《Love Rents A Room》


 Chapter 1: Reduced To A Caricature

    Chapter 1 - Reduced To A CaricatureJoanne Smith stood by the window of the bridal suite in the Royal Hilton, staring at the shimmering city lights below.


    She was getting married the next day!


    The warm, ambient glow from the room enveloped her, but the reflection in the glass felt foreign. Long blonde hair, carefully styled, and artful makeup masked the face of a woman she no longer recognized. She felt like a child playing dress-up in a costume that didn''t belong to her. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once, she had been a small-town girl, pedaling down dusty roads and daydreaming of being a princess in a fairy tale. Every step she took in life had been calculated, deliberate, driving her closer to those dreams of a wealthy life.


    Yet, standing now at the threshold of what should have been her crowning moment, all she felt was a hollow ache.


    Her gaze drifted to the wedding gown hanging elegantly on the wall, its lace and silk mocking her from a distance. It was a symbol of a fantasy turned bitter, an illusion of happiness bought at too steep a price.


    She was about to marry a stranger¡ªJeffrey Winchester, because it was the only way to settle her late grandfather''s crushing debts. The arrangement had been orchestrated by Philip Winchester, Jeffrey''s grandfather and her own grandfather''s unlikely friend.


    How her hillbilly grandfather, who raised sheep in the hills, befriended the formidable Philip Winchester¡ªthe uncrowned king of business¡ªwho owned the greatest logistics company with his fleets of ships and planes, remained a mystery.


    Initially, the wedding had seemed like a source of hope, a lifeline thrown into the chaos of her life. The weight of $12 million felt overwhelming for her. As a recent college graduate who had just landed an entry-level job at the age of 23, she couldn''t even fathom how to tackle such a massive sum.


    Her chest tightened. Why had her grandfather left her with this crushing burden? Why did he have to die and leave her to pick up the pieces?


    The sharp sound of boots stomping down the hallway snapped her out of her thoughts. The Winchester security team was preparing for the wedding, their movements brisk and unrelenting.


    Her mind wandered to Jeffrey. Philip''s words echoed in her memory, laden with disappointment: "He''s like a racehorse raised in a petting zoo¡ªbred for greatness, but utterly untrained. The unfortunate byproduct of too much money and too little discipline."


    This was the man she was to spend her life with? A man who hadn''t even bothered to show up at the rehearsal dinner?


    She sighed, her thoughts a turbulent mix of anger and sorrow.


    She hadn''t even seen Jeffrey in person, nor did she know what he looked like. She had his social media handles, but she had hoped for a genuine meeting to ground this surreal situation. His absence left her feeling deflated.


    Maybe this was an answer in itself¡ªperhaps she shouldn''t pursue this any further.


    "I can''t do this! How do I stop this?" Joanna thought.


    She quickly gathered her essentials. But then she paused, reflecting on the old man''s kindness. He had been there for her after her grandfather''s death when she felt lost and didn''t know what to do. Running away on the eve of her wedding felt like a betrayal. She realized she needed to talk to him and end this properly.


    Her gaze shifted to the cityscape again. The sky was a canvas of murky gray, devoid of stars. She stepped out onto the balcony, letting the cool evening breeze caress her face. The distant hum of traffic filled her ears, mingling with the faint bitterness of exhaust fumes. The city felt suffocating, its weight pressing against her chest as she wrestled with her emotions.


    From inside the suite next door, muffled voices drifted out, their mocking tones clear through the open window. Joanne tilted her head, instinctively listening.


    "Did you see her?" the voice sneered, full of disgust. "With that fake blonde hair and all her Ivy League credentials? She''s got everyone fooled, but not me. She''s just another girl looking to marry rich." The voice was unmistakable¡ªPhilip''s daughter.


    "She''s a Harvard Business graduate, at the top of her class, yet she still can''t stay out of debt," said another voice. "All that education¡ªwhat good has it done her? I''ll tell you: nothing. She could have stayed on that stinky family farm. No, she had to go to college and now she''s just here, hoping that some charitable fool will rescue her."


    A third voice joined, dripping with judgment, "She''s got that look, you know? Like she''s smarter than everyone else and outsmarting us..."


    The laughter rang out, cruel and biting.


    "And with her fake valley girl accent," someone added, cutting through the tension. The room erupted in mocking laughter.


    "Ultimately, she''s just a woman with a bank account full of problems and no dignity to match," came the final insult.


    Joanne''s breath caught in her throat. Each word felt like a stone thrown at her chest, and she could hardly bear to listen. But she did. She heard it all.


    "Twelve million?" a voice scoffed. "That''s all it took for that gold digger to sell herself? I get Jeffrey''s not all that, but still... at least be expensive if you''re going to play the part, right?" The laughter that followed was venomous. It was one of Philip Winchester''s grandsons, she was sure of it.


    "Oh, she''s nothing more than a scheming glory goblin," the groom''s mother hissed, her voice dripping with disdain. "A polished predator, using that poor old fool''s kind heart as her weapon. And yet, when he falls for the charms of that wretched gold digger, I''m the one who gets called names."


