He Died So She Could Live

Chapter 6 He Broke What She Couldn't Let Go

The waves crashed violently against Selene's body. Only then did she realize neither of them could swim. Seawater rushed into her throat, triggering violent coughing. Even her lungs began to ache.

With a sudden splash, a familiar figure plunged into the water. She froze, her mind pulled back to the past, to the time when they had just started dating and she had fallen into the water once before.

Adrian had jumped in without hesitation, his eyes red with panic, ignoring the fact that he was already sick with a fever. The lake had been freezing, yet he had still rushed in to save her. After making sure she was safe, he had fallen seriously ill that very night, burning with fever and shivering from the cold.

Seeing how guilty and heartbroken she looked, he had only sighed softly and wiped away the tears at the corner of her eyes. "Selene, you matter more to me than my own life."

That was the first time she realized how deeply he loved her. But now would he still save her? She had no certainty at all.

Water flooded her throat and ears. Her consciousness began to blur. Even her struggling hands grew weaker.

At the last moment, she saw that figure approaching her, only for him to suddenly turn away and swim toward Vivian instead.

Selene was rescued by staff who arrived too late. Her body trembled as she looked at Adrian, who was anxiously checking on Vivian, his concern unmistakable. Her hand clenched instinctively.

At that moment, Adrian seemed to sense something and turned his head. His gaze fell on the simple ring clenched tightly in her hand.

A flicker passed through his eyes. His expression turned complicated, and he spoke almost without thinking. "Selene… why are you still keeping that ring?"

His voice trembled slightly, and there was a faint, hidden expectation in his eyes. But Selene only paused for a moment, her expression calm as ever.

She lifted the ring slightly, her lips parting. "This one? It's just a plain ring. Nothing special about the material… but I can still sell it for some money."

At her words, Adrian was completely provoked. The expectation in his eyes vanished instantly, reduced to ashes. His eyes reddened as he stared at the ring.

Back then, to buy that ring, he had worked day and night, even injuring his arm when it was struck by steel bars.

She had cried so hard her eyes turned red, holding out her hand for him to put it on her finger, then leaned in with bright eyes and kissed him.

She had once called it the best gift she had ever received, but it had all been a lie. Selene had only ever loved money.

Adrian's expression darkened, his eyes stormy with suppressed rage. He stepped forward, then crouched down in front of her, his voice hoarse.

"Selene… you really are heartless."

Silence fell between them. He stared at her, waiting, but she gave nothing, no explanation, no panic, no anger, as if none of it had anything to do with her.

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes briefly, the corner of his lips lifting in a self-mocking curve, as if he had finally accepted it. When he opened his eyes again, there was only disappointment left.

He snatched the ring from her hand, snapped it in half, and tossed it aside. Then he stood up, lifted Vivian into his arms, and walked away from the deck without looking back.

Selene watched their retreating figures, pressing her lips together as she slowly got to her feet. She looked down at her empty palm, her chest tight and suffocating. Under the cold sea wind, she searched the deck all night for the broken pieces of the ring.