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Novel Catalog
Chapter 7: Wait to See
Ainsley’s eyelashes fluttered slightly as the words from Cody echoed in her mind. If she hadn’t been so wrapped up in her marriage to Cason, perhaps she would have followed her passion and become a psychologist. But now, after all these years, would she be able to return to the field she had once excelled in?
Cody seemed to sense her hesitation, and with a gentle smile, he reassured her. “There’s no rush. But if you decide to pursue it, I’ll be here to help.”
“Thank you, Professor,” Ainsley replied, her heart warmed by his kindness. Over the years, she had been too busy to visit him, but it was comforting to know that he still cared about her and remembered her.
They spent the afternoon chatting about his health, and Cody even invited her to lunch. Ainsley was grateful for the time spent with him, and as the sun began to set, she reluctantly said her goodbyes and left the Wade household.
The next day, Ainsley got ready for the hunt. She had already packed her gear the day before, and now, she dressed in clothes suited for the occasion, selecting a hunting rifle from the collection she had brought along.
By the time Lainey arrived to pick her up, the two of them were on their way to Riverside Mountain. They arrived early, and the area was already buzzing with activity. There were many unfamiliar faces, as the hunt was organized by the prestigious Gage family. Ainsley didn’t feel like socializing, so she made her way straight to the house to change.
Once she was dressed in her hunting gear, she stepped outside and heard a familiar voice. It was Cason.
“Ainsley, Kaliyah, what are you two doing here? I thought neither of you were interested in this event,” Cason’s voice rang out, sounding mildly surprised.
Kaliyah’s reply was casual. “The food here is supposed to be amazing, and I just wanted to take a walk.”
Ainsley’s heart skipped a beat as she recognized Cason’s tone. She pushed open the door and walked out, only to see Cason and his good friend engaged in conversation.
As soon as Cason’s friend spotted her, he called out in surprise, “Mrs. Baldry… What are you doing here?”
The moment the man spoke, his gaze flickered to Cason, clearly regretting his choice of words. Ainsley didn’t mind. She had left Cason long ago, and her life now was her own.
She was wearing camouflage clothing—simple yet functional. Her hair was tied back, and she had switched out her glasses for contact lenses, giving her a fresh, no-nonsense look. The outfit suited her perfectly, making her look both stylish and capable. She was no longer the woman who meekly obeyed; she was strong, confident, and free.
Cason’s gaze fell on her, his expression darkening. “What are you doing here?” he asked, a frown furrowing his brow. He looked uncomfortable, but Ainsley wasn’t sure why. He had no right to act surprised.
Lainey, who had changed into her own hunting attire, couldn’t help but glare at Cason. “What? Are you the only one allowed to bring your little lover here? Ainsley can’t enjoy her life and get rid of her bad luck?”
The tension in the air was palpable, and just as Ainsley was about to respond, Kaliyah spoke up, her tone dripping with disdain.
“It’s inappropriate for Mrs. Baldry to be here. After all, she’s no longer Mrs. Baldry,” Kaliyah remarked coldly. “She’s just following Cason around. She doesn’t even know how to hunt.”
The whispers that followed were unavoidable. The guests around them, who knew of the divorce, began to murmur. They assumed Ainsley was pestering Cason, trying to maintain a connection even after their marriage had ended.
Ainsley’s cheeks flushed for a moment—not with embarrassment, but with the realization that these people were small-minded. They didn’t know her. They didn’t understand the circumstances. But she would show them.
Lainey, her temper flaring, was ready to fire back at Kaliyah, but Ainsley stopped her, grabbing her sleeve to prevent a confrontation. She smiled sweetly at Kaliyah and Cason, and her voice was calm, unwavering.
“Sorry, you’re mistaken. I am here to hunt,” Ainsley said softly, her eyes locked on Cason’s. “And I’m not just here to tag along. I’m quite skilled with a rifle.”
Ainsley smoothly loaded the shotgun, demonstrating her expertise. “Not only do I know how to hunt, but I’m also a skilled hunter. If Mr. Baldry and Ms. Packer doubt me, they’re welcome to test me.”
The crowd fell silent, surprised by her calm confidence. Everyone’s attention shifted, some out of curiosity, others with skepticism. But no one could deny the change in Ainsley. She was no longer the timid woman they once knew.
Just then, Manuel Gage arrived at the hunting ground, a figure so captivating that it seemed like the world paused for a moment. His dark, intense eyes caught Ainsley’s, and a knowing smile crept across his lips.
Manuel’s presence commanded attention. He moved towards Ainsley with a quiet confidence, pulling out a sleek new shotgun that had been prepared for the event.
“This is the latest model,” Manuel said, his voice low and rich with meaning. “I’m curious to see how Ms. Easton handles it.”
His eyes, dark and mesmerizing, were locked onto hers. There was something magnetic about him, a charm that was both subtle and overwhelming. Ainsley couldn’t help but feel intrigued. The way he looked at her, the way he spoke—it was almost as if he knew exactly how to make her feel like the only person in the room.
Ainsley took the gun from him, her fingers brushing his briefly. The moment sent a small shiver down her spine, but she quickly shook it off.
She gave him a small smile, her gaze never leaving his. “We’ll see if I can live up to the hype.”
Manuel’s smile deepened, and for the first time in a while, Ainsley felt a sense of excitement she hadn’t expected.
