Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Chapter 217

The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, making the buzz of Joshua's phone seem even louder. He glanced at the screen-it was Allison calling. His expression hardened as he picked up, his voice rough, "Hey, Allie."

Allison heard the rasp in his voice and immediately worried, "What's up, Joshua? Did something happen on your way back?"

"No," he replied curtly.

A brief silence hung between them. Then Allison added, "I made it here safely. The trip was smooth, and this place is really tucked away. The caretaker here is super nice and really attentive. Everything's good."

Except, I miss you like crazy and worry about you. But she kept that thought to herself. This wasn't the time for sweet talk. Joshua had bigger fish to fry, and all she needed to do was keep her head down and listen.

Joshua's reply was just a non-committal grunt. Allison noticed he seemed distant today, probably still reeling from whatever went down earlier.

"Well... I guess I'll let you go so you can get back to work," she hesitated.

he gathered every ounce of strength he had left. His eyes

grandfather had been right; the Owens family, being straight-laced business folks, couldn't

opening and closing without a sound as she clutched the phone. Out

with tears, "Is this because you're worried about dragging

just realized this isn't

tears at bay, as he continued, "I used to think you'd be the perfect wife. Only someone with your looks and background could

fill of life yet. I don't want to settle

on the estate was a quaint two-story cottage with a

the garden below, now a picture of

mirroring her own heartache.

curled up on her

her blanket as