Chapter 301
Aria’s POV
I’d barely contained the pure, unadulterated thrill from my gallop when Aiden smoothly brought us back, effortlessly reigning in Thunder. He dismounted first, his movements fluid and powerful, handed Thunder to one of the stable hands, then turned to guide me toward the stables, the unspoken promise of selecting my own horse hanging in the air.
While I was fiercely confident with jet skis and pianos, choosing a horse felt utterly beyond my expertise. I gazed at Aiden helplessly, feeling like a complete novice, my earlier bravado deflating slightly. “I have no idea what I’m looking for,” I admitted.
Aiden’s lips curved into that small, knowing smile I’d come to adore as he pointed to a magnificent white horse, her coat gleaming under the stable lights. “How about Snow? She belongs to Ethan Reynolds. Pretty gentle temperament, from what I know p>
“She’s perfect,” I agreed immediately, captivated by her elegant stance.
The difference between these personally owned horses and the rental ones for regular visitors was striking. Even the “gentle” Snow looked far more majestic, her eyes intelligent and alert, than any of the placid tourist horses. I certainly had no complaints.
The stable hand led Snow out, her hooves clicking softly on the cobblestones, and Aiden suggested I take some time to let her get familiar with me first. After Snow had grown accustomed to my scent, nuzzling my hand with a soft whicker, the handler passed me the reins.
I couldn’t contain my excitement as I led Snow out of the stable and back to the practice area. Meanwhile, Aiden retrieved Thunder from the staff, who’d been patiently waiting.
Walking side by side, each leading our powerful horses, we created quite a picture. Several passersby lingered their gazes on us, probably wondering if we were filming some fancy TV drama.
My entire focus was on Snow. Aiden patiently walked with me, letting me and the horse build rapport before finally suggesting I mount.
“Nervous?” he asked, looking up at me once I was seated comfortably in the saddle, the stirrups adjusted.
I shook my head, my eyes bright with anticipation rather than fear. “Not at all. Just excited p>
The sparkle in my eyes must have betrayed my eagerness because he smiled knowingly. “Let’s start with a slow trot. After Snow gets used to you completely, then you can pick up the pace p>
Despite my overflowing excitement, I was a good student. I followed his instructions exactly, first taking Snow around at a gentle trot while Aiden and Thunder followed closely behind us, his presence a comforting anchor.
Snow truly was gentle-natured. On our second lap, I felt confident enough to increase our speed, urging her into a smooth canter.
Riding horseback felt surprisingly similar to navigating a jet ski across open water, a powerful, graceful surge beneath me, and I found myself loving every minute of it. Aiden and Thunder had started out following us closely, but as my confidence grew, he hung back, watching from a distance, giving me space.
After completing two full, exhilarating laps, I returned to him, my cheeks flushed, my eyes shining with accomplishment. “Aiden! I can ride a horse now p>
“Indeed you can, Mrs. Carter,” he agreed, his voice warm with genuine approval, his smile reaching his eyes.
Feeling playful, I guided Snow in a graceful circle around Aiden and Thunder, then gave him a proud, triumphant look. “See how well she listens to me p>
“You go have fun with Thunder,” I encouraged him, my enthusiasm infectious. “Don’t worry about me. Snow is super gentle! She won’t throw me p>
“Want some water?” he offered, holding out a bottle from his saddlebag.
I shook my head eagerly. “I’m going to take Snow for a couple more laps p>
With that, I flicked the reins gently, and Snow, sensing my intent, took off, leaving Aiden behind in a cloud of dust and delight.
“Aria p>
I heard someone calling my name, but initially thought I was imagining things, the wind playing tricks, until I heard it again, sharper, more insistent. I pulled back on the reins, bringing Snow to a stop, turning her to face the approaching rider.
At the same time, the person calling me rode up on horseback. As they got closer, realized who it
was-Aiden’s cousin, Owen Carter.
Set in
His expression, already a contemptuous sneer, told me he
was likely about to say something
deeply unpleasant.
Before my marriage to Aiden, I would have instantly snapped back at him, my own temper flaring.
But things were different now. Aiden and I had moved beyond pretense, our bond solidifying. And facing my “cousin-in-law,” I felt a sudden, unexpected obligation to act with a measure of maturity. Besides, I’d y already managed to inadvertently offend two of Aiden’s close relatives. Did I really want to make it three for three and solidify my status as the “family villain p>
Yet the thought of just quietly enduring Owen Carter’s inevitable insults felt equally wrong, a betrayal of my own spirit.
Before I could decide on my strategy, he spoke first, his voice dripping with malice: “Don’t delude yourself, Aria. Don’t think Aiden actually married you for real. He’s just using you to spite my father p>
I blinked, caught completely off guard by the sheer crudeness of his attack. “But…our marriage certificate is real, Owen p>
Owen snorted, a derisive sound. “A couple of years, he’ll divorce you! You think a piece of paper can actually hold him down, someone like Aiden p>
Oddly enough, there was some truth to his cynical words. A marriage certificate wasn’t a prison.
“You’re absolutely right, Owen,” I agreed sincerely, meeting his gaze evenly.
Owen seemed taken aback, clearly
expecting a furious argument, a tearful breakdown, anything but my calm agreement. His expression darkened further a frustrated
sh
rising on his neck. “Go ahead and be
smug, then! Let’s see how long that
lasts when he inevitably discards
you p>
I stared at him, genuinely confused. “I’m not being smug, Owen. I just honestly think
you made a valid point p>