The Day Our Promise Breaks

Dahlia wasn't feeling too well, seasickness hitting her hard, so she opted to chill on the beach instead. She left Sandy in Wesley's capable hands, trusting him completely.

Wesley was all about the details, making sure Sandy's diving gear was on just right before guiding her onto the boat. Once they hit the prime diving spot, he double-checked her breathing apparatus to make sure everything was spot on. When both felt good about it, Wesley led Sandy into the water, and she couldn't have been more thrilled. Diving was her jam.

As they reached the depths, Wesley tossed in some fish food, and soon enough, a vibrant school of fish surrounded them, creating a magical underwater scene. Sandy's eyes lit up behind her goggles, pure joy reflecting in her gaze. Wesley's heart swelled with affection, seeing her so happy.

Hand in hand, they swam, with Wesley sprinkling fish food and Sandy loving every moment. After a bit, Sandy reached out, asking for a go at feeding the fish herself. Wesley, ever indulgent, handed over the fish food without hesitation, showing her how to sprinkle it gently first. Sandy nodded in understanding.

But then, with a mischievous glint, she scattered all the fish food at once. Wesley was caught off guard, the water turning cloudy for a second, messing with their view. He tightened his grip on Sandy's hand, keeping his eyes glued to her. In the deep sea, he couldn't afford any slip-ups, worried sick about her safety. His little girl meant the world to him, and he couldn't bear the thought of her getting hurt.

Lost in concentration, Wesley

suddenly felt a tug on his breathing tube. He thought Sandy had accidentally grabbed it and quickly reached to take it back. But Sandy held on with surprising tenacity, refusing to let go. Wesley's heart skipped a beat, shock hitting him hard, making him forget for a moment that they were underwater. He instinctively opened his mouth to call her name, "Sandy..."

Water rushed in, and panic seized his chest. Wesley clamped his mouth shut, a sudden realization striking him-this was no accident. He tried to pry the tube from her grip, but Sandy was determined. Despite being just a kid, she had a fierce resolve, holding her own breathing tube as if to say, "Back off, or I'll yank mine too."

At just seven, how could she know to pull such a stunt? It was clear Dahlia had put her up to this. Wesley felt a crushing pain in his chest, watching his cherished daughter challenge him like this. His heart tore, his breath slipping away. His grip on her slackened, and he began to sink.

Sandy, remembering Dahlia's instructions, let go. She rose to the surface, executing their practiced diving routine flawlessly, not sparing Wesley another glance. She understood death more than one might think. She figured if Charlie was gone, she'd have nonoveldrama

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competition for her dad's attention. If this man, claiming to be her father, was out of the picture, she'd have Charles all to herself.

In her mind, Wesley disappearing was just perfect.