Chapter 3 The swimming center was quiet that weekend , with only a few people around . Evelyn stood by the edge of the pool , watching as Matthew walked over holding the baby in his arms . " We've got a new coach today , " Matthew said casually , though his eyes briefly scanned her face . " The one from before took some time off . " Evelyn nodded without saying a word . The new coach wore a swimsuit and a large pair of goggles that covered most of her face , but that familiar dimple and slender figure gave her away instantly . It was Lila . Evelyn lowered her eyes , a silent , bitter smile tugging at the corner of her lips . But she said nothing , pretending not to notice anything at all . " Kent's been fussy in the water lately . You stay nearby . " Matthew added , handing the baby to the coach . His tone held a subtle hint of probing . " Evelyn , why are you so quiet ? " " Whatever you say , " she replied flatly . Evelyn turned and walked toward the side of the pool , intending to rest for a while . But just as she was about to sit down , she felt a sudden , forceful push from behind . Caught completely off guard , she stumbled forward and fell headfirst into the water with a loud splash . Water rushed into her nose and mouth . Panic surged through her as she thrashed instinctively , flailing her arms , trying to scream but choking instead . " Mat ... thew ... help ... " " Evelyn ! " Matthew's face turned pale as he stepped forward , ready to jump in . But Lila grabbed his arm and shook her head firmly . " Matthew , you stay with the baby ! I'll get her ! " Without waiting for a reply , she dove straight into the water and swam toward Evelyn . Evelyn , barely conscious , felt someone grasp her arm . But instead of pulling her the used the cover of the swirling water to forcefully push her down deeper . up , person The survival instinct in her exploded . She fought back with all her strength , clawing at the attacker's arm until her nails dug in and left bloody scratches . But the other person pressed down harder , holding her beneath the surface until her lungs burned 3.204 and her vision blurred . Only when she was on the brink of blacking out did the pressure finally release , and she was dragged up to the edge . Evelyn collapsed onto the ground , eyes shut tight , appearing completely unconscious . Matthew rushed over , but the moment he saw the scratches on Lila's arm , he hesitated . " You're hurt ? " he asked , his brow creasing , concern flooding his voice . Lila's eyes glistened with tears , but she forced a small shake of her head . " It's nothing ... Evelyn was just panicking . She didn't mean it ... she just grabbed me too hard ... " Her voice trembled as she spoke , laced with grievance . " I just ... I'm worried it'll leave a scar ... " " I don't have much time left , and I just want to leave the world looking beautiful ... " Matthew's expression darkened . He glanced back at the unconscious Evelyn , but instead of moving toward her , he knelt beside Lila , gently pulling her into his arms and placing a soft kiss on her forehead . " Don't say something so unlucky , " he said firmly . " You won't have any scars . I'll take you to the best hospital and get the best treatment . " Lila leaned into his chest , softly sobbing . Evelyn lay motionless nearby , her head spinning and her vision hazy . But she heard everything they said . Her stomach turned , and she coughed violently , unable to hold it in any longer . Only then did Matthew seem to remember her presence . He quickly released Lila and turned toward Evelyn , helping her up with urgency . " Evelyn , are you alright ? Are you hurt anywhere? " he asked , his voice full of concern , as if he hadn't just been cradling another woman . Evelyn closed her eyes for a moment and forced out a response . " ... I'm fine . " " No , you need to get checked out . " Without waiting for her consent , he lifted her in his arms . " We're going to the hospital . " He turned to Lila . " Bring the baby and come with us . " Lila nodded obediently and followed behind them , holding Kent in her arms . Chapter 3 2.38 % Evelyn leaned against Matthew's chest , listening to the steady beat of his heart . Moments ago , those lips had kissed Lila . Now , without the slightest change in expression , he held Evelyn like a devoted husband , playing his role to perfection . It really was disgusting . Chapter 3