Then you’d rightfully become my sister–in–law.
Having a superstar as my sister–in–law, what a status boost.
“Clip–clop, clip–clop–”
Urgent hoofbeats approached from behind.
A pure black stallion shot forward like an arrow released from its bow, charging toward where Lisa had vanished.
Lisa was terrified out of her wits.
The horse plunged uncontrollably into the woods alongside, galloping madly down a faint path.
She clung desperately to the reins, knuckles white with strain.
She absolutely couldn’t fall!
Absolutely not!
The coarse reins scraped her palms raw, drawing blood, yet she dared not loosen her grip even slightly.
Alexander urged his horse into the woods.
Spotting the figure swaying perilously on horseback ahead, his heart nearly leaped from his chest.
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“Lisa!
Don’t be afraid!”
He shouted, “Hold the reins tight!
Don’t panic!”
Hearing his voice, Lisa instinctively turned.
Alexander’s form grew clearer through the swaying trees.
The taut string in her heart eased just a fraction.
“Alexander!
Help!
Ah–”
Before she could finish, another jolt nearly flung her off.
The horse burst from the woods into sudden openness–but with nowhere left to go.
Ahead lay a steep grassy slope ending at a raging river.
The panicked horse seemed to sense danger too, rearing abruptly, forelegs kicking high.
Lisa yanked the reins with all her might, but momentum threw her backward.
It’s over!
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Only those two words echoed in her mind.
Losing balance, she teetered on the edge of falling.
At that critical moment, a powerful arm wrapped firmly around her
waist.
The world spun.
Clutching each other, they tumbled down the steep slope.
Alexander kept one arm locked around her waist, the other shielding
her head.
They rolled too fast, impact brutal.
Splash!
Unable to stop, they plunged into the icy river.
Bone–chilling cold enveloped her instantly, making her shiver uncontrollably.
“Alexander!
Help!”
Lisa flailed wildly in the water, struggling to surface.
“I’m scared of water… cough, Alex… Alexander…”
She choked, icy water flooding her nostrils. Eyes squeezed shut against the agony.
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“Don’t be afraid!
I’m here!”
A steady voice sounded by her ear.
“I’m here!
Open your eyes! Look at me!”
Alexander’s tone brooked no argument.
She forced her eyes open, vision blurred. Both bobbed in the frigid current, the rapids dragging them downstream.
Alexander’s large hand supported her waist, keeping her head above
water.
Soaked and trembling, Lisa remained shaken.
Her face was drenched–impossible to tell river from tears.
“Don’t be scared, I’ve got you!”
His voice rang out again, steady and reassuring.
The river current was too strong. Holding her, he couldn’t reach the bank. His eyes darted along both shores.
“See that branch sticking out ahead?”
He pointed to a thick limb hanging low from an old tree downstream.
“When we drift past, grab it. Hold on tight!”
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“I’ll let go of you first. I’ll climb ashore, then pull you up.”
Lisa instinctively shook her head, eyes wide with terror.
Let go?
She couldn’t.
“Don’t be afraid.”
He repeated, his tone firmer.
“I’ll get you out.
But remember–once you grab it, don’t let go. Understand?”
The tree loomed closer as the current swept them toward it.
Lisa stared at the branch swaying above the water, then gave a sharp nod.
She raised her stiff, frozen hands.
The moment her body brushed against the branch, she clamped down with every ounce of strength.
Simultaneously, the arm around her waist vanished.
Terror surged through her. She squeezed the lifeline harder, eyes shut tight–unwilling to see or think.
Seconds later, a warm hand closed around her right wrist.
“Lisa!”
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Alexander’s voice cut through the chaos, close and urgent.
Her eyes flew open.
A powerful force hauled her upward.
She tumbled onto the grassy bank, gasping as icy river water sluiced
off her.
Alexander collapsed beside her, breathing ragged.
Lisa lay against his chest, greedily inhaling the earthy air while her heart hammered against her ribs.
Minutes passed before Alexander pushed himself up. Ignoring his own exhaustion, he scanned her urgently.
“Lisa?
Are you hurt?
Where does it hurt?”
His voice rasped with lingering fear.
The question shattered her composure. The aftermath of the ordeal crashed over her.
Tears spilled without warning.
She sniffled, voice trembling. “M–my hands… hurt…”
Alexander carefully pushed up her soaked sleeve.
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Beneath the waterlogged bandage on her forearm, dark red stains seeped through the edges.
Thankfully, the doctor’s splint had held–without it, the wound would’ve torn open completely.
Alexander’s expression darkened as he saw the bloodied injury and scraped palms.
“The wound reopened a little.”
His voice lowered. “Anywhere else?
Do you feel sick?”
Lisa shook her head, shivering uncontrollably, teeth chattering.
It had been too close. She’d truly thought it was over.
Alexander stood, scanning their surroundings. Up the grassy slope, a small cave opening caught his eye.
