99 sincere tests of True Heart

The day before my wedding, Sarah, my fiance, decided to test my love.

She invited both our families onto a cruise.

Out on the choppy water, she pushed my mom overboard.

Then, she jumped in herself.

I was torn, panicked.

My mom, already swallowing water, weakly pushed me away.

Save Sarah first! Shes your fiance!

I dragged Sarah back onto the deck.

When I turned to look for my mom, she was gone.

Sarah watched me cry, a cold look in her eyes.

Stop pretending, your mom was a competitive swimmer, she cant drown.

You didnt save me first, Alex was right, you dont love me enough.

Were postponing the wedding. When youve thought about this and apologized, along with your mom, we'll talk.

She left, arm in arm with her childhood friend, Alex.

She didn't know that years ago, an illness had left my mom unable to swim.

This push had killed her.

...

When they pulled my moms body from the water, she was cold and lifeless.

I held her, shaking, trying to wake her, but she didnt move.

Sarah walked over impatiently and nudged my moms hand with her foot.

Stop the act! Everyone knows your moms a pro swimmer, a few waves cant kill her.

Even if you try to guilt me, I wont let this go easily.

I cant stand liars. The man I marry has to love me completely, put me first. Youve disappointed me.

My mom didn't react to the kick.

A flicker of uncertainty crossed Sarahs face.

She started to bend down, but Alex stepped in front of her.

He looked at my moms pale face and scoffed.

She looks fine to me, not like shes dying at all.

He patted Sarahs shoulder, acting like he knew everything.

Ive heard these swimmers can hold their breath for ages, like two or three minutes, easy.

I bet theyre both in on it, trying to intimidate you. So youll be under their thumb after the wedding.

Sarah hesitated, her hands clenched.

She slowly turned to me.

Michael, is this true?

She cut me off before I could answer.

Dont bother explaining, I cant trust anything you say right now.

As punishment, were postponing the wedding for six months. When you learn how to love me properly, I'll reconsider.

She turned and left with Alex, not looking back.

Then, I felt my moms finger twitch in my arms.

I felt a surge of hope, like grabbing a lifeline.

I scrambled after Sarah.

Moms alive! We can still save her!

Theres no hospital here on the island, please, call your private doctor, just let them take a look!

She didnt react, so I pleaded again.

Remember how good she was to you? She treated you like her own daughter, brought you food during the flu outbreak, even with the lockdown! She wouldnt hurt you! She wouldnt try to control you!

Sarah seemed to waver, her steps faltering.

She studied me for a long moment, then finally agreed.

Fine. Ill call the doctor.

Alex tried to stop her.

Sarah, you dont have to

Sarah cut him off.

This is my last chance for you, Michael. If the doctor says your moms fine, youll both pay for this.

I nodded frantically. A doctor was coming, that was all that mattered.

But as the doctor hurried over, medical bag in hand, my mom coughed, spitting up seawater.

My mom opened her eyes, and everyone gasped.

I froze, but there was no joy in my heart.

I knew this could be a final surge before death.

I grabbed the doctors arm.

Shes dying! Please, help her

Sarah cut me off, her face hardening.

Enough! Your mom is perfectly fine.

Alex, lets go.

She turned and walked away, without a backward glance.

I started to follow, but my moms weak hand tugged at mine.

A tear rolled down her cheek.

Michaeldontblame Sarah Imuseless couldnt even swima few yards

Explainto herdont hurt her Ill befineI wantto see youmarried

Her eyes glazed over, her hand went limp.

No matter how I screamed her name, she didnt wake up.

My heart died. I gently closed her eyes.

Three years with Sarah, and I couldn't understand how we'd ended up here.

Just a year ago, we were so happy.

But ever since Alex came back from overseas, everything changed.

She became distant, constantly testing my love.

She said I had to pass ninety-nine tests to prove my love before we could marry.

Once, she made me go to Alexs house in the middle of the night for a welcome home party. When I walked in, I got a face full of flour.

Alex held the bowl, looking apologetic.

Sorry, Michael, dont be mad. Just trying to spice things up.

Sarah watched me, her eyes searching. Even though I was furious, I shook my head and said it was fine.

Alex winked at Sarah.

He passed the test! Hes got a great temper, no worries about domestic violence.

Sarah seemed slightly relieved, but she didn't comfort me, covered in flour.

She just told me to clean up in the kitchen and then cook dinner for everyone with the leftover ingredients.

