The Greatest Villainess (Completed)

Chapter 42

Moments passed before Isaac returned. He approached me with a calm yet eager expression, extending his hand as he bent slightly at the knees. "Come, you will like this," he said in a low, almost secretive tone, as if he had stumbled upon something extraordinary.

His eyes gleamed with excitement, and the curiosity in me stirred. I reached out and took his hand, his fingers warm against my own. Gently, he pulled me up to my feet, his grip firm but reassuring. We began walking together, his hand still clasping mine. The soft rustle of leaves underfoot and the cool breeze brushing against my skin made the air feel alive with anticipation. The sky above had grown dim, the last remnants of sunlight fading into twilight, casting long shadows across the path. The temperature had dropped noticeably, and I could feel the crisp coolness of the evening setting in.

Isaac led the way, his strides steady and confident. I matched his pace as best as I could, but there was a subtle urgency in my steps as the sound of flowing water reached my ears. My heart leaped in my chest. I strained to listen, my eyes widening as the faint, melodic gurgle grew louder with each step. He had found a stream. A smile tugged at my lips, excitement bubbling up inside me. Without thinking, I quickened my pace, eager to see it with my own eyes.

Isaac noticed my eagerness, but his movements remained unhurried, his long legs easily keeping pace with me. "Patience," he murmured with a soft chuckle, but I was too excited to heed his advice.

Finally, we reached the riverbank, and I stopped in my tracks, my breath catching in my throat. Before us lay a wide, crystal-clear river that shimmered in the fading light. A small natural pool formed just ahead, nestled among the rocks and tree roots that jutted out from the sides of the riverbank, almost as if nature itself had carved this hidden oasis. The water, still and inviting, mirrored the darkening sky, and the gentle flow of the stream made the scene feel like something out of a dream.

"I want to swim," I blurted out, my voice tinged with excitement, my eyes unable to tear away from the serene beauty of the place. I glanced over at Isaac, half-expecting him to refuse or mock my enthusiasm.

Instead, he smiled. "Alright, I'll go first," he said with a tone that caught me off guard. My eyes flickered to his face in surprise. Was he serious?

"You're going to swim too?" I asked, my voice uncertain, but he just nodded, already pulling at the collar of his shirt.

"I won't let you swim alone. It's better to be cautious," he remarked casually, as if swimming with me was the most natural thing in the world. His tone was firm but caring, leaving no room for argument. I pressed my lips together, realizing I couldn't talk him out of it.

Suddenly, my eyes caught the sight of him beginning to undress, and a flush of heat rushed to my face. Quickly, I turned my back to him, my heart pounding wildly in my chest. Oh god, he's really doing it. The tension between us thickened as the reality of the situation sank in. Are we really going to swim together... naked?

I inhaled deeply, trying to calm the swirl of emotions inside me. Nothing else is going to happen, I reminded myself. It's just swimming.

The sound of fabric hitting the ground followed by a splash of water made me glance over my shoulder. Isaac was already in the water, his dark hair slicked back, water droplets clinging to his skin as he wiped his face. He looked completely at ease, floating effortlessly in the natural pool. "Take off your dress," he called out, his voice casual yet commanding. "You don't want to swim in wet clothes. They'll be uncomfortable later."