"Thest time, you pushed Queena into the water and she almost drowned. Today, you''re going to see how it feels," Matthew dered, shoving Yvonne violently off the edge.


    The strength difference between them was immense. Propelled by his forceful push, Yvonne''s body tipped backward toward the water. But her reflexes were lightning- fast. As she fell, she grabbed the hem of Matthew''s shirt, pulling him down with her.


    Matthew could swim. The moment he hit the water, he started heading for the side of the pool. But Yvonne, submerged beneath the surface,tched onto his ankle and dragged him down into the depths.


    He was a strong swimmer and instinctively fought back, but Yvonne was like a vengeful water spirit, clinging to him relentlessly. He couldn''t shake her off. Trapped at the bottom, he could see the light shimmering on the surface but couldn''t break free to reach it. The air in his lungs dwindled, and a suffocating panic set in. His struggles grew weaker until he had no strength left, his body sinking slowly into the darkness. The despair and terror of imminent death consumed him.


    Above the surface, Queena was screaming frantically. "Help! Someone, help! Matthew''s fallen in the water!"


    Guests from the main hall heard her cries. The strong swimmers rushed over, diving one after another into the pool.


    Zachary and another friend managed to drag Matthew onto the bank. He was still conscious, but hey there, coughing violently, his chest and lungs burning as if they would tear apart.


    "Matthew, are you okay?" Zachary asked. "You''re a good swimmer. How did you almost drown?"


    Matthew was coughing too hard to speak, but he lifted his gaze to Yvonne, who was just climbing out of the water. She walked toward him, her dress and hair soaked and dripping, yet she showed no sign of distress. She looked down at him, a goddess passing judgment, her clear dark eyes reflecting the arrogance and cruelty in his soul.


    "Now you know what it feels like to struggle for your life, to be on the verge of death, don''t you? This is the same pain and despair she felt when she was kidnapped. Every ounce of suffering and humiliation you ever inflicted on the old Yvonne, I will return to you, piece by piece."


    Matthew continued to cough, his eyes wide with a mixture of confusion and fear.


    "Matthew! Are you all right? You scared me to death!" Queena cried, throwing herself onto him and hugging him tightly, the picture of pitiable sorrow.


    Themotion had drawn a crowd, and Mrs. Gonzalez, Verna, and others hurried over.


    "What''s going on?" Mrs. Gonzalez demanded, her brow furrowed as she took in the sight of Yvonne and Matthew, both drenched.


    "Matthew pushed me into the water on purpose," Yvonne stated simply.


    Without a second thought, Mrs.


    Gonzalez raised her hand and pped Matthew hard across the face You blind fool you have a


    wonderful girl like Yvonne and you don''t know how to cherish her. One day, you''ll regret this."


    Matthew''s cheek stung from the force of the blow, but he remained silent.


    En suffocated him


    Queena, however, shielded him protectively. Mrs. Gonzalez, you''ve misunderstood! It''s all Yvonne''s fault. She pulled Matthew into the water and early Suffocated him and she ruined your birthday party. I''m her sister; I''ll apologize to you on her behalf."


    She yed the part perfectly—fiercely protective of Matthew, yet heartbroken by her sister''s actions.