Chapter 1 All because his precious " one true love " wanted to watch a jet ski show , Ethan Cole decided to hold the company retreat in the North Atlantic . Vanessa Blake suggested everyone join a jet ski race , but at nine months pregnant , all I wanted was to go back to the hotel and rest . Ethan exploded . " It's just a race . Are you trying to embarrass me in front of the whole company ? " I was shaking with rage . I slapped him hard across the face . " Are you out of your mind ? I'm pregnant . A dangerous sport like this could make me lose the baby ! " Ethan froze , then quickly apologized , bringing me my prenatal medicine . " I'm sorry . I didn't think it through . I'll take you back . " But when I woke again , I found myself strapped to a jet ski , sharp rocks looming beneath me . The next second , Vanessa slammed the throttle . I was thrown into the raging waves , half my body plunging into the icy water . Coughing and choking , I fumbled for the emergency button on my watch . " Dad , get the Coast Guard to seal off this area . Someone's trying to kill me . I want them dead . " Vanessa gave a light laugh and turned to Ethan . " So , what does your Sophia's father do ? He sounds important . " Ethan said nothing , but his assistant bent over laughing . " Her dad's just some retired old man who spends his days feeding pigeons at the park . " He even mimed tossing birdseed . Laughter erupted all around . Vanessa clung to Ethan's arm , giggling uncontrollably . Chapter 1 9.90 % "Don't tell me pregnancy's scrambled her brains . Is that why she's talking nonsense ? " " Oh , we should bring her back before she really scares herself . " Ethan jumped in , smiling . " See how kind Vanessa is ? Always thinking of others . " " Not like some people - acting all delicate just because they're pregnant . " I gripped the jet ski handles tighter , ignoring their laughter . The waves kept pounding . The jet ski rocked violently , making me nauseous . The seatbelt cut into my stomach , sending sharp pulses of pain through me , but I clenched my teeth and held on . I shouted toward the shore . " Ethan ! I'm about to go into labor ! This could go wrong ! " Salt water stung my face . " Have you forgotten ? I'm afraid of the water ! " The memory surged back . During our college spring trip , our class went to the beach . Ethan had gone after a seashell and got pulled under by a wave . Without thinking , I dove in , dragging him back to shore with all my strength . Soaked to the bone , he'd knelt on the sand , clutching my hand and sobbing like a child . " Sophia , you saved my life . I swear I'll treat you well for the rest of my life . I'll never let you suffer . " But after that day , I developed a crippling fear of the water . I couldn't even sit in a bathtub . That promise , once so heartfelt , now felt laughable . Now I was nine months pregnant , tossed about in open water , while the man I had saved stood on shore with another woman , laughing like it was the best day of his life . I could feel the baby kicking nervously . Ethan's expression darkened . Clearly , my " lack of cooperation " was making him lose face in front Chapter 1 9.90 % of everyone . Vanessa , sensing his irritation , looped her arm through his and said sweetly . " Oh , your wife's just a little timid . She'll get used to it after a few tries . " " Didn't you always say she's capable ? She just needs more youthful courage . Today's the perfect chance to teach her . " Listening to her syrupy voice made my stomach churn . Ever since Vanessa joined Ethan's company , she had become his shining example of a " modern independent woman . " He brought her up constantly . " Look at Vanessa - smart , capable , great with people . You should learn from her . " Funny how he forgot what he used to say when he pursued me . " I like how calm and quiet you are . You're nothing like those loud , flashy girls . " Now those same " virtues " had somehow become flaws to correct . Another wave slammed into me , tossing me sideways . The jet ski jolted hard , my belly smashing into the control panel . A sharp pain ripped through me , radiating from my belly to every nerve in my body . " Ah- " I gasped , cold sweat soaking my skin . The baby kicked wildly , as if sensing the danger . My trembling hands tried to steady the jet ski , but another huge wave rose up , making the craft nearly stand upright . Chapter 1