    The words hung in the air, sharp as shards of glass, but she wasn''t done. "Women like her give real gold diggers a bad name," Nicole¡ªJoanne''s future mother-in-law¡ªspoke with a biting edge, her voice dripping with a toxic mix of mockery and malice. "At least they have the decency to be subtle about it."


    Each syllable felt like a lash, a cruel symphony of judgment and malice. Joanne hugged herself as the air seemed to grow colder, and Nicole''s voice¡ªmeasured, deliberate¡ªcut deeper than any raised fist.


    But then, as if her words hadn''t already bled the air dry of compassion, Nicole continued, "I hope she dies tonight."


    Joanne staggered back, the words a visceral blow. The laughter still echoed in her ears as tears stung her eyes.


    Ever since she could remember, Joanne had fought for everything she had. She''d grown up on a farm, lost her parents as a toddler, and had no safety net to fall back on. She had clawed her way through life, becoming the first in her family to graduate high school, and then earning her place at a prestigious university.


    She had adapted¡ªchanged herself¡ªto fit the mold of a world that wasn''t made for people like her. Her accent, her demeanor, her very appearance had been shaped by the need to survive.


    But this? This is how they see me? A gold digger? A glory seeker? Is this how Jeffrey feels about me as well?


    Her chest burned with a mix of fury and despair. They knew nothing of her struggles, her sacrifices, her unyielding determination to rise above her circumstances. Yet they had reduced her to a caricature.


    Joanne grabbed her backpack, the straps biting into her fingers as her resolve hardened. She had to leave this place¡ªthis toxic, suffocating world of ''elites''. But as she leaned over the balcony, surveying the streets below, she hesitated. The alley was dark and cluttered, the fire escape across the way too far to reach.


    *Knock* *Knock*


    A loud knock at the door startled her, sending her heart racing. She froze, her breath quickening.


    Who could it be?

 Chapter 2: He Was Back

    Chapter 2 - He Was BackThe relentless knocking echoed through the room, each rap sharpening Joanne''s anxiety. She hesitated before peeking through the peephole. Her breath caught.


    Philip Winchester stood there, with his assistant.


    Her fingers twitched, nervously brushing against each other. What could he want now? Was he here to ensure the wedding still happened? To force her into a family that barely tolerated her existence?


    Philip had always had a way of making her feel included, though his family''s cold glances and sharp words told a different story. She wasn''t ready to face him, not with the storm of emotions brewing inside her.


    But then she caught the shadow in his expression, a flicker of something that almost looked like guilt. He wasn''t just knocking¡ªhe was waiting. And waiting felt heavy.


    With a sigh, Joanne unlocked the door, her conscience refusing to leave an elderly man standing outside for long. She wasn''t raised that way.


    Philip smiled as he stepped in as his assistant stayed out. Philip''s usual warmth was laced with something...off. "My dearest poppet..."


    The endearment grated on her nerves this time, a cruel echo of his charm that once made her feel valued. Poppet. Puppet. The words blurred in her mind. Was she anything more to this family than a convenient pawn?


    She tried to return his smile, but the effort cracked under the weight of her emotions. Philip leaned in for a hug, his embrace lingering too long, his breath heavy with regret.


    "I''m sorry, dearest poppet," he murmured, his voice trembling. "I am so, so sorry..."


    Joanne stiffened, the sorrow in his tone slicing through her defenses. "What is it, Mr. Winchester?" she asked softly.


    Philip''s hands gripped her shoulders, his usually steady demeanor unraveling before her eyes. "The wedding..." he began, his voice breaking. "It''s off. Jeffrey...he...he''s gone."


    Her heart dropped. "Gone? What do you mean? Is he hurt? Is he in danger?" The words spilled out before she could contain them. Confusion, relief, and an inexplicable sense of loss collided in her chest.


    Philip shook his head, his sorrow deepening. "No, he''s not in danger." His shoulders slumped. "He ran away."


    Ran away.


    Joanne''s thoughts spun wildly. At first, there was the gut-wrenching realization: the wedding was off. The life she had begrudgingly braced herself for¡ªgone in an instant. Then came the relief, a bloom of happiness she didn''t quite know how to name. This was what she wanted too. But it was quickly overshadowed by something darker, colder.


    Ran away? Jeffrey would rather flee than speak to her? Did he despise her so much he couldn''t even tell her himself? Did he think she was so desperate, so hungry for his family''s wealth, that she''d trap him into a marriage he didn''t want?


    It burned. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I''m sorry, dearest poppet." Philip''s voice wavered, his sincerity undeniable. "This is all my fault. I thought I could convince him to do the right thing, but..." His voice faltered. "I was wrong."


    Joanne barely heard him. The humiliation, sharp and merciless, consumed her. She was nothing more than an afterthought to Jeffrey Winchester, someone not even worth a confrontation. Her pride screamed in protest.


    Philip''s voice broke through her turmoil. "Your debt¡ªdon''t worry. It will be handled. This is my responsibility, and I''ll make sure you''re taken care of."


