David broke through the surface of the water with a loud gasp, lifting Lily high above his head into the fresh Texas air so she could breathe. The little girl coughed violently, water spewing from her mouth as she inhaled sharp, ragged gulps of air, clinging to her father's neck with a desperate, trembling grip. David pulled her close against his wet suit jacket, wrapping his powerful arms around her shaking back, feeling her heart hammering wildly against his ribs. He kicked his feet toward the shallow steps, carrying her safely out of the water while breathing heavily from the intense physical effort and sheer terror.
David: Shh, I've got you baby, I've got you. You're safe now.
Lily buried her wet face into the warm crook of David's neck, sobbing uncontrollably as her small fingers clutched the wet fabric of his shirt. Her body shook with cold and trauma, the memory of her stepmother's cruel words echoing in her small head. David sat down on the dry edge of the pool deck, holding his daughter tightly on his lap, stroking her wet hair while rubbing her back in steady, comforting circles. He kissed the side of her forehead repeatedly, his heart aching with intense sorrow and boiling fury as he felt how close he had come to losing his only child.
Brenda stood just a few feet away, her red hair slightly messy from the breeze, trying desperately to regain her calm composure after seeing David rescue the girl. Her face turned pale as she realized her terrible scheme had completely failed, but she quickly tried to cover her horror with a fake look of concern. She stepped forward, her high heels clicking softly on the wet tile surface, raising her hands in a fake gesture of sympathy as if she were an innocent bystander. She knew she had to lie her way out of this dangerous situation immediately.
Brenda: Oh my goodness, David! Is she alright? She slipped! I tried to catch her but she fell so fast!
David: Don't you dare come any closer to us!
David turned his head toward Brenda, his face contorting into gritted, fierce rage as he stared her down with absolute disgust and burning hatred. His eyes were cold like steel, cutting right through her terrible lie, because he had seen the posture of her body and the callous look on her face when he ran out of the apartment. He saw the coldness in her eyes before she realized he was there, and he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that his wicked wife had intentionally tried to drown his helpless daughter. The full realization of her evil nature made his blood boil with righteous fury.
David: You have sixty seconds to leave my property! Call nine-one-one right now!
David shouted at the top of his lungs, his deep voice echoing off the concrete walls and ringing out into the city air above Dallas. He reached into his wet pocket, pulled out his waterproof smartphone, and handed it to the housekeeper who had just rushed onto the patio after hearing the loud commotion. The housekeeper was wide-eyed with shock, quickly taking the phone and pressing the emergency button while staring in horror at the silver-gowned woman. Brenda took a step back, her cold composure breaking apart as she realized David was dead serious about destroying her life.