The luxurious garden party was everything Ethan had imagined. Friends laughed under the warm afternoon sun, elegant music filled the air, and long tables were covered with delicious food and sparkling drinks. It was meant to be a celebration that everyone would remember for happy reasons.
Ethan stood in the center of the party greeting his guests while his girlfriend, Sophia, chatted with friends nearby. Waiters and maids moved through the crowd, making sure every guest had everything they needed.
Among them was a quiet maid carrying a single glass on a silver tray.
No one paid much attention to her.
At the same time, an eight-year-old girl named Lily stood near the entrance. She looked nervous as she watched the maid carefully. Minutes earlier, Lily had accidentally witnessed something that made her heart race. While looking for her lost balloon, she had seen the maid pour a mysterious liquid from a tiny bottle into one specific glass before placing it back on the tray.
She had quickly recorded the moment on her phone because she knew no one would believe her.
Now she saw the maid walking directly toward Ethan.
Her heart pounded.
The maid politely held out the glass.
Ethan smiled and reached for it.
Before the glass touched his hand, Lily ran across the lawn.
"Stop!" she shouted.
Everyone turned to look at her.
"Please don't drink that!"