Chapter 356

After changing into her swimsuit, Belinda wrapped herself in a towel, feeling a bit hesitant as she headed toward the backyard. The pool gleamed under the bright afternoon sun, and she could see Lucas already swimming laps with effortless strength.

After a few more laps, Lucas emerged from the water. The sunlight caught the droplets on his skin as he moved toward the edge of the pool. He looked relaxed and fit, the picture of athletic grace. Belinda stood still for a moment, momentarily caught off guard by the serene yet powerful scene.

Lucas caught sight of her and broke the silence, his voice echoing slightly across the water. “What are you standing there for? The water is perfect. Get in.”

Belinda stayed where she was, her grip tightening on the towel. Lucas arched a brow, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Do you need a personal invitation, or are you waiting for me to come and get you?”

“Stay where you are! I’m coming!” Belinda quickly replied, not wanting to give him any excuse to bridge the distance.

She set her towel aside and stepped toward the pool. She was wearing a simple, sleek black swimsuit that suited her perfectly. Lucas watched her approach, his expression unreadable but his gaze attentive. He had always known she carried herself with a certain elegance, and the way she moved now only confirmed it.

Clearing her throat to mask her nervousness, Belinda slowly waded into the water. The initial coolness made her catch her breath, but she continued until the water reached her waist. Lucas swam over, reaching out a hand toward her. After a brief hesitation, she placed her hand in his.

Lucas began to lead her toward the deeper end of the pool to start the lesson. As the floor dropped away beneath her feet, a surge of panic hit her.

“Lucas, stop!” she cried out.

Lucas looked her directly in the eyes, his voice steady. “Belinda, you need to trust the water. The first thing you have to learn is…”

Before she could ask what he meant, he momentarily let go of her hand. Feeling the support vanish, Belinda’s instincts took over. She splashed a bit, her movements frantic as she tried to find her footing in the deep water.

Almost immediately, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her back up to the surface. Belinda instinctively grabbed onto Lucas’s shoulders, her grip tight as she gasped for air. He held her firmly, keeping her head well above the water until her breathing began to even out.

Once she caught her breath and realized she was safe, her panic turned into sharp annoyance. She gave him a light, frustrated shove, her face flushed. “Lucas, you absolute jerk! You scared me!”

Lucas’s lips curved into a small, playful smile. “That was your first lesson. You have to understand how the water feels before you can learn to move in it. You're fine now, aren't you?”

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