ZENDAYAH SHANE'S POV

I found myself comfortably seated on a plush sofa, sipping on a glass of rich red wine while immersed in the captivating melodies emanating from the speakers. The luxurious yacht we were aboard glided through the open waters, surrounded by the vast expanse of the ocean. It was a special occasion, a celebration for Sheena's 19th birthday, and my closest friends were there to revel in the festivities alongside me.

Lost in my thoughts, I was roused by a gentle tap on my shoulder. Turning towards the source, I discovered my boyfriend, Lois Zamora, standing beside me. We had been dating for three wonderful months.

"Babe, are you alright? Why are you sitting here all by yourself? Don't you want to mingle with your friends?" he inquired, settling down next to me.

I shook my head in response and elucidated, "It's not that I don't want to bond with them. I'm genuinely enjoying myself, observing their joyful dancing and revelry in front of me."

Understanding my sentiment, he nodded and continued, "Well, if you prefer not to join them..."

With a graceful gesture, he extended his hand, leaving me intrigued. "What's this?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.

A mischievous grin played across his lips as he replied, "... May I have the honor of dancing with my girlfriend?"

A delightful surge of excitement coursed through my veins. Without a moment's hesitation, I accepted his outstretched hand and accompanied him to the center where our friends were swaying to the rhythm. I couldn't deny him; after all, he was not just my boyfriend but also the person I loved more than words could express.

He took hold of both my hands, placing them gently upon his shoulder, and I gazed at him with an affectionate smile. In response, he positioned his hand firmly around my waist, and we began to move in harmony, our bodies entwined in a seamless dance.

The joyful cheers and delighted squeals of our friends filled the air.

"Woohoo~ Lovebirds!" exclaimed Cindy.

"Wow, look at our fierce queen. I can't help but feel a tinge of envy," remarked Sheena playfully.

"Why does my bestie have a dance partner?" teased Ellaine.

"..." Valerie remained silent, her expression speaking volumes.

With an amused smile, I merely shrugged off their comments, choosing to focus solely on Lois, savoring the moment we shared.

"I feel incredibly fortunate to be dancing with you, babe," he began, his voice filled with genuine warmth.

"Why is that? Don't you want to dance with me?" I teased, a playful glint in my eyes.

His laughter filled the air, a beautiful melody that resonated within my heart.

"Of course, that's not it. It's just that seeing you like this, radiating such beauty, fills me with immense joy. In my eyes, you are the embodiment of true beauty," he confessed, his voice brimming with sincerity. I playfully swatted his arm.

"You're such a charmer! Don't make me blush like that. You know how easily you can make me blush," I chided with a gleeful smile, his laughter mingling with mine, creating a symphony of happiness and love.

"But, I'm serious. You look beautiful now," he said.

"Okay, fine!" I admitted, feeling giddy.

Be jealous, you guys.

Silence fell between us. I simply gazed at him, captivated by his dark eyes, as if he were enticing me.

"I'm sorry," he suddenly uttered.

"Sorry? For what?" I asked, bewildered.

"Can I kiss you now?" he added.

Although I was puzzled, I nodded. We locked eyes and started leaning closer, our faces drawing near.

I felt his breath on my face, which made me secretly smile.

Just as our lips were about to meet, someone poured cold water over me and Lois, catching us both by surprise.

"What the—" I muttered, looking to see who did it.

It was Valerie.

She held a wine glass filled with cold water.

"Valerie? What's your problem?!" I exclaimed irritably.

I looked down at my soaking wet clothes.

Cindy, Sheena, and Ellaine were also shocked by what Valerie did to me.

"You! You're the problem," she pointed at me, which left me puzzled.

Me? I'm the problem?

I looked into her eyes and saw...

Jealousy?

W-wait, what? Jealous?

Why would she be jealous?

"What do you mean, Val?" I asked, taken aback.

Her forehead furrowed. She was furious, and I could tell.

It was the first time I had seen her so angry, her face contorted in rage.

"I don't want this anymore!! I DON'T WANT THIS!! FVCK!!" she shouted.

"Is it my fault?! Why did you suddenly pour cold water on us?!" I snapped.

She looked at me and said, "It's a bet..."

"W-what?" I stammered, slightly confused.

Because I didn't understand what they were saying. It's a bet...?

What bet?

"IT'S A BET! LOIS DOESN'T LOVE YOU! IT'S ALL A GAME!" she explained angrily.

"What? That's not true! Lois—" I glanced at Lois, who was standing in front of us, head down.

And then, after that, I saw him smirk, which made my knees weak.

He grinned mischievously and raised his head to look at me and Valerie.

"Ow~ fvck! Why did you tell her, LOVE?" he said softly, looking at Valerie.

W-what...?

I couldn't say anything. Lois approached Valerie and kissed her on the lips. It was a brief touch, and then he looked at me, smiling.

"Yup~! It's a bet. I'm sorry for hurting you like this, Zen. The truth is, we had a bet with Valerie," he explained.

Tears started streaming down my face. It felt like my heart was being squeezed as I watched them holding hands and grinning at me.

I felt betrayed by my friend and ex-boyfriend.

"What the h3ll? Val? Do you know what you're doing?" Cindy exclaimed.

"We've explained everything, Cin. It can't be undone," Valerie said.

I was overwhelmed...

It hurt so much...

After that, I ran outside the yacht and let out all the pain I was feeling. Sheena called out to me, but I ignored her and kept running.

I loved him, and this is what I got? IT WAS JUST A GAME FOR HIM AND VALERIE!

They played with both of us! Him and Valerie!

I clung to the glass fence of the yacht, feeling dizzy.

W-wait... Have I had too much to drink?

As far as I remember, I only had two glasses of red wine. Why am I feeling dizzy?

I closed my eyes as dizziness overwhelmed me.

Is this the end? Am I going to die without getting revenge on those who hurt me?

I regret it...

I regret loving that fcking moron.

And that btch too! I regret ever meeting them! THOSE TWO GUYS!

Please...

Don't let it end yet...

I don't want to... to d-die...

Those were my last whispered words to myself before the terrifying darkness swallowed me whole.