It was too late to react. The impact rocked our raft so hard, and I was about to pull Yves to steady myself, but someone grabbed my arm instead.
Before I could respond, I was yanked off balance and plunged into the stream with a loud splash.
The icy water filled my mouth and throat, leaving me gasping for air as I struggled frantically.
In the haze of my panic, I caught a glimpse of Jason jumping off the raft.
For a brief moment, hope flickered in my heart as I waved my arms, desperate for him to notice me.
But I watched, with crushing clarity, as he swam straight past me without hesitation—to save Shairine.
Zoey, what are you still hoping for?
I wanted to laugh at myself but couldn’t even muster the strength.
Thankfully, Yves reached me in time and pulled me back to shore.
As I caught my breath, still trembling from the ordeal, he suddenly said, “The confession setup is ready. Let’s go watch the show.”
He grabbed my hand and led me to the grass field.
On the lawn, Jason’s friends had arranged a giant heart made of fresh flowers. Inside the heart were mementos from their relationship: handwritten love letters, photos they’d taken together, and various gifts exchanged on holidays and birthdays.
Jason stood there, drenched and visibly stunned as he took it all in.
Shairine, holding a bouquet of flowers, stepped in front of him and began pouring her heart out, confessing her love for him.
A gentle breeze swept by, stirring ripples in the calm waters of my heart.
I told myself that they loved each other, and being together was the best arrangement.
When the cheers and shouts from the crowd urging him to accept her confession grew louder, I joined in, clapping and calling out, “Say yes! Be together!”
Jason turned to me, his expression was one of utter disbelief.
“Zoey, are you out of your mind? Did you forget that I’m your boyfriend?” he said.
