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Patrick stood at the railing beside Sophie, his hand brushing lightly against hers. In the distance, the thunder of hooves along the back straight drew closer. Around them, the crowd surged with excitement, voices raised as they cheered the riders and horses on.

He scanned the faces nearby and found Timmy—Sophie’s younger brother—just a few feet away. The young man stood frozen, posture rigid, his gaze locked on the approaching horses. Jaw clenched, his hands were pushed into the pockets of his black jacket.