"So you brought me here just to meet this desperate little tramp? You're not even fully recovered yet! Wow, incredible! If you get sick again, don't call my name!" Sandra crossed her arms, glaring at Kayla. That shameless woman!
Sandra had been genuinely happy when Lukas invited her on this beach trip—a chance to unwind and relax. But once she realized his real, sneaky reason, disappointment consumed her.
"No, there are a lot of people here. Look, there's Thomas, Maxim, Chacha—we all planned this beach day together."
"Ooooh, the handsome doctor is here! Thomas!" Sandra squealed and ran toward Lukas's friends, who were playing at the shoreline.
If Lukas wanted to get cozy with his ex, then Sandra would do the same—with Thomas. Fair game, right?
Lukas suddenly felt uneasy watching Sandra approach Thomas and act overly friendly. They even splashed each other playfully, like a scene from a romantic movie.
"Finally, we get to meet like this!" Kayla wrapped her arms around Lukas, surprising him as he zoned out.
"Hmm."
"Why so down? You don't want to see me? Was this a bad idea? This was the only way we could meet without your parents finding out. Right?"
"You're right." Lukas gently patted her head, but his eyes remained fixed on Sandra—who was busy flirting with another man.
"I'm starving. Let's eat." Kayla leaned on his arm sweetly.
"Let's play first before we eat! Come on!" Lukas interrupted her and dragged her toward the group at the beach.
When they arrived, Lukas immediately scooped water from a small bucket and poured it over Sandra.
"Lukas!" she screamed in frustration as he laughed heartily. Sandra grabbed another bucket and chased him across the beach, returning the splash with full force.
"Whoa! What a rare sight!" Chacha clung to her boyfriend Maxim's arm, shocked. "Since when did they become this close? Isn't Sandra usually holed up in the villa?"
"You don't know? Sandra's changed," Maxim replied.
"Yeah, she's changed a lot!" Thomas added, watching the couple chasing each other, getting farther from the group.
"Bastard!"
Everyone froze when they noticed Kayla nearby. Chacha nudged Maxim and quietly led him away, uncomfortable with the tension. Everyone knew about Kayla's past with Lukas.
"Maybe it's time for you to move on," Thomas said to her flatly.
"You seem pretty supportive of them."
"I'm neutral. I just see things for what they are. If that married couple's growing closer, what hope do you have? Be the third wheel? Kill someone? I hope you don't go crazy just for love."
Kayla stomped away after Thomas left. She wouldn't be like this if not for her grudge. She wouldn't give up on Lukas. Her parents' revenge had to be fulfilled.
"How dare you stand in Sandra's way. I've gone too easy on you..." she muttered bitterly.
*****
Later, Lukas collapsed on the sand, panting heavily.
"That's enough, Sandra! Don't you ever get tired?"
Also out of breath, Sandra flopped beside him. The two stared at the sunset, letting their exhaustion settle.
The vast beach stretched around them, witnessing a beautiful natural display as the sun slowly dipped below the horizon. The golden rays painted the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple.
Gentle waves rolled ashore, creating a soothing rhythm. The palm trees swayed gently, casting cool, comforting shadows.
"My clothes are soaked because of you!" Sandra grumbled. "Are you seventeen or something? So childish!"
She glanced at Lukas, who remained silent instead of snarking back like he usually did. Concerned, she sat up to get a better look.
"What's wrong with you?" She checked his forehead—it was burning hot. Sandra sighed in frustration. Of course his fever was back. She told him this morning he wasn't fully recovered. Yet he insisted on seeing his ex. Stupid man.
"Go ask Kayla to take care of you. Isn't that why we came here? I'm freezing too, you know!" Sandra stood and turned to leave, ignoring the shivering man behind her.
"San, my head's spinning... don't leave me alone." Lukas pleaded in a hoarse voice.
"Who said I'm leaving you? I'm going to get your precious ex! You went out of your way to see her even when you're sick!"
"Sandra!" A voice called from behind. Kayla rushed over and helped Lukas, who had collapsed.
"Perfect. I'll head back to the villa. Enjoy your time together. That was the plan, wasn't it?" Sandra said coldly, walking away quickly. Her chest ached at the realization: Lukas had brought her here to see Kayla.
Had she... gotten too attached? Had living as "Sandra" for almost a month made her weak and sentimental?
No way... I'm not falling in love with that jerk. I'm not jealous... right?
As she rushed along the beach, she accidentally bumped into something—or someone—solid. Looking up, her eyes met a stranger's.
"Sorry..." Sandra murmured.
"No worries," the man replied with a warm smile.
"You're crying. Are you alone?" He glanced around, trying to see if someone was with her. "Want me to walk you back?"
"That's not necessary." Sandra forced a smile.
"I'm Arhan." He held out his hand. Sandra hesitated before shaking it and saying her name.
So this was Sandra, Arhan thought. She really was pretty. No wonder his sister kept failing to get rid of her. Kayla clearly underestimated this woman.
"I don't need help. Thanks for your concern." Sandra took off, leaving Arhan standing there, arms crossed, watching her retreat toward the villa.
He smirked and nodded slowly. Meeting her only confirmed it: this woman would be easy to manipulate. Especially if Kayla's stories were true.
No matter how strong she seems now, it's just a mask to hide her pain. She couldn't even fight Lukas properly—what a weakling. And Kayla couldn't handle her? Pathetic.
Arhan turned and made his way back to his own villa. This was going to be fun. If he could get Sandra to admire—or even love—him, things would get interesting.
After all, Lukas and Sandra didn't love each other. Their marriage was forced, right?
And from what he knew, Emilio's family had entrusted Sandra with a lot of power because of an old debt. So through Sandra... he could take everything they had.
And hey, having a wife that pretty wouldn't be so bad, either.