Leaving the Wrong Love Behind Forever novel Chapter 8

Alison finally looked up at her, her voice soft. "Bella, if Maxwell truly loved you, why wouldn't he just break up with me? Why hold a fake wedding with you instead? If you can get him to break up with me, I'll step aside without a word."

She knew the truth—Maxwell was attracted to Bella but couldn't let go of her.

That was all there was to it.

"You!"

Deeply stung by Alison's words, Bella's eyes filled with jealousy and resentment. She glanced at the vast ocean stretching before them, then gritted her teeth.

"Fine. Let's find out who Maxwell truly cares about most!"

With those words, she suddenly shoved Alison into the sea before jumping in herself.

The salty seawater instantly flooded Alison's nose and throat. She hadn't expected Bella to be this unhinged.

The sound of splashing quickly alerted those inside. Maxwell rushed out and reached the deck in seconds.

When he saw both Bella and Alison struggling in the water, panic washed over his handsome face.

Without hesitation, he stripped off his jacket and dove in—but his first instinct was to swim toward Bella, who was farther away.

He wrapped his arms tightly around her and brought her back to shore, his eyes wild with concern.

"Bella!"

He frantically checked her condition, barely sparing a glance for Alison, who was still fighting to stay afloat.

She'd nearly drowned in a pool when she was young. After that traumatic experience, she became terrified of water—avoiding rivers, lakes, and even bathtubs.

When Maxwell learned about this, he spent three entire months helping her overcome her fear, patiently supporting her day after day.

She became less afraid of water but still couldn't swim.

Back then, Maxwell had simply smiled and pulled her into his arms. "Alright, we'll stop the lessons. As long as I'm here, Alison, I'll never let anything harm you again."

But now, all the harm she was experiencing came directly from him.

Her body sank deeper, consciousness fading.

Slowly, she closed her eyes.