Chapter 7 The Accident at the Ranch

Elena Romano's POV:

The whole banquet thing barely crossed my mind as I kept replaying what James had said earlier.

When he mentioned getting me a tutor so I could keep up with my studies, I almost lost it.

It was such a nice surprise, and it kind of made up for the awkwardness of being back with the Garcia family.

I grabbed the tablecloth in excitement but quickly let go. I tried to keep my cool, lowered my head, and promised I'd do my best.

I even had a moment to wonder how I was supposed to fit in with my new family when I woke up.

Maybe this is just how the Garcias treat their kids?

I thought about Sofia from yesterday. Where did my sister go?

As I was eating breakfast, I wondered why Sofia wasn't at the table. "Doesn't Sofia eat breakfast?"

"She wakes up earlier than you. She's probably out jogging now, but she'll be back soon."

Isabella checked the time, and then Sofia, dressed in equestrian gear, showed up at the table. "Hey, sweetie, you're finally here. Want some fresh milk?"

"I'd like oat milk, Mom."

Sofia waited for the maid to pull out her chair, then sat down. She sat in the same row as me, back straight, hands lightly on the table.

She used a knife and fork to cut her food into tiny pieces. Even with just bread, she ate so elegantly.

Meanwhile, I was holding a sandwich like a burger, with sauce all over my mouth.

I immediately felt the difference between us.

Isabella stood up and stopped the maid.

She poured the oat milk for Sofia herself.

Isabella complained about Sofia sneaking home from school, but James just smiled. "As long as she's happy, that's all that matters," he said, his voice gentle. It was the kind of father I had always dreamed of having.

"Isabella, you're too strict. We should give perfect Sofia some special treatment." As James spoke, he looked at me.

I think he was hinting that I should learn from Sofia.

Isabella followed his gaze and looked at me. "Would you like some oat milk too?"

"No, I'm good with regular milk," I said.

I raised my glass of milk to hide my face.

I felt a bit out of place here.

Maybe my last name would change to Garcia someday, but for now, at this table, only three people had the last name Garcia, and they felt more like a family.

They were everything I dreamed a family would be.

Great parents who loved and cared for their kids, and probably amazing siblings. I hadn't met my brother yet, but with a sister like Sofia, he must be pretty awesome too.

But the sad part was, this warm family vibe didn't include me.

I just didn't fit in.

I told myself maybe it was because too much time had passed between me and my family, and I didn't meet the Garcia family's standards.

Just like when Rosa first took me home from the orphanage, we needed time to adjust and become a family.

"Will Elena be taking etiquette classes later? Are you planning to have Vivian teach her?" Sofia asked, dabbing the corner of her mouth with a napkin and looking at me.

"No, your father and I plan to hire a new etiquette teacher for her. Not everyone can be Vivian's student, dear. I'm not even sure if she'd be willing to teach Elena like she taught you." Isabella looked at me critically.

"In that case, why don't we take a walk around the estate before the etiquette teacher arrives?"

This place is gonna be your home, Elena. You should get to know it. I'm heading to the stables next; you can come with me. It's a great spot to chill."

Sofia's words snapped me back to reality.

She looked at me, winking playfully. "Wanna join me, sis?"

I felt a bit softened. I had to admit, she made a good impression, even though I was puzzled by her lack of resemblance to the Garcia family. She had blonde hair and blue eyes, while even James's hair was brown, not blonde.

Maybe she got it from our grandparents?

I guessed.

"Sure, thanks for the invite!" I almost eagerly agreed.

"But Elena probably doesn't know how to ride a horse," Isabella said.

"Mom, it's not just about riding. Watching the horses run can be fun for Elena too."

Isabella and James nodded, looking at Sofia with satisfaction.

Sofia's thoughtfulness was like that of an angel.

On our way to the stables, Sofia told me about the horses they kept on the estate.

She had already asked the stable hands to bring out two horses and get them ready. Today, she was trying out two horses. "Mom and Dad bought me a horse named Alex, a purebred racehorse. You have to see it; it's absolutely beautiful and full of our parents' love!"

As Sofia spoke, she looked into my eyes. I replied, "I'm looking forward to it. I've never touched a horse before."

I didn't know much about this sport, which I had only seen on TV, but I was very curious.

"You've never ridden a horse?" Sofia looked at me with pity. "That's such a shame. Everyone in the Garcia family is good at horseback riding. But don't worry, if you're part of the Garcia family, you'll learn quickly."

"I hope so."

After I answered, Sofia suggested, "Wanna try it today? The horses here are all trained. For regular riding, just letting the horse walk with you on it, it doesn't take much skill!"

I started to feel tempted.

I asked Sofia if I should wear any protective gear, but she told me I could be more casual.

When we arrived at the stables, a red horse and a white horse were there.

The white horse was Alex. It looked very gentle, but the red horse seemed temperamental, constantly pawing the ground and shaking its head.

Seeing my hesitation, Sofia smiled, "What's wrong, Elena?"

"Sorry, but it doesn't look very gentle."

"Trust me, this red horse is the gentlest one besides Alex." As Sofia finished speaking, the stable hand came over. Then, in front of the stable hand, she said gently, "If you really want to try, you can ride Alex. She's a gentle girl, and I'd be happy for anyone in the Garcia family to get along with her."

But I refused.

I decided to trust Sofia.

I approached the red horse, imitating Sofia's movements, and prepared to mount it. Just as I did, the red horse suddenly neighed loudly.

It reared up on its hind legs, almost throwing me off.

I let out a scream.

The stable hand started to panic, trying to get close to me but couldn't.

I could only hold onto the reins tightly, trying to calm it down.

As I was gripped by the fear that I might fall and get trampled, I seemed to hear Sofia's happy laughter. I turned my head and saw the mocking smile on her face.