Chapter 4

It's difficult to believe she would do such a thing in public. "I don't need you to tell me what to do," I say, my voice coming out more forceful.

She suddenly flinches, and Ivan pulls her to his arm, saying reproachfully, "Nat, she's just looking out for you. Do you have to be this harsh?"

"Tearing the invitation card is looking out for me?"

He nods. "Leave quickly and stop being embarrassing. Being headstrong does you no good. You're just an Omega; if you're caught trespassing, not only will you block your own way, but also make others look down on you."

Clearly, he will die on the hill that I and Erina have nothing to do with each other.

Thalie speaks at this moment. "Do you really want us to call the security?"

"I don't mind." Whoever they call here, I'm certain they'll end up humiliating themselves. "Call whoever you want."

"Alright," as if she'd won a bet, her eyes gleam and she waves the security forward.

She points at me and explains with conviction that I have a fake invitation card.

The security guard looks at the two of them before turning to me. "Can I see your invitation card, Miss?"

I point to the pieces on the ground. "She tears it. However, I was given a pass at the gate. I certainly didn't make my way in like a headless fly."

Thalie sneers. "Then can you explain how you get the invitation card?" She snaps. "Security, look at her. She's an Omega. People like her can only come into this respectable mansion as a companion. And guess what? She said Erina gave her the invitation card. Isn't that comical? I request you chase her out before Erina herself catches on and fires you."

I notice the look on the guard's face, and my heart sinks.

He orders, gesturing with his hand. "Since you can't present an invitation, you have to leave."

My hand tightens against the strap of my bag. "Is this the professional way to handle this?"

He doesn't respond to my question but instead firmly repeats, "Miss, please leave."

Taking a deep breath, I declare, "I want to see Erina herself."

Thalie snorts, covering her mouth. "Have some self-respect, will you?" She turns to the man. "If she isn't leaving herself, is there no other option to get her out? Or do we need to spell it for you?"

The guard's hand reaches out, trying to grab me. I quickly dodge to the side.

"Miss..." he says darkly.

Right then, a sharp voice penetrates the atmosphere. "What are you doing?! Let her go!"

Relief washes over me and I let out the breath I didn't realize I have been holding. A figure stands in front of me, and before anyone can react, her hand lashes out, delivering a loud slap against the guard's face.

The audience gasps, yet the guard only bows. "Lady Erina."

Erina Popov.

A social butterfly with wild red hair.

She points. "How dare you manhandle my important guest?!"

I don't miss the look of shock that flashes in Thalie's eyes. She quietly steps back.

Erina holds my hands, looking at me apologetically. "Nat, I'm so sorry you have to experience this. This guy will be sacked and punished accordingly."

"Thank you," I say with a smile.

It isn't her fault, after all.

Thalie murmurs, "I'm surprised you guys know each other."

Erina barely glances at her; she turns to the crowd, holding my hand. "Everyone, meet Doctor Natasha. The amazing woman who saved my life. I had a ruptured ovarian cyst that turned into internal bleeding, two other doctors misdiagnosed me. She’s the one who caught it, stabilized me, and stayed the whole night until I woke up. This is my real hero right here."

There are echoes of appreciation and claps.

I step forward and smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you all."

After the introduction, Erina leads me to a table. "I'm so excited that you made it. I thought you wouldn't come."

Erina introduces me to her personal circle, who are very polite. It's quite comforting to be around such people who don't treat me as less because of my identity.

I get up and walk to the other side of the pool, where it's quieter. I haven't been in a setting like this for a while. It feels surreal.

Until I feel someone's presence.

Turning around, my eyes darken at the sight of Thalie standing there. Her expression doesn't look right. Her fragility has faded, leaving behind a sharp-looking woman. "I underestimate you," she mutters, standing next to me.

The red drink rolls down my throat. I shoot a glance. "And you terribly overestimate yourself."

She chuckles, but it doesn't sound like she is pleased at all. "You're really different from other Omegas. Sharp-tongued, and unaware of your place."

Before I can react, she suddenly holds my wrist. "I'm sorry for—"

I plan to push her away, but somehow, I get pulled instead. The wine falls into the pool first, and before I can react, both of us follow.

The water engulfs me instantly. My dress clings to my body, heavy and dragging me down. The splash muffles everything; the music, the chatter, even Thalie’s scream. I kick frantically, panic rising in my chest.

I shoot a glance at Thalie beside me. She struggles too, but she is closer to the edge and thrashing dramatically, making it obvious she is 'in danger.'

And then I manage to see him. Ivan.

He stands at the pool’s edge, eyes widening as he assesses the situation. His eyes never land on me. Without any hesitation, he dives in.

My heart sinks.

I kick harder, ignoring the pain in my chest and the burning of my lungs. The cold pool continues to drain me faster than I expect, and everything feels heavier; my clothes, hair, and heart. As if something or someone is weighing me down.

I manage to swim to the shallow side and finally pull myself out. Water runs down my face, hair plastered to my cheeks, dress soaked.

I glance up. No one is there.

All I can see is the back of Ivan with a dripping Thalie in his arms, followed by a concerned crowd.

And me?

Left behind.