Chapter 7 Did She Really Think She Could Drown Me?

To my surprise, David's expression hardened. "Sarah, don't speak to my wife that way. Olivia isn't here to serve you."

A flicker of satisfaction warmed my chest. Finally, he was standing up for me.

Sarah's face crumpled instantly. "I didn't mean it like that! Pregnancy makes me say things wrong sometimes." Her hand flew to her belly protectively. "I just meant... maybe we could all eat together? I'm sorry if it came across as demanding."

The way she shifted from commanding to victim in seconds made my stomach turn. Her manipulation was so obvious—to me, at least. David's stern expression had already softened.

"It's fine," I said tightly, thinking of my own secret. "I'll make dinner."

In the kitchen, I tried to focus on preparing a simple but nutritious meal. The thought of the tiny life growing inside me brought back some of my earlier joy, tempering my anger.

I prepared grilled salmon with roasted vegetables, setting the table carefully. David and Sarah joined me, and we began eating in uncomfortable silence. I made sure to eat properly, knowing I needed to stay healthy, though my enthusiasm for the food had diminished considerably.

Sarah took a few bites before her face contorted dramatically. "This fish tastes... off." She pushed her plate away with obvious disgust. "Is it supposed to be this fishy?"

"It's fresh salmon," I replied, taking another bite of my perfectly cooked meal. "That's how it's supposed to taste."

Sarah's lip curled. "Well, I can't stand it. The smell alone..." She covered her mouth dramatically and made gagging sounds. "I think I'm going to be sick!"

She rushed toward the bathroom, one hand on her belly, the other covering her mouth. David immediately followed her, concern etched across his face.

"Sarah? Are you okay?" His voice echoed down the hallway.

I sat alone at the dining table, my fork suspended midway to my mouth. I forced myself to take a few more bites despite my ruined appetite. I couldn't afford to skip meals now.

After a few more mechanical bites, I couldn't stand it anymore. This was supposed to be our special night—when I would tell David about our baby. Instead, Sarah had managed to ruin yet another moment.

I placed my napkin beside my half-empty plate and grabbed my light jacket. I needed air. Space. A moment to breathe without Sarah's drama suffocating me.

The lake near our home had always been my sanctuary. As I walked along its shore, the setting sun painted the water in brilliant oranges and pinks. I found a quiet spot on the dock and sat down, letting my feet dangle just above the water's surface.

The gentle lapping of waves against the wooden pillars beneath me had a calming effect. I closed my eyes, letting the cool evening breeze caress my face. My hand unconsciously drifted to my stomach.

My precious secret gave me strength in this chaotic situation. How would David react when I told him? Would his eyes light up with joy? Would he embrace me, whispering promises of our future together?

The thought brought a smile to my face. This news would change everything. Surely David would see that Sarah needed to find her own place once he knew. We needed our home, our space, to build our family properly.

The sunset reflected on the water's surface created a stunning mosaic of colors that soothed my troubled mind, if only temporarily.

"Enjoying the view?" a cold voice came from behind me.

I whirled around to find Sarah standing a few feet away, her expression no longer the helpless victim she played in front of David.

"What are you doing here?" I demanded, standing up quickly.

"Following you," she said simply, stepping closer. Her pregnant belly seemed almost threatening in the fading light. "We need to talk, woman to woman."

"There's nothing to discuss," I replied, trying to step around her.

Sarah blocked my path. "You realize you can never measure up to me, don't you? No matter how hard you try with your little fashion job and your perfect wife act."

Her tone was venomous. "Dave and I have history that goes deeper than anything you could ever understand."

"But he married me, not you," I countered, straightening my shoulders.

Her laugh was sharp and cruel. "A temporary mistake. Why do you think he welcomed me back so easily? Deep down, he knows I'm the one who truly understands him. You're just... convenient."

"You're delusional," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Am I?" Sarah's eyes gleamed with malice in the fading light. "Let me show you just how wrong you are about your position in Dave's life."

I tried to push past her, suddenly sensing danger. "I'm going home."

"I don't think so," she hissed, pushing my chest forcefully before I could react.

The unexpected impact sent me stumbling backward. My feet slipped off the edge of the dock, and suddenly I was plunging into the water below. The shock of it stole my breath as I plummeted beneath the surface, my clothes instantly becoming waterlogged weights.

Panic seized me as I struggled to break the surface. I had never been a strong swimmer, and now fear made my movements frantic and uncoordinated. My lungs burned as I fought to keep my head above water, desperately gulping air whenever I could.

Through splashing water and my own terror, I saw Sarah's face transform. The triumphant smirk vanished, replaced by an expression of theatrical distress. To my horror, she suddenly jumped into the lake after me, creating a dramatic splash.

"Help! David! Help us!" she screamed, flailing her arms wildly while somehow managing to keep herself afloat. Her performance was calculated—appearing to be drowning while ensuring she remained safely near the surface.

I struggled harder, my soaked clothing dragging me down. Every attempt to call for help ended with water filling my mouth. My thoughts were a chaotic blend of fear and determination. I couldn't let this happen—not now, not with the precious life I carried.

The sound of a door slamming open echoed across the water, followed by frantic footsteps on the wooden dock. Water stung my eyes as I glimpsed a tall figure racing toward us.

"Olivia! Sarah!" David's panicked voice carried across the water...