Chapter 298 - 298: A Bet

Because two people were 'allergic to horses' Diana and her friends just went on to the initial plan, leaving Erick and Elle alone as they rode the horses with their designated partners. Only Diana and Jake had no riding companion.

Erick was glad that he could spend some time alone with Elle. They were just sitting on the bench under the tree near the horseback riding arena.

Since her plan of riding together with Erick was ruined, Diana was not in a good mood. Despite that, she tried her best to ride her horse expertly, hoping that Erick would be impressed with her riding skills. 

However, to her disappointment, Erick didn't even glance in her direction. He was busy conversing with Elle.

"Ali, why are you not answering my calls? You didn't even return any of my messages. You are intentionally ignoring me, aren't you?" Erick asked her, feeling dejected.

Elle knew that Erick would confront her the moment they saw each other. He was right. She was intentionally ignoring him for these past three days. Of course, she did that because she didn't want to be so obvious.

Erick was still insisting that she was Elle. If she gave him more attention then he would really be convinced that she's Elle. She wanted to win him back as Aliyah Ross, not as Elle. She needed to keep pretending. Elle was dead. Catseye was dead.

"Sorry about that. I was so occupied for these past few days, Chief Lee. I had to submit four articles daily. Haizt. I am so tired. My brain cells are also dying slowly day by day." Elle said as her alibi.

Her acting was so overrated. But Erick didn't dwell on it. 

"Drama queen!" Erick mumbled before he burst out laughing.

Elle frowned and said, "I heard that!"

She knew that Erick was not convinced.

Erick stopped laughing and turned to face Elle. " If your brain cells are dying, don't you know that I am also dying day by day from waiting for you."

Another K.O. from Mr. Detective! Elle was at a loss for words. She didn't know what to respond to. She could only bit her lower lip as she felt pressured by his intense gaze.

"Hey, stop biting your lips. It's quite distracting… you know."

'I have the urge to kiss you.' Erick wanted to add but he didn't.

Elle immediately complied. Then she looked away. 

"Chief Lee, I didn't know you are allergic to horses. I am also surprised. Are you my doctor? Even I, myself, have no idea that I am allergic to horses. Both of us, seriously? What a coincidence?" Elle said as she changed the topic.

Erick let out another chuckle.

"Why? Why did you cooperate with me and supported my lies a while ago?" There was a gleam of joy in his eyes as he anticipated her answer.

"Because you were begging me to do so. I told you before that you really had an irresistible charm. Now, do you believe me? You got me with just one pleading look! Tsk tsk tsk" Elle sighed helplessly.

Erick was now grinning from ear to ear. All his unhappiness caused by Elle's action of avoiding him for these past few days just disappeared because of those words coming from her.

"Now, you are forgiven. Don't avoid me again in the future." Erick said to her.

"Alright… I will try..."

Erick pouted after hearing that. "Please don't try... please do it. I will not stop pestering you every day."

Elle giggled because of Erick's persistence.

"So cute…" Elle couldn't help but mumble.

"I heard that," Erick said with a bright smile on his face.

Elle shook her head in denial. "I didn't say anything."

"Liar!"

The two of them met each other's gaze and ended up bursting into waves of laughter.

**********

The horseback riding activity of the group lasted for an hour. The riders returned the horses to the stables. Kisses, Diana's cousin, approached her privately.

"Dear Cousin, tell me honestly. You like Detective Lee, right? You have a crush on him!" It sounded more like a tease rather than a question.

Diana rolled her eyes in annoyance. She didn't like it if someone was putting his or her nose to other affairs. She hated nosy people.

"Hey, don't be mad. I just want to help you. I think you have the chance. I asked his colleague about Erick. We talked a lot about him. Are you not curious?" Kisses gave Diana a taunting smile.

Diana raised her eyebrows as she eyed her cousin.

After her long silence, Diana finally gave in. "What did he say?"

Kisses knew it. Diana would be interested to hear what they had talked about regarding Erick.

"He is still single." 

"I already know that."

"Hmm, eh how about his ideal woman. Do you know what he likes?"

Diana rolled her eyes. She was becoming impatient now. "Kisses! For goodness's sake, can you stop beating around the bush and just spill it out all at once?"

"Oh okay. I heard that Erick likes a strong, smart, beautiful, and fierce woman who knows how to fight... holds a gun and a sharpshooter. I think you are very qualified! You have all those qualities." Kisses said proudly as she praised her.

"Is that so?"

"Yes. So… why don't you flaunt your shooting skills to him? Let's invite them to play a game and join us. I think Erick will be amazed by your talents." Kisses suggested to her.

Unknown to them, when Kisses asked Bryan about Erick's ideal woman, Bryan could only think of Elle's qualities as Catseye. That's the reason he told her those things. He failed to tell her that Erick only liked one woman and that was Elle.

Diana put on a mischievous smile. She liked Kisses' idea.

"Okay. Since Dad is not yet around. Let's entertain them first. And give them a good show to watch."

"Yes. That's the spirit! Let's go!"

It did not take long when Diana and her friends approached Elle and Erick's team who were sitting and resting on the bench under the trees.

"Did you enjoy the horseback riding activity?" Diana asked them.

June: "Absolutely. Thank you so much for allowing us to do it!"

Bryan: "Thank you, guys. We enjoyed it."

Josh: "This is one of a kind experience for me! Thanks a lot."

Sandy: "Thank you, Jeff! It's really nice of you, teaching me how to ride a horse."

Jeff: "It's my pleasure, dear."

Then Diana turned to Erick and Elle.

"I am sorry about the allergy. I hope you didn't get bored while waiting for us."

Elle just gave her a timid smile.

"No worries, Miss Diana. I really enjoyed just watching you guys from afar." Erick lied once again. He didn't even take a glance at the arena. His eyes were fixed only to Elle.

"Dad is not yet around. Why don't you join us in our next activity? This time there is no horse involved." Diana said to them.

"What is it this time?" June asked her curiously.

"Target Shooting!" It was Kisses who answered him.

Everyone seemed interested in the next activity including Erick and Elle.

"So... is everyone in?" Diana asked them again.

Everyone nodded in agreement. Since everyone wanted to join, Diana didn't waste any more time as she called their butcher to bring their several golf carts which would serve as their service going to the location of their next activity.

While waiting for their service to arrive, Erick secretly approached Elle.

"Hey, do you want to make a bet with me in the next activity?" Erick said as he challenged her.

Elle was not the kind of person who would refuse a challenge.

"Hmm… sure. But don't you think this is unfair? You are a well-trained and skilled shooter. I am at a disadvantage here." Elle slightly complained to him.

Another soft chuckle escaped his mouth.

"Alright. Just hit the bullseye even once then you win."

"Hmm, so what's the prize for the winner?" Elle asked him inquisitively.

"If you win then it depends on you what prize you want to receive from me. Just tell me anything, I will fulfill it for you. But if you lose, give me your one day. Let's have a date." 

Erick told her his conditions. Now, Elle should decide whether to accept it or not.

"Okay… deal!"

'Target shooting! Hmm. So easy. It's no biggie!' Elle thought to herself confidently.