Page 46 of A Billionaire's Secret

I struggled to meet her gaze, my shame making it difficult to face her. "I'm so sorry, Diana," I whispered, tears streaming down my cheeks. "I—I was so furious at your win. When Christian approached me that evening, I acted out of spite. I wanted to avenge my broken spirit—"

Diana's hand gently lifted my chin, forcing me to look into her eyes. "Victoria, my father is serious about you. He deeply regrets what has happened, both with us and with the doping incident. He wants to make things right, not just for himself but for both of us. He's genuinely sorry and wants a chance to talk, work things out, or at least find closure."

Her words hung in the air, the weight of their implications sinking into my heart.

"I need time to think, Diana," I finally said, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions raging within me. "Are you sure that’s what you want? Me and your father, together?”

“I have never seen him so happy. Ever.” Diana’s face beamed with pure love. “You make him so happy. Why wouldn’t I want that for him? Please promise me you’ll see him one more time.”

I paused and stared blankly at the ground beneath me. “I promise,” I whispered with uncertainty.

Diana smiled, relief and gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Victoria. That's all I ask. He doesn’t even know about this, I swear.”

We sat there, the silver horse charm clasped between our hands, symbolizing more than just our shared but also the possibility of a future where forgiveness and understanding could prevail.

“By the way, whose horse was that? The one you were just riding?” Diana’s question jolted me back to reality with a bitter kick in the gut.

“Um, his name is Mischief,” I prolonged the honest answer to her question and swallowed. “He—he’s mine.”

I guess Christian hadn’t told her everything after all.

“What? He looks majestic…and expensive,” Diana observed correctly.

“I guess your father didn’t tell you everything,” I looked away from her, shame washing over me again. “He bought it from a British farm we visited together.”

Her silence filled the humid air and suffocated me.

“You deserve it,” she finally said, a genuine smile spreading across her lips. “You’ll win every race from now until eternity.”

“I’ll dedicate my first win to you,” I swiped the tip of her nose. “Thank you for being so kind and understanding, Diana. I’ve never been in a position like this and didn’t want to hurt you more than I already have.”

Diana got up, wiped the built-up wetness around her eyes, and looked up at the sky. “I think we should get going before this storm. Thank you for everything, Victoria! I really hope you can find it in you to forgive me and my father.”

With that, she gave me one last hug and walked away. I sat in the gazebo, my heart in knots, trying to make sense of everything that had happened since I first laid eyes on Diana and then her father. All the pent-up emotions swirled in my gut, and suddenly I felt queasy. I got up and slowly made my way to the car, hand over my mouth. I had almost made it when my fear materialized, and I vomited. Heavy raindrops bounced on my bent-over body and quickly washed away the residue of feelings I had just left on the ground. I started my truck and sped away from the painful memory of a broken girl’s confession and the looming presence of her father in my mind.

***

“Vicky, are you OK? You look pale as a ghost,” my mother rushed to my side as soon as I walked through the door, placing her palm on my forehead.

“I’m fine, just a little queasy,” I assured her. “I’ll go lay down.”

“Well, is it something you ate today?” she prodded as I held onto the railing on my way up the stairs.

“Don’t know, Mom,” I grunted, trying to remember if I had eaten at all.

I wished there was someone I could talk to about all this, but I couldn’t even tell my sister. I had promised to keep Diana’s secret safe, and as it stood, only she, Christian, the vet Dennis, and I knew.

And then I remembered Tony’s suspicions and Alex’s conversation with Dennis. A sense of urgency washed over me, and the need to warn and protect Christian and Diana commanded my hand as I dialed Christian’s number.

“Victoria,” he answered on the first ring.

“I spoke to Diana,” I blurted hastily. “Can I see you?”

“Diana?” he sounded confused. “Oh, now I see why she wanted me to drop her off at the stables. Of course, you can see me! Should I send Daniel?”

“Not yet…maybe later tonight? How about seven?” I requested.

“He’ll be there. I can’t wait to see you, Vicky,” Christian’s deep, soft voice etched itself in my soul.

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