A few minutes later, Mia stepped away from the group and walked over to the pool.
She simply needed to breathe for a moment.
The music, the conversations, and the stares were starting to give her a headache.
She leaned against the railing.
"You seem to enjoy being alone a lot."
Mia turned around.
Lara.
"I just wanted some air."
"Of course."
Lara stepped closer.
"You know, Mia, you should maybe think about your situation."
Mia sighed.
"I don't want to argue with you."
"Neither do I."
Lara smiled.
"I even came to talk to you nicely."
"Then talk."
"You know perfectly well that Cid and I have a history."
"Yes."
"A long history."
"I know."
"And despite that, you keep inserting yourself into his life."
Mia stared at her.
"I'm not inserting myself anywhere. Cid is old enough to decide who he wants to spend his time with."
Lara's smile faded slightly.
"You've become quite sure of yourself."
"I've simply learned not to meddle in things that don't concern me."
Lara moved even closer.
"Be careful, Mia."
"Of what?"
"Of thinking that Cid belongs to you."
Mia remained perfectly calm.
"I never said that."
She turned away.
"And I don't plan on having this conversation with you."
Lara watched her walk away.
Then she noticed something behind Mia.
Cid and Julian were coming back toward the pool.
An almost imperceptible smile appeared on her face.
She moved closer to the edge.
Mia was still a few meters away.
Lara looked at Cid.
Then at Mia.
Then back at Cid.
And suddenly—
Splash!
Lara fell into the pool.
"Lara!"
Cid ran toward her immediately.
"Help me!"
Cid dove in without thinking.
A few seconds later, he reached her and brought her back to the edge.
Julian approached.
"Cid!"
Cid helped Lara out of the water.
She was shaking.
"Are you okay?"
Lara coughed.
"I…"
Then her gaze landed on Mia.
"She pushed me."
Mia's eyes widened.
"What?"
"Mia pushed me into the water."
"That's not true!"
Cid looked at Mia.
"Mia…"
"I didn't touch her!"
Lara shook her head.
"Why would you lie? I was talking to her and suddenly she shoved me!"
Mia stood there, stunned.
"You're crazy!"
Cid stepped between them.
"Calm down."
Mia looked at Cid.
"Do you really think I'm capable of that?"
Lara lowered her eyes, looking as if she were holding back tears.
"I don't understand why she hates me so much…"
Cid clenched his fists.
"Mia, you were right next to her."
"Because I was talking to her!"
"Then explain to me what happened."
"I just did!"
Anger rose in Mia's voice.
"I didn't push her!"
Cid hesitated.
That hesitation was enough to wound her.
Mia looked at the glass she was still holding in her hand.
Her fingers tightened.
Crack!
The glass shattered.
Everyone fell silent.
Pieces of glass fell to the ground.
Mia looked at Cid, her eyes shining with anger and sadness.
"Fine."
"Mia…"
"I have no reason to be here."
She turned on her heel and left in a hurry.
Cid remained frozen.
Julian watched Mia go.
Lara lowered her head.
But no one saw the small, satisfied smile that formed on her lips.