Beneath The Surface
The distant hum of the anniversary celebration echoed through the marble halls of the Reeve Hotel as Elara stepped out into the open air. The swimming area was empty-serene. Pale lights shimmered across the water's surface, casting ghostly ripples on the tiled floor. She welcomed the solitude. Tonight had been too much-too many eyes,too many whispers,too many expectations cloaked in fake smiles.
She stood by the pool's edge, her hands resting on the cold railing staring at the water. It felt like a different world out here, one where no one asked about contracts or heirs or family legacies.
"Running away again?" came a sharp voice behind her.
Elara turned slowly. Vivienne approached in a fitted burgundy dress, eyes cold, shoulders squared with purpose.
"I neededair," Elara said calmly.
Vivienne's heels clicked with each step as she closed the distance. "Funny. You always seem to need air the second things are difficult."
Elara didn't rise to the bait. "You followed me."
"I did," Vivienne said coolly. "Because I needed to say a few things-away from the champagne, and the cameras,and Killian."
Elara's gaze sharpened. "Then say them."
Vivienne crossed her arms. "Let's not pretend, Elara. You don't belong in his world. You're a contract wrapped in scandal and tied with a baby bow. Is that how you trap powerful men? By letting yourself get knocked up."
The insult rolled off Elara's shoulders. Her voice remained steady. "You should be more worried about your partnership deal than my uterus."
Vivienne stepped closer, venom in her tone. "Do you know what you're risking just by being near him? The Reeve name doesn't tolerate accidents. When they're done using you, they'll toss you out like a bad headline."
"I know," Elara said softly. "I never expected this to last forever. But I'm here now. And I won't leave because you threatened."
Vivienne's eyes narrowed, and her lips twitched with fury. "Threatened?" She laughed bitterly. "By you?"
Elara turned away, done with the confrontation.
But Vivienne reached out and grabbed her arm. "Don't you dare turn your back on me."
Instinctively, Elara yanked her arm free-sharply.
Vivienne lost her balance, her heel slipping on the slick tile.
There was a splash.
Elara gasped as Vivienne hit the water, her scream muffled beneath the sudden, violent splash. For a moment, everything was frozen-the ripples spreading outward, Vivienne's arms flailing.
Then-
"Vivienne!"Killian's voice shouted from behind. She turned to see him sprinting toward them, jacket already discarded.
Without a second thought, he dove in.
Vivienne was choking,eyes wide in panic, her arms desperately seeking something to hold on to. Killian reached her in seconds, his movements precise but urgent. He pulled her close, guiding her to the shallow end with strong strokes.
When they reached the edge, hotel staff had already arrived with towels. Killian helped Vivienne out of the pool, her entire body trembling.
"She has aquaphobia," one of the staff muttered.
Elara stood still, stunned, heart pounding. Killian looked up at her- just briefly. His eyes didn't hold anger, just a storm of questions he wouldn't ask here.
Vivienne was helped to a chair, her soaked dress clinging to her skin as she coughed and gasped for breath, clinging to Killian's arm.
"Elara- what happened?" One of the family members asked.
She spoke quietly, evenly. "She slipped."
Vivienne looked up at her then, eyes wide and shaking. But Elara said no more.
And just like that, the illusion of calm had shattered.