    "No." Joanne''s voice was steel, cutting through the air like a blade. She straightened, lifting her chin to meet his gaze. "I appreciate your concern, Mr. Winchester, but this deal... is over. It is what it is."


    "But..." Philip''s voice faltered, his regret unmistakable.


    Joanne met his gaze with unwavering resolve. "It''s over," she repeated, her tone sharp and final.


    She refused to let anyone¡ªnot Jeffrey, not Philip, not anyone¡ªtreat her as disposable. The sting of rejection still scorched her, but beneath the pain, something stronger stirred: her pride, her dignity. They were all she had left, and she clung to them with fierce determination.


    No one, not even the mighty Winchesters, not even the looming debt, could take that from her.


    Philip hesitated, his mouth opening as if to say something more, but the set of Joanne''s jaw silenced him. He sighed, defeated. "Please, stay in the room tonight. I''ll see you off in the morning." His voice was heavy with apology. He lingered for a moment before leaving, casting one last remorseful glance in her direction.


    Joanne stood still, staring at the closed door long after he''d gone. Sleep eluded her that night, her thoughts a whirlwind of grief and anger.


    Out of nowhere, her grandfather''s passing had left her drowning in debt. The Winchesters'' promise of salvation had seemed like a lifeline, only for it to crumble before her eyes. But even as despair threatened to overtake her, her pride refused to waver.


    "Joanne Smith," she whispered into the dark, "you''ve come from nothing and survived this long. You can get through this too."


    As the first hint of dawn painted the sky, she rose from the bed, her decision made. Her bags were already packed. She wouldn''t give the Winchesters the satisfaction of seeing her despair. They would likely blame her for Jeffrey''s cowardice, but she didn''t care. She just wanted out.


    "This is your lucky day, Joanne," she muttered to herself as she opened the door to the hallway. "Believe."


    The corridor stretched before her, quiet and empty, save for her own echoing footsteps. But as she approached the nearest crossway, a sound stopped her in her tracks¡ªa muffled scuffle, followed by raised voices.


    "Let me go!" A man''s voice rang out, loud and desperate.


    "Jeffrey Winchester," a commanding voice barked. "Mr. Winchester wants you brought to him. Stop struggling."


    Jeffrey.


    Her pulse quickened as the scuffle grew louder, the voices nearing. Just a few more steps, and the men would turn the corner, exposing her. She hesitated, torn between retreating to her room and pretending she hadn''t seen anything.


    Every instinct urged her to leave, but curiosity and simmering anger kept her in place. What did I do wrong? Why should I hide?


    The scuffle drew closer, footsteps echoing in the hallway. Joanne held her breath, her heartbeat thundering in her ears. She gripped her bag tightly, every muscle coiled in anticipation.

 Chapter 3: A New Beginning

    Chapter 3 - A New BeginningJoanne gripped the strap of her bag so tightly her knuckles turned white. Every muscle in her body was taut, braced for what was to come. She took a steadying breath, her heart pounding in her chest.


    "You can do this, Joanne. He''s nothing to you," she whispered, giving herself a pep talk.


    Lifting her chin, she walked forward with purpose. Her jeans and sneakers might not scream elegance, but she moved with the grace of a queen wearing a crown. Every step was deliberate, each one a testament to her resolve.


    The group turned the corner just as she reached the crossway. A posse of suit-clad security men were wrestling to restrain the man in their midst, his disheveled form a stark contrast to their composed professionalism.


    Joanne kept her gaze locked straight ahead, ignoring the magnetic pull of curiosity that begged her to glance at the man she was once supposed to marry. She couldn''t. Wouldn''t. His family had shattered her pride, and she refused to grant him even a flicker of her attention.


    The lead security guard hesitated as he recognized her, his eyes flickering with something¡ªsympathy, perhaps, or awkwardness. Joanne didn''t stop, didn''t falter. She moved past them as though they were invisible.


    But then she caught it¡ªthe acrid stench of alcohol, sharp and cloying. It burned her throat, stirring unwanted memories. Her stomach churned, but she swallowed the nausea and pressed on, determined to reach the exit and the fresh air waiting beyond.


    Just as she passed, his voice cut through the tense silence.


    "Is that her?"


    Joanne''s steps faltered for the briefest moment, but she didn''t turn.


    "My bride?"


    The slurred words were followed by a burst of loud, mocking laughter. Her jaw clenched, and her hands curled into fists at her sides. The sting of humiliation was swift and sharp, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.


    "She''s pretty... bland."


    Her skin crawled at the slurred, mocking tone.


    Bland? It was unbearable, suffocating. She couldn''t stand to be there a second longer. Avoiding the elevator, she veered toward the fire exit and pushed through the door.


    The cold metal handle bit into her palm as she descended the stairs two at a time, her breath coming in shallow bursts. She shoved open the final door, emerging into the cool embrace of early morning.


    The air was crisp, carrying the fresh scent of the nearby park. She inhaled deeply, letting the fragrance wash over her, soothing the tension in her chest.


