Misunderstanding

Chapter 1 (Chase POV)

I watched in awe as Mum gracefully stepped onto the edge of the cliff, her face illuminated by the warm sunlight. The breathtaking view before her seemed to fill her soul with pure joy. With arms outstretched, she waved at me, her smile radiant and contagious. Standing in the presence of the vast ocean always brought her immense happiness. Our home, a magnificent mansion nestled by the shoreline, offered us the perfect sanctuary. 

It was just Mum and me, our bond unbreakable, as my father had passed away when I was young, leaving us to navigate life's challenges together. At 28 years old, I had no desire to be tied down in marriage. My focus was on cherishing moments with Mum, ensuring her happiness. 

As I observed the scene unfolding before me, a young girl engrossed in a phone conversation carelessly bumped into Mum, sending her tumbling over the cliff's edge. 

Time seemed to stand still as I cried out, "Mum!" 

My body moved instinctively, propelling me towards the water's edge. Panic set in, knowing Mum couldn't swim. Without a second thought, I dove into the water, desperately aiming for the spot where she had disappeared. The girl, now aware of the calamity she had caused, stood frozen on the cliff, her phone forgotten, as she observed the unfolding tragedy.

Fury consumed me as I yelled up to the girl, her wide eyes filled with fear. "Help me save my Mum!"

 But she hesitated, taking a step back before hastily retreating. 

"..!" With her gone, I couldn't even discern her face, only remembering her long brown hair. 

She must have ran home! That snake!

The anticipation of finding Mum overwhelmed me as I scanned the water's surface for any sign of her. Suddenly, I felt a touch against my back, causing me to swiftly turn around. Was it Mum? To my disappointment, all I found was her sunhat, gently floating on the water's surface. 

"Mum!" I cried out, berating myself for losing focus. Without hesitation, I took a deep breath and plunged back into the depths, my body aching for oxygen. The water blurred my vision, yet I pushed forward, swimming deeper until a glimmer caught my eye. There she was, just a few feet below me, sinking rapidly.

 Desperation fueled my every movement as I stretched out my hand, my legs kicking with all their might. My lungs screamed for air, the pressure building inside me. I knew I had to resurface, gasp for a breath, but my determination to save Mum pushed me further. I reached for her, our fingertips barely grazing, and she managed a bittersweet smile, silently mouthing her love for me before vanishing completely. 

Gasping for air, I felt the water invade my nostrils and mouth, threatening to consume me. Mum had slipped through my grasp, sinking to the ocean's depths. A mixture of grief and rage surged within me, battling for control. 

Struggling to swim back to the shore, I collapsed onto the warm sand, my tears merging with the relentless waves. The thought of Mum lying alone at the bottom of the ocean tore at my heart.

 I clenched my fists, seething with anger towards the girl who had caused this tragedy. "Women are jerks, idiots, careless and worthless," I vented, punching the sand with my fist.

Footsteps behind me made me turn aggressively, only to find a woman standing there. No, not just any woman—it was her, the one who had unknowingly pushed Mum into the treacherous waters. Her long brown hair mirrored the girl's appearance.

 My gaze pierced through her, demanding an explanation. She averted her eyes, fidgeting with her hands.

I stepped forwards, towering over the petite girl. 

"Look up," I seethed, my anger permeating the air. She hesitated, still avoiding eye contact. 

"Look up!" I repeated, my fists clenching with the urge to strike her. Finally, she met my gaze, and without a second thought, I unleashed all the pain, frustration, and anguish onto her with a resounding slap.