Chapter 105: Fun at the riding arena.
Elias brought Elena to a riding arena.
The moment they stepped through the entrance, Elena was greeted by a breathtaking view.
Rolling emerald meadows stretched as far as the eye could see. The lush grass swayed gently beneath the morning breeze. White fences bordered the vast riding grounds, while towering oak trees lined the edges, their leaves rustling in the wind.
Beyond the fields stood wooden stables, surrounded by colorful flower beds that filled the air with a faint, refreshing fragrance.
Horses of every color grazed peacefully under the warm sunlight while others trotted gracefully with their riders. The rhythmic sound of galloping hooves echoed across the open fields.
The entire place radiated freedom, elegance, and life.
Elena stood rooted to the spot, taking in every corner of the magnificent scenery. A smile slowly blossomed across her face.
"Wow! This place is so beautiful. And the horses..." Her gaze shifted to the horses.
Each one looked healthy, powerful, and impeccably groomed. Their glossy coats shimmered beneath the sunlight.
"They are magnificent." She couldn’t take her eyes off them.
"You like it?" Elias asked, quietly studying her expression.
Elena’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
"I’ve never been to a riding arena before," she said dreamily. "Everything here feels so new. I’m... really excited."
She turned to him. "What are we going to do here?"
Elias chuckled. "We are here to ride horses, of course."
The smile instantly disappeared from her face. "What?"
Disbelief flashed across her features before nervousness quickly took its place. "Ride... a horse?"
She immediately looked toward the riders galloping across the field. Her heart started pounding.
The magnificent animals she had admired only moments ago suddenly looked enormous and intimidating.
"I-I can’t," she stammered. "I’ve never ridden a horse before. I’ll fall... and get hurt."
He laughed, amused at how nervous she looked. "I won’t let you get hurt. Trust me."
Trust him?
She had no doubt he would protect her. Even so, she was terrified.
"No, I-I won’t do that..."
"Elena." He gently held her shoulders. "I brought you here because I wanted you to experience something new—something exciting." His voice softened. "And you’ll have me beside you the whole time."
Despite his reassurance, she still couldn’t gather the courage.
"Look at them."
Elena followed his gaze.
"They are enjoying themselves, aren’t they? None of them looks frightened. You’ll be riding with me."
Elena didn’t understand why horseback riding fascinated him so much. Just looking at those enormous horses made her palms sweat.
There was no way she could climb onto one. Still, she didn’t want to spoil his day.
Forcing a smile, she said gently, "The fact that you brought me here already makes me happy. I really mean it. But riding... I’m not ready yet."
She smiled apologetically. "You should go enjoy yourself. I’ll stay here and watch."
A hint of disappointment clouded Elias’s eyes.
Horseback riding had been one of his favorite hobbies for years. Bringing Elena here wasn’t simply about riding together.
He wanted to share a part of his world with her, to let her see what he loved and perhaps create another beautiful memory between them.
For a brief moment, he couldn’t help feeling disheartened. But he would never force her.
After a short silence, he smiled. "Alright." He gently squeezed her hand. "Then help me get ready."
Elena didn’t refuse him this time. She nodded without hesitation.
Together, they walked toward the changing room.
A few minutes later, Elias emerged dressed in his riding attire.
He wore a fitted white riding shirt beneath a tailored black riding jacket that accentuated his broad shoulders. Beige riding breeches hugged his long legs perfectly, tucked neatly into polished knee-high black leather boots.
A protective riding helmet rested securely on his head, while black riding gloves completed the elegant look.
Elena unconsciously held her breath. Her eyes followed him as he walked toward her with calm, steady steps. She simply couldn’t look away.
Everything about him looked refined, confident, and aristocratic. The riding outfit somehow made him even more handsome than usual. It seemed like he had turned into a prince preparing for a royal tournament.
His tall figure, broad shoulders, and composed expression gave off an irresistible charm that made her heart flutter.
Elias could feel her stare at him. The corners of his lips curved upward. "Are you done watching me?" he teased.
Elena’s cheeks immediately flushed crimson. Even the tips of her ears turned red. She withdrew her gaze.
"I-I was only checking whether your helmet was fastened properly."
The excuse sounded ridiculous even to her own ears.
There was no way she could admit she had been staring because he looked unbelievably handsome.
"I-I just don’t want you to get hurt."
Her heart pounded wildly inside her chest as she nervously twisted her fingers together.
Elias quietly observed every tiny movement she made. A warmth spread through his heart.
He stepped closer until only a small distance separated them.
"You are worried about me," he whispered, unable to hide the tenderness in his voice.
Elena’s lips parted. No words came out. Instinctively, she tried to take a step backward.
Before she could move away, Elias wrapped an arm gently around her waist and pulled her into his embrace.
"Don’t worry," he murmured reassuringly. "I’ve been riding for years. I know what I’m doing."
Then, before she could respond, he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against her lips.
"Watch me." With that, he turned and walked toward the riding field.
Elena hurried after him, unable to hide her curiosity. She watched as Elias approached a magnificent black stallion.
Without the slightest hesitation, he placed one foot into the stirrup and swung himself smoothly into the saddle in one fluid motion.
The horse began walking, then trotting. Moments later, it broke into a graceful gallop across the open field.
Elena’s heart raced. Excitement mixed with nervousness as she watched him ride farther and farther away.
She couldn’t help worrying that he might fall. But that fear quickly disappeared.
Elias guided the horse with remarkable confidence.
His posture remained perfectly balanced, his movements smooth and relaxed, as though he and the horse shared the same rhythm. He looked fearless, elegant, and powerful. The sight of him galloping freely across the endless green field was breathtaking.
Elena’s heart raced with a mix of thrill and intrigue. Her lips slowly curved into a smile. Her eyes sparkled with admiration.
She had never imagined he was this extraordinary.
The confidence with which he controlled such a powerful animal made him appear even more attractive than before.
Her heart swelled with excitement. Before she realized it, the fear inside her had gradually faded. Instead, curiosity quietly took its place.
Maybe horseback riding wasn’t so frightening after all. She found herself wondering what it would feel like to ride alongside him.
Completely absorbed in watching Elias circle the vast meadow, Elena failed to notice the pair of cold eyes fixed on her from a distance.
Vivian’s gaze burned with jealousy. "Elena..." she muttered through gritted teeth. "You’ll never be worthy of him. I’m the only woman who belongs by Elias’s side."