Racing Rivals, Racing Hearts ☆ [Diego Brando x Reader]

Legacy Of Victory (13)

You make your way downstairs to the kitchen, where your father is already seated at the table, engrossed in the local morning newspaper. The headline catches your attention, referring to your recent victory over Diego Brando in the local race. Although you can't read the details, your father's smile speaks volumes.

He looks up from the newspaper and greets you warmly, acknowledging your presence with a nod. "Ah, there you are," he says, his voice filled with pride. "The newspaper is praising your skill, my dear. They've noticed your dedication and training. Well done."

You smile, a mixture of satisfaction and relief washing over you. Your father's approval means everything, and it seems that your efforts are not going unnoticed. You join him at the table, helping yourself to breakfast as you continue your discussion.

As you savor your meal, your father begins to speak of the upcoming event— the Cheltenham Gold Cup. A prestigious horseracing event in the United Kingdom first held in 1819. The winner of the race is awarded the Gold Cup, a historic and coveted prize in the horseracing world. Your family has a long-standing tradition of participating in this race, and have always emerged victorious, claiming the Gold Cup.

You participated previously back in your prime, always winning the Cup. Two Gold Cups earned by you live happily in the Awards Room inside the estate.

However, this year feels different. You know Diego Brando will be participating, and he poses a genuine threat to your reign. The past four years, your family refrained from competing due to your absence, allowing other jockeys to claim the top spot. But now, it is time for your family to reclaim its dominance, and you are entrusted with that responsibility.

Your father's eyes gleam with expectation as he speaks, his voice filled with determination. "You, my dear, must continue our legacy of victory," he asserts firmly. "I expect nothing less than a resounding triumph over Brando. You have beaten him before, and you shall do so again, with ease."

His words hang in the air, instilling a sense of purpose within you. The weight of your family's history and the pressure to uphold your legacy rests upon your shoulders. You know the road ahead will be challenging, but you are prepared to give it your all.

As you sit at the dining room table, discussing strategy and tactics with your father, you grow more determined. This big race in England will be the ultimate test of your skills, a chance to solidify your position as a formidable jockey.

You notice your father looking at your neck, you then remembered the time with Diego in the women's restroom a couple days ago. He speaks up, "Y/N, did you get hurt?"

"What? No, Father." You instinctively cover up the hickey on your neck.

Your father, skeptical, raised an eyebrow. "How did you know I was referring to that spot on your neck?"

"You were looking."

"What happened there?"

"Lady Luck." You respond quickly, blaming your noble horse on the mark on your neck.

Your father stays quiet for a moment. "It looks too small to be Lady Luck's doing. I'm just curious, is all." He gets up from the table to put his plate away.

You also stand up to put your plate away, "I was out training with Lady Luck when this happened..."

"You're not lying to me, are you?" Your father looks at you as he then looks back at the mark.

"Of course not, Father." You reassure.

Your father sighs as he then walks over to his study, leaving the conversation at that.

———

With each passing day, your training intensifies, fueled by the burning desire to emerge triumphant in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The big race will prove your worth and allow for you to continue your family's reputation.

You continued racing at local meets in which you haven't been met with Diego. Perhaps he's stepping away from these local races in preparation for England's big race in a few short weeks.

As the date of the race draws nearer, your anticipation grows, mingling with nerves and excitement. The legacy of your family's success propels you forward, and the thought of facing Diego Brando once again only fuels your determination.

☆☆☆