Chapter 217

The ocean swallowed Vivian whole, its merciless waves dragging her under like a discarded petal. The frigid water clawed at her skin, pulling her deeper into its abyss. She had braced herself for this moment, yet when death's shadow loomed, primal terror seized her.

Her will to survive ignited like a spark in the dark.

She had imagined this scenario a hundred times—but never truly wanted it to happen.

Gritting her teeth, Vivian fought against the ropes binding her wrists. Even the faintest chance was enough to keep her struggling.

She refused to give up.

Her second life had only just begun. Ambermyst was still unfinished. She couldn’t let it end here, in this watery grave.

There were scripts left unwritten. People who still believed in her, waiting for her return.

But her strength was slipping.

Her lungs burned, her muscles failing. The ocean was winning.

A gasp tore from her lips—saltwater flooded her throat, choking her.

Her body went slack, surrendering to the depths.

The light above dimmed, swallowed by endless black.

As consciousness faded, the ropes loosened—just slightly.

But it was too late.

Her last thought was of Eleanor. Regret twisted inside her—she wouldn’t be there for her grandmother anymore.

In the sterile glow of the hospital room, Serena lay on the examination table, wires snaking from her body to the humming machines beside her. The doctor studied the flickering data before meeting Adrian’s gaze.

"Ms. Whitmore’s recovery is remarkable," he said. "The new heart is functioning well—no major complications. Though, as expected with a transplant, there may be occasional discomfort. Nothing alarming."

Adrian gave a firm nod. "Continue the current treatment plan. It’s working."

Serena offered a fragile smile as she sat up, her voice soft but edged with something unreadable. "As long as it keeps beating, I can endure a little pain."

Ethan, standing silently nearby, frowned. There was something unsettling in her words—as if she saw herself as nothing more than a vessel for the heart, not its living recipient.

Wasn’t the point of this surgery to give her a better life?

The thought lingered, unsettling him.

Darkness swallowed Vivian whole.

The ocean had claimed her.

But fate wasn’t done yet.