Chapter 17: Six years ago
When Denise noticed that the crowd’s attention had shifted to Aryana’s rescue, her expression darkened, and she clenched her fists. She wanted to feign unconsciousness, but before she could execute her plan, Antonio put her down and instructed the lifeguard to bring her to the clinic.
Denise’s face contorted into a grimace, her eyes narrowing with displeasure, as an expression of sourness overtook her features.
When she looked at Antonio, she was smiling sweetly. She thanked him for saving her.
Antonio patted her shoulder and gave her a forced smile.
"Don’t mention it. I just regretted that it is you I saved, and not your cousin." He then headed to where the crowd was.
Aryana was brought to the clinic to recuperate. Due to exhaustion and her near-death experience, she fell asleep.
Erik sent Marlon to do some errands while watching Aryana peacefully sleep on the bed.
He recalled the look in her eyes when he pulled her out of the water. It wasn’t a look of panic or fear of death. Was it the look of love and longing? It seemed as if she was seeing someone and not him.
Memories of six years ago came rushing back and were as clear as day, as if they had happened only yesterday.