Chapter 4

Chloe POV

In the afternoon, just after walking into the riding stables, Adrian raised his hand and pointed to a figure not far away.

"Chloe, this is the riding therapist I hired for you."

I followed his gaze, and my heart tightened all at once.

Elena was wearing a black riding outfit, her long hair tied back, looking capable and sharp.

She gave me a gentle smile.

"Mrs. Chloe, I hope we can work well together."

I didn't respond. I just nodded calmly, as if I had never seen her before.

Adrian seemed very satisfied with this harmonious atmosphere.

"Elena has worked for the Equestrian Association all these years. She'll take good care of you."

After saying that, he turned and took a seat on the viewing platform.

Before the riding session began, Elena took the initiative to step forward and check my gear, carefully inspecting the saddle and reins. Her movements were skilled and natural.

Once everything was ready, the training officially began.

Elena personally led my horse, patiently explaining the movements. She looked very professional.

But when we entered the obstacle area and passed a wooden fence, the saddle strap suddenly loosened and slid hard to one side.

I didn't even have time to react before my body lost balance and I was thrown off, crashing heavily to the ground.

A sharp pain swept through my body, and my ears buzzed loudly.

Through the daze, I heard cries of alarm all around me, followed by a rush of hurried footsteps.

Adrian ran over.

But his first reaction wasn't to check on me. It was to grab Elena's hand.

"What happened? Are you hurt?"

Elena's eyes immediately turned red, and she looked frightened and guilty.

She lifted her palm. Somehow, a raw cut had been rubbed into her hand by the reins.

"I just noticed the saddle was a little loose. I was worried the horse would get spooked and hurt Mrs. Chloe, so in a panic I grabbed the reins too hard and scraped my hand... but I still couldn't steady it, and she fell off."

Adrian's expression changed drastically, and he immediately checked her wound.

"Idiot, this isn't your fault. You didn't need to risk yourself like that." His voice was full of concern.

And I lay on the ground, my back burning with pain, not even able to stand up.

Only when someone nearby reminded him did Adrian finally look at me.

"Chloe, are you okay? I'll take you to the medical center right away."

He hurried to my side and lifted me into his arms.

Then he turned back and said in a deep voice to his men, "Take good care of Ms. Elena. Her injuries are serious. Send her to the medical center too and treat her wound immediately."

I weakly leaned against Adrian's chest, clearly feeling the steady, powerful beat of his heart, just like every time he had held me before.

But now I only felt cold. Cold to the bone.

How did this man do it? One second he was worried about another woman, and the next he could act like a devoted husband to me.

I slowly closed my eyes, and my heart was left with nothing but emptiness.

I suddenly thought that if I had really died from that fall at the stables, maybe that would have been a kind of release.