All Chapters of When I Sank Into the Deep Sea: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

At two in the morning, Cassian called.The background noise was chaotic, with faint sounds of clinking glasses and cheering.Clearly, the celebration party was far from over.His voice was unhurried.“Elowen, about that video in the group chat today—they were just fooling around. They’re a young crowd, and I didn’t want to ruin their mood. Don’t take it to heart.”“Yeah, I know.”“As for the scoring…”His tone softened slightly.“I know it was unfair to you. But you already won the national championship four years ago, and you’ve competed in the world tournament before. Seren is still young, and she’s always wanted this chance. Just let her have it this once.”“Cassian, let’s break up.”The other end of the line fell silent for three seconds.Then came a helpless chuckle.“Elowen, I know you were wronged today, but is it really worth bringing up a breakup over something so minor?”“I’m serious this time.”“You say that every single time, but when have you ever actually ha

I sat in the bleachers for a long time.Until the sky outside gradually darkened.My phone suddenly vibrated.It was a news push notification.“Bullying Within the National Diving Team? Controversy Over World Qualification Escalates!”I frowned slightly.I tapped into the notification.In the next second, my breath hitched.Someone had uploaded a video to the internet of me storming into the judges’ lounge yesterday.The video was blatantly edited.It cut out all context and backstory.All that remained was the footage of me with bloodshot eyes, demanding answers.“Why give me the lowest score?”“Why does it have to be Seren?”“You knew I dived better than her!”The comment section had completely spiraled out of control.“If you can’t handle losing, don’t compete!”“I used to like her, but now she really disgusts me.”“A veteran bullying a newcomer—get out of the national team!”“I heard she even planted banned drugs in the newcomer’s locker and got suspended.”“How

At six o’clock the following evening.Cassian showed up on time downstairs at the national team dormitory.Two tickets for the fireworks show lay on the console inside his car.A bouquet of white lisianthus rested on the passenger seat.It was Elowen Ashcroft’s favorite flower.At least, as far as he remembered.When he left last night.Elowen had surprisingly refrained from arguing with him.She had even agreed with his words, saying, “You’re right. I should be more sensible and give in to Seren.”Cassian assumed she had finally come to her senses.After all, over the past few years, every time a conflict arose.The person who backed down in the end was always Elowen.This time would likely be no exception.He glanced down at the time.Six-five.His phone remained quiet.Cassian dialed her number.An automated female voice answered, “The number you are trying to reach is switched off.”He frowned slightly and dialed again.Still turned off.Feeling a hint of impati

Two years later. Switzerland.The World Aquatics Annual Technical Summit.Cassian sat in the very last row of the venue.The main screen was broadcasting this year’s global youth athlete development initiative.Suddenly, the host’s voice echoed through the hall.“Next, please join us in welcoming the head of this year’s Best Youth Development Program—“Chief Technical Advisor for the International Youth Diving Team.“Elowen Ashcroft.”Thunderous applause erupted across the room.Cassian snapped his head up instantly.Under the spotlight, a familiar silhouette slowly walked onto the main stage.Dressed in a sharp black business suit, her long hair pinned up neatly, her back stood straight and tall.Her posture exuded poise and quiet composure.She was a completely different person from the girl in his memories, who always wore training gear and carried a body full of injuries.Cassian froze in utter shock.Two years.Two whole years.This was the very first time he had

The next time I heard news about Cassian was a month later.Winter comes early in Switzerland; snow had already begun to drift down by late October.I sat in my office at the training center reviewing training schedules. Outside the window lay a blanket of pure white, while the indoor heating made one feel pleasantly drowsy.My phone vibrated once.It was a text message from a reporter back home.“Coach Ashcroft, have you seen the news? Cassian Blackthorne has been banned from judging for life.”My fingers paused for a second.I tapped the link.It was a sports news story that had already climbed to the top of the trending topics.Former International Judge Cassian Blackthorne Admits Unfair Scoring Two Years Ago, Banned for Life from Refereeing Activities.The main text was brief, containing just a couple of hundred words.Former international-level diving judge Cassian Blackthorne recently submitted written materials to the Sports Commission, admitting to intentionally supp