Three Days of Drowning in the Sea

Isaac roared, "That venomous bitch! Keep her locked up until she agrees!"

I was stunned. I was dead; why would the guard say that?

Liam spoke up, "Mr. Thornton, knowing Mrs. Thornton, she'd never wish Miss Robinson dead. There must be a misunderstanding. Let me go check."

Isaac grabbed Liam's collar. "How well do you know her?"

"She's a cruel, heartless woman!" I stared at him, numb. That's how he saw me.

But you once said, "Nicole, I love your gentleness, your kindness. You're the best woman for me." Was it all a lie?

Rage consumed me. Isaac, why did you lock me up? Why did you decide my fate? The slow suffocation in the endless ocean—did you know how terrified and painful it was?

Mandy, in a hospital gown, approached weakly. "Isaac, what's wrong? Is Nicole upset again?" Tears welled in her eyes. "It's my fault. If I hadn't come back..."

Isaac gently embraced her. "Mandy, if you hadn't come back, I would have made Nicole pay the price."

Mandy shook her head. "No, don't hurt Nicole. She's my sister, your wife, the rightful Mrs. Thornton."

Isaac wiped away her tears. "Mandy, you're too kind. If she hadn't schemed to send you abroad, I never would have married her. The position of Mrs. Thornton was always meant for you."

"Once she agrees to donate a kidney, I'll divorce her and marry you openly."

My already shattered heart felt like it was shattering into a million pieces. Tears streamed down my face. What was the point of all my years of devotion?