?<strong>Chapter 356:</strong>


    After changing into her swimsuit, Belinda wrapped herself tightly in a towel and descended the stairs at a reluctant pace. The backyard pool gleamed in the sunlight, and Lucas was already there.


    Lucas moved effortlessly through the water,pleting a fewps before emerging from the pool. The sunlight cast a golden glow over him, entuating his tanned skin, defined chest, and firm muscles. Droplets of water glistened as they trailed down his body, making it almost impossible for Belinda not to stare.


    Belinda was in a daze, clutching the towel around her, trying to steady her heart.


    Lucas caught sight of her and broke the silence with a low, charming voice. “What are you standing there for? Get in the water now.”


    Belinda didn’t move. Lucas arched a brow, his toneced with teasing impatience. “Do you need me to go there and invite you personally?”


    “Stay where you are! I’ll get in myself!” Belinda quickly said, stopping him before he could make a move.


    Without giving herself time to overthink, she unwrapped the towel around her and let it fall. The moment she did, Lucas’ gaze sharpened, his pupils narrowing ever so slightly.


    Belinda was wearing a sleek, ck three-piece bikini. Lucas had always been aware of her striking figure—slender yet curvaceous, with a perfect bnce of elegance and allure. Her toned waist, her long, graceful legs… She was stunning, and the sight of her in that swimsuit rendered him momentarily speechless.


    Lucas’ dark eyes lingered on Belinda’s body, their intensity growing. Belinda, noticing his gaze, began to feel self-conscious. She hadn’t expected the servants to have prepared something so bold for her.


    Clearing her throat, she slowly stepped into the water, the coolness making her heart race faster than it already was. As she waded in deeper, Lucas approached her, extending a hand toward her. She hesitated for a second, staring at his long, strong fingers before finally cing her hand in his.


    The moment their hands touched, Lucas led Belinda further into the pool. But as Belinda felt she was getting closer to deep waters, panic surged through her.


    “Lucas, stop!” she cried out, her voice tinged with fear.


    Turning to look at Belinda directly in the eyes, Lucas said slowly, “Belinda, the first lesson you need to learn is…” Before Belinda could process his words, he released her hand.


    Belinda’s world tilted as she began to sink.


    “Lucas—I—” she cried out, her voice drowned out by a rush of water. Her arms iled wildly, sshing water everywhere as panic gripped her. Water stung her nose and throat, making her cough and choke.


    Then, just as quickly, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her upward. Belinda clung to Lucas’ neck instinctively, her grip desperate. Their bodies pressed tightly together as he brought her above the surface.


    Water dripped from Belinda’s face as she gasped for air, coughing violently. Lucas held her firmly, his grip unyielding as he steadied her.


    Belinda’s chest rose and fell against him, her racing heart audible in the quiet between her gasps. She struggled to regain her breath, coughing for a while.


    As soon as she stopped coughing, she smacked Lucas on the back with surprising force, her face flushing with anger. “Lucas, you bastard!” she snapped, her voice a bit shaky.


    Lucas’ lips curved into a wicked smile, one eyebrow arching with a hint of yfulness. “This is your first lesson. You can’t learn to swim without choking on water at least once.”


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