My Coldhearted Husband'S Regret novel Chapter 79

79 Stolen Joy at the Stables

Cora’s face lit up. “Can I? Really?”

“I’m at the equestrian center. I’ll take Cora. We’ll be back Sunday as planned.

But once in the saddle, muscle memory took over. Within twenty minutes, Ryan was nodding approvingly as I guided Firefly through increasingly complex maneuvers.

My smile froze in place. “They’ll have another opportunity, I’m sure.”

Moments later, another horse was brought for Damien. He swung into the saddle with effortless confidence, and the three of them set off toward the wooded trail – Vivienne with Cora, Damien alongside them, the perfect picture of a family outing.

He ended the call without saying goodbye.

Elara’s POV

“Good.” His tone was clipped, businesslike. “I’ll be back Sunday evening.”

Before I could respond, he added, “Vivienne is accompanying me.” 1

The remainder of the drive passed with Cora telling me everything she knew about horses from her picture books. I nodded and responded at appropriate intervals, while inwardly steeling myself against the constant reminder that my daughter increasingly saw Vivienne as a parental figure.

When Ryan called time on our session, I patted Midnight’s neck gratefully. “Thank you. That was… exactly what I needed.”

This was news to me. “She hasn’t mentioned it to me.”

“Last night before he left. He showed me pictures on his computer.” She beamed. “Vivienne said she used to ride horses when she was my age. She said she’d come watch me someday.”

Each mention of Vivienne was like a paper cut – small but stinging. I forced a smile. “Well, today it’s just you and me, Coco. Are you excited?”

“Welcome to Hayes! I’m Megan. You must be Mrs. Thorne and Cora?”

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I approached the mare, stroking her soft muzzle. Something within me relaxed as Firefly nuzzled my palm.

The riding clothes I’d borrowed suddenly felt

istrictive. I changed quickly in the

locker room, gathered my belongings, and walked to my car alone.

A family that didn’t include me.

There, in the children’s paddock, stood Damien and Vivienne.

Ryan observed my interactions with the horse. “You seem comfortable around horses.”

Damien’s hand rested easily on Vivienne’s lower back. “Would you like to ride with Vivienne next, Coco? She’s offered to take you around the trail.”

Back at the main building, I sat on a bench, numb. My phone buzzed with a text from Damien:

Cora nodded enthusiastically. “Is Butterscotch here?”

“You’re a natural,” he said. “We have adult advanced sessions on Thursday evenings if you’re interested.”

I stood frozen, watching as a stable hand brought out a beautiful palomino horse for Vivienne. With practiced grace, she mounted, then waited as an attendant carefully seated Cora in front of her. Damien approached, adjusting Cora’s helmet and giving her knee a reassuring squeeze.

Cora’s excitement was palpable as we drove to Hayes Equestrian Center the next morning. She bounced in her car seat, chattering non–stop.

“Of course, darling,” Vivienne answered. “It’ll be fun!”

As I pulled out of the parking lot, I caught sight of them in my rearview mirror – Damien, Vivienne, and Cora returning from their trail ride, all smiles and laughter. Cora’s delighted expression as she gazed up at Vivienne stabbed at my heart.

“Yes! But…” Her voice trailed off.

“Perhaps because you’ve hardly been home,” he replied, the accusation clear in his voice.

My heart stuttered. Damien was supposed to be in Chicago. Yet here he was, watching

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as Cora demonstrated her newfound skills on Butterscotch, clapping enthusiastically. Beside him, Vivienne looked elegant even in casual riding attire, her auburn hair captured in a stylish braid.

I shook my head. “It’s been seven years. I should start slow.”

Megan knelt to Cora’s level. “Are you ready for your first riding lesson?”

“Mrs. Thorne, you’re seriously underselling your abilities,” he said. “Would you like to try something more advanced?”

I nodded, helping Cora from her car seat.

“Of course! Let me check who’s available.” Megan made a quick call on her radio. “Ryan can take you. He specializes in refresher lessons for adults.”

“Look how straight I’m sitting!” she called to them. “Miss Leslie says I’m a natural rider!”

Hayes Equestrian Center sprawled across several acres of meticulously maintained grounds. Stone stables housed gleaming horses, and pristine white fences bordered the riding areas. As we parked, a young woman in riding attire approached us.

“She sure is! She’s excited to meet you.” Megan stood and addressed me. “We have a children’s group starting in fifteen minutes. Will you be watching from the observation

area?”

“You’ll need to take Cora this weekend,” Damien stated without preamble when he called Friday evening. “I have meetings in Chicago.”

I glanced at her in the rearview mirror. “When did Dad tell you all this?”

“Hold on tight to the pommel, just like I showed you,” he instructed.

“Hayes Equestrian Center is reputable. They have instructors for children her age.”

His eyebrows rose. “Then perhaps Firefly isn’t challenging enough for you.”

He brought out a spirited black gelding named Midnight. “Let’s see what you remember about jumping”

After returning Midnight to the stables, I checked my watch. Cora’s lesson should be finishing soon. I headed toward the children’s riding area, taking a shortcut through a

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79 Stolen Joy at the Stables

wooded path.

I balanced my phone against my ear while gathering papers from my desk at

YodaVision. “I‘

already planning to be home he called me earlier.”

After settling Cora with her instructor and the other children, I met Ryan by a paddock where a chestnut mare waited.

No explanation for his presence. No apology for the change in plans. Just a curt notification that once again, I was superfluous.

I was surprised he’d researched this. “I’ll call them tomorrow. Thank you for the recommendation.”

Riding had been my passion in college – before marriage, before Thorne–Industries consumed my life. I suddenly craved the freedom I’d once felt on horseback.

“But what, sweetheart?”

“Elara…” he began, then paused. “Cora mentioned wanting to go horseback riding. She’s been asking about it for weeks.”

“This is Firefly,” he said, patting the horse’s neck. “She’s responsive but gentle – perfect for someone getting back in the saddle.”

“Just like your father,” Vivienne replied, smiling up at Damien. “Must run in the Thorne genes.”

“And I’ll hold you safe,” Vivienne added, her arms creating a secure circle around my

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