Substitute Wife for the Mafia King R18-Chapter 244: Her Intervention

The instructor helped lead the horse outside as I walked by its side. So far, Anthony’s horse appeared calm but I wondered how long that was going to last. Alfred was waiting for us outside and we found him chatting with a few of his guests. His apparent bright mood seemed to vanish when his eyes landed on me. I could tell that he was displeased that I was not yet sitting atop the horse.

“Sir, if I may...this might be a bad idea. Are you sure that we need to use this horse when there are so many others available?” the instructor asked my father with a pleading tone.

Although I appreciated the instructor speaking up for me, I didn’t dare have any hope that my father would change his mind. Keeping up appearances for the family was more important than the safety of my life.

“We will use this horse. It was gifted to Anthony by the royal family. How could we use some other horse? That would be highly disrespectful,” My father replied curtly.

That was that.

Without a word, my father led the way to the start of the obstacle course where everybody was already waiting for the spectacle to start. I wasn’t the only one who was scheduled to showcase my mastery of the horse on that day. However I could tell that I was the center of attention and also the only one not informed of this event beforehand.

“I know that you don’t want to do this but this is all for the sake of the family. To that end, you will ensure that you do your best and make sure that you don’t make a fool of yourself and tarnish our family name. Have I made myself extremely clear?” my father hissed from close to my side.

“Yes,” I replied in short because there was nothing left for me to say.

My father went on and on about pretty much the same thing while his eyes darted around to make sure that no one else would overhear all the harsh words he was saying to me. After he had said his piece, he left to continue entertaining his guess.

“I’ll be watching and if you need any help...” my instructor said before trailing off.

“I’ll be fine...” I repeated while trying to sound as confident as I could in order to reassure the man.

The show was about to start and the various riders were standing next to their horses and completing their final preparations.

“I guess I should have known that you are an accomplished rider...”

I turned at the sudden sound of a very sweet and cheerful voice. Although I knew the identity of the owner of that voice without seeing her face, I was still taken aback to see Dahlia standing right in front of me. She smiled at me before turning her attention to the horse. I wondered for a moment if she was here as herself or as her sister, and then I realized that the girl standing in front of me was supposed to be Diana.

“I thought you might need some encouragement before the start of the race,” she told me before showing me a slightly shy smile.

“Do you like horse riding?” I asked to change the subject and to take my mind off the upcoming race.

“I’m okay with it...” She replied passively and that showed that she was not a big fan of the sport.

Suddenly, Dahlia turned and approached the horse. I panicked a little and my hand automatically tightened on the reins in fear that the horse might lose its calm in her presence. My fears were not unfounded because when Dahlia came a little closer, Anthony’s horse began to show signs of agitation. I pulled on the reins to remind the horse to remain calm before showing Dahlia a smile to reassure her that there was nothing to fear.

“What about you? Are you a big fan of horse riding?” she turned to ask me.

“I’m okay with it...” I replied with the same answer that she had given me.

“I guess that means that you don’t really like it...” she said before grinning my way.

I wonder what she was really up to or why she was suddenly here. I didn’t think that she was here to cheer me on. Dahlia smiled politely at me and I realized that she must be here to play the part of her sister for some unknown reasons.

“You know...You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to,” she said so softly that I was unsure if I had heard her correctly.

“Excuse me, but I am not sure what you mean,” I replied in a low whisper.

I had no idea why we were whispering to each other, but it felt that our conversation should be for our ears only. Dahlia smiled a little at me before glancing at the direction of the horse.

“It’s a really hot and humid day today. My dress feels too tight and it feels a little hard to breathe,” she confessed before putting up my hand to fan her face.

I wasn’t sure why she was suddenly telling me this. Had she realized that something was wrong with the horse that I was about to ride?

“The weather is indeed hot. If it’s uncomfortable for you, you should head inside. I can come find you after the race Is over,” I suggest.

“It’s so hot and so humid that I feel like I could faint at any moment,” Dahlia said before letting out a sigh.

The heavy feeling that clouded over my chest could have been nothing but worry. Although I should have been more worried about myself in that situation, I found myself worrying for her instead. Dahlia let out a soft giggle before taking a step to close the distance between us. I felt my body stiffen at her close proximity before she leaned in and stood up on her tiptoes.

“If I faint all of a sudden, then you’ll have to be there to look after me as my fiancé, right?” Dahlia whispered directly into my ear.

–To be continued...

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