Chapter 35
In the next moment, Shawn sprinted to the edge of the cliff and, without a second thought, leaped after Zoe.
As Zoe splashed into the water, she saw Shawn diving in after her. Her eyes hardened. ‘I knew it. He’s still on my trail. Well, it’s time to put his doubts to rest once and for all
In the dark water, Zoe’s lips twisted into a wry smile. She closed her eyes and let herself sink, not fighting the current.
With a splash, Zoe went under, her body going limp. She let herself drift, pretending to drown.
With another splash, Shawn hit the water like a torpedo, diving deep and finding her quickly.
Shawn’s arm wrapped around Zoe’s waist, but she was already slipping away.
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To keep her from swallowing more water, he hoisted her over his shoulder in one smooth motion and broke the surface. He dragged her to shore, safe and sound.
Shawn felt for her breath and found it barely there. She looked so bedraggled, it was obvious she wasn’t faking it. But if she was, she’d have to be incredibly reckless.
A snake bite, and then nearly drowning–either could have killed her with the slightest slip. How could she be so brutal to herself?‘ he wondered, pressing on Zoe’s belly to force out the water she’d swallowed.
But she wasn’t breathing on her own, and if this kept up, she might not make it.
For the first time, he was hit with a wave of guilt and doubt about what he’d done. ‘Could I have been wrong? Has he almost killed an innocent girl?
Guilt washed over him. To save Zoc, he bent down and started CPR. His lips met hers gently.
In the flickering light and shadow, after a few breaths, Zoe began to cough. She spat out the water from her throat, and slowly, her breathing steadied.
When Zoe’s eyes fluttered open, she was met with the sight of Shawn’s chiseled jaw and his sensual Adam’s apple, from which water droplets kept dripping down. It was a scene that could captivate any woman’s heart, and Zoe couldn’t help but blink in admiration.
“How are you feeling? Are you alright?” Shawn’s deep, concerned voice cut through the silence.
Zoe shuddered, and in an instant, she was fully in character, her face twisting into a mask of sheer terror, “Mr. Ludwig, I… I thought I was really going to die,” she wailed, her voice trembling and tears streaming down her cheeks.
It was a performance so convincing it seemed utterly genuine. Zoe had fully immersed herself in the role. If she could fool herself, she could surely deceive Shawn, though perceptiveness far exceeded that of an ordinary person.
“It’s alright now.” Shawn said softly. Seeing Zoe’s tearful eyes, something in him softened, and his voice gentled.
Zoe paused, taken aback. ‘Did I hear that right? This man, notorious for his cold ruthlessness on the battlefield, is actually comforting me? And in such a gentle tone?‘
“Cold…” Zoe said, her voice soft and quivering.
Hearing it, Shawn immediately snapped back to reality, his expression turning stern. “Wait here,” he said, starting to get up.
But Zoe clung to him tightly. “No, please don’t leave. I’m scared,”
Her helplessness was magnified a thousandfold by Zoe’s masterful acting, making Shawn feel like a heartless monster for even considering leaving her. And deep down, he knew he bore some responsibility for what had happened to her.
Even the toughest guys have a soft spot. Shawn couldn’t ignore the urge to protect this girl who’d just been through so much. “Hold on tight,” he said, lifting her into his arms.
With Zoe in his arms, he headed off to find some firewood. He needed to get a fire going to warm her up.
Zoe’s arms stayed around his neck, and in that closeness, she couldn’t help but notice how good–looking he was. ‘Check him out. Sharp features, strong brows–everything about him is just right… Oh, it’s a shame that I’ll kill this cutie anyway!
The fire crackled to life, and the flames spread, finally bringing a bit of warmth to Zoe and Shawn, both drenched to the skin. But Zoe’s body began to tremble uncontrollably–a clear sign that the snake venom was taking effect.
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11:58 AM
Chapter 35
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Shawn glanced at Zoe and saw her lips turning blue, a telltale sign of poisoning
“Am I going to die? I’ve never even been in a relationship. I don’t want to die,” Zoe muttered, voicing her girlish fears.
The words struck a chord in Shawn. This was all his fault, and he knew he had to take full responsibility. “You’re not going to die,” he said firmly.
With that, he ignored Zoe’s pleading gaze and reached for the waistband of her pants.
Zoe immediately put on a shy act, covering herself. “What are you doing?
“Getting the venom out, he replied.
“But if you take off my pants and see my body… you’ll have to take responsibility,” Zoe stammered, her voice trembling with nervousness.
The venom had already spread deep. If it spread throughout her entire body, there’d be no saving her. Without a second thought, Shawn did something that made Zoe’s face go pale–he tore a strip from his shirt and blindfolded himself.
‘So he’s going to treat my wound while blindfolded? Zoe’s face darkened. ‘Does he really hate the idea of seeing my body that much? Am I that repulsive to him?
“Mr. Ludwig, how are you going to treat my wound like this?” Zoe asked, her voice wavering. But her eyes were sharp, betraying no fear.
