Save Your Breath, I'm Done Drowning - Chapter 4: Chapter 4

Alyssa's bloodcurdling scream tore through the tranquil garden, shattering the peaceful evening. The startled guests flocked to the poolside, their murmurs dissolving into horrified gasps as they took in the scene.
Without missing a beat, Dillon ripped off his suit jacket and dove into the water, the violent splash sending waves rippling outward. He cut through the pool with urgent strokes, closing the distance between them in seconds.
When he reached her, he hauled Alyssa into his arms, cradling her protectively as he dragged her to the edge. Water cascaded from her soaked gown, puddling around them as she trembled against his chest.
"Alyssa! Look at me—are you hurt?" Dillon's voice was rough with panic, his hands gripping her shoulders like a lifeline. His gaze raked over her face, searching for any sign of harm.
Alyssa clung to him, her body wracked with exaggerated shivers, her eyes glistening with crocodile tears. Then, with deliberate timing, she flicked a wounded glance my way.
"Sis…" Her voice quivered, barely above a whisper. "If I upset you, you could've just said so. Why shove me in? You know I'm terrified of water…"
The crowd erupted in scandalized whispers. Before I could even inhale to defend myself, my mother charged forward, her face twisted in rage.
"Mia!" she snarled, venom dripping from every syllable. "How dare you!"
Her sudden shove sent me stumbling backward. My feet skidded on the slick tiles—
Then the water swallowed me whole.
I thrashed, choking as it flooded my mouth and nose. My limbs flailed wildly, but every movement only dragged me deeper.
I can't swim.
My lungs screamed for air, the crushing weight of the water pressing down on me. Above the surface, muffled voices and laughter swirled—but no one dove in.
Through the distorted ripples, I saw my mother standing at the edge, arms crossed, her lips curled in disgust.
"Cut the act, Mia," she sneered. "No one's buying it. You've been a curse on this family since the day you were born. First, you let Alyssa get kidnapped—now you try to drown her? I should've never brought you into this world!"
Every word was another anchor dragging me under.
My father stood beside her, silent, his icy glare condemnation enough.
I broke the surface once, gagging and gasping, but the effort drained what little strength I had left.
Through the blur of water and tears, my desperate gaze locked onto Dillon. He knows I can't swim. He might not love me, but he wouldn't let me die… right?
But Dillon didn't move.
He stayed perched on the edge, Alyssa still cradled in his arms, his expression hardening as he glared at me.
"Did you know Alyssa's pregnant?" he spat, fury lacing every word. "You could've killed her—and the baby!"
The accusation hit like a slap. I tried to choke out a denial, but the water stole my voice.
Dillon's face darkened. "Stay in there and think about what you've done."
With that, he stood, carrying Alyssa away. She nestled against him, shooting me one last triumphant smirk before they vanished into the house.
The crowd dispersed, their whispers laced with scorn. My parents turned their backs without a second glance.
One by one, they all left.
The cold seeped into my bones, despair wrapping around me like a vise. My limbs grew leaden, every kick weaker than the last. I can't… I can't do this anymore.
The water closed over me again—and this time, I didn't fight it. My vision dimmed, my thoughts fraying at the edges.
Then—a splash.
An arm hooked around my waist, yanking me upward with desperate force.
Who…?
When I blinked my eyes open, the sterile white ceiling of a hospital room greeted me. Every breath ached.
I turned my head—and froze.
Dillon sat slumped in the chair beside my bed, his shirt rumpled, his hair a mess, like he hadn't slept in days. The second our eyes met, relief flooded his face.
His hands flew into motion, signing frantically. "Sweetheart, you're awake! I didn't mean to leave you—Gabriel's away, and Alyssa's pregnant. I had to get her to the hospital first. Please don't be mad."
He paused, his expression softening into something almost pleading. "You know how the Knights are about heirs. If anything happened to that baby… you'd take the blame. Even your parents would turn on you. I was just trying to protect you."
His eyes searched mine, so full of fake sincerity it made my stomach twist.
I said nothing.
Dillon's smile wavered. He reached for my hand.
I let him take it—but didn't squeeze back. Instead, I turned toward the window, letting the silence between us grow thick and heavy.