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Novel Catalog
Chapter 8: Sassy and Charming
Ainsley took the hunting rifle, her fingers brushing the cool metal, and sighed inwardly. Today was more than just a hunt; it was a moment to reclaim herself, to remind everyone—including herself—of the strength she had almost forgotten.
As Manuel and the others changed into their hunting gear, the group assembled. Coaches led the hunters out into the field, and most of the guests, including Cason and Kaliyah, stayed behind in the camp, content to watch the action from a distance.
The Gage family had thought of everything—binoculars, drinks, snacks—and there was a herd of deer not too far off. But most people were more interested in the spectacle unfolding in the field. Binoculars were lifted, eyes glued to the action.
Cason found himself staring through his binoculars, his gaze flickering to Ainsley, who was already riding a horse. The wind tugged at her hair as she rode through the vast, open grass field, her figure small but striking in the distance. The excitement seemed to pulse in her, and for the first time in a long while, Cason noticed something new in her—a spark he hadn’t seen before. Ainsley was no longer the woman who silently followed him. She was independent, confident, and utterly captivating.
Her eyes were sharp, her posture poised. The breeze lifted her spirits, and for the first time in a long time, she looked truly alive. Something that had been stifled inside her for so long had finally been awakened, and it was beautiful.
Cason slowly lowered the binoculars, his expression unreadable. He had never imagined Ainsley to be capable of this kind of transformation. She wasn’t just competent; she was sassy, commanding attention without trying. A strange discomfort settled over him, an unfamiliar feeling that he didn’t quite know how to place.
Meanwhile, Lainey, who had no idea how to ride a horse, had opted to hold the hound and wait for Ainsley. When Ainsley dismounted, Lainey noticed Manuel’s gaze was also fixed on her. A spark of interest flickered in his dark eyes, and Lainey couldn’t help the flutter in her chest.
Sure enough, Manuel didn’t waste any time. He spoke a few words to his staff, who immediately approached Ainsley and Lainey with an announcement.
“Ms. Easton, Ms. Salter, Mr. Gage would like to offer a reward to the person who brings in the most prey today. The winner can take home their choice of either a trophy animal or one of the horses or deer raised on the Gage estate.”
Lainey’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Aisy, if you win, can you bring home that horse?” she asked eagerly, pointing to a sleek black stallion grazing nearby.
Ainsley was momentarily tempted. She had always had a soft spot for horses, and the idea of taking one home was appealing. But this hunt wasn’t about the reward. It was about proving to herself—and to others—that she was more than just Cason’s ex-wife. She was strong, capable, and independent.
As the hunt continued, the field buzzed with energy. Most of the other hunters were amateurs, but Ainsley and Manuel were in a league of their own. By the time the end of the hunt was near, Ainsley had secured 19 kills, the highest number of any participant.
Manuel, however, wasn’t far behind. As the hunt wound down, Ainsley watched a brent goose soar through the air, circling lazily in the sky. Manuel raised his gun and took a shot.
The sound of the gunshot echoed across the field, but the goose continued to fly, unharmed. Ainsley blinked in surprise. Manuel was known for his exceptional shooting skills, and yet, the bird remained free.
He lowered his gun, the smoke still curling from the muzzle. He wasn’t upset, though—he simply watched the bird disappear into the distance. The crowd murmured, disappointed.
“If Mr. Gage had hit that shot,” someone whispered, “he would have surpassed Ms. Easton.”
“What a shame,” another added, “almost. That brent goose was his.”
Manuel turned his gaze toward Ainsley and smiled softly. “What a pity,” he said, his voice calm but with an edge of genuine regret.
Ainsley, sensing the challenge, raised her rifle and took a shot at the brent goose in the sky. In a smooth, fluid motion, the gunshot rang out, and the bird fell from the sky with a graceful arc. The crowd around them gasped, and Ainsley lowered her rifle with a quiet sense of satisfaction.
It wasn’t about the prize. It was about proving that she still had it—that she could still be the woman she once was, capable and confident.
By the time the hunt concluded, everyone gathered for a braai. Ainsley, having worked up an appetite from the day’s activities, found herself surprisingly hungry. She filled her plate with a healthy serving of food and dug in, enjoying the flavors of the barbecue.
Lainey, however, wasn’t as enthusiastic. She angrily took a bite of a chicken wing and muttered under her breath, “What a disgusting couple.”
Ainsley looked over to where Cason was roasting meat for Kaliyah. The two of them looked so comfortable together, almost… perfect. Kaliyah leaned into Cason, her voice soft and sweet, as if nothing had changed between them.
Ainsley couldn’t help but find it amusing. Lainey’s sour mood only added to the absurdity of the situation.
“They’re in love. What a sweet couple,” Ainsley said with a teasing smile, handing Lainey a plate of vegetables. “Why are you unhappy about that?”
Lainey snorted, her eyes narrowing as she chewed. “You know exactly why. I didn’t see Cason treat you like this when you were with him.”
Ainsley’s expression remained indifferent. Cason had never treated her with the care Lainey was talking about. And now, it didn’t matter. She had moved on.
As if on cue, a voice interrupted them. “Hey, the two young ladies are eating.” It was one of the other guests, playfully calling them out.
Ainsley smiled, her eyes twinkling. She wasn’t going to let Cason or anyone else ruin her day. She was here for herself now.
