Chapter 7

Vivian POV

I thought his words were just empty appeasement, but unexpectedly, the next day Ethan actually cancelled his work, dragged me out, and brought me to the stables.

When I walked out of the changing room in riding attire, Ethan was already waiting at the door.

He wore a black riding outfit, his posture straight and tall.

Seeing me come out, he smiled and was about to step forward to take my hand when an ill-timed female voice rang out.

"What a coincidence, Mr. Shaw. You're here riding too?"

Fiona, dressed in red riding attire with her hair pulled high and makeup impeccable, walked toward us.

Ethan's brow furrowed slightly. He instinctively looked at me. When I said nothing, he turned to Fiona.

"What are you doing here?"

Fiona raised an eyebrow, her red lips curving.

"The stables aren't owned by your family. If you can come here, why can't I?"

Ethan was rendered speechless. He turned to look at me, his tone softening.

"Vivian, I know you don't like her, but the Parker family has an important project in negotiation with us right now. Try not to make a fuss, okay?"

I said coolly,

"She's right. The stables aren't owned by my family. If she wants to come, I have no right to stop her."

Hearing this, Ethan took it as my agreement and didn't give it another thought.

Staff members led over two gentle thoroughbreds. We each mounted and walked along the edge of the track.

Just then, the sound of hoofbeats approached from far to near.

Fiona rode up on a jet-black stallion, reining in beside Ethan, its tail swishing high.

Her face wore a challenging smile.

"Ethan, dare to race me? Same rules as always. Loser buys dinner tonight."

That competitive spirit in Ethan instantly ignited.

"Why would I be afraid?"

He turned to look at me, his tone casual.

"Vivian, ride a couple laps by yourself. I'll race Fiona."

With that, not waiting for my response, he spurred his horse and shot forward.

Fiona laughed playfully and urged her horse to follow.

The two horses chased each other, one ahead and one behind, on the track.

That competitive spirit reminded me of years ago, when Ethan and I were this city's most notorious rivals. We chased each other just like this, neither giving an inch.

Back then, Ethan's eyes were full of competitive desire, and an intense interest in my bold, radiant demeanor. A desire to conquer.

And now, he showed that same interest toward another woman.

I suddenly found it all pointless.

I rode alone for less than two laps before dismounting, handing the reins to a staff member, and walking to sit under a parasol in the rest area.

A server brought lemon water. I'd just taken a sip when a figure in red sat down across from me.

"Why is Miss Hayes sitting here all alone?"

Fiona looked at me with a smile.

"Don't tell me Ethan ditched you and you're upset?"

I set down my glass and said nothing.

Fiona didn't care. She continued on her own.

"Thinking back to how glorious you used to be, Miss Hayes. Who in this city didn't have to watch your moods? I tried so many times to get close to you, but you wouldn't even give me a proper glance."

She paused, leaning forward, her eyes filled with undisguised malice.

"But what about now? You're not even worthy of carrying my shoes. You can't even hold onto your own man. How pathetic. But then again, men all love novelty."

My fingers tightened slightly around the glass. I looked up at her.

"Are you done?"

Fiona laughed smugly.

"You probably don't know this yet, but Ethan told me that compared to you, I'm the one who makes his heart race now."

I suddenly smiled.

"Fiona, do you like relying on imitating others to pick up their leftovers?"

Fiona's expression changed.

"What do you mean?"

"I remember you weren't always like this. Not your personality or how you dress."

I smiled but not quite.

"You used to never catch Ethan's eye. Only by imitating the old me did you finally attract his attention. Truly befitting of your lowly origins. Always so unable to rise to the occasion."

"You!"

Fiona shot to her feet, humiliation and rage surging in her eyes at being hit where it hurt.

"Vivian Hayes! You bitch!"

She raised her hand to slap me hard across the face.

My eyes turned cold, my movements faster than hers.

I caught Fiona's wrist, used the momentum to stand, and delivered a resounding slap with my other hand.

Fiona's head snapped to the side, a clear handprint quickly appearing on her face.

"Vivian Hayes!"

An angry shout came from nearby.

Ethan had obviously seen what just happened. He strode over, grabbed my arm, and yanked me away.

"What are you doing?!"

His grip was so strong I stumbled back several steps, then twisted my ankle. Sharp pain shot through it.

I sucked in a breath, cold sweat breaking out on my forehead from the pain.

But Ethan didn't even look at me.

He walked to Fiona, looked at her swollen cheek, anger flaring up instantly.

"Vivian Hayes, have you lost your mind? If you have something to say, can't you talk it out? Why did you have to hit her?"

I was about to explain when Ethan turned to Fiona again.

"Come on, I'll take you to get some ice for your face."

Then he supported Fiona as they left. From beginning to end, he never looked back at me once, never asked if I was okay.

I stood alone, waves of pain radiating from my ankle, yet it couldn't compare to the pain in my heart.

I thought I'd already given up on this man, that my heart would hold no more expectations for him.

But when he openly protected another woman, my heart still felt like it was being stabbed with needles.

Fine.

I thought, the more he cares about another woman, the less regret I'll have when I leave.