Isaac's eyes widened in disbelief. "What did you say?"

Liam repeated, "Mr. Thornton, Miss Robinson is back. She's downstairs."

Isaac rushed out. My soul followed. I wanted to know if Mandy was alive.

Mandy stood in the lobby, in a white dress, her dark hair contrasting with her pale face, looking fragile. Isaac rushed to her, embracing her tightly.

His hands trembled as he touched her face. "Mandy, it's really you! You're alive?"

Tears streamed down Mandy's face. "Isaac, it's me. I didn't die. I missed you so much. I was afraid I'd never see you again."

They embraced in the lobby. Mandy told Isaac that fishermen rescued her after she jumped.

Isaac was overjoyed. "Mandy, your kindness must have touched God. Promise me you won't try to kill yourself again."

Mandy's voice choked. "Isaac, I won't. I've thought it over. I'll stay by your side until the end."

Isaac promised, "Mandy, I'll never let you die."

I watched them, coldly, touching my belly. What about me? My child? I raged, wanting to kill them both.

No matter what I did, I couldn't touch them. Despair and helplessness washed over me as I slumped to the ground.

Isaac took Mandy to the hospital for a checkup. While they waited, Liam cautiously approached Isaac. "Mr. Thornton, now that Miss Robinson is safe, please release Mrs. Thornton."

Isaac's sharp gaze fell on Liam. "Liam, aren't you interfering too much? Or do you have feelings for Nicole, making you plead for her?"

Liam avoided Isaac's gaze. "Mr. Thornton, I'm just worried about Mrs. Thornton. A woman alone at the bottom of the ocean is dangerous."

Isaac scoffed. "You may not know, but she's an excellent swimmer. She's even gone deep-sea diving with friends." But Isaac, you locked me in an iron cage! What good was my swimming skill then?

Liam started to leave, but Isaac called him back. Liam stopped, hopeful.

"Call the guards. Tell Nicole that if she agrees to donate a kidney to Mandy, I'll let her go." Liam immediately called.

Was it finally happening? I thought bitterly. Would Isaac cry if he found out I was dead?

The guard replied, "Mr. Thornton, Mrs. Thornton said that even if you kept her locked up for life, she wouldn't donate a kidney to Miss Robinson. She wants Miss Robinson dead."

Isaac roared, "That venomous bitch! Keep her locked up until she agrees!"

I was stunned. I was dead; why would the guard say that?

Liam spoke up, "Mr. Thornton, knowing Mrs. Thornton, she'd never wish Miss Robinson dead. There must be a misunderstanding. Let me go check."

Isaac grabbed Liam's collar. "How well do you know her?"

"She's a cruel, heartless woman!" I stared at him, numb. That's how he saw me.

But you once said, "Nicole, I love your gentleness, your kindness. You're the best woman for me." Was it all a lie?

Rage consumed me. Isaac, why did you lock me up? Why did you decide my fate? The slow suffocation in the endless ocean—did you know how terrified and painful it was?

Mandy, in a hospital gown, approached weakly. "Isaac, what's wrong? Is Nicole upset again?" Tears welled in her eyes. "It's my fault. If I hadn't come back..."

Isaac gently embraced her. "Mandy, if you hadn't come back, I would have made Nicole pay the price."

Mandy shook her head. "No, don't hurt Nicole. She's my sister, your wife, the rightful Mrs. Thornton."

Isaac wiped away her tears. "Mandy, you're too kind. If she hadn't schemed to send you abroad, I never would have married her. The position of Mrs. Thornton was always meant for you."

"Once she agrees to donate a kidney, I'll divorce her and marry you openly."

My already shattered heart felt like it was shattering into a million pieces. Tears streamed down my face. What was the point of all my years of devotion?