Chapter 10%
Back home, Jacob pinned all his hopes of redemption on his younger daughter, Becca.2
From morning till night, he and Cassie revolved around her. They showered her with attention, fussed over her and accompanied her to training.
As for Lily, the daughter with cerebral palsy? They locked her in the bathroom with an iron chain because they were afraid she would continue to cause havoc and destroy the house if they let her loose.
Her meals consisted of leftover scraps thrown in carelessly and the clothes she wore were Becca’s old childhood outfits. It was ill–fitting and shabby.
One evening, Jacob returned home, only to find the bathroom in complete disarray. Rage flared within him like an uncontrolled fire. Glaring at Lily, he bellowed, “How could I have a daughter like you? You’ve ruined our entire family! We should’ve never given birth to you. I should have never taken you back. You should’ve just died long ago!“}
Cassie followed
uit. She gave a vicious kick on Lily as if she weren’t their child, but some filthy stray dog.”
Lily lowered her head and stared at them in a daze. Tears streamed down her face. They were silently falling onto the cold, dirty floor. She didn’t understand what she had done wrong. After all, she was also their biological daughter, yet her younger sister received all their love, while she endured nothing but endless scolding and beatings.”
Time flew by and in the blink of an eye, two months had passed. The day of the National Swimming Championships had arrived and it was also the first official showdown between Natalie and Becca.
The competition venue was packed and the crowd buzzed with excitement. Spectators flooded in like waves and filled every seat.
Natalie’s fans occupied a large portion of the stands. Their banners flashed with bright lights, creating a spectacular scene. However, Becca, as the youngest rising star, had also gained significant popularity. Her supporters cheered wildly, their voices echoed through the stadium.
I spotted Jacob and Cassie immediately. They hovered closely around Becca, one handing her water, the other wiping her sweat. They kept shouting encouragement, “Becca, you can do it! You’re the best!“}
I walked over to Natalie, gently patted her shoulder and spoke softly. “Don’t be nervous. Just focus on not getting hurt.” Natalie nodded, but suddenly, her brows furrowed tightly and her body swayed slightly.
My heart clenched. I hurriedly steadied her. As soon as I touched her, I was alarmed by the heat radiating from her skin. *Natalie, what’s wrong?” I asked worriedly. Are you running a fever?”
I immediately called the team doctor.
After a quick examination, the doctor’s face grew serious. “She has a fever,” he confirmed. “She’s feeling lightheaded.”
However, the competition was only five minutes away.”
Seeing how weak she was, I urged her, “Natalie, maybe you should rest. We can sit this one out.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Jacob, who was standing near us, smirking smugly. His confidence radiated brightly as if victory was already in his grasp
Natalie, however, firmly shook her head, her voice weak but firm, I can’t quit halfway I don’t feel well, but I’ll fight until the very end
I stroked her head, my heart aching but filled with pride. “My good girl, I know you’re the best. Give it your all, but promise me you won’t push yourself to the point of injury”
The starting whistle blew sharply and the competitors launched themselves into the water like arrows leaving a bowstring. Waves splashed wildly as they propelled forward with powerful strokes.R
The crowd erupted into deafening cheers, the energy surging through the arena like a tidal ware
