My Swimming Coach Boyfriend Left Me to Die at the Bottom of the Sea

I don't know how long it had been, but when I woke up again, I found myself floating in the air, in a transparent state.

In the hospital, Ethan sat with his head bowed, carefully blowing on a bowl of seafood porridge before feeding it to my "best friend," Sophie.

I sat at the edge of the bed, watching everything unfold with cold detachment. A strange bitterness filled my heart as I instinctively reached for my tears, only to realize that I was already dead.

Outside, thunder rumbled and rain battered against the glass like frantic moths drawn to a flame, adding to my growing irritation.

Yet they seemed oblivious to the storm, gazing at each other with deep affection.

They were sweet and loving, like a devoted couple, completely unaware of my existence or suffering.

It was only in death that I discovered my so-called best friend had feelings for my boyfriend!

"Sophie, I added extra ginger to the seafood porridge for you," Ethan said, his eyes sparkling as he looked up at her.

Ethan's gaze was filled with such tenderness that it nearly drowned me. I should have noticed earlier—his indifference toward me had started when he began casually probing into Sophie's habits.

Sophie was my college roommate who often skipped classes and failed exams.

After graduation, she struggled to find a job while her family pressured her into blind dates.

She would call me in tears, and out of sympathy, I invited her to live with me and Ethan.

We weren't wealthy; we rented a small one-bedroom apartment.

When I discussed this with Ethan, I worried he might be upset. To my surprise, he welcomed Sophie with open arms and praised my kindness.

Sophie hugged me tightly, calling me loyal. In that moment, I felt like the happiest person alive—blessed with an understanding boyfriend and a caring friend.

But little did I know that this act of kindness would lead Ethan to abandon me... even to the point of sending me to my demise.

"Ethan, I'm a bit scared; can I lean on your shoulder?" Sophie blinked her big doe eyes at him.

"I thought I was going to die out there—the wind was fierce, the rain relentless—I swallowed so much seawater."

Tears welled up in her eyes, clinging to her lashes in a pitiful display.

"Thank goodness... you saved me, Ethan. When I saw you swimming toward me, I thought maybe this drifting soul finally had someone to rely on..."

Ethan's heart melted at her words; he pulled her into an embrace and whispered soothingly, "Sophie, don't be afraid. You suffered alone before without anyone to shelter you; now I'm here. I'll always protect you."

Hearing Ethan's promise felt like a cruel joke.

He had once told me he loved independent women—those who could stand strong like a flourishing tree and inspire him with their vitality.

How had things changed so drastically?

Sophie sighed and gently pulled away from Ethan's embrace, biting her lip in false bravado. "Well, you're Emma's boyfriend... If only we could meet sooner in another life."

She looked as innocent as a delicate flower about to fall from its stem—an appearance that made anyone want to protect her.

This was her forte; it was what Ethan adored most about her.

After moving in with us, Sophie often used her mental health struggles as an excuse to shirk household responsibilities.

The only chore she consistently did was laundry for Ethan—even when she was sick and feverish.

When she first moved in, she promised to handle everything at home so that Ethan and I could focus on our jobs without worry.

She tearfully explained, "Emma, I'm so grateful for you and Ethan letting me stay here. But since Ethan is technically a stranger to me, even if he doesn't show it outwardly, living together for too long might affect your relationship. If I do more around here, it will prevent any resentment from building up."

Her words touched me deeply.

So even when Ethan caught Sophie washing clothes while sick and scolded me harshly for it, I chose not to argue out of respect for Sophie's pride.

But soon enough, she began crossing boundaries.

Her focus was solely on Ethan—caring for him meticulously while neglecting everything else around her.