"You’re quite bold for someone in your position."the short haired woman said.

Instinctively, I took a step back.

The lake rippled behind me.

A chill ran down my spine.

"Stay back," I warned.

But they didn’t.

"Or what?" the tall woman mocked, reaching out as if to grab me.

It happened too fast.

I tried to pull away, but the short-haired woman shoved me—harder than she intended.

For a split second, everything froze.

My heart stopped.

Then—

Splash.

The cold hit me like a shock.

Water swallowed me whole.

I couldn’t breathe.

I couldn’t think.

Panic exploded in my chest as I flailed, my body sinking immediately. I tried to scream, but water rushed into my mouth. My limbs felt heavy, useless.

I couldn’t swim.

I couldn’t swim.

My hands broke through the surface for a brief second before slipping under again.

Above me, I could hear faint, frantic voices.

"I—I didn’t mean—!" one of them stammered.

"You pushed her!" the other shouted.

"You came at her too!"

"Do something!"

"You do something!"

"I can’t swim!"

"Neither can I!"

Their voices blurred together as the water dragged me down.

My chest burned.

My vision blurred.

"Help... somebody help!" one of them screamed. "Nora, go get help!"

Everything was fading.

The last thing I felt was the cold pulling me deeper... and the terrifying realization that I might not make it out.

The last thing I saw was someone in a uniform rushing toward the lake... then strong arms pulling me out of the water.

Darkness followed.

When I finally opened my eyes, I was back in our room at the lake house.

Blurred faces surrounded me, their expressions filled with worry. A gentle hand touched my forehead, and that was when I noticed Dr. Jake Harrison standing beside the bed. I recognized him instantly—he was the family doctor.

"You’re awake... thank goodness," Nana said, her voice trembling slightly as she sat at the edge of the bed, holding my hand tightly.

"What... happened?" I managed to ask, my throat dry and weak.

Uncle Steve, who stood nearby with his wife and daughter, answered calmly, "A staff member spotted some ladies by the lake. By the time he got there, you were already unconscious."

"Those ladies—" I tried to explain, panic rising in my chest.

"It’s alright," Nana interrupted gently. "The staff member saw everything... including how they pushed you. They managed to escape, but we’ve informed the police. They’ll be caught."

Her words washed over me, but instead of relief, something else hit me.

My baby.

My hand moved instinctively to my abdomen as fear gripped me. I turned toward the doctor, who was already watching me closely. Our eyes met, and without a word, he understood.

"The patient needs rest," he said firmly. "She shouldn’t be talking. Please, give us a moment."

Nana hesitated, clearly unwilling to leave. I squeezed her hand softly.

"It’s okay, Nana... I don’t want to ruin your celebration. I’ll be fine."

"Don’t say that how wouldn’t I be worried about you?"I looked at her with pleading eyes and then she sighed "Are you sure?" she asked, worry still evident in her eyes.

"Yes... please don’t worry."

Reluctantly, she stood. Before leaving, she turned to the doctor. "If you need anything, just inform me immediately."

"I will," he replied with a nod.

Once they left, the room fell into a quiet silence.

I turned to him immediately, my voice barely above a whisper. "My baby..."

"It’s fine, Alicia," he said gently. "But you need to be more careful, just as I told you before."

At that moment, the tightness in my chest eased, and I let out a shaky breath.

Dr. Jake was the one who had confirmed my pregnancy—back when Alexander was away on his trip. I had wanted us to share the news together with Nana when he returned... but everything had changed.