Taking Part in Tournaments

Chris holds Angela's hand as she leaves the hospital. After a few days of hospitalization, doctors allowed Angela to go home. Although her condition is still weak, Angela looks much better now than before.

"Where's John?" asked Angela, looking confused when she didn't see Chris' assistant coming to pick them up.

"I told him to do something else. Today you're coming home with me," Chris replied quietly as he put a bag of Angela's clothes into the trunk of the car.

Angela didn't ask any more questions. She got into the car and closed her eyes tightly. Sleepiness suddenly hit her, and forced her to sleep.

She doesn't know how long she's been asleep, but she wakes up when she feels Chris's arms slip behind her thighs and lift her out of the car. Angela rested her head on Chris' chest. Being in Chris's arms felt very comfortable and pleasant.

"Put me down," Angela pleaded after realizing she was too heavy. Chris must have had a hard time climbing the stairs.

"Shut up like before," Chris snapped, silencing Angela's lips.

Angela didn't argue. She put her arms around Chris' neck. Then, she closed her eyes again.

Chris walked slowly up the steps from the front yard to his porch.

Chris gently dropped Angela's body on the bed. "Go to sleep. I still have some business to take care of."

"Thank you," Angela said softly.

After making sure Angela went back to sleep, Chris left Angela's room. He wanted to see John and make sure his assistant was doing what he told her to do. John's work could not fail like before.

***

"Did you do what I asked you to do?" Chris asked when he saw John in his room.

John nodded quickly. "I did. And I assure you that this time I won't let you down again," John said confidently.

"Alright then. Prepare everything as best you can. I don't want you to miss anything important." Chris added.

"Yes, boss. You'll definitely hear some good news from me soon," John said with confidence.

Chris smiled broadly. He had a lot of faith in John. His assistant must have learned from experience.

"By the way, how is Angela? What did the doctor say?"

John's question broke Chris' reverie. He then took a deep breath. "After the surgery Angela's condition is gradually improving. It's just that she has to suffer the consequences of the poison she drank," Chris said in a heavy voice.

"What do you mean exactly? I don't understand." John looked at Chris with a puzzled look in his eyes. Chris's words sounded very suspicious.

"The poison caused severe damage to Angela's uterus. Angela will most likely not be able to conceive," Chris explained.

"Does she already know about this, Boss?" urged John.

Chris shook his head slowly. "I can't tell her about this yet. I wanted to wait for the right time to break the bad news."

Chris's face turned stiff after saying all that to John. His jaw hardened as he gritted his teeth. The look in his eyes was piercing.

"I hope Angela isn't lamenting her current predicament. She really needs you to be by her side," John said after a while.

Chris was silent. John's words were like a splash of cold water on his head. It made him realize that he should not waste Angela.

***

A few days later.

"You've progressed a lot."

Pascal, one of Joe's employees who took care of Joe's horses, made the comment after seeing Briana ride her horse for a few laps around the vast pasture. Without hesitation he expressed his admiration for Briana's strong determination. The girl never gave up on practicing for her preparation for the horse racing tournament.

"Thank you. All thanks to Hero. Hero seems to be able to read my mind," Briana said as she patted the brown stallion's back with a big smile.

"What about Joe? Does he agree with your plan?"

Briana's face turned cloudy and radiant. Hearing Pascal mention Joe's name, made her mood immediately change to sadness. Her eyes were now sad as she looked into the distance.

"Until now Joe hasn't said anything," Briana replied quietly. "Earlier, I told him that I was going to the horse racing tournament. But, he didn't agree and seemed very angry."

Pascal patted Briana lightly on the shoulder. He completely understood how Briana was feeling right now. But, he couldn't just turn a blind eye. Joe was acting like that because he was very worried about Briana.

"You can talk to Joe again. Tell him you'll be fine," Pascal encouraged Briana. "Convince Joe that you won't let him down."

Briana gave him a genuine smile. "Thank you for your advice. If I talk to Joe nicely, and convince him that things aren't what he thinks they are, Joe will definitely allow me to join the tournament."

After returning the horse to the stable, Briana left Pascal who was briefing the other employees. She approached the water faucet located not far from the stable. Briana cleaned her hands and feet. Then, she washed her face with plenty of water. Her skin felt refreshed after that.

The corner of her eye caught a glimpse of a shadow passing beside her. She hurriedly straightened her back. Briana jumped in surprise when she found Joe standing waiting for her.

"You surprised me," Briana said as she touched her chest because her heart was beating so fast.

"I've been waiting for you, but you didn't come back," Joe said with a sour face.

"Sorry, I just finished practicing. Is there something important you want to talk about?" Briana asked, then walked over to Joe.

"Nothing. It's just that I wanted to talk about your problem," Joe snapped.

"Say it. I'm ready to hear it," Briana replied.

"How is your health? Are you okay when riding a horse?" Joe asked a series of questions.

"There is no problem with my health. I don't feel sick or suffer from anything. Everything is fine," Briana replied, surprised by Joe's questions.

"Then, I'll let you join the tournament."