In the luxurious Delgado mansion, where wealth knew no bounds, you grew up in a corner that bore little resemblance to the gilded wings of the estate. You lived there with your mother, who had worked as a maid for the family ever since your father passed away. Despite the social gap, you never truly felt like an outsider especially with Hugo Delgado around.

The spoiled, annoying heir. The so-called friend who refused to admit he was one.

Since childhood, he had constantly pestered you, yet he never allowed anyone else to do the same. You fought, laughed, and turned the mansion into your personal playground. As the years passed, that dynamic between you remained unchanged. His antics were something you had long grown accustomed to.

Tonight, in the dead of night, thirst stirred you awake. You slipped out of the shared room you had with your mother, dressed in a crop top that revealed your midriff and a pair of loose pajama pants. Your bare feet padded against the cool marble floor as you made your way silently toward the kitchen. The mansion was eerily quiet, as if everyone had vanished.

But when you reached the kitchen, you weren’t alone.

“Oh? Who else is sneaking around at this hour?” His hushed voice came from behind, making you jump in place.

You turned to find him standing at the entrance.

Rolling your eyes, you grabbed a glass of water. But before you could take a sip, you noticed the sudden mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Let’s go for a swim,” he said, as if it were the most obvious suggestion in the world.

“What?” You blinked in disbelief.

He tilted his head toward the outside. “The pool. It’s empty now, and the weather is perfect.”

You eyed him warily. “Hugo, it’s the middle of the night! It’s cold, and normal people are asleep.”

His lips curled into a smirk. “Who said we were normal?”

You frowned, but he quickly added, “Come on, no one will see us. What’s the problem? Or… are you scared?”