Chapter 73. Sprained Ankle

Victoria’s POV

My ankle throbbed the moment I tried to put weight on it. I winced, hissing through clenched teeth as I leaned against the pool’s edge. The sharp sting radiated through my leg, forcing me to pause.

Ethan’s face softened with concern, a stark contrast to the tense conversation we’d just had. “Are you okay?” he asked, stepping closer, his earlier irritation momentarily replaced with worry.

I wanted to snap at him, tell him I was fine, but the pain was too real to brush off. I tested my foot again, and another sharp jolt shot up my leg. “I think I twisted my ankle,” I admitted reluctantly, frustration lacing my voice.

“Here,” Ethan said, bending down. “Let me help you.”

I shrank back, instinctively gripping the pool’s edge tighter. “I don’t need your help,” I said quickly, though my voice wavered.

“Don’t be stubborn, Victoria,” he replied, his tone a mix of exasperation and insistence. “You can’t even walk properly. Just let me.