    But the calm didn''t last. She stood there for a moment, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. She had nowhere to go, no plan, no idea what came next.


    Her lips tightened as she lifted her chin once more.


    "Consider this your lucky day, Joanne. You''re free," she said aloud, her voice steadying with each word. "You''ll get through this. You''ve always gotten through."


    A spark ignited in her chest¡ªa flicker of determination, burning away the lingering traces of shame.


    Her eyes gleamed with resolve as she took her first step forward. A small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth, and she welcomed it. This wasn''t the end of her story.


    No.


    This was just the beginning.


    -----


    Four Years Later...


    The soft rays of sunlight spilled through the lace curtains in the kitchen, casting a warm glow over the modest yet cozy space. Joanne, her vibrant natural red hair catching the light like fire, deftly tied it into a ponytail before sliding the last of the scrambled eggs onto her plate.


    She pressed her finger to the Bluetooth earpiece nestled in her ear, the voice on the other end grating against her nerves like nails on a chalkboard.


    Her lips curved into a mocking smirk, her tone sharp with disdain. "Is this your idea of aristocracy, Mr. Harper? You haven''t paid for the goods, and now you''re demanding a discount?" she asked, her tone sharp with disdain.


    "Loyal customers deserve respect. I''ve been buying from McDonald Farm since before you were in your father''s ball sacks."


    "Respect is earned, not owed," Joanne snapped, her voice icy. "Pay up, or¡ª" S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You''re just a greedy b*tch," he snarled, his tone venomous. "All you care about is money."


    Joanne''s laugh was light, almost amused, though her knuckles whitened against the counter. Her voice turned icy, each word slicing clean. "Oh, really? And no one else does? You don''t? Is that why your textile company sells my farm''s Merino wool as cashmere? I get that our wool is top-notch, but isn''t that a bit much?"


    The call ended with a click, the silence on the other end saying more than words ever could. Joanne sighed, tugging out the earpiece and setting it beside her breakfast. She glanced up just as Patrick Murray entered her kitchen, his easy grin lighting up the room.


    "Morning, Jo!"


    "Morning, Paddy," she greeted, a wry smile tugging at her lips. "Want some eggs?"


    Patrick rubbed his sizable belly with exaggerated satisfaction. "Nah, my old ball and chain made sure I''m stuffed. You know how she is¡ªcan''t let me leave the house without a proper feast."


    Joanne chuckled, shaking her head as she picked up her cutlery and started on her eggs. Lukewarm or not, she wasn''t about to waste them.


    The sounds of commotion drifted in from outside¡ªraised voices, muffled shouting, and the unmistakable racket of someone being loud where they shouldn''t.


    "Jeffrey again?" she asked between bites, her tone exasperated but not surprised.

 Chapter 4: Jeffrey- Her Joy

    Chapter 4 - Jeffrey- Her JoyPatrick leaned against the counter, arms crossed, his face splitting into a knowing grin. "Same as usual. Causing a scene and giving everyone an earful. Honestly, I still don''t know why you keep him around. Only you can handle that one."


    Joanne shrugged, though her smile turned a touch softer. "Someone has to, and I''m too stubborn to let him win."


    Patrick chuckled, shaking his head. "You''ve got the patience of a saint¡ªor the stubbornness of a mule. Not sure which."


    "Saint? I was just called a greedy b*tch," Joanne quipped, her fork clinking against her plate.


    "Harper?" Patrick raised his eyebrows.


    "He''ll pay today. And don''t take his order next time. McConnel Textiles asked for our wool. We can increase the price by 10% for them," she said.


    Patrick nodded. "You''re certainly better at business than old Sean."


    Joanne shrugged. Her grandfather was not good at collecting the money he was owed, which was one of the reasons he ended up in debt. How could she make the same mistake? Loyalty meant nothing in this world, especially in business. Only money mattered.


    "By the way, did you tell Jane you''re looking for paying guests this summer?" Patrick asked casually, his voice tinged with curiosity.


    Joanne nodded, her gaze drifting toward the window. "Yeah... It''s good pay. I have an extra room in the house, and Papaw''s room is empty too." Her voice softened, almost hesitant. "It gets boring cooking just for one, and..." She trailed off, her words faltering as though she''d revealed too much. "It pays well, or so I heard," she finished, her tone more businesslike now.


    Patrick studied her carefully, catching the subtle melancholy that lingered in her words. She had returned to the farm four years ago, built it back up from the ground and succeeded. But despite all her hard work and success, there was a sense of emptiness she couldn''t quite hide.


    Old Sean''s room, her grandfather''s, remained untouched, save for the times she went in to clean it. It was like she was keeping a piece of him frozen in time¡ªunable to let go but unsure how to move forward.


    The realization tugged at Patrick''s heart. Poor girl must feel lonely in this big house, he thought, his usual easy grin giving way to a softer expression.


    "Maybe... it''s time you look for love, you know," he said gently, his tone more earnest than teasing. She didn''t even go on a single date after she returned and it worried him. "Just saying. Your farm''s doing great, and so is your¡ª"


    "I would love to date," Joanne interrupted, her voice sharp but not unkind. Her green eyes flicked toward him, holding a flicker of frustration mixed with resignation. "But who?"


