"My dad drank your potion and can’t see who you really are. Only I know you’re a gold-digging ‘Phoenix man.’ If you hadn’t stolen Russell’s credit and lied about the miracle doctor treating me because of you, I would never have married you!"
"I made him wait for me for five years. I won’t let him and his child wait any longer. Lester inherited your inferior genes and isn’t worthy of being my heir!"
I struggled in the water, my mind racing. The fear of being pulled under by the floodwaters from my childhood came rushing back. The more I fought, the weaker I became, until I almost gave up entirely.
"Lester, don’t be afraid, Dad is here for you," I whispered to myself, even as I felt myself sinking deeper.
The moment before I hit the bottom of the pool, Kendra finally jumped in and pulled me out. Her anger is was still evident, but there was worry in her eyes now.
"Joseph, stop pretending. Wake up," she said, her voice sharp.
I slowly opened my eyes under her gentle slaps, and for the first time, I couldn’t hold it in. I slapped her hard across the face.
"Joseph, you’re sick! How dare you hit me? This is how you treat your wife?"
I sneered, cold fury in my voice.