When I came out of the bathroom, Julian and his friends were gone.

I cleaned up the living room and sat on the sofa, looking around the house we had shared for three years. It felt like a stranger's home.

Three years ago, I fell for Julian at first sight during a university event. I chased him relentlessly.

It was only after his friend, Chloe Summers, put in a good word for me that he finally agreed to give us a try.

That "try" lasted three years.

Over time, he became gentler, whispered sweet nothings in my ear, and even planned special, romantic moments.

I never imagined it was all an act. I was just a pawn in his game to win Chloe's heart.

I lay in bed and shakily pulled out my phone, scheduling the appointment to end the pregnancy.

Sometime later, Julian came to bed after his shower. He wrapped his arms around me from behind, just like he always did.

I used to love this romantic, tender side of him. But tonight, it just made my stomach turn.

"Flora, thanks for rushing back for me today. It really made me look good in front of the guys. I knew you loved me the most."

He kissed my hair and nuzzled into my neck, his voice syrupy sweet. "Love you."

This was Julian's classic move.

Hurt me, then patch it up with a sweet gesture.

Just like tonight.

And just like the night he left me in the snow for three hours. When he finally showed up, he wrapped his scarf around my neck, his eyes full of guilt as he fussed over me. It was so convincing I never once suspected a thing between him and Chloe.

I scoffed silently, then turned over, slipping out of his embrace. "Let's just get some sleep," I said flatly.

He hummed in agreement, his tone suddenly brightening.

"Chloe won the championship! She's throwing a party to celebrate tomorrow. We should go together."

I managed a weak smile, feeling drained. "Okay."

For years, she was always my runner-up.

Now that she'd finally won, I suppose a celebration was in order.

I just didn't expect her celebration to involve me performing a dance for her guests... in a swimming pool.

Chloe and Julian's friends pulled me to the edge of the pool. Their words were a request, but their tone was a command.

"Flora, we've heard your water dancing is legendary. Come on, show us what you've got!"

It was already turning winter, and the water in the outdoor pool would be bone-chilling.

I looked at Julian for help, but he just glanced away, pretending not to notice.

"I can't..."

Before I could finish, they shoved me hard into the pool.

I plunged into the water, sputtering and choking as I went under. It was humiliating.

Julian's friends erupted in laughter, treating me like a circus clown.

The cold seeped into my bones, and I shivered uncontrollably. I scrambled toward the edge to climb out, but Chloe blocked my path, holding a bucket.

"I brought some fish to dance with you. It'll be a beautiful sight."

With a sickening smile, she dumped the contents of the bucket into the water right in front of me.

They were piranhas. I recognized them instantly.

The fish swarmed, their sharp teeth glinting as they darted toward me. I swam away in a blind panic, screaming for Julian.

"Julian, help me! They're piranhas! They're going to eat me!"

Julian's face went pale, and he started to move, but Chloe stopped him, giggling.

"They're just regular fish. She's being so dramatic."

"She's always making things up. Just a minute ago she said the water was too cold, but look how fast she's swimming now!"

A wave of triumphant laughter washed over the deck. Prank number 998 was a success.

A sharp, agonizing pain shot through me. I could only look on in horror as I tried to find a way out myself.

Then, a searing pain exploded in my side. A piranha had latched on.

Its teeth were like razors, tearing through my clothes and sinking into my flesh. Blood bloomed in the water around my waist.

The scent of blood drove the other piranhas into a frenzy, and they converged on me.

Finally, someone shouted, "Oh my god, they're real piranhas! Help her! This isn't a joke anymore, she could die!"

Julian finally threw Chloe's hand off him and pulled me from the water. "Flora, are you okay? You scared me to death."

I ignored his fake concern. The icy water made me tremble, and my body ached from the bites.

Tears mixed with pool water as they streamed down my face. "Julian," I shivered, "why would you do this to me?"

He held me tight, his eyes red with a mixture of guilt and panic.

"I just... I didn't think they were real piranhas."

Just before I blacked out, I heard Julian yelling at Chloe, his voice cracking with rage.

"A prank is a prank, but how could you risk her life like that!"

Was he... actually worried about me?