Chapter 3

3

Just as I was losing hope, a figure dove into the water and swam toward me.

His arms sliced through the waves with power, leaving a trail of white foam.

Right before I was completely submerged, he grabbed my wrist.

His other arm wrapped tightly around my waist, pulling me back toward the surface.

I could hear his breathing getting heavy, but his grip never loosened.

Finally, he broke through the surface of the water with me.

With the help of others, he pulled me back onto the deck.

I was soaked and gasping for air, my body shaking uncontrollably.

Every breath felt like a blade sliding down my throat.

Before I lost consciousness, I saw the face of the man who saved me. It was Caleb's uncle, Gideon Grant.

Then, everything went black.

When I woke up again, I was lying in my own bedroom.

I slowly opened my eyes, my mind still groggy, as our housekeeper, Mrs. Lee, rushed in.

She sounded emotional. "Miss! You're finally awake! You've been out for ten days. We were all so worried!"

I coughed a few times, my throat feeling dry and scratchy.

"Mrs. Lee... has anything happened? Did Caleb... come to see me?"

Mrs. Lee frowned and hesitated.

"Mr. Grant came by. I don't know what he said, but your father was furious with him."

"He's here again today. He's in the living room talking to your father right now."

A sense of unease filled me. I dragged my weak body toward the living room.

Before I even entered, I heard Caleb's voice.

"Uncle Yates, you know Lyra's condition. Even if she doesn't donate the marrow, she'll never fully recover. Why not just do a good deed and earn some karma?"

"After the surgery, I'll hire the best nurses. I'll make sure the Yates family is well compensated."

In my last life, I spent every day in pain after that surgery. I saw countless doctors, but nothing helped.

Caleb didn't just ignore me; he grew to hate me because I couldn't get pregnant.

I couldn't believe he was still trying to ruin me in this life.

My father was shaking with rage. "Lyra isn't even fully awake, and you're already plotting to take her marrow? What do you take my daughter for?"

"Don't think I haven't investigated. If you hadn't pushed her, she never would have fallen into the ocean!"

Caleb didn't even blink. "Lulu was in danger. I was just trying to save her. I didn't mean to knock Lyra over."

"Besides, Lyra and I already agreed. Once she gives the marrow to Lulu, I'll marry her. Why would I want to hurt her?"

Before my father could explode, I stepped into the room and stared Caleb down.

"I don't recall ever agreeing to such a thing."

When Caleb saw me, a flash of annoyance crossed his face―annoyance that I had survived.

He snapped, "Lyra, are you really so hell-bent on killing Lulu?"

"If you don't agree to the donation, the engagement is off!" he threatened.

I laughed coldly. "Who said I ever wanted to marry you?"

"The man I'm marrying is your uncle, Gideon Grant."