Chosen By My Mate's Father-in-law novel Chapter 36

Chapter 36: Chapter 36: Torn

“I’m honestly doing okay after my mate’s rejection,” I told Isabella. “As you said, the power of choice is just as important as fate. And I want to choose to be happy and not waste my life pining after someone who rejected me.”

Now, if only my former mate would leave me alone.

“That’s a great way to look at it,” Isabella noted as she pulled into her long driveway.

The beauty of Gareth’s mansion stunned me just like always. On the front steps, Butler Jones was waiting, his posture straight and his arms behind his back.

“Miss Isabella,” he greeted, then turned to me. “And Miss Lowett, good morning. Miss Michelle is in the back. She’s already started practicing her swordwork. Her weapon’s test is next week.” The butler glanced around and lowered his voice slightly. “She needs to improve greatly if she’s going to pass the test.”

I nodded. “Don’t worry, I’ll get her where she needs to be by next week.”

“I’ll come with you to offer moral support,” Isabella added as we walked through the wide doors.

In the expansive backyard, Michelle was swinging a sword around wildly. She didn’t have the correct form or proper footwork. When she saw me, her green eyes went wide with joy.

“Jasmine!” she yelled and flung the sword to the ground. She raced up to me and brought me into a hug. “I’m so glad you’re here. How are you?”

I hugged her back and smiled. “I’m alright. Thank you for the lovely flowers and card.” I pulled away and went over to the weapons rack filled with swords, daggers, and axes. I picked out a sharp sword with a black hilt and a red jewel. “Are you up for a sparring session?”

Michelle grinned. “Hell yeah!”

Isabella sat on the steps of the patio to watch the lesson. First, I instructed Michelle on how to hold her sword properly.

“When you’re fighting with a sword, defense should always be your first priority,” I told her while showing her how to block an attack correctly. “You can’t defeat your enemy if you’re injured.”

For the next half an hour, we worked up a sweat as the midmorning sun beat down on us. As I showed her everything I knew about sword fighting, my mind cleared. It was nice to get lost in a physical activity that demanded all of my attention. As I sparred with Michelle, all of my worries faded away.

Michelle quickly began to improve. At one point, she even managed to get past my blocking and cut through both sides of my black shirt. My ripped shirt fell to tattered pieces, and I was left in only my pink sports bra.

I lowered my sword and laughed.

“Nice one,” I complimented my student. “Good thing your blade wasn’t bigger, or that could have ended badly.”

Michelle’s mouth fell open, and she let out a horrified gasp, her weapon clattering to the ground. Isabella rose from her spot on the stairs.

“I’m so sorry!” Michelle squeaked and ran toward me. “I could have really hurt you.”

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify