Chapter 238

Benjamin nodded and helped Gabrielle, who was leaning against him in tears, to stand up.

Gabrielle wiped her eyes and tried to steady herself with Benjamin's support, but her right leg gave out. A sharp pain shot through her, turning her face from pale to sickly green. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead. This wasn’t an act—she was genuinely hurt.

Benjamin’s heart ached seeing her in such pain.

"Gabrielle, you could’ve just asked me to fly the kite with you if no one else wanted to. Why push yourself like this?"

Gritting her teeth, Gabrielle managed a weak smile. "Nathaniel, you’re a man. Flying a kite is too childish for you. Besides… I thought I could handle it. Turns out, I overestimated myself. Stupid, right?"

Benjamin sighed deeply and adjusted Gabrielle’s arm over his shoulder. "Enough. Let’s get you back to the resort. The doctor needs to check your leg. If it’s a bone injury, it could affect your performance."

He signaled Dominic to help. Together, they lifted Gabrielle onto the horse. Benjamin then took the reins and led the way back, walking briskly toward the resort.

Dominic and the others followed, their expressions tense. Gabrielle’s condition looked serious, and they hoped it wouldn’t cause lasting damage.

Nathaniel remained where he was, still mounted on his horse. He glanced down at Evelyn and Sophia. "Put the kite away. Be careful."

Sophia huffed. "It’s not like we’re going to fall. Ugh. Why does something always go wrong when Gabrielle’s around? I just wanted to enjoy flying the kite!"

Evelyn handed the reel to Sophia and gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "It’s okay. We can try again another time."

Sophia sighed dramatically. "Guess we don’t have a choice."

Nathaniel nudged his horse forward, stopping beside Evelyn. "Evelyn," he called.

She looked up. "Yes?"

He leaned down, extending his hand. "Give me your hand."

Evelyn hesitated. "Why?"

His brow furrowed. "You’re riding back with me. Unless you’d rather walk?"

She shook her head. "I’ll wait for Sophia."

Nathaniel’s expression darkened.

Sophia, still wrestling with the kite, smirked. "Don’t wait for me, Evelyn! I’m keeping this up a little longer!"

Evelyn pressed her lips together. "Then I’ll stay with you."

Sophia waved her off. "No need!"

As she spoke, the reel spun wildly, the kite soaring higher. All her effort was wasted.

Finally regaining control, Sophia chuckled. "This might take a while. Go ahead with Uncle Nathaniel."

Evelyn knew Sophia was trying to create an opportunity, but she couldn’t explain that she didn’t need it. Reluctantly, she sighed. "Fine. Be careful with the string."

Sophia grinned. "Got it!"

With that, Evelyn reached for Nathaniel’s hand, his grip firm and warm.

He pulled her up effortlessly, settling her in front of him on the saddle. The closeness was… strange. She could feel the solid warmth of his chest against her back.

"Sir, aren’t you in a hurry to check on your dear friend Gabrielle?"

"I’m not a doctor," Nathaniel replied flatly. "Being there won’t help."

Evelyn forced a smile. "Fair point."

Silence stretched between them.

Then, abruptly, she asked, "What’s your horse’s name?"

"Celestial Pursuit."

Celestial Pursuit? Like… chasing the stars?