Chapter 44

When Kimberly and Asher returned from their ride, they found only Grace waiting. The others—Charlotte, Sebastian, and Victoria Darwin—had presumably gone riding themselves.

“Oh, Kimberly!” Grace’s smile was syrupy sweet. “You looked amazing riding. Would you teach me?”

Kimberly hesitated. Hadn’t Grace just been insisting that only Asher should teach her?

“There are professional instructors,” Kimberly offered. “I could call one over.”

Grace’s lips formed a slight pout. “But instructors are so intimidating. I don’t know them, and they might be harsh. You’re so kind—you wouldn’t scold me, would you?”

Kimberly wasn’t comfortable with such forced familiarity from someone she barely knew. She glanced at Asher, seeking his input.

He met her gaze, leaving the decision to her. “Kimmy, would you mind teaching her?” He’d thrown the choice back to her.

Kimberly considered carefully. Grace was Asher’s sister, her future sister-in-law. Though their first meeting had been tense, Grace had apologized. Now she seemed friendly enough. Being naturally generous, Kimberly preferred not to assume ill intent.

“Alright,” she agreed, turning to Grace. “I can teach you some basics today, let you get a feel for it. Then you should take proper lessons.”

“Really?” Grace beamed. “Thank you, Kimberly! You’re too kind.” The excessive sweetness was almost cloying.

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Kimberly wondered if she’d been overthinking Grace’s earlier hostility.

“Of course,” she replied politely.

Grace studied her future sister-in-law. She should call her “sister,” she knew. But she couldn’t bring herself to use the word. She refused to accept that this woman would marry Asher. The thought of him with anyone else was unbearable.

“Thank you for doing this, Kimmy,” Asher said warmly. Turning to Grace, his expression cooled notably. “Mind Kimberly’s instructions. Do exactly as she says. And be careful.”

“Yes,” Grace’s smile was pure innocence.

“Come with me,” Kimberly said, leading Snow. Grace followed.

“Mount from the left side,” Kimberly instructed patiently. “Left foot in the stirrup, swing your right leg over.” She supported Grace as she mounted. “Careful now.” Though not in proper riding attire, Grace’s athletic wear would suffice. Kimberly led Snow at a walk, holding the reins from the ground.

“How does it feel?” she asked, looking up at Grace. Now facing away from Asher, Grace dropped her sweet act. Her smile vanished, eyes turning cold. “Fine.”

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Kimberly wasn’t bothered by the attitude shift. This felt more natural than forced friendliness.

“Posture is crucial for beginners,” Kimberly explained. “Sit straight in the saddle.”

“Try the reins,” she said, handing them to Grace. “To move forward, don’t pull back. Just release the tension slightly, and she’ll walk on.”

Grace followed the instructions, and Snow obligingly moved forward.

“Her name is Snow,” Kimberly said warmly. “She’s very gentle—you’re quite safe.”

“Am I?” Grace’s tone was odd.

“I’m right here,” Kimberly assured her. “Nothing will happen.”

Grace’s smile was enigmatic. “How reassuring.”

Kimberly continued: “To increase speed, use leg pressure against her sides. The more pressure, the faster she’ll go.”

“Remember to release the pressure once she’s moving.”

“Clear enough?” Kimberly asked.

“Quite,” said Grace.

They’d moved some distance from their starting point. Grace glanced back—Asher was out of sight. As Kimberly continued explaining riding basics, Grace wasn’t listening. In her right hand, holding the reins, she concealed a brooch she’d removed earlier.

Kimberly, unaware, asked, “How are you finding it? Exhilarating, isn’t it?”

“Mm, quite nice,” Grace replied absently.

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“Beautiful evening,” Kimberly remarked, admiring the sunset. The late afternoon light painted the sky in brilliant colors, a gentle breeze rustling the grass.

“Shall we head back?” Kimberly suggested.

Grace’s smile turned calculating. Kimberly frowned, confused. That’s when it happened. Snow suddenly bolted, charging forward at full gallop.

Grace clung to the reins, screaming. “Help! Someone help!”

Kimberly stood frozen in shock. How had this happened? It was so sudden—she hadn’t had time to grab the reins. Her mind went blank momentarily. When she recovered, she immediately called the emergency response team. Grace was thrown, rolling across the grass. The horse continued its panicked run. The response team arrived quickly, loading Grace onto a stretcher. Asher and the others ran up behind them. Seeing Grace injured, Asher’s expression darkened as he looked at Kimberly. She stared back helplessly, eyes wide with confusion.

Chapter 45