Building Her Throne Burying My Heart (Claire) novel Chapter 86

Claire let out an impatient sigh. “Just go already. Garrison can’t swim. He can’t hold his breath underwater.”

So that was it. She only came to me because Garrison couldn’t do it. Did she forget I was just discharged from the hospital? My wound wasn’t healed, walking still made me wince, and I could barely call myself recovered.

“I’m not doing it. My leg’s still hurt. Get someone else.”

I turned to leave, but Claire cut me off, blocking my way. “There’s nobody else here. You’re the only one who can swim.”

“Then call the property manager. They can send someone. Why does it have to be me?”

I could see Garrison getting anxious, even if Claire wasn’t. “Claire, it’s fine. Let me just go myself,” he said, his voice shaky. “I waited forever to get that necklace. I can’t just leave it in the water. If it gets ruined, that’s it.”

Garrison started to pull off his shirt, ready to jump in, but Claire rushed over and grabbed his arm. “Don’t. Did you forget what happened last time, when you almost drowned trying to save me?”

Of course Garrison remembered. How could he not? If he hadn’t nearly drowned that day, Claire probably never would have let him get close. Back then, she’d saved her company but couldn’t save herself. She’d sunk into a dark place, locking herself in at home for days, drinking alone until she passed out, just trying to numb the pain. Garrison tried to be there for her, but she always kept him at arm’s length.

Then came the day he found her at the bottom of this pool, barely conscious. He dove in without thinking, dragged her to the side, but nearly went under himself from exhaustion. The butler found them just in time to pull him out.

After that, Claire finally started to let him into her life. She was alone and needed someone to lean on.

That moment changed everything for both of them.

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