Isabella drove to the entrance of the spa resort in the northern suburbs. The main gate of the resort was semi-open in design, but it was under 24-hour surveillance, ensuring high security.
The guard at the entrance had already received notice and respectfully guided Isabella inside the resort.
The resort occupied a vast area, so small open electric cars were used for transportation inside.
The guard drove the electric car, carrying her to the racecourse.
Stepping out of the car, Isabella saw Andrew’s tall and slender figure from afar. He was dressed in a dark blue polo shirt, fitted jodhpurs, and tall riding boots. In his hand was a specialized riding crop. His tall stature exuded a commanding presence.
Standing beside him was a man in his forties, similarly attired in riding gear, looking spirited. The two were engaged in conversation. From a distance, Isabella couldn’t hear what they were saying, but they seemed to be having an enjoyable discussion.
Upon seeing Isabella, Andrew nodded apologetically to the man beside him, who then smiled knowingly at Isabella before riding off.
Meanwhile, Andrew walked over to her.
“Who was that just now?” she asked casually.
“A client,” he replied, avoiding the specifics. Anyone he personally accompanied was naturally not an ordinary client.
“Okay,” Isabella nodded without probing further.
“Do you know how to ride?” Andrew pointed to the white horse by the fence and asked.
She looked completely puzzled.
He smiled gently. “It’s okay, I’ll teach you.”
Later, she changed into suitable clothes and followed him into the racetrack.
His white horse was still standing by the fence, grazing on the grass.
He took her over, reached for the reins, and gently patted the horse’s neck. His gaze was kind, as if looking at his own child.
“It’s named Eleven,” Andrew said.
“Why that name?” Isabella asked casually.
“It was born on November 11th,” Andrew replied.
“…” Isabella thought the name was a bit too casual.
She was immensely relieved that her son’s name wasn’t something he had chosen.
“Hi, Eleven, nice to meet you,” Isabella greeted Eleven with a smile.
Eleven seemed to understand. It lifted its neck, let out a few soft neighs, as if responding.
Andrew led Isabella and began explaining the basics of horse riding.
“Before mounting, always check the reins, stirrups, and equipment for stability,” he said, then gave a tug on the reins as a demonstration to Isabella.
“Then, step on the stirrup and mount the horse. Once on the horse’s back, first feel the overall comfort, and adjust any discomfort…”
Andrew was teaching earnestly. He was a good teacher in front of his beloved. However, it seemed the student wasn’t paying much attention; Isabella seemed somewhat disinterested.
He finished and asked, “Do you want me to help you mount and feel it?”
“Okay,” Isabella nodded, looking eager to try.
“Grab the reins with your left hand, and put your left foot on the stirrup,” he instructed, placing a hand on her waist.
With Andrew’s assistance, Isabella managed to climb onto the horse. However, before she could settle on the horse’s back, Eleven suddenly raised its front hooves. Startled, Isabella let out a scream and fell off the horse.
“Isabella!” Andrew called out in a deep voice. The man who usually remained unperturbed had a change of expression.
His reaction was swift. He tightly held the reins and freed up most of his body to catch Isabella.
Fortunately, Isabella fell from the horse into Andrew’s arms without harm. Like an octopus, she clung to him, using both her hands and feet to hold onto him.
Falling from such a height, Andrew thought she must have been terrified. He held her tightly, continuously soothing her in a warm voice, “Isabella, don’t be afraid, it’s okay.”
However, the one truly afraid wasn’t just her. Andrew’s ears echoed with the pounding of a wild heartbeat, a sound emanating from within his chest.
Embracing her soft body, he felt as if he had survived a disaster. He couldn’t bear to see her injured in front of him.
Meanwhile, Isabella leaned against his sturdy and firm chest, her cheek pressed against his heart, listening to its steady and powerful beats, clear and distinct.
“Andrew, your heart is beating so fast,” she raised her face, innocently looking at him.
He tightened his arms around her waist again, his chin resting on her slender shoulder. His voice was deep and resonant, “Yes, it’s the first time I’ve felt this way.”
“The first time feeling a flutter in your heart?” Isabella blinked her shining golden eyes, a faint dimple appearing on her lips.
“Yes,” Andrew nodded solemnly, admitting, “The first time my heart has raced for a girl.”
Andrew had a reserved and introspective nature, rarely swayed by people or events. Even during his time in the Yonkers Army, facing life and death situations, he had never felt this unsettled.
This feeling was an experience he had never had in his nearly thirty years of life. It was slightly painful, but more so, it felt fresh and wonderful.
It was only at this moment that he realized how easily the girl in his arms could stir up his emotions.