Chapter 15 - WATERS OF REDEMPTIONThe afternoon was spent laughing, fishing, and walking through the pristine forest trails. For the first time in her adult life, Victoria felt completely disconnected from the relentless stress of corporate life. She was free.
While walking along the edge of the shallow mountain stream, Victoria stepped on a slippery stone and lost her balance, tumbling into the cool water with a loud splash.
Ethan panicked instinctively, rushing into the water. "Victoria!"
When he reached her, she was sitting in the shallow, clear water, drenched from head to toe, laughing hysterically.
"I'm okay! I'm okay!" she gasped through her laughter, looking up at him.
Ethan stopped, breathless, looking down at her. Her white button-down shirt was completely soaked, clinging to her skin in the sunlight, her blonde hair damp and shining. She looked radiant, raw, and unbelievably beautiful.
He reached down, taking her wrist firmly to pull her up, exactly as he had done in the dark, icy river months ago. But this time, there was no fear, no despair—only absolute joy.
"You really have a habit of falling into rivers, don't you?" Ethan teased, his hands resting on her waist as he pulled her close against his wet shirt.
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"Only when you're around to catch me," Victoria replied softly, looking up into his eyes.
The contrast between this moment and their first meeting was staggering. The dark, terrifying river had been replaced by a sunlit stream; the broken, hopeless woman had been replaced by a vibrant, loved partner.
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