Chapter 7%
After Hollingsworth Mountain, Chase began to pay more attention to Rosalie.
Though his time still leaned heavily toward Isla, his favoritism clear as day, he found himself caring more about Rosalie’s daily life, sending flowers, and trying to lift her spirits whenever he was away.
But Rosalie barely noticed. She was consumed with packing and preparing for her departure abroad.
During this whirlwind, she stumbled upon an ad for a racing competition.
The grand prize? A handcrafted maple leaf hairpin, an exquisite final masterpiece by the elusive designer known only as E.
Though E’s identity remained a mystery to most, Rosalie knew the truth. That E was none other than the late Easton.
That very hairpin had been his promised engagement gift to her.
But fate had other plans. The wedding never came, and instead, she had been shattered by his death.
Never in her wildest dreams did she expect the piece he designed for her to resurface publicly.
She had to have it.
Trembling with a storm of emotions, Rosalie knew she couldn’t race herself, so she hired Ryder, an international driver, to compete on her
behalf.
To her surprise, at the race, she crossed paths with Chase and Isla.
A wave of unease settled in her chest. Chase was dressed in a racing suit too, was he competing as well?
Quring the pre–race warm–up, Isla fed Chase water in front of everyone, and he smiled gently as he wiped her sweat away.!!
The handsome man and beautiful woman drew plenty of eyes. Anyone watching would easily mistake them for a couple.
Isla caught snippets of the crowd whispering, “Ryder in such a small race? Can’t believe it.”
“That means he’s sure to take the trophy.”
“Who’s that girl beside Ryder? She’s stunning…“W
Isla glanced toward Ryder and saw Rosalie talking with him.
Rosalie’s phone screen still showed the maple leaf hairpin, which was the first prize.}}
Understanding dawned on Isla, and a sly smile curved her lips as she leaned close to Chase.
“Brother, I want that prize. The maple leaf hairpin. Will you win it for me?”
“Of course,” Chase said with a soft smile. “If I don’t win, I’ll buy it for you no matter what.”
Isla nodded, pleased.
Still uneasy, she picked up her phone and sent a quick message.
The race roared to life, and Ryder surged ahead, taking the lead with fierce determination.
With every lap, Rosalie’s heart hammered harder, the finish line drawing nearer.
She was so close, almost within reach of Easton’s precious hairpin.N
But just as Ryder neared victory, a reckless car, far behind and breaking the rules, barreled onto the track and crashed into him.
Both racers were disqualified, and their results were wiped clean.
The second–place driver, Chase, claimed the championship instead.
As Chase handed the maple leaf hairpin to Isla, Rosalie hurried forward. “Chase, I want that hairpin. Will you give it to me?“}}
Chase hesitated.
Isla gripped his arm and whined, “Brother, you promised you’d give me anything I wanted. I love this hairpin, too.”
Chase moved to place it on Isla’s head.
Rosalie clenched her fists, her voice trembling. “Chase, I’ve never asked you for anything. This hairpin means everything to me. Can you please give it to me?“>
Chase met Rosalie’s gaze, struck by the deep sorrow in her eyes.
Without thinking, he began to reach toward her.N
But Isla whispered softly, “Brother…”
And just like that, Chase pinned the hairpin on Isla’s head. “Isla, whatever you want, no one can take it from you.”
Isla’s proud smile pierced Rosalie’s heart, and her face drained of color.N
