Oscar leaned against the warm tiled edge of the community pool, letting the ambient sound of splashing water and distant laughter blur into background noise. His dark eyes flicked casually across the crowded deck until they caught on a familiar silhouette lounging near the deep end.

It took him a second glance to register who it was. Time had completely erased the hesitant, quiet girl who had once burst into tears under the weight of his harsh, unyielding stare years ago. Sitting there now was a confident woman, entirely unbothered by her surroundings. A faint, amused smirk tugged at the corner of Oscar's mouth as he pushed himself out of the water, droplets cascading off his shoulders onto the hot concrete.

Walking over with a slow, deliberate stride, he closed the distance between them and leaned casually against the side of her lounge chair, casting a shadow over her.

"¿Qué passa, chiquita? Ya no me tienes miedo, ¿eh?" he asked, his voice low and dripping with familiar arrogance.