He Thought I Loved Him—Dating My Childhood Sweetheart Was Work Chapter 09

He Thought I Loved Him—Dating My Childhood Sweetheart Was Work Chapter 09

We sat in the living room. Kian Hale was fully dressed now. 

He sounded sincere. 

“I’m sorry. My grandma’s memory’s been off lately. She 

thought she rented a different cottage.” 

“This one’s close to my shop. I stay here when I’m in town.” 

“Would it work if I found you another cottage?Or I’ll cover all 

your costs and help you find a new place.” 

I’d chosen this cottage because it was close to Mabel’s. 

“I’m sorry.” I declined gently. 

Kian rarely stayed here anyway. Mrs. Hale had listed it for 

short–term rentals online before I signed a three–year lease. 

“Please leave soon. I need to sleep.” 

I stood to head upstairs before Kian could reply. 

The young man spoke. 

“Ma’am, it’s pouring rain. It’s dark out. Can we crash here 

tonight? We’ll leave first thing.” 

I looked at Kian. He said he’d pay. 

Reasonable enough. 

Mrs. Hale had bought many cottages in the village from old investments. Kian wouldn’t be stuck for a place. He was probably just tired. 

I nodded.“Make yourselves at home tonight.” 

I showered and came out of my room. The rain was heavier now. I grabbed my phone to take a photo of the storm. Twenty missed calls. 

A Sunset Valley number I didn’t recognize. 

The phone rang again. I answered. 

Asher’s voice–sharp, urgent. 

“Elowen. Finally. You think hiding out in some village is 

funny?” 

“Do you have any idea-” 

I hung up. 

I didn’t owe him an explanation. I wasn’t a Anderson 

anymore. 

A minute later, Hudson Anderson called the same number. 

I hesitated, then answered. 

His tone was completely different. 

He said he’d been narrow–minded before. He shouldn’t have 

meddled in Asher’s and my years together. He shouldn’t have 

tried to replace me with Maren. 

He wanted me to go through with the engagement with 

Asher. 

“Elowen, I’ll make it right. I’ve really changed this month.” 

“Blood doesn’t matter. You’re my daughter. Always have 

been, always will be.” 

“Come back. Marry Asher.” 

I leaned back, lazy. 

“Why would I marry Asher Voss?” 

“He’s perfect. You’ve been by his side all these years.” 

“He’s spoiled sometimes, but he never hurt you.” 

“It’s years of familiarity. You’d be good together.” 

“No.” I cut him off softly.“My presence was a job you paid me 

for. I did my duty.” 

“I never wanted to marry Asher.” 

Glass shattered on the other end. Then Hudson’s panicked voice. 

“Mr. Voss–don’t lose your temper. Elowen’s just upset.” 

“Everyone knows how she feels about you…” 

I hung up.