    Patrick let out a deep breath, feeling exasperated. Who could she date in this small town? It was a pity. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He gave her a playful salute. "Well, I''d better get back before the boss finds me slacking."


    "Thanks for stopping by," Joanne chuckled as he headed out, her smile lingering even after he was gone.


    Outside, the ruckus continued, but Joanne tuned it out, focusing on her breakfast and the steady hum of determination brewing within her. After finishing her meal, she walked outside.


    "Jeffrey!" Joanne called, standing on the farmhouse porch. Her voice carried across the yard, and she couldn''t help but chuckle when she heard the collective sigh of relief from the farmhands nearby.


    "Jeffrey, you psychopath!" she added in a firm, commanding tone. "Drop that squirrel this instant!"


    A few feet away, Jeffrey¡ªthe mischievous four-year-old horse¡ªpaused, his ears twitching at her voice. He turned to face her with wide, innocent eyes, as if baffled by her accusation.


    "Now!" Joanne barked, pointing at the ground for emphasis.


    With a reluctant snort, Jeffrey opened his mouth, allowing a half-dead, thoroughly traumatized squirrel to fall to the ground. Joanne glared at the horse, crossing her arms in frustration, but Jeffrey trotted toward her with a delighted neigh, his spotted coat gleaming as if he hadn''t just been caught red-hoofed.


    "Oh, no you don''t," she muttered, but her stern expression faltered as Jeffrey circled her, nudging her shoulder playfully. He pranced around with such unabashed glee that she couldn''t help but smile.


    "Stop it, you lunatic!" Joanne said, half-laughing, as she lightly pushed him away. Despite his antics, she knew she couldn''t stay mad at him. For all his psychopathic tendencies, Jeffrey adored her, and that kind of love was hard to resist.


    She reached up to pet his mane, shaking her head with a mix of affection and exasperation. As her hand smoothed over Jeffrey''s neck, her eyes drifted to the far end of the pasture, where a majestic Shire horse stood calmly grazing.


    "Why can''t you be more like Mr. Darcy over there?" she sighed wistfully, nodding toward the towering, regal creature.


    Jeffrey let out a high-pitched whine, as if deeply offended by the comparison. He nudged her harder, demanding her full attention.


    "You understand every word I say, don''t you?" Joanne asked, her tone softening. "And yet, you still insist on being a psychopath..."


    Jeffrey nickered in response, his big brown eyes sparkling with mischief. Joanne shook her head again, laughing as she gave his neck another affectionate pat.


    For a while, she stayed there, playing with Jeffrey, letting the simple joy of his antics lighten her mood. Life on the farm might be full of challenges, but moments like this¡ªfilled with laughter, love, and a little chaos¡ªmade it all worthwhile.


    But the moment didn''t linger for long. "Jo! Get over here!" Patrick''s voice echoed through the air, breaking the stillness as he called from the barn.


    Concerned, Joanne hurried toward him, her footsteps quickening on the gravel, which crunched beneath her boots.


    "What is it?" she asked, her brow furrowing as she reached the entrance.

 Chapter 5: A Newcomer

    Chapter 5 - A Newcomer"Bella needs assistance. She can''t deliver on her own," Patrick said, his voice edged with worry as he gently stroked the laboring goat.


    Joanne didn''t hesitate. She knelt beside Bella, brushing straw aside to make room for herself. "Oh, dear... Is the vet not available today?" she asked, though her hands were already moving, assessing the situation.


    Patrick shook his head. "Out of town. It''s up to us."


    Joanne nodded, a familiar determination setting her jaw. "I''ve done this before. Let''s get her through it."


    The barn filled with the soft, distressed bleats of Bella and the earthy scent of hay and animals. Joanne worked with practiced ease, repositioning the unborn kids with a careful yet firm touch. Minutes stretched into what felt like hours as she coaxed the little ones into the world, her forehead glistening with sweat. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When the first kid finally entered the world, followed swiftly by its sibling, Joanne exhaled deeply, her lips curving into a triumphant smile. A few minutes later, the third one entered the world too. "There we go, Bella," she murmured softly, wiping her hands on the towel. "You did great."


    Patrick crouched beside her, gently checking the tiny goats'' vitals. "They''re healthy," he said with relief, holding one of the squirming babies for Joanne to see.


    She stood slowly, stretching her stiff legs, feeling a deep sense of accomplishment. The mother goat licked her babies clean. The barn was warm with life and the glow of a job well done.


    But her smile faltered, fading like a cloud eclipsing the sun, as a man in a crisp suit strode into the barn. His polished shoes looked absurdly out of place on the dirt floor, and he carried an iPad in one hand, his tie knotted with sterile precision. His very presence clashed with the raw vitality of the barn, the scent of hay, and the warmth of new life filling the air.


    "Morning, Jason!" Patrick greeted, his tone far warmer than Joanne''s mood.


