Dear Ex Wife, Please take me back novel Chapter 41

ATHENA

“This is crazy. But fun.” I giggle as the handsome stranger whose name I've learned is Zayan pulls on the reins, and the horse moves forward.

The sun is warm against my skin as the horse moves, my heart slows down and starts to beat normally, although I'm still very excited.

I feel... free.

For the first time in weeks, I feel something other than fear and awareness.

Alex sets my soul on fire, but I'm afraid of messing up around him. It feels like I constantly have to be perfect for him, and it's not who I am.

I'm messy, and I love being free. Even with a missing memory, I can tell my marriage is not one that was based on love.

“Not so bad, right?” Zayan whispers in my ear, pulling me back to reality.

“If we didn't have so many eyes on us. It would have been perfect.” I taunt.

“I'll organize a private ride with you on our next date then.” He teases, and I hold back a laugh knowing cameras are flashing.

That next date will only happen in his dreams, but I don't tell him that, knowing Alex would kill us before he lets me go on a date.

Speaking of which,

Is Alex watching me?

Does he care that I'm with another man?

I highly doubt that. I bet he's soaked in Leah's scent, and nothing else matters to him.

I glance around at the other riders, all moving in a perfect line, their horses stepping gracefully as though they’ve been trained to walk to music.

Still, I can’t help but frown a little.

“Why are we moving so slow?” I whisper to Zayan, tilting my head slightly so only he can hear me.

He grins, glancing down at me like I’ve asked something innocent and amusing.

I shrug and give him the "I'm new" at this look.

“It’s a parade,” he says, as if that explains everything. “It’s meant to show the pride of horses — their beauty, strength, and discipline. So, we all move in sync. A perfect rhythm.”

I look again, more closely this time.

And he’s right.

The other pairs, some women, some men, some mixed like us, are all moving at the same pace, their horses lifting their legs with slow grace, as if dancing to the soft music floating around us.

There’s something mesmerizing about it.

I find myself smiling again, feeling lighter than I’ve felt in forever. With all of us in these riding attires, we look so good.

“Still,” I say playfully, “a little speed wouldn’t hurt.”

Zayan laughs under his breath, and I like that he isn’t taking this too seriously.

“Patience,” he teases. “We’ll pick up the pace soon enough.”

As if on cue, a few horses at the far end start moving slightly faster, their hooves clacking against the ground in a rhythmic, almost hypnotic sound.

Zayan nudges our horse gently, preparing to follow suit.

I can feel the excitement building in me again.

But then—

The music cuts off.

Abruptly.

From loud music to silence.

I blink, confused, as the sound of murmurs ripples through the crowd.

People are looking around now, whispering, frowning, standing from their seats to get a better view.

“What’s happening?” I ask quietly, feeling a strange tightness in my chest.

Zayan shifts beside me, frowning too.

“I don’t know,” he mutters. “This has never happened before.”

A loud voice booms through the speakers, shattering what little calm was left.

“All riders, stop immediately and proceed to the inspection point for re-evaluation.”

My stomach twists.

The horses slow to a stop, some shifting uncomfortably as if they can sense the change in atmosphere.

“That's so sad.” He responds sarcastically, but I dont give in.

Zayan glances between us, sensing the tension but clearly unsure what to make of it.

Before I can even think of what to say, Ryan clears his throat awkwardly.

“Sir, perhaps we should—”

“Not now, Ryan,” Alex snaps without taking his eyes off Zayan.

Then his gaze finally, finally, returns to me.

“Athena,” he says, my name like a warning on his lips. “Come here.”

I don’t move.

I shouldn’t have to move just because he says so.

I lift my chin, holding his gaze, pretending like my knees aren’t shaking. “Why?”

His eyes darken.

Zayan puts a hand lightly on my arm. “She’s fine where she is.”

Alex takes a slow step forward, but Zayan isn't fazed like other guys normally would. He actually stands his ground, and honestly, it's impressive.

“Say that one more time and see what happens.”

“Alex, please..” My voice cracks like a broken record.

People are starting to watch, and I panic.

He turns to me, and I know that look.

He hates saying things twice, and I love making him say it twice, but right now, I messed up.

Even though every part of me wants to fight him, my legs betray me, and I take a hesitant step forward.

“Alex—”

He doesn't let me finnish as he turns around and walks away.

Ryan steps closer, “I think it's best for everyone if you follow him.”