“Mr. Finch, it’s been a day. Mrs. Finch isn’t making any sounds. Perhaps we should let her out now,” suggested Bobby Hudson, the butler.

Zachary Finch frowned. “I know exactly what kind of person Sarah Fletcher is. She’s just putting on an act. She’s a national-level swimmer, so there’s no way she’s afraid of water.

“Have her stay in there for one more day. Maybe this will teach her a thing or two about who she should and shouldn’t mess with.”

Bobby wanted to say more, but Zachary waved him off dismissively.

Watching him, so detached and cold, even I—now nothing but a lingering soul—couldn’t hold back my tears.

I wanted to scream at him and ask, “What did I do so wrong to deserve this kind of torment?”

“Zac, I’m sorry. It’s all my fault. If I hadn’t accepted your jacket or screamed for help, letting Sarah push me, maybe you wouldn’t have lost some of your business partners. Sarah wouldn’t hold a grudge against you either.”

Nina Larkin wrapped her arms around Zachary from behind.

He turned to embrace her and gently comforted, “This isn’t your fault. There were so many important partners at that banquet. She actually pushed you into the water out of jealousy? She has no sense of decorum.

“Nina, you’re just too kind. That’s why Sarah walks all over you. From now on, I’ll be here for you. No one will ever hurt you again.”

Upon hearing Zachary’s words, I couldn’t help but laugh.

Back then, he used this very promise to win my heart. But in just three short years, he was already using it on another woman.

A sharp pain tore through my chest. My eyes burned with frustration as I watched Zachary carry Nina upstairs in his arms.

I had already suspected what was going to happen next. But the moment I had to witness it, my heart ached more than I could bear.

Zachary gently laid Nina down on the bed. Their gazes locked as they closed the distance between them.

Seeing them locked in this intimate moment, I wanted nothing more than to smash something over their heads.

But my hands passed right through everything. Their moans and gasps filled my ears, each one stabbing deeper into my soul.