    Joanne crossed her arms, her patience already thin. "What do you want? I told you I''ll be there tomorrow." Her voice was laced with impatience, her gaze cutting through the man like a blade.


    Jason shifted uncomfortably, clearing his throat. "Actually, Ms. Smith, we need your signature today for this..."


    Before he could finish, Joanne brushed past him with a dismissive wave of her hand. Her body language screamed disinterest, as though she were looking at a job she couldn''t be bothered to do.


    Four years ago, the company had been on the brink of bankruptcy, her grandfather unable to manage it properly. But now Shamrock Logistics was the go-to name for farmers and ranchers in the entire state. With a fleet of over a hundred trucks and growing, it was one of the most successful logistics companies around.


    Not only was the company thriving, but so was the farm. Joanne had worked hard to turn everything around. She was proud of the legacy she''d built, but that didn''t mean she enjoyed being tethered to the corporate grind.


    "Is it about payment?" she asked, her tone carrying the cool authority of a boss who''d dealt with far too many trivial interruptions.


    "No, it''s¡ª"


    "Then, Jason, it''s not important. If I said I''ll be at the office tomorrow, I''ll be there tomorrow," she said with another dismissive wave, already walking away.


    Jason hesitated, his polished shoes shifting against the barn floor as he tried to muster the courage to persist. "But, Ms. Smith, it''s just a¡ª"


    "The HR forgot to bring it up last week, didn''t they?" Joanne interrupted, raising a brow. "And now they''ve sent you here to clean up their mess?"


    Jason swallowed hard, his silence betraying the truth. Joanne was sharp, and she didn''t tolerate incompetence. She preferred spending her days at the farm, away from the suffocating bureaucracy of the corporate world. Her employees at the office rarely met her expectations, and she was seriously considering hiring a CEO to manage the company so she could focus on being the chairman¡ªa title that would let her keep her distance.


    As she deliberated, a sudden bark echoed through the barn. Jason jumped back, his heart leaping into his throat.


    "Fluffy! There you are..." Joanne''s tone softened instantly, her face breaking into a genuine smile as her full-grown Rottweiler bounded toward her. The dog''s powerful muscles rippled under its glossy coat, and Jason couldn''t help but take several steps back.


    Fluffy circled Joanne excitedly, his wagging tail and exuberant energy a stark contrast to Jason''s wide-eyed fear. To Jason, the dog looked like a menacing guard, baring sharp teeth that seemed to glint in the sunlight streaming into the barn.


    Joanne crouched to pet the massive dog, her hands burying into its fur as she cooed affectionately. Meanwhile, Jason clutched his iPad tighter, wishing he were anywhere but here. He''d never liked dogs; he was firmly a cat person. But as the office junior, he was stuck with tasks no one else wanted to do¡ªlike braving Joanne''s farm.


    "Ms. Smith, this really¡ª" Jason began again, his voice cracking slightly.


    "Tomorrow," Joanne said firmly, not even sparing him a glance.


    Jason sighed, resigning himself to his fate. He didn''t love the job¡ªor the terrorizing bark of Joanne''s dog¡ªbut the salary was unmatched, and no other company in the county offered such a cushy paycheck. The cost of living was low, and the pay was well above average. If only Joanne Smith wasn''t such a force to be reckoned with.


    Patrick stood beside Bella and the newborn goats, shaking his head with a knowing smile. "Oh, sweet child," he murmured, watching her pet Fluffy.


    Sweet, perhaps, but not to her corporate employees. Patrick had seen Joanne grow from a spirited child into a formidable woman. She seemed to take delight in keeping her logistics team on their toes, while her farmhands enjoyed her warmth.


    It occurred to Patrick that the logistics company hadn''t been her dream; it was her father''s. She had taken over out of loyalty, not passion. If it weren''t for her father''s legacy, he suspected Joanne would have walked away long ago.


    "Excuse me... Joe... Is Joe McDonald here?"


    The deep voice echoed around the barn. Jason took the opportunity to slip away, eager to escape Joanne''s piercing gaze and her enthusiastic Rottweiler, Fluffy.


    Patrick stepped forward, wiping his hands on his jeans as he assessed the newcomer. Joanne tightened her grip on Fluffy''s collar, her sharp eyes locked onto the figure. He was scruffy and unkempt, dressed in faded jeans, dirty boots, and a damp shirt. Days'' worth of stubble covered his face, and dark hair stuck to his forehead.


    Fluffy let out a low growl that made Patrick glance back nervously.


    "Who''s asking?" Patrick asked cautiously.

 Chapter 6: The Paying Guest

    Chapter 6 - The Paying GuestThe man''s hazel eyes flicked from Patrick to Joanne, lingering on her just a fraction longer than necessary. There was an intensity in his gaze that made her shoulders stiffen and her grip on Fluffy''s collar tighten instinctively.


    Pretty eyes. Her heart skipped a beat, unbidden.


    "I''m looking for Joe McDonald of McDonald Farm," the man repeated, his gravelly voice worn like the soles of his scuffed sneakers. "He around?"


