Chapter 0291

As the conversation flowed, Aiden asked, "Mr. Jenkins, how do you manage to keep this place running so smoothly? I mean, there's hectares of farmland and then this lodge? How do you manage without losing sight of the primary function of this place?"

I noticed I'd been staring too long at the side of his face. I looked away in time for Mr. Jenkins to answer this question.

He chuckled, "Well, it's a team effort, but my son, Alex, is a huge help. He's away for a few days, but he usually lends a hand with tasks around the lodge."

Aiden pressed on, "I'd love to meet him. What's he doing now?"

The man beamed with pride, his face wrinkling in a fine display of the years he'd spent adventuring. "He's off on a camping trip with some friends. He's a great kid, always eager to help out.”

As the discussion became more rowdy, with everyone laughing and joking. I glanced at my watch and realized it was time to call Amie. I excused myself, saying, "Sorry, guys, but I need to make a quick call." I felt Aiden's eyes follow me out and I fought the impulse to return his gaze.

As I stepped outside into the crisp evening air, I felt a sense of relief wash over me.

The peacefulness of the surroundings was a welcome respite from the chaos of the day's events and a stark contrast to the tumultuous feelings that had been raging inside since the incident with that creep. I took a deep breath, savoring the moment, before dialing Amie's number. I realized I'd missed her more than I thought I did. I yearned to hear her gentle voice. Call it homesickness.

her in their hands

It rang many times but there was no reply. I tried a few more times before giving up with a mental note to call later. I hated to have to think that those nurses were incapable after entrus despite them promising to ensure her safety.

at instant ease. My daughter was doing fine, just away from her phone,

her eyebrows raised in question. I shook my head with a smile, mouthing an 'OK' while indicating with

to retire to bed, bidding one

room, I felt weariness seeping into the core of my being like a fast spreading virus. The events of the day had left me feeling drained, and all I wanted was to crawl into bed and

we almost collided. He caught my arm, steadying

the warmth that came

I found myself surprising myself for the

Chapter

#25 BONUS

my reactions, taken aback by his show of concern. If this were a few weeks ago, I

vulnerability wrapped around me like a cloak. Especially when there was the lingering thoughts

felt a lump form in the back of my throat. "Thank you for earlier. I really appreciate

I'm just glad I was there to help. Are you

really," my voice was barely above a whisper. "I'll be on

up a fight so together, we walked in silence, our footsteps echoing down the hallway. I couldn't help but steal glances at him, his profile illuminated by the soft glow of

I turned to

If you need anything at all, do not

I nodded.

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