Chapter 5

Kelly froze for two seconds before clapping excitedly at the dinner table. "You said it yourself, Dana! Don't regret it later and go crying to my brother again!"

Dana stood up and calmly said that she wouldn't before walking toward the stairs. She had barely stepped onto the second floor when someone yanked her wrist hard. "Dana, do you even know what you're saying?"

"Wasn't it Kelly who brought it up?" Dana looked at Gary, who was visibly tense. "If you want to do it, then do it."

"That was only for Kelly's benefit." Gary hurried to explain. "It's just for show. If I refuse, she'll make a scene again, and I..."

"It's fine." Dana nodded lightly without rebuking him. "I have no objections."

Looking at her calmness only made Gary more uneasy, and he still did not let Dana go. After a few seconds, he softened his tone and made another promise. "Just give us a little more time, okay? When Kelly's doing better, I'll go with you to resubmit our marriage paperwork, alright?"

Dana smiled. "Alright."

Only then did Gary heave a sigh of relief as he subconsciously squeezed her hand. Dana quietly pulled her hand free and headed to the guest room.

Gary lowered his hand as a sense of unease crept over his heart, but he forced it down.

After breakfast, Gary left for work.

Near noon, Dana came out to get a glass of water.

Kelly was curled up on the sofa, scrolling through her phone with Sandy beside her. Without even looking up, Kelly said, "Dana, make me an iced Americano. Cut up some watermelon too."

In the past, Dana would have done it without a word.

Today, Dana did not answer.

Kelly's face darkened. "Are you deaf? I'm talking to you!"

Sandy quickly stepped in. "Kelly, don't get mad. I'll do it."

She went into the kitchen and made a cup of instant coffee.

Dana remembered how she had ground coffee beans and brewed it fresh for two years only to be scolded for not trying hard enough. But now, Kelly accepted that cup of instant coffee with a bright smile. "Sandy is the one who really gets me."

Dana turned around, wanting to head back upstairs

Kelly stopped her again. "I'm going for a walk in the garden. Bring my parasol. And wipe my white sneakers from yesterday clean."

"You like Ms. Miller," Dana said with an even voice. "Let her do it."

Kelly was about to explode but Sandy grabbed her arm. "I'll get the umbrella. Don't let this ruin your mood."

Kelly shot Dana a hard glare. "You're coming with us too. Stop hiding in your room and slacking off."

Dana wanted to refuse, but Kelly's expression made it clear that refusing meant another outburst. She had no choice but to nod.

The three of them went out with Sandy holding the umbrella over Kelly, and Dana followed behind. When they reached the arched bridge in the garden, Sandy suddenly slipped and pitched toward Kelly.

Dana lunged on instinct, grabbing Kelly's arm and pulling her toward the safer side.

Kelly whipped around and shoved Dana hard. "Watch where you're going! Are you trying to drag me down with you?"

Dana lost her footing completely and toppled over the railing, splashing into the river. She could not swim, and she flailed her hand around in panic as she choked on mouthfuls of water.

She fought to keep her head above the surface and saw Kelly and Sandy standing at the edge of the bridge, making no move to help.

As her vision blurred, she saw them smile as they turned around and slowly walked away. She swore they were skipping with excitement…