He Thought I Loved Him—Dating My Childhood Sweetheart Was Work Chapter 06

He Thought I Loved Him—Dating My Childhood Sweetheart Was Work Chapter 06

My hand froze around my coffee mug as I gently bit my lower lip. 

Asher had planned an engagement surprise for me? 

And searched all over Aurora Hills for me? 

Probably just cold feet. That’s why all the rumors started. 

He’d said it himself–if he couldn’t marry the one he loved, it 

didn’t matter who he ended up with. 

I smiled casually and told them to rest. 

Mabel walked over with a lunch box. 

“Elowen, I made your favorite beef stew.” 

Mabel was seventy–three, sharp and healthy. She took daily 

walks around the village without ever missing a day. 

I’d gone to see her right after unpacking when I arrived. 

She was shocked. 

She hadn’t expected me, hadn’t thought I’d want to stay. She held my hands nervously, unsure. 

“Elowen… I’m so sorry. I should’ve come to see you the moment I found out you were switched at birth.” 

“But I overthought it. I was scared I’d disrupt your life.” 

“Maren told me the Andersons treated you well. Have you been happy all these years?” 

Her eyes were sincere. I squeezed her hands gently. 

“They treated me well. Don’t worry.” 

She nodded, getting up to make more food. 

She’d learned to make beef stew just for me, ever since 

Maren told her I loved it. 

She’d also made dumplings for breakfast. 

When I said I’d rented the cottage next door, she didn’t scold 

me for not moving in with her. 

She was happy instead. She said grown kids needed their 

own space, and helped me clean the cottage again. 

Sunset Valley was warm year–round, a popular spot for 

long–term stays. Maplebrook Hollow was one of the 

favorites. 

Every small cottage here was full of flowers. Many people 

ran Airbnb rentals. 

My cottage was only thirty meters from Mabel’s. 

We shopped and talked every day. 

I bought her a massage chair. 

She brought me meals often, cooking my favorite foods and 

local Maplebrook specialties. 

Once I said I’d come over, but she refused. She didn’t want 

me walking over. It was good exercise for her. 

I tried cooking too. Even when I messed up, Mabel always 

found a way to praise me. 

Warmth. Patience. 

I finally understood why Maren hadn’t wanted to go back to 

the Andersons at first. 

The two families were miles apart, but we shared the same 

last name. 

If Mrs. Anderson hadn’t gone into early labor while visiting 

Sunset Valley years ago, Maren and I would never have been 

switched. 

I asked Mabel if she missed Maren. 

She smiled.“I do. Maren’s a good girl. She still video calls me every few days. She even asks about you.” 

She asked about me? 

I’d never met Maren. I’d only seen photos of her at Hudson. Anderson’s place. 

Thinking of Asher, I worried about Maren a little. 

“How’s she been lately?” 

“She’s doing great. Mrs. Anderson’s been sick overseas for 

years, but she came back specially this time.” 

“Maren met them and left right after. Said she’s traveling 

across the country.” 

“She even sent us souvenirs.” 

Mabel’s face lit up talking about Maren. 

“She’s traveling full–time?” 

Mabel nodded. “When Maren graduated, I was sick. She 

stayed here to take care of me.” 

“Grandma, your health…” 

“Don’t worry. I’m fine now. After that, she started posting her 

daily life online. Turns out a lot of people watched.” 

“She even made money from it.” 

Hudson Anderson had been waiting for Maren to come back 

for the engagement. 

He thought Asher was perfect–great family, good looks, 

never chased women, always in control. 

He wanted Maren to marry him, for business and personal. 

reasons. 

Mrs. Anderson and Hudson Anderson had never gotten along. Their marriage was basically over, and she lived overseas. 

full–time. 

My sister Liora and I barely saw her. 

I’d thought Maren would refuse Asher. But I never thought 

she’d just leave. 

That was pretty badass. 

I smiled. Good for her. 

I’d heard so much about her from Mabel this past month. I 

hoped Maren would be truly free and happy. 

If both Maren and I were gone…Aurora Hills and the 

Anderson family must be falling apart right now.