Chapter 149 - Lauriels Story (1/2)

”This kid falls asleep so easily...” Lauriel commented suddenly.

He placed his index finger in front of his lips to signal Finland not to make a sound. Aleksis slept soundly on Lauriel's lap and he carefully carried her into the house. Finland cleared up their picnic blanket and followed him.

Until she was placed in her bed, Aleksis did not wake up at all. Lauriel signaled Finland to follow him out of the room. They then walked to the stable and Finland was immediately amazed to see the gallant horses inside the big stable.

”Want to explore this place on horseback?” Lauriel asked.

”Uhm... I can't ride a horse...” Finland said. She immediately felt moody. Lauriel's horses were very handsome and she imagined that exploring this beautiful farm area by horse would be very exciting.

”Later, when you come here often, I will teach you two how to ride horses. For now, you can ride with me.”

He gave a signal to the stable boy who immediately nodded and placed a saddle on a handsome well-built and tall white horse. After the horse was ready, Lauriel helped Finland get on it.

”Whoaa... it feels so exciting to be on a horse this tall...” exclaimed Finland in a tone of admiration. Lauriel smiled hearing that. He then went up and sat behind her.

”Before the invention of cars, everyone rode on horses or coaches if they wanted to go anywhere.” Lauriel pulled the reins and controlled the horse from behind Finland. The horse began to gallop casually. ”I've tried almost all means of transportation humans built ever since they walked on land until now they are able to fly a plane. Nothing beats the pleasure of exploring the world by horse ...”

Finland did not comment to Lauriel's words. Both of their bodies were very close to each other since they were sitting on the same horse, and for the first time she noticed Lauriel's distinctive citrus-like scent.

She had known Lauriel for a year now, 'sharing' custody over alexis, and never had the man behaved strangely nor made her uncomfortable. He had a commanding aura which made Finland unable to object his orders, but at the same time he never imposed his will.

For example, he was able to make Finland and Aleksis go to his place at the Hilton Hotel from the hospital because Finland's apartment was very dusty, then he made Finland leave Aleksis in his care when the she left for work, and finally involved himself in Aleksis' entire life.

And today, he was able to 'order' Finland to ride a horse with him. His actions always felt very reasonable and casual, which made it somewhat impossible for the girl to say no.

Finland remembered their conversation by the lake earlier, that Lauriel wanted to formally adopt Aleksis to be his daughter, and that he wanted to be with Finland and was willing to wait for her forever. That made Finland feel very conflicted. The next thing she knew was that they were riding on a horse together and she could not refuse.

”Why are you silent? You don't like riding horses?” Lauriel asked, aware of Finland's silence. ”Or did I make you uncomfortable?”

”Uhm... that's not it.” Finland didn't know how to convey her feelings properly. ”You said earlier that you wanted to be with me, and I have made it clear that I am not ready to open my heart to anyone... But you casually just took me riding like this without me being able to refuse. I don't understand how you can do it.”

Lauriel just smiled at that.

”Hmm...”

”You have to teach me how you can make people do what you want without seeming imposing like this, you're very good at that...” Finland commented.