Chapter 46%
Chapter 46
When Gabriella and Asher returned from their ride, they found only Grace waiting. The others–Charlotte, Sebastian, and Victoria Darwin al presumably gone riding themselves.
“Oh, Gabriella!” Grace’s smile was syrupy sweet. “You looked amazing riding. Would you teach me?”
Gabriella hesitated.
Hadn’t Grace just been insisting that only Asher should teach her?
“There are professional instructors,” Gabriella offered. “I could call one over.”
Grace’s lips formed a slight pout. “But instructors are so intimidating. I don’t know them, and they might be harsh. You’re so kind you wouldn’t scold me, would you?”
Gabriella wasn’t comfortable with such forced famiGabbyrity from someone she barely knew.
She glanced at Asher, seeking his input.
He met her gaze, leaving the decision to her. “Gabby, would you mind teaching her?”
He’d thrown the choice back to her.
Gabriella considered carefully.
Grace was Asher’s sister, her future sister–in–law. Though their first meeting had been tense, Grace had apologized. Now she seemed friendly enough.
Being naturally generous, Gabriella preferred not to assume ill intent.
“Alright,” she agreed, turning to Grace. “I can teach you some basics today, let you get a feel for it. Then you should take proper lessons.”
“Really?” Grace beamed. “Thank you, Gabriella! You’re too kind.”
The excessive sweetness was almost cloying.
Gabriella wondered if she’d been overthinking Grace’s earlier hostility.
“Of course,” she replied politely.
Grace studied her future sister–in–law.
She should call her “sister,” she knew..
But she couldn’t bring herself to use the word.
She refused to accept that this woman would marry Asher.
The thought of him with anyone else was unbearable.
“Thank you for doing this, Gabby,” Asher said warmly.
Turning to Grace, his expression cooled notably. “Mind Gabriella’s instructions. Do exactly as she says. And be careful.”
“Yes, brother.” Grace’s smile was pure innocence.
“Come with me,” Gabriella said, leading Snow
Grace followed.
“Mount from the left side,” Gabriella instructed patiently. “Left foot in the stirrup, swing your right leg over.”
She supported Grace as she mounted. “Careful now.”
Maine’s Annihilation
Chapter 46
Though not in proper riding attire, Grace’s athletic wear would suffice.
Gabriella led Snow at a walk, holding the reins from the ground.
“How does it feel?” she asked, looking up at Grace.
Now facing away from Asher, Grace dropped her sweet act.
Her smile vanished, eyes turning cold. “Tine.”
Gabriella wasn’t bothered by the attitude shift.
This felt more natural than forced friendliness.
“Posture is crucial for beginners,” Gabriella explained. “Sit straight in the saddle.”
“Try the reins,” she said, handing them to Grace.
“To move forward, don’t pull back. Just release the tension slightly, and she’ll walk on.”
Grace followed the instructions, and Snow obligingly moved forward.
“Her name is Snow,” Gabriella said warmly. “She’s very gentle–you’re quite safe.”
“Am I?” Grace’s tone was odd.
“I’m right here,” Gabriella assured her. “Nothing will happen.”
Grace’s smile was enigmatic. “How reassuring.”
Gabriella continued: “To increase speed, use leg pressure against her sides. The more pressure, the faster she’ll go.”
“Remember to release the pressure once she’s moving.”
“Clear enough?” Gabriella asked.
“Quite,” said Grace.
They’d moved some distance from their starting point.
Grace glanced back–Asher was out of sight.
As Gabriella continued explaining riding basics, Grace wasn’t listening.
In her right–hand, holding the reins, she concealed a brooch she’d removed earlier.
Gabriella, unaware, asked, “How are you finding it? Exhilarating, isn’t it?”
“Mm, quite nice,” Grace replied absently.
“Beautiful evening,” Gabriella remarked, admiring the sunset.
The late afternoon light painted the sky in brilGabbynt colors, a gentle breeze rustling the grass.
“Shall we head back?” Gabriella suggested.
Grace’s smile turned calculating.
Gabriella frowned, confused.
That’s when it happened.
Snow suddenly bolted, charging forward at full gallop.
Grace clung to the reins, screaming. “Help! Someone help!”
A Cearned Heiress’s Annihilation
Chapter 46
Gabriella stood frozen in shock.
How had this happened?
It
was so sudden–she
hadn’t had time to grab
the reins.
Her
mind went blank
momentarily.
When she recovered, she immediately called the emergency response team.
Grace
was thrown, rolling across the grass.
The horse continued its spanicked run.
The
response team arrived
quickly,
loading Grace onto
stretcher.
Asher
and the others ran up behind them.
Seeing Grace injured,
Asher’s
expression
darkened
as he
looked at Gabriella.
She
stared
back helplessly,
eyes wide à confusion. with
Chapter 47
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.