But he only sneered. “Then you’d better start preparing for your mother’s funeral.”
She stared at him, searching for a hint of mercy, but found nothing. The last of her love for him disintegrated right then and there.
Slowly, she stood up. Her expression was numb, her voice quiet. “Fine. I’ll do it. But you have to keep your promise. If I last ten minutes, you’ll save her.”
Without waiting for an answer, Hazel took a deep breath and dove headfirst into the pool.
Third Person's POV
The moment the icy pool water wrapped around Hazel’s body, the memory of drowning hit her like a vise tightening around her throat. Her chest burned as she fought the urge to breathe, but panic clawed at her mind until she couldn’t hold it anymore.
The second she gasped, water rushed into her mouth, flooding her lungs. She coughed, choked, and instinctively kicked upward, but she didn’t break the surface. Instead, she forced herself deeper, determined not to give up.
Her mother was still waiting. She had to last ten minutes.
Outside the pool, guests gathered at the edge, watching her desperate struggle beneath the water. Some turned away, pity and discomfort written all over their faces.