Chapter 344

Aria's POV I arrived at the stables with Aiden a little before three. There's something special about being on horseback - a kind of freedom that's hard to find anywhere else. Snow moved beneath me with graceful steps while Aiden rode Chaser beside us, both horses' coats gleaming under the afternoon sun. "These horses are absolutely stunning!" a little boy shouted from nearby, pointing at our pair. I couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. It wasn't just the kid either. Pretty much everyone at the riding center kept stealing glances our way. Snow and Chaser weren't just well-groomed; they were magnificent. I ran my fingers through Snow's silky mane, feeling oddly proud. There's something about a perfectly cared-for horse that's like a person dressed in their finest - they simply stand out. After Aiden and I finished a slow lap around the grounds, Lillian and Ryan showed up. They were riding horses randomly selected from the stable's rental options, and the contrast was even more app