Before I could process the bitter memory, a nearby raft lost control and collided violently with ours, snapping me back to the present.
It was too late to react. The impact rocked our raft so hard, and I was about to pull Yves to steady myself, but someone grabbed my arm instead.
Before I could respond, I was yanked off balance and plunged into the stream with a loud splash.
The icy water filled my mouth and throat, leaving me gasping for air as I struggled frantically.
In the haze of my panic, I caught a glimpse of Jason jumping off the raft.
For a brief moment, hope flickered in my heart as I waved my arms, desperate for him to notice me.
But I watched, with crushing clarity, as he swam straight past me without hesitation—to save Shairine.
Zoey, what are you still hoping for?
I wanted to laugh at myself but couldn’t even muster the strength.
Thankfully, Yves reached me in time and pulled me back to shore.
As I caught my breath, still trembling from the ordeal, he suddenly said, “The confession setup is ready. Let’s go watch the show.”
He grabbed my hand and led me to the grass field.