On a bridge near the Jazmín Restaurant, tensions ran high.

"Melany, please come down," Colton shouted, rushing to catch up with her. He found her precariously perched on the edge.

In her white dress, Melany's eyes were swollen and sad. Her fragile figure swayed on the railing, the roaring river a heartbeat away.

"Colton," she said, "ever since the perfume contest, I feel like your spark for me has gone out. You don't trust me anymore. You forgot about my stomach ache—like it didn't matter."

Her complexion was ghostly, as delicate as a butterfly about to fall. "I never confessed to being Scarlet Snake, and my championship was won fairly. I just wanted to make you proud. Do you know how much I wanted to be Scarlet Snake? I just want to support you, even a little. I'm always willing to."

Her voice trembled, thick with emotion. "I became so consumed by Scarlet Snake's perfumes that I lost myself in daydreams. I'm sorry I made you lose your association with the Everett Group. If I'd known Allison was Scarlet Snake, I would never have made such a foolish mistake."

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she pretended to wish him well. "At the Jazmín Restaurant, what I said was true. If you really love her, I can step aside. You're the only person I've ever loved, and I sincerely wish for your happiness."

Melany leaned further forward. "Please come down!" Colton exclaimed, his anxiety palpable. The wind threatened to blow her away. He realized she had always acted out of love for him. Guilt washed over him like a tidal wave.

"I don't care about Allison. I wanted to partner with the Everett Group to elevate our company and impress your parents. Melany, everything I do is for you, only you!" But Melany looked lost, her face pale.

"Colton, I'm doing this for you, too. Remember five years ago? I would have given my life for you. I appreciate beauty—I even got a scar on my back for you. So please don't doubt me," she pleaded, desperation etched on her features. "If not, I'd rather die."

Although Colton had ignored her stomach ache at the restaurant to hold Allison's hand, what tormented Melany most was whether she could regain his trust.

"Let's talk about this. Please don't do anything rash," Colton said, his heart lodged in his throat. With Melany teetering, every movement grated on his nerves. Overcome with guilt, he recalled the incident that intertwined their destinies.

"Five years ago, I was on the verge of death, unconscious. If you hadn't rescued me, I wouldn't be here."

That moment left a scar on Melany, a painful reminder of her love for beauty. It gnawed at Colton, filling him with anguish and guilt. From that day on, he had sworn to protect her at all costs. He no longer dared to blame her or argue. After all, if she hadn't risked her life to save him, he would have been lost.

"I may have doubted you, but leaving you was never an option. Do you know that during the years you were gone, I held on to the memory of you every midnight?" Colton's eyes sparkled.

In that dark time, his situation had been desperate. The only image he had left was of the girl who had led him through dark alleys as they fled for their lives. On the brink of death, the only person he trusted was that young girl—a memory he held dear.

Melany's eyes briefly sparkled as she formulated a strategy. The recent contest had ruined her perfect image, but if there was a first mistake, there could be a second. If she wanted his heart back Tears cascaded down her cheeks as she looked at the river. "Colton, I love you and I'm so sorry. If I die, Allison will stop blaming you, and maybe there will be a chance to fix everything."

She let go of the railing and dove into the water. The splash resounded like thunder, leaving Colton frozen in fear. Without hesitation, he shed his jacket and dove in after her, both disappearing into the icy depths.

In that last moment before losing consciousness, Melany felt strong arms wrap around her. He had won the bet. Colton wouldn't question her again. Melany thought that once she became Mrs. Stevens, she would ensure Allison would never look down on her again.