Desperation by the Poolside

Pressing the button on her smartphone, she watched as the screen dimmed, casting a soft, ambient glow on her surroundings. The evening air was thick with a sense of calm as she strolled leisurely along the pool's edge, each step a contemplative rhythm echoing the thoughts that danced through her mind.

As the minutes passed in contemplation, her cellphone pierced the silence once more with its insistent ringing. Her gaze fixed upon the device as the caller ID revealed a name that needed no introduction – Jack.

With a hesitant breath, she decided to answer the call, slowly lifting the phone to her ear. "Hello?" Her voice, steady yet tinged with curiosity, broke the tranquility of the evening.

A deep and resonant voice answered, its tones measured and gentle, lacking any discernible emotion. "Where are you?" The question hung in the air, carrying an unspoken weight.

Georgia took a deep breath, steadying herself. "It's not important," she replied, her words carrying a hint of reluctance.

On the other end of the line, Jack paused, then probed further, his tone patient but inquisitive. "Where have you gone? Du Yue mentioned you were not in the box."

With defiance coloring her voice, she responded, "You don't need to know." It was a declaration, a small act of reclamation over her own life.

Having been denied answers twice in rapid succession, Jack's intuition told him that something was amiss. His brows furrowed, and he ventured cautiously, "Have you been drinking?"

"Absolutely not!" Her denial rang with conviction, and before he could press further, she swiftly terminated the call, not giving him a chance to probe deeper.

Frustration surged within her. The image of Jack dining with another woman, a stark reminder of his marital status, fueled her anger. In one swift motion, she powered off her phone and stuffed it into her pocket, determined to put some distance between herself and the situation.

She began to walk away, her steps faltering slightly as the effects of alcohol manifested in her unsteady gait. The world around her seemed to blur.

Then, in an unexpected turn of events, the soft, almost stealthy sound of footsteps approached from behind. Before she could react, an unseen force pushed her forcefully, causing her to stumble and then plunge into the pool.

The splash was a startling crescendo to the quiet evening. Panic washed over her as she realized her predicament – she couldn't swim!

Desperation set in as she struggled to stay afloat, her limbs heavy and uncoordinated from the alcohol. She gasped for air, each attempt to breathe a battle against the suffocating water that surrounded her.

"Help! Save me!"

At this moment, the primal instinct to survive surged within her, and Georgia fought valiantly, her face turning a shade of crimson from the effort.

Then, as if a twist of fate, a sudden "plop" resonated through the swimming pool. Moments later, she felt herself being lifted out of the water, her consciousness slipping away.

...

In the opulent private dining room, Jack sat amidst a sea of delectable dishes, his appetite nonexistent. His attention wavered from the lively conversations of senior executives as he contemplated the recent events.

Colleagues from various companies exchanged pleasantries, their laughter punctuating the air. Su Ling sat nearby, her gaze unwaveringly fixed on Jack. Sensing his unease, a fellow diner inquired with a friendly smile, "Mr. Jack, is there something amiss with the meal?"

Jack's lips parted slightly, and he replied with measured indifference, "No, I'm simply not very hungry. Please, enjoy your meal."

The guests nodded in understanding and resumed their feast and camaraderie.

Su Ling, however, continued to watch Jack closely. After a moment's pause, she poured herself a glass of wine and extended an invitation, "Mr. Jack, care to share a drink?"

Jack was about to oblige when the private dining room's door swung open abruptly. Du Yue rushed in, his face etched with concern. After acknowledging the others in the room, he hastened to Jack's side and spoke in hushed tones, "Mr. Jack, Madam has fallen into the pool."

Jack's expression darkened slightly as he demanded, "What happened?"

He had just been speaking with her on the phone. How had things taken such a drastic turn so quickly?

Du Yue explained hastily, "She accidentally fell into the swimming pool. She's safe now and in her room."

With a swift nod of acknowledgment to the guests, Jack stood up, addressing them politely. "I apologize for this interruption. Please excuse me."

The room fell into a hushed silence as Jack hurriedly made his exit, leaving behind a table laden with untouched delicacies and a lingering sense of intrigue and concern among the assembled guests.