    Patrick scratched his head, shooting Joanne a quick glance. He caught the faint curiosity flickering in her expression, though she stayed silent. "Jane sent you?" Patrick asked, breaking the moment.


    "Ah, yes! Mr. McDonald, is it?" The man''s face lit up as he walked toward Patrick with an outstretched hand. Despite his scruffy appearance¡ªwrinkled clothes and a shadow of stubble¡ªthere was a charm about him that even his dishevelment couldn''t completely hide.


    Joanne rose, nodding slightly in Patrick''s direction. It didn''t escape her notice that the man had automatically assumed Patrick was "Joe McDonald." Not the smartest conclusion, but it was enough to pique her interest. As she headed out of the barn, she discreetly held up three fingers to signal Patrick: $3000 for summer.


    "I''m Jeffrey," the man added, his grin easy and self-assured.


    Joanne froze mid-step at the barn door. Jeffrey. Her stomach twisted. Of all the names in the world.


    Patrick noticed her subtle reaction¡ªher spine stiffened and her jaw tightened. Initially, he thought Joanne''s resistance might be because the visitor was a man, but she didn''t seem to mind having a male paying guest. However, her distaste for the name Jeffrey was apparent.


    Unaware of the silent storm brewing behind him, the man continued, flashing another disarming smile. "Jeffrey Daniels. Most people just call me JD."


    Patrick''s sharp eyes darted between the two. Joanne''s expression had flattened into indifference, the kind that only came out when she was trying very hard to mask her feelings. Patrick, who prided himself on being as perceptive as a tick on a warm cow, suspected she''d already dismissed JD entirely. But in his heart, he couldn''t help but hope otherwise.


    She''s 27, living alone like a nun in this big house. She needs someone her age around. The thought of her finding a summer romance¡ªand maybe, just maybe, a happily-ever-after¡ªdanced in Patrick''s mind. Old Sean would have wanted his granddaughter to fill this house with love and laughter again.


    But that damned name. Jeffrey. The very name she despised. So much so, she''d saddled the most troublesome, psychopathic horse on the farm with it, just so she''d have an excuse to hurl curses at the name without restraint.


    "Are you here for work?" Patrick asked, trying to gauge the man further.


    JD chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his neck. "Not exactly. I''m on a... self-discovery journey, I guess. Traveling across the country, seeing where life takes me. I just need a place to stay for the summer, something quiet and peaceful." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "A hobo?" Patrick muttered under his breath, unimpressed now. Is this guy even worthy of being Jo''s fling? he wondered.


    JD must have sensed the shift in Patrick''s demeanor, because he quickly added, "I''m actually thinking of settling down somewhere nearby. This place¡ªit has a great vibe. Rolling hills, green pastures, the cattle¡ªit''s beautiful. I''ve got an interview with Shamrock Logistics tomorrow. If it works out, I might stick around, maybe even rent a house in Rockchapel."


    Patrick''s face brightened at the mention of a job. "Oh! Well, then. $6000 for the summer. Three hot meals a day, electricity, internet, hot water¡ªeverything included."


    "$6000?" JD balked, looking shell-shocked.


    Behind him, Joanne''s reaction was even more pronounced. Her mouth fell open, and she shook her head vehemently. No way. There was no chance she was living with a man named Jeffrey. She could already sense Patrick''s meddling, his not-so-subtle attempts to thrust her into some kind of romantic scenario.


    As if I could ever find a man named Jeffrey attractive! she thought, exasperated.


    Patrick, undeterred, ignored her signals entirely, his tone growing almost cheerful as he haggled with JD.


    Joanne threw up her hands and walked back inside, muttering to herself. Let them finalize whatever deal they want. There''s no way I''m letting this Jeffrey¡ªJD, whatever¡ªto ruin my summer.


    She snapped the screen door shut and strode into the kitchen. Despite her efforts to dismiss him, the image of hazel eyes and a casual smile lingered in her mind, like a burr caught in fabric. It was frustrating how charming he was, even with his disheveled look¡ªand his cursed name.


    What''s the worst that could happen?


    she thought, leaning against the counter and staring at the coffee pot as if it might hold the answer.


    If he misbehaved, she''d deal with him. She could always make him eat lead and bury him beneath one of the sprawling oaks out back. Those old trees could use the fertilizer, she mused darkly. Or maybe she''d let the dogs handle him. Her guard dogs had a talent for finding bones, after all.


    Her lips twitched at the thought. She had options, plenty of them.


    Still, her mind circled back to his words, the way he''d spoken about wanting to settle down, about the peace and beauty of the land. There''d been a sincerity to him, even if she didn''t trust it just yet.


    Hazel eyes and charm don''t mean he''s not trouble, she reminded herself.


    Her gaze drifted toward the window, where she could just make out Patrick and JD in the distance, deep in conversation. Patrick''s animated gestures hinted he was sealing the deal. Joanne huffed, rolling her eyes. Meddling old goat.


    Joanne straightened her posture, donning a practiced, professional smile as Patrick led JD inside. Her eyes briefly scanned JD¡ªhazel eyes, scruffy but charming, and a faint blush dusting his cheeks.


