His Last Command Came Back to Kill Him novel Chapter 160

"Yes! You're the best!" Tessa cheered, grabbing her helmet and practically dragging Whitley out the door.

After a quick breakfast, Whitley drove Tessa to a sprawling outdoor equestrian club just outside the city.

It was one of the most exclusive venues in the area, a playground for old money and corporate elites.

Tessa had always dreamed of riding, but it had never been in her family's budget.

Once Whitley broke free from the Sherwood family's suffocating rules, she had immediately signed the girl up, determined to let her enjoy the things she loved.

Since her first lesson, Tessa had been obsessed. She was a natural, and the sheer joy on her face was impossible to miss.

The head instructor spotted them and walked over with a wide smile. "Ms. Nash! Tessa's been crushing it lately. I'll take her through the paces first."

He then gestured to the sprawling fields. "We just revamped the advanced tracks. Do you want me to saddle up a horse for you?"

Whitley kept her eyes on Tessa. "I'll just watch her do a few laps first. Let's make sure she's secure."

Tessa mounted her horse effortlessly, looking tiny but completely in control. Every time she trotted past Whitley, she waved wildly, beaming like a little sun.

Watching from the sidelines, Whitley felt a familiar ache in her muscles.

She used to live for this. Before she married Clive, she spent hours flying across dirt tracks, the wind whipping through her hair, feeling entirely invincible.

But after the wedding, she systematically killed off her hobbies, sanded down her edges, and poured every ounce of her soul into being the perfect wife. She had completely forgotten what freedom felt like.

Watching Tessa ride, the itch became impossible to ignore.

She walked into the locker room and changed into a sleek, all-black riding habit. When she stepped out, she headed straight for the premium stables.

The senior instructors watching from the fence immediately relaxed. "Leave her be," one muttered. "She knows exactly what she's doing."

Whitley clicked her tongue, and Nightfire launched forward. She pushed him into a dead sprint across the open track. Her posture was perfect, her dark hair flying behind her as she moved in perfect sync with the massive beast. It was a breathtaking display of power, and heads turned all across the club.

She had barely finished her second lap when a new group strolled through the main gates.

"Clive, I am riding Nightfire today," Yelena's voice carried over the grounds, dripping with arrogant confidence. "I guarantee you I can break him."

Leroy was practically vibrating beside her. "You're gonna crush it, Yelena! You're the best!"

Just as he said it, Leroy pointed toward the track, his eyes going wide.

"Whoa! Look at that rider! They look like an action star!"