Chapter 2
From that day forward, under her watchful gaze, I juggled grueling training sessions and the exhausting demands of motherhood. Every day felt like a battle, but I endured.
Finally, the competition arrived. Against all odds, I secured my sixth gold medal in swimming. This accomplishment cemented my place as the undisputed queen of the swimming world.5
The crowd roared and in the middle of celebrating my triumph, I made a shocking announcement that I was retiring.
Ignoring the protests of fans and the outcry from the media I made up my mind to leave swimming and embarked on my new mission, dedicating myself entirely to raising this child.
Id.%
I named her Natalie Stevens. I poured all my hopes and dreams into her and was determined to shape her into the next swimming legend.2
She had the best education at the best primary school, got the best food and the best training program for swimming. I held nothing back and passed down every skill and technique I had mastered to her.
I gave her everything because I believed that my devotion would finally silence my mother–in–law’s relentless criticisms. However, it wasn’t enough.
With a look of disdain, she scoffed, “Stop making her swim! Just look at yourself. You had spent all your time in the water and ruined your body. No wonder you can’t have children.“%
She sneered, her voice sharp as a blade. “If you could bear children, do you really think my son would’ve needed someone else?“% I burst into laughter at its sheer absurdity. Who said I could not have a child?
The truth was, it was Jacob who convinced me not to have children for a few years. He said we were still young and that we should focus on our careers before thinking about starting a family and like a fool, I believed him.
How did my mother–in–law twist things to make it seem like I was the one who couldn’t conceive? This accusation was beyond ndiculoust
I immediately refuted her, “Swimming has nothing to do with what you’re saying. Stop making things up!” However, she just sneered and scoffed, “What do you know, you’re still young! Anyway, no more swimming!“%
Then, she remarked, “A woman who can’t have children is incomplete. You’re a complete failure!”
I couldn’t believe my ears. I had eight swimming gold medals and was a recognized queen in the sports world. Yet, in her eyes, I was nothing but a failure simply because I hadn’t given birth. It was absurd that all my global achievements meant less to her than a baby!
I took a deep breath and enunciated each word clearly, “If you want me to continue raising this child, Natalie must swim. “Otherwise, take her sway night now. I won’t stop you.“%
1 pretended to hand over the child to her. My mother–in–law opened her mouth as if she wanted to said nothing. Her face turned red with frustration as she stomped her foot in anger.
say something, but in the end, she
623 AM CO
