Chapter 2 - The Bursting Glass
Through the mansion’s illuminated glass French doors, Ethan had caught the sudden splash and the terrifying echo of his daughter's voice. His dark, rugged face transformed into pure horror as his eyes locked onto the small form struggling beneath the turquoise surface.
“LILY!” Ethan roared, his booming voice vibrating off the glass panes.
The doors burst open as Ethan sprinted across the terrace. In a single, fluid motion, he shoved past Claire so hard her black heels skidded against the wet stone, and executed a violent power dive directly into the deep end. The water erupted around him in a massive spray as he cut through the pool, his long muscular arms pulling him toward his daughter.
Submerged beneath the surface, Ethan wrapped his broad arm around Lily’s waist, pulling her chest against his. He kicked off the bottom with explosive power, breaking the surface near the shallow steps. Lily coughed violently, gasping for air as her small arms clamped tightly around her father's neck, her whole body shivering against his wet black shirt.
Ethan carried her out of the pool, his heart hammering against his ribs like a trapped animal. He quickly wrapped her shivering frame in a plush white pool towel, placing her safely onto a nearby cushioned lounger. Lily clung frantically to his forearm, her chest heaving with ragged sobs as she buried her wet face into his skin.
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Claire stepped closer, her posture instantly shifting as she wrung her hands together, attempting to project a image of theatrical, stuttering concern. “Ethan, it was an accident—”
Ethan turned sharply toward her, his face darkening into a mask of pure, unbridled fury. “DON’T YOU DARE!” he roared, his voice cutting her off before another lie could leave her lips.
