?<strong>Chapter 808:</strong>


    “Come on down, Belinda,” Lucas said as he swam toward her.


    Belinda took a deep breath and slowly dipped her feet into the pool. She then sank deeper until the water reached her chest. Her heart began to race with fear.


    Just then, arge hand suddenly engulfed hers. “Don’t be afraid. I’m here,” Lucas said.


    For reasons Belinda couldn’t quiteprehend, hearing Lucas’ calm voice and feeling the steady warmth radiating from his body seemed to ease the tension within her.


    Without realizing it, she tightened her grasp on Lucas’ hand, seekingfort in his steady hold.


    When Lucas noticed her quiet reliance, his lips curved into a smile.


    Gently guiding her toward the pool’s edge, he said to Belinda, “Let me teach you a few basic techniques first. Watch me carefully.”


    “Alright,” Belinda replied softly, her voice carrying a mix of apprehension and determination.


    With a graceful motion, Lucas glided through the water, demonstrating the strokes with effortless elegance.


    After a short while, he swam back to Belinda and extended his hand with an encouraging look. “Come on, Belinda. Try to replicate what I just showed you. I’ll help you.”


    Belinda inhaled deeply, summoning her courage. She whispered a quick motivational talk under her breath before finally cing her hand in Lucas’ grip.


    “You know how a frog swims, don’t you?” Lucas asked, his tone light. “Hold onto my arms and then kick your legs like a frog. Easy, right?”


    Nodding hesitantly, Belinda did as instructed. Yet the moment her feet left the solid ground beneath her, her entire body sank like a stone, plunging her into a sudden and overwhelming sensation of helplessness.


    A wave of fear crashed over her, sharp and suffocating, leaving her gasping. With a startled cry, she instinctivelytched onto Lucas, her nails digging into his arms.


    “Hey, hey, it’s okay,” Lucas said gently, his voice a soothing balm against her panic. He pulled her up effortlessly, wrapping her securely in his arms. His hand moved to her back, patting it lightly in a rhythmic gesture offort. “Don’t be afraid. I’m right here. You’repletely safe.”


    Belinda clung to him tightly, her heart hammering against her ribs like a drum.


    She had truly believed that sheer willpower would see her through, that determination alone could help her conquer her fear of water. But now, faced with the reality, she realized just how deep-rooted her fears truly were.


    Just as she steadied her breath and prepared to speak, Belinda suddenly felt something solid pressing against her body.


    It didn’t take long for her to piece together what it was.


    Her face flushed scarlet as her gaze snapped up to meet Lucas’. “You!” she eximed, her voiceced with both fury and embarrassment. Yet, before the usation could leave her lips, the look in Lucas’ eyes froze her in ce.


    Lucas’ gaze was dark and consuming, an intense storm of emotions swirling within.


    Belinda’s breath hitched. Instinctively, she tried to pull away, but Lucas was faster. His hand slipped behind her head, cupping it gently yet firmly, as he closed the distance between them in an instant. His lips crashed onto hers. The kiss was fierce.


    Belinda let out a muffled protest, her hands pushing against Lucas’ chest in a desperate attempt to free herself.


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