Chapter 113

I gave a half-smile, voice calm and a bit distant, “No need. Xander tried to help me before too—it didn’t work. When something takes hold in your heart, fear just becomes instinct. You can’t shake it.” It’s like… yeah, I still care about Henry Smith, but it’s not like it used to be. Along with the love, there’s also fear and unease that never went away. Henry wouldn’t let it go, stepping closer and grabbing my wrist tightly. His knuckles turned white, and his dark eyes were fixed on me with stubborn determination. “If Xander couldn't do it, then he just didn’t have what it takes.” I pulled back a little, trying to keep my cool. “Seriously, I’m fine as I am now.” Evan Smith must’ve picked up on the tension between us. He clutched my hand and said with this soft, serious tone, almost like swearing an oath, “If I learn how to swim, it’s okay if you don’t. I’ll be the one to save you.” I froze. That tiny voice hit the softest spot in my heart. So that’s why he wanted to swim? Was it that t