The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Simone froze for a moment, suddenly at a loss for words.

Stella didn't say anything more to her. Instead, she walked toward Keen, then mounted a horse herself and took a leisurely lap around the paddock.

Unlike Aurora and Simone, Stella didn't try to show off with any horseback archery or flashy riding skills. Frankly, she wasn't great at those things-just looking comfortable in the saddle was enough of an accomplishment for her.

Rachel, on the other hand, had never ridden a horse in her life. She glanced over at Haynes, her eyes brimming with suggestion, and hesitated before speaking, "Haynie, would you teach me how to ride?"

If she could share a horse with Haynes, that would be perfect.

Haynes's gaze lingered on Rachel for a moment. She looked at him expectantly, her face open and hopeful. "Haynie, I'm feeling much better these days. A little exercise now and then won't hurt me."

Foreman, who had been quietly watching the slender figure riding across the paddock, turned his attention back when he heard Rachel's voice.

"Haynie, why don't you give Ms. Pearce a quick lesson? A bit of physical activity might even help her recovery," Foreman suggested, his tone casual.

Rachel shot Foreman a surprised look. Wasn't he always on Stella's side? Since when did he stick up for her?

Haynes frowned slightly, then called Keen over.

With his instructor's help, Keen had managed to get up on his horse. His cheeks were flushed, and there was a pure, innocent smile on his face-one that hadn't been seen for quite some time.

up?" he

a beginner. She wants to learn, too. Why don't you

at Rachel.

expression changed slightly. "Haynie, why don't you show me the basics

coolly, "I'm not an instructor.

about to remarry; the last thing he needed was to cause a scene or let Stella

and Foreman both watching, she

keep up her connection with Keen for now-there would be other chances

finished her

soon as she set foot on the ground, Joshua approached, holding out a bottle of spring water.

took the bottle. "Thank

twist the

bet

opened-Joshua had unscreet

it

advance.

look at

empty bottle and handed her