I didnt understand her obsession with these tests, but I loved her, so I never complained.

I told myself things would go back to normal once Alex left. I never imagined this.

I sat there for a long time before I finally stood up.

After I arranged for my moms body to be taken care of, I went to find Sarah. They were having a party.

I just wanted to leave the island, bury my mom, let her rest.

But on the way, people kept pointing their phones at me.

They took pictures, whispered to each other.

I ignored them until someone stepped in front of me, shoving a phone in my face.

Dude, how much did you get for your moms life? Ill fake a heart attack in front of the princess too.

I grabbed the phone. Alexs friends had posted the video online.

The comments were brutal.

Old ladys a swim champion, cant even handle a beach? Right.

Probably cheated her way to the top.

If I were Sarah, Id be devastated. A gold-digging mom and a manipulative fianc, probably faking it all to control the heiress.

I pushed past him and found Alex.

Alex, why are your friends spreading these lies?

I dont care what they say about me, but my mom? Why drag her name through the mud after shes gone?

Alex swung his feet onto the table, nonchalant.

Isnt it true? You can dish it out but cant take it?

Sarahs lucky to even look at you, you broke loser. We, her friends, have to protect her. Who knows what your angle is.

I crushed a glass in my hand, blood seeping through my fingers, but I didnt feel it.

Before I could say anything else, Sarah spoke.

Michael, stop it. Alex is just looking out for me.

Were still getting married, its just a six-month delay. Just apologize, and everything can go back to normal.

She had someone bring a first aid kit. She took out some gauze, her face softening.

Your handcome here, let me take care of it.

I looked at her.

You think Im faking this too?

Her silence was the answer.

I nodded, a bitter laugh escaping my lips.

If thats what you think of me, then were done. Sarah, the wedding is off.

I turned to leave, but Alex stopped me.

Wait. Since youre going, give back Sarahs ring.

He pointed to the ring on my finger.

Sarah had it custom-made for me. Her tests started six months ago, and they never stopped.

Id been through so much, almost given up. But when I tried to break up with her, she threw a tantrum, smashed things, stormed out.

The next morning, she came back, red-eyed, and apologized.

She pulled out a ring from a jewelry box.

This is your wedding ring, early. Well be married soon. Just pass all the tests, and Ill be yours, okay?

Id softened, given in.

Now, it had cost my mother her life.

I ripped the ring off my finger and threw it on the sand.

Here. Were even.

Sarahs face darkened, but I didnt care. I walked away.

She called repeatedly, but I didn't answer.

I held my moms cold body, unable to cry.

Back home, I wanted to cremate her, bury her quickly.

But no funeral home would take her. No one would issue a death certificate.

I begged, knelt on the floor, but they just said, emotionless,

Miss Prestons orders. We cant.

The Prestons are having a wedding, no funerals. Bad luck.

I called Sarah. Alex answered, his voice mocking.

Still bothering Sarah? Give up. Im the one shell marry.

Those tests? I made them up. Wanted you to back off. But you just kept going, even dragged your mom into it.

He laughed and hung up. The number was disconnected when I called back.

I smashed my phone against the wall.

I built a simple shrine back home, placed my mom in a coffin.

After the traditional seven days, I prepared for the burial. Thats when Sarah showed up.

Her face was tight with anger.

Michael, the coffin, the funeralenough is enough.

You embarrassed the Prestons last week, now this? Dont take my kindness for weakness.

She looked hurt, like I was the one betraying her.

I said coldly, Leave my mother in peace. We can talk after the burial. Youre not welcome here.

Id never spoken to her like that. She froze.

Then, she gritted her teeth.

Enough! How long will you keep up this act? Do you think Im a child?

I repeated myself calmly.

Leave.

She laughed, tears in her eyes.

Fine. You say this is your mother in the coffin?

Someone, get rid of it.

Her bodyguards swarmed forward, lifting the coffin.

They wedged it against the window frame, one push away from falling.

What are you doing!

I struggled, but they held me tight.

Sarah said, One last test, since you insist on lying.

The coffin, or me? Choose.

I stared at her, disbelieving.

Put it back! Thats my mom! If you drop it, Ill never forgive you!

Tears streamed down Sarahs face.

Even a fake coffin is more important than me?

Michael, youre heartless. You failed the final test.

Watch me marry Alex. As for this

She looked at the coffin and sneered.

Throw it out! Its disgusting.

They let go. The coffin plummeted, shattering on the ground below.