Chapter 50
Chapter 50
Beside him stood Lillian, which caught Allison off guard. She hadn’t expected Lillian to tag along.
Joshua casually explained, “Lillian wanted a bit of fun, so I brought her along.” He figured it’d be a good idea for Allison and Lillian to get to know one another better since they’d soon be family.
Allison nodded, flashing a warm smile, “Hey there.”
Just then, Joshua’s horse was led over. It was a stunning warmblood, and since Allison had never been to the equestrian center with Joshua before, it was her first glimpse of his horse. The sight was captivating; the horse stood tall and proud, likely a purebred Hanoverian.
Lillian chimed in with a flirty tone, “What kind of horse is this? It’s gorgeous.”
Joshua replied casually, “Hanoverian.”
Brian, standing nearby, added, “Lillian, don’t underestimate this horse. It’s quite the treasure.”
Lillian playfully clung to Joshua’s arm, “I really want to learn to ride. Can you teach me?” Allison’s eyes drifted to Lillian’s hands on Joshua’s arm. Why did she feel a tiny pang of discomfort? She quickly diverted her gaze. Wthout making a fuss, Joshua gently pulled his arm away, “I could sign you up for riding lessons.”
Sabrina jumped in right on cue, “If you want to learn horseback riding, Lillian, you can ask me. I’ll recommend my instructor.”
“But I want you to teach me, Joshua,” Lillian continued, her voice filled with a playful whine. A wave of unexplainable emotions washed over Allison. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it. But she didn’t want to stick around for more of Lillian’s antics, so she headed to the stables to get her horse.
Her horse was a white Akhal–Teke, a cherished birthday gift from Olivia when she turned seventeen. The horse was pure white, its sleek coat glistening in the sunlight, radiating elegance and grace. Akhal–Teke horses are also famously known as Turkmen horses.
Nearby, Olivia beamed, “Allie, while you were away these past three years, I took great care of Snow.” “Snow” was the name Allison had given the horse.
“Thanks, Olivia.” Allison tenderly stroked the horse’s cheek, and it nuzzled her palm, recognizing her touch. Allison was overjoyed, “After all this time, Snow still remembers me.” Olivia nodded, “Horses are incredibly intelligent animals.”
Allison led Snow outside, eager to ride. She mounted up, with Joshua lending a steady hand and a gentle boost onto the saddle. “Thanks,” she said before galloping off. She didn’t catch the envious glare from Lillian behind her.
The Duran family’s equestrian center lay in the countryside, surrounded by vast, open fields. Allison rode with abandon, the wind whipping past her ears. This was freedom. In moments like these, she felt truly free. As she rode, her movements were fluid and agile, her presence captivating. Everyone watched, entranced. Even Lillian had to admit, Allison was simply mesmerizing. The way Joshua fixated on Allison’s distant figure, even urging his horse to follow, drove Lillian to jealousy.
