangerous."

Ethan watched the scene, his jaw tight. Olivia saw the conflict in his eyes. He turned to her, ready to get into the car. He even opened her door.

Then, he abruptly slammed it shut.

He fumbled in his pocket for his wallet. "Something just came up at the office," he said, his words rushed. "It' s an emergency. I have to go."

He pushed a wad of cash into her hand. "Take a taxi."

Without waiting for her reply, he hailed a cab, pushed her towards it, and then turned and ran towards the park.

The taxi driver looked at her, waiting.

Olivia didn' t get in. She paid the driver for his time and told him to go. Then, she turned and silently followed Ethan.

She watched from the shadows of the trees as he reached the edge of the lake. He didn' t hesitate. He ripped off his expensive coat, tossing it to the ground, and plunged into the icy water.

The splash seemed to echo in the silent, freezing night. He did it for Sophia. Without a second thought.