Chapter 5

The private room fell into dead silence.

Everyone knew Ella loved Vincent, but no one expected her to confess now, knowing he was about to get engaged to Mira.

The silence grew heavy.

Ella gave a desolate smile, grabbed a glass from the table, and moved to chug it.

Vincent gripped her hand tightly, his eyes dark with a brewing storm. "Put it down."

Ella clutched the glass stubbornly, her eyes shimmering. "I know you won't accept me, so I'll take the loss. I can handle it."

Vincent, like an enraged beast, snatched the glass and downed it in one gulp. "I'll do it."

Under everyone's gaze, they fought over and drank the entire row of shots.

His usually stern face flushed red.

Ella's eyes grew hazy.

Mira thought she was strong enough, but her heart still clenched.

A sour pain spread through her, making her nose sting.

She stood abruptly, opened the door, and headed to the bathroom.

As Mira splashed cold water on her face, the bathroom door opened.

Ella, cheeks flushed, leaned against the wall, clearly tipsy. "Mira, do you know? I've loved Vincent for seven years. I'm the one who loves him most, so why did he choose you? Because you're prettier? Because your family's better? For him, I did everything to switch departments to be closer to him. Even after graduating, with a salary of just three thousand, I stayed in South Crestwood. I can feel he cares about me. Why else would he help me time and again?"

Ella's lips curved into a sickly satisfied smile. "But he's still getting engaged to you. Why?"

With sudden strength, she grabbed Mira's head and turned the faucet to full blast. "If you disappear, he'll be mine!"

Cold water flooded Mira's nose and mouth, choking her lungs.

The lack of oxygen brought burning pain to her chest.

She struggled desperately, flailing until she grabbed Ella's arms and shoved her away.

With a loud crash, Ella's head hit a protruding light fixture, blood gushing instantly.

Mira gasped for air, wiping water from her face, only to see Ella unconscious.

Her heart seized.

She yanked the door open to call for help and found Vincent standing outside.

Mira, panicked, shouted, "Call an ambulance!"

He froze, then saw the blood pooling on the floor, his eyes narrowing. "Ella!"

He rushed to her, lifting her limp body, his gaze blazing with anger.

Mira had never seen such a terrifying look on his face.

"Whatever happened to Ella, I won't let you off!"

Mira's hand paused as she dialed 911, then silently called the hospital.

The ambulance arrived quickly.

"Which family member is coming along?"

Vincent raised his hand instantly.

Watching him leave in the ambulance, Mira felt as if her spine had been ripped out. She slid down the doorframe, curling into a ball, covering her face as sobs wracked her.

When classmates drove Mira to the hospital, Ella was already in surgery.

The hospital's blood supply was low, so Vincent donated blood for Ella.

When Mira arrived, he was stepping off the donation table, pressing the needle mark on his arm.

"Vincent, is Ella okay?" his friend asked.

Vincent shook his head. "Not sure. Surgery's still ongoing."

When his eyes met Mira's, his gaze was cold enough to freeze her solid.

She spoke slowly, her voice steady. "It was an accident. Ella tried to drown me, and I pushed her away in self-defense."

A sharp slap answered her.

"Mira!" Vincent grabbed her jaw, pinning her against the wall with such force it felt like he'd crush her bones.

His teeth clenched, he growled, "I'll make you feel Ella's pain yourself!"

With a sudden jerk, he slammed her head against the wall.

Mira blacked out instantly.