From a distance, Cedric watched in terror as the scene unfolded at the cliff's edge. He understood Vivienne's deadly intentions and Sophie's grave decision.Anxious, he stretched his arm out of the car window, honking the horn forcefully while shouting, "Sophie, don’t jump!"Hearing the horn, Sophie turned to see Cedric's car. A final bit of unease settled in her heart. Knowing he was there, Cherry should no longer be in danger."Jump, or I’ll throw her over!" Vivienne was caught off guard by Cedric's swift arrival and shoved Cherry toward the cliff’s edge.Cherry's legs dangled in the air as she cried out, "Mommy!"Sophie's heart pounded fiercely. "I’ll jump! Cherry, Mommy loves you."Resigned yet determined, she smiled faintly, ready to face her darkest fear to save her daughter."Mommy!""Sophie!"The sound of the water impact mingled with Cherry and Cedric’s cries as Sophie vanished beneath the waves.Vivienne leaned forward, watching as the dark sea enveloped Sophie's bo
Sophie could not tell if it was the lack of oxygen or Cedric's presence that made her heart, nearly stilled by fear, pound uncontrollably. She felt a sudden rush of strength.Cedric smiled and pulled her into his embrace. His almost purple lips pressed against hers, transferring the last bit of oxygen from his mouth into hers without a word.'Cedric!' Sophie's eyes widened in panic. 'What is he trying to do?'"This time, I've finally caught you," Cedric managed to mouth as the sea invaded his lungs. His grip weakened, but he held her waist tightly, using his fading strength to push her toward the surface.'No!'Sophie realized his intention, and her heart sank with dread, mirroring the fear she felt five years ago when she first faced death. Propelled by his push, her body moved toward the surface, but her spirit felt anchored in despair.'Die? I never wanted him to die! Not even in my most resentful state!'In a desperate move, she kicked hard, managing to twist her body in the
Two faint coughs cut through the cold wind, chilling Sophie to the bone. She shivered violently but was too frightened to look down, fearing the sounds were mere figments of her shocked state.It was only when the coughing resumed, accompanied by nearby gasps of shock, that she pinched her palm hard enough to draw blood. The sharp pain forced a grimace, but she stifled her cry.'He's alive! Thank goodness!'"Soph..." Cedric's voice was a soft murmur, almost like a whisper next to her ear.Sophie turned away to wipe her tears before facing him again.His vulnerability was raw, his usual strength gone, his voice garbled with water still caught in his throat.Unable to speak, Sophie watched as Cedric, despite his agony, reached out to touch her cheek tenderly with his bloodied hand. His breath was shaky as he said, "I’m sorry… Forgive my late realization… Soph, I’ve promised... in this lifetime... and even in death... I’ll never let you go."His words trailed off as the hand on her
The impact of the third slap left Sophie's arms numb and trembling. Silently, she stared at Vivienne with an icy gaze, condemning her actions.Sophie and Cedric had made mistakes five years ago, but Vivienne’s actions were unforgivable today.Those three slaps were too lenient for her!"Mrs. Carlson?" The police officers looked troubled. Although they had not felt the physical slaps, it was their oversight that had allowed Vivienne to escape and cause today’s events."If you can’t keep a better eye on her, prepare to serve your own time in prison," Sophie said coldly, her voice carrying a commanding tone.She turned away, leading Cherry to the car without a backward glance.Once inside the car, Sophie struggled to start the engine, her hands shaking.Sensing her mother's distressed state, Cherry immediately clung to her. "Mommy."Upon seeing Cherry's warmth, Sophie's composure broke, and tears streamed down her face. Today had brought her close to losing everything, her daughte
Sophie was already pushing her body to its limits and could hardly resist when she was forcefully yanked. Collapsing, her forehead smacked against the cold, unyielding wall."Enough of this nonsense!" Jeff exclaimed.Although he was concerned for his grandson’s safety, he saw Melissa’s indiscriminate behavior and immediately jabbed his cane with force. "Girl, this isn’t your fault. Get up."Jeff’s face showed pain as he watched Sophie fall. He reached out to help her up, but his old body could not bend all the way, and he struggled mid-stretch.Luckily, Matthew quickly stepped in to assist Sophie to her feet."Sophie, your mother-in-law is just worried about Cedric. Try not to respond in kind."Matthew interjected to clarify the situation, stressing that Sophie too was a victim, and Cedric had heroically risked his life for her. As parents, they should not make things harder for her."Who’s her mother-in-law?!" Melissa snapped, irritated by the label, but Jeff's severe look sile
Sophie felt an increasing weight pressing down on her as she slowly opened her swollen eyes. Initially blurred, her vision gradually cleared."Jean?""I'm here." Jeanna quickly took her hand, her presence reassuring.The Carlson family had called to inform that Sophie had fainted in the hospital, prompting her and Linda to rush over and take turns caring for her. After enduring a feverish day and night, Sophie finally woke up."Is he... awake yet?" Her mouth struggled to move, and each word felt like a crushing weight on her throat.Although she did not mention a name, Jeanna immediately understood who she was asking about. She shook her head slowly and said, "Not yet."'Cedric hasn’t woken up yet?' Sophie closed her mouth, her gaze fixed on the plain hospital ceiling. 'Cedric, why haven’t you woken up?'"Take me... to see him," she murmured, attempting to rise.Jeanna gently but firmly pushed her back down. "Look at yourself right now. Even if you want to see Cedric, you need
Matthew left the hospital with a heavy heart, driving aimlessly along the city streets.As he stopped at a red light, he noticed Naomi alone on a bench, nursing a drink with a somber expression.He parked his car quickly and approached her. "Naomi? Is it really you? I thought I was seeing things."Naomi looked up, surprise flickering across her face before she masked it. "Mr. Matthew, what a coincidence.""Yes, indeed. I haven't seen you running in the park recently. I thought you were busy with your studies. What's brought you here to drink alone?" Matthew sat beside her, his voice brimming with paternal concern.Naomi met his gaze, her eyes shaded with sadness. "I'm just not in a good mood. I broke up with my boyfriend today.""I see. You're young, and breakups are part of life. When you're my age, you'll understand that even the most heartfelt love can fade with time. True love is built slowly over the years, day by day, moment by moment. No vow can match the bond of constant
The dim lighting of the theater and Matthew's exhaustion from several sleepless nights conspired to lull him into sleep.Naomi was absorbed in the film. She glanced at him and frowned, her expression complex.The sudden brightening of the lights at the film's end startled Matthew awake. He rubbed his eyes, embarrassed. "I’m sorry, I haven’t been sleeping well lately and accidentally dozed off.""It’s okay. We came here to relax. Sometimes, sleep is the best respite," Naomi reassured him with an understanding smile as they stood to join the crowd leaving the theater."How was the rest of the movie?" he asked, trying to ease the awkwardness of having fallen asleep.Naomi played along. "It was quite touching, actually. I even shed a few tears.""That’s good to hear."As they left the theater, Matthew checked the time and noted how late it had gotten. "Time has really flown by. I should head home. And you should too. Try not to drown your sorrows in alcohol over the breakup."Upon