His Atonement Gift of Lies

Ethan hauled me out of the pool.

His soaked shirt clung to his muscular chest, water dripping from his sharp jawline.

But his concern wasn't for me.

"She just had surgery," he growled. "If something happens to her, we'll all be sued!"

His only concern was the legal liability.

His words made Scarlett's face darken.

She glared at him, her voice trembling with accusation.

"It's only been five years. Don't tell me your heart has changed already."

"Never." Ethan immediately soothed her, pulling her into his arms.

"You're the only one I've ever loved. Nothing will ever change that."

His friends started to hoot and cheer.

"Exactly! If it weren't for Ava, you and Scarlett would have been together ages ago!"

"Ethan, just get rid of her for good! Make her disappear forever!"

Someone suggested tampering with the yacht at his lake house to stage an accident.

"That'll scare her away for good."

A flicker of hesitation crossed Ethan's face.

But then Scarlett began to sob in his arms.

"Ethan, you saw how devastated I was when I lost that scholarship because of her. All I want is justice."

His expression softened.

He kissed away her tears, turning to his friends with a low, resolute voice.

"Fine. Let's do it."

Hiding behind the bedroom door, I heard their entire vicious plan unfold.

I pulled out my phone and sent a single text to my mother.

A few minutes later, Ethan strode into the bedroom.

He saw me drenched and curled up on the bed, and something unreadable—pity? guilt?—flashed in his eyes before vanishing.

He leaned down, offering a hollow apology.

"Ava, I'm sorry. They were just messing around."

He caressed my cheek, his tone as gentle as poison.

"How about I take you to the lake house tomorrow to relax?"

The trap was set.

My heart felt like a block of ice, but I managed a small nod.

"Okay."

The next morning, he handed me the keys to the tampered yacht.

I had to ask him one last time.

"Ethan, if you could do it all over again… would you still choose me?"

A strange look flickered in his eyes, but it was quickly masked by a gentle smile.

He ruffled my hair.

"Don't overthink it. You're the only one for me."

I watched his retreating back, a faint smile touching my lips.

That was his last chance.

I walked toward the yacht waiting for me—the one that was supposed to be my tomb.