Chapter 3

It was sub-zero weather, and he had myocarditis. In my past life, I begged him not to go. He accused me of wanting him to fail and trying to ruin his health.

So this time, I was his biggest cheerleader.

"That's amazing, Dad! Mom, Dylan, and I will be there to cheer you on. The whole town will be watching. If you win first place, the local news might even interview you!"

My words got him so drunk on pride he looked like he was walking on air. "Well, that’s to be expected. I’ve always been in peak physical condition compared to these soft townies."

Soon, the day of the competition arrived.

The riverbank was packed with spectators. The atmosphere was loud, and the competitors looked pumped.

I glanced at Robert. He was wrapped in a heavy winter coat, but half of his face was swollen. His tooth had kept him up screaming all night, yet here he was, chasing his "glory."

The first few heats went by, and the crowd was roaring. Dylan ran over with his new phone. "Dad, you're up next! I'm starting a TikTok Live so everyone can watch you dominate!"

Robert loved that. He immediately threw off his heavy coat and walked to the starting block without even warming up. He kept reminding Dylan to get his "best angles."

My mom tried to say something, but she was ignored.

I watched coldly as Robert stood shivering in his trunks.

With the blast of the starter pistol, Robert dived into the freezing water. He struggled to surface, finally splashing forward awkwardly.

He didn't make it far before he had to pop his head up for air. He actually stopped to wave at Dylan's camera.

That stupid wave threw off his balance. The freezing water triggered a massive cramp. He sank, desperately clutching and punching his calf underwater.

Only after several swimmers overtook him did he manage to start moving again.

But his luck ran out. The cramp had consumed too much of his oxygen and energy. The tightness in his chest and the roaring beat of his heart in his ears were clear warnings: *Stop now.*

But how could a man so obsessed with pride accept defeat?

So he kept swimming. His gasps for air became more frequent, his limbs stiffer, his pace slower.

Finally, he stopped moving in the icy water.

"What is he doing?" Dylan muttered, turning off the TikTok stream with an annoyed expression. "He's so far behind. He promised me he'd win."

Only my mom was genuinely terrified. "What’s happening? Is his heart acting up? Why isn't he moving?"

As she spoke, she grabbed my arm, squeezing so hard her nails dug deep into my flesh.

"I'll go find a lifeguard!"

I pulled my arm out of her grip and ran toward the emergency crew, putting on my best terrified face. "Help! My dad stopped moving! He has a heart condition—myocarditis!"

"What? Someone with myocarditis entered a polar swim?"

The commotion drew the crowd's attention. Recognizing the danger, the rescue team immediately launched a jet ski.

When they dragged Robert onto the bank, his face was pale, his swollen cheek making him look like a monster.

Dylan was paralyzed with fear, and my mom collapsed onto the snow, crying. Only I stood tall and still, watching the paramedics perform CPR on the man who had murdered me.