    "Meet your landlady, Jo Smith," Patrick announced with a sly grin.


    JD''s face flushed deeper as he stepped forward. "I''m sorry, I assumed he was Joe and you were his daughter..." He offered a sheepish smile, extending his hand. "Hello, Ms. Josephine Smith. I''m JD, your tenant for the summer."


    Patrick chuckled, amused by the blunder. "She''s Jo¡ª"


    "Welcome, Mr. Daniels," Joanne interrupted smoothly, ignoring both the blush and the error in her name. Formalities didn''t matter. What mattered was the payment, and she wasn''t about to get sentimental over a title or an awkward first impression.


    Patrick held up five fingers behind JD''s back, and Joanne''s brows lifted subtly in surprise. Five thousand? Two thousand more than she''d planned to charge. That was a win in her book.


    Her lips curved into a faintly satisfied smile as she met JD''s gaze. "I''ll show you to your room. I''ll prepare the papers by tomorrow," she said, brushing past Patrick''s knowing look.


    So what if his name was Jeffrey? For five grand, she could live with another useless Jeffrey in her house.


    "Wait!" JD called out.


    Joanne stopped mid-step, gripping the frayed edges of her patience as she slowly turned. "Yes?"


    JD''s grin was disarming, but it was the object in his hand that caught her off guard. "For the pretty lady," he said, extending his arm toward her.


    Her eyes widened, flicking between his face and the thing he held.

 Chapter 7: Dealing With An Imbecile

    Chapter 7 - Dealing With An Imbecile"Is that a four-leaf clover?" Joanne''s voice was laced with genuine surprise, her eyes fixed on the delicate green leaf JD held out to her.


    JD''s grin softened, and he nodded. "Found it right at your entrance."


    Joanne blinked, her bewilderment not just from the rarity of the clover but from the thoughtfulness behind the gesture. She hadn''t received a gift in what felt like ages¡ªespecially not one so simple yet oddly meaningful.


    "On my farm?" she asked, taking the clover with careful fingers.


    "Yup," JD replied. "It was right there in the grass, waiting for someone to notice it."


    Joanne held the leaf in her palm, her gaze lingering on it as if it were a precious treasure. And, in a way, it was. She had spent countless moments of her life¡ªduring childhood picnics and teenage daydreams¡ªsearching through fields and patches of clover, hoping to find one. Yet, she had never succeeded.


    She believed she was unlucky. That was why she told herself it was a lucky day whenever something went wrong in her life. She never thought that luck was on her side.


    And now, of all people, a Jeffrey had handed her one.


    "Thank you," she said softly, a smile breaking across her face. It felt strange to smile so freely, yet here she was, cradling the tiny clover like a fragile miracle.


    Before she could linger on the thought, a sharp bark cut through the quiet, jolting her from her reverie. Her heart jumped.


    "That''s Mr. Bingley!" she exclaimed, the recognition immediate. Without hesitation, she rushed to the porch, her eyes scanning the horizon.


    There he was¡ªher Great Pyrenees dog, who''d been missing for a week. Relief swept over her like a tidal wave, but her astonishment grew as she spotted what Mr. Bingley brought with him.


    Three sheep trailed behind him, their wool dirty but intact, and one of them carried an unmistakable addition. A newborn lamb teetered on unsteady legs beside its mother.


    Joanne''s hands flew to her mouth. "Mr. Bingley!" she cried, rushing down the steps toward him.


    The massive dog stood proud, his white coat marred with dried blood and scratches¡ªevidence of a fierce battle. He panted heavily but wagged his tail, his eyes shining with triumph.


    Joanne dropped to her knees and wrapped her arms around him, her voice thick with emotion. "You incredible, stubborn, wonderful boy. You did it. You brought them home."


    Patrick appeared behind her, his own amazement apparent. "Well, I''ll be. Thought those sheep were goners for sure." Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Joanne nodded, her fingers running through Mr. Bingley''s fur. "We thought coyotes got them." She leaned closer, inspecting his wounds. "You fought for them, didn''t you? You big warrior! I love you!"


    Mr. Bingley let out a low, contented rumble, as if affirming her words.


    Her eyes shifted to the lamb, its soft bleat breaking the momentary silence. She reached out, stroking its tiny head. "Welcome home, little one."


    "Well, look at that! It''s a pretty lucky day for you, Jo!" Patrick chuckled, rubbing his belly. "Your goat had three female kids, and now your sheep are back with an addition..."


    Joanne glanced at Patrick, her lips pressing together in an attempt to hide her happiness. But the sparkle in her eyes betrayed her. She knew exactly what Patrick was hinting at: the notion that JD''s arrival had somehow turned the tide in her favor.


    "I''ll take him to the vet''s office to check out," Patrick said, swiftly changing the subject. He knew better than to push her too hard. Joanne had a knack for rejecting anything forced upon her, no matter how well-intentioned.


    Just as Patrick bent down to take hold of Mr. Bingley, the dog growled low