The pool was on a tform extending from the ground floor of the vi, connected to the indoors by massive sliding ss doors. The clear water sparkled under the afternoon sun, and Evelyn, wearing a floatie, was sshing around happily.


    "Daddy, Mommy, you''re here," she said, her face lighting up as she saw her parents arrive together.


    Serena''s eyes also shed with surprise. A month ago, a scene like this was something she wouldn''t have dared to imagine.


    Now, she felt that the oue she was hoping for was definitely within reach.


    In a moment, he had swum a short distance underwater, finally surfacing beside his daughter. Water droplets slid down his short hair and handsome face.


    "Daddy''s amazing!" Evelyn eximed, pping her small hands in admiration.


    But Eleanor moved at her own pace. She tested the temperature in the shallow end. Finally, drawn by the bright sunshine, she found the pool too inviting to resist. She ced the towel she had draped over her shoulders to the side and, holding the handrail, slowly descended the steps into the water.


    It wasn''t cold. Warmed by the sun, the water was a constant,fortable temperature. It enveloped her gently, washing away the summer heat. It felt wonderful.


    Serena swam over to her, pushing an adult-sized floatie. "Ellie, this is for you." Eleanor reached out and took it. Serena couldn''t help but ask, "Ellie, want me to teach you how to hold your breath underwater?"


    "Maybe next time," Eleanor replied with a grateful smile. Right now, she just wanted to rx and enjoy the feeling.


    Thest time she and Vanessa had fallen into the six-and-a-half-foot-deep pool, she was still shaken by the memory. Even now, she didn''t dare venture into the deeper sections, staying where the water was about five feet.


    Serena pushed Evelyn over to y with her.


    Sunlight filtered through the pool, casting shimmering patterns on the bottom. Ian''s form was powerful and graceful in the water.


    He had already swum severalps.


    On hisst one, he came to a stop opposite Eleanor in the five-foot section. The water level left his entire upper body exposed, and droplets rolled down the lines of his muscles, glistening in the sun.


    As Eleanor watched her daughter, her gaze inevitably drifted to him. She had to admit it.


    Whether it was three years ago or now, the man possessed a charm that was impossible to ignore.


    "Evelyn, I will take you to y over there." Serena pushed a still-sshing Evelyn toward the other side of the pool, where a few balls were floating.


    Eleanor knew, of course, that Serena was doing it on purpose. Just then,n rested a hand on the edge of the pool, moving closer to her.


    "Not going to swim a little?" he asked in a low voice.


    "No, this is fine." Eleanor held onto her floatie, content to just enjoy being in the water.


    Then, her body unconsciously shifted to the side, trying to create a little more distance.


    "Yes," Eleanor nodded, her gaze also turning to her daughter.


    Just then, Evelyn, holding a ball, threw it toward Eleanor. "Mommy, catch!"


    Eleanor wasn''t paying attention. Seeing the ball flying at her, she instinctively dodged. But she lost her footing, her feet slipped, and she plunged face-first into the water.


    The very next second, a strong, powerful arm wrapped swiftly around her waist, steadying her.


    It wasn.


    Her back was instantly pressed


    against his warm chest. Through the thin fabric of her swimsuit, the heat of his skin and the firmness of his muscles were transmitted with unnerving rity.