11:53 Sat, Oct 18 M…
The Stand–in Bride He Holds On To
:
Chapter 26 Swimming As Fast As She Could
Howard let Clara head toward the prepared venue.
83
+8 Pearls
“Don’t stop him. If Michael’s looking for her, let him be,” he instructed, knowing that deterring Michael would be fruitless. It was clear she held some significance in Michael’s life.
Clara changed into the outfit provided, leaving the changing room fully prepared with a swim cap and goggles. She had chosen a swimsuit and opted for the most modest option, yet it couldn’t conceal her lanky legs, slim waist, and ample chest.
As she emerged, she felt the audience’s eyes locked onto her. Glancing around, she noticed all the men were staring. With her goggles and swim cap on, she was confident they wouldn’t recognize her—especially since few knew about her marriage to Michael, as they had never had a wedding ceremony.
“You get one minute for preparation. Once you’re ready, enter the water. The crocodile will be let out after ten seconds,” the staff member informed her.
Clara noticed the crocodile trapped in a cage just five meters away, wildly thrashing against the iron bars, drooling, and snapping its jaws in her direction. She had concealed the silver needles in her swimsuit, hoping it would help her pass the test.
“Ten seconds left. Please get ready,” the staff member said, checking their watch, a whistle poised in their mouth. Clara shut her eyes, and the whistle blew when she opened them again as a signal for her to dive into the water.
She counted down internally, swimming forward with everything she could with each count. Upon reaching ‘ten,‘ she heard a splash behind her and continued swimming as fast as she could without looking back.
“Mr. Goodman, this place is enormous. Where should we start?” Eric asked anxiously, unsure where to begin as there were just the two of them unassisted.
Michael had insisted on wearing a mask as a precaution in case anyone recognized him. If Benjamin or anyone else saw Michael walking around here, it would undoubtedly result in a commotion. Eric was surprised by how much Michael cared for his wife–he had wanted to rush in without any disguise, but the outcome could be dire.
“Let’s begin from there,” Michael replied, frowning in deep concentration. The noise from that direction made him certain Clara was there.
Michael ran toward the commotion, slightly faint from the chaos around him, as he searched for Clara. He had visited this place one year ago, and nothing seemed to have changed since
1/2
11:53 Sat, Oct 18 M…
Chapter 26 Swimming As Fast As She Could
then.
:
83
+8 Pearls
Someone abruptly surfaced from the water and inhaled deeply several times before diving back inside. Even though it was just a brief moment, Michael recognized her–it was Clara.
Dmn it!
“Mr. Goodman…” Eric began, but Michael was already moving swiftly toward her.
Eric realized what was happening–Clara was in the water, a crocodile fiercely pursuing her. Panicking, Eric quickly ran after Michael, terrified by the sight.
Clara’s strength was nearly exhausted. She grabbed her silver needle, surfaced quickly, and aimed it at the approaching crocodile. But the crocodile wasn’t still, and her first attempt missed its eye.
She knew she couldn’t afford to be precise one by one. Instead, she released the last two needles simultaneously from different angles, hoping to improve her chances of hitting the target.
Send Gifts
₤10
!
212
