?Chapter 1532:

    A smirk tugged at Kallie’s lips. “See? With all the attention you get, you don’t have to worry about ever being lonely.”

    Jake’s gaze darkened ever so slightly, his expression unreadable.

    Kallie realized her mistake a second toote. Before she could react, Jake moved swiftly, lifting her effortlessly onto his shoulder as if she weighed nothing.

    “Jake!” she gasped, wriggling in protest. But the height made her rethink her resistance, and she instinctively clung to him, her arms looping around his neck for stability.

    He chuckled, clearly enjoying himself, but didn’t take it too far.

    When they reached the shoreline, he finally set her down.

    The cool wavespped at their feet, the water neither too cold nor too warm—just enough to soothe the lingering heat of the day.

    Kallie instinctively took a small step back, frowning slightly. “You know swimming isn’t for me. I don’t like it.”

    Jake’s expression softened. He knew why. The past still haunted her, the fear lingering like a shadow she couldn’t quite escape. But that was exactly why he had brought her here.

    “Kallie,” he said, his voice low and serious, his gaze locking onto hers.

    Jake said seriously, “I understand you’re frightened and haven’t forgotten the past. But you should know that many eyes are on us now. While I wish to protect you forever, we can’t afford to show weakness—especially now that we have children.”

    At Jake’s words, Kallie turned to face him. She recognized the truth in his words. Yet, the challenge of oveing her fears in such a short time seemed daunting.

    Hesitantly, Kallie moved her foot forward but paused as she neared the sea, her breath hitching.

    Jake took Kallie’s hand, hoping to provide her with reassurance andfort through the simple gesture.

    “Don’t worry,” Jake reassured her gently. “I’m right here with you. Nothing bad will happen.”

    ???????? ???? ???????? ???????? → ??a???????ν???????????????

    Kallie nodded, managing a weak smile. With Jake’s solid support, she took steps into the sea.

    As the water reached her waist, Kallie’s body began to shake with fear, and she clung tightly to Jake.

    Suddenly, the waves grew stronger, intensifying Kallie’s fear and causing her to nearly lose her footing.

    Jake, noticing her difort, furrowed his brow and suggested, “Let’s call it a day and head back. You’ve done well. We can always try againter.”

    Kallie inhaled deeply and shook her head. “No, I need to do a bit more. Don’t worry, I won’t pass out from fear.”

    Jake’s expression was filled with concern. “Please don’t overdo it.”

    “I won’t,” Kallie assured him, her voice quivering.

    In the end, Kallie gave up on the attempt, influenced by Jake’s persistent insistence.

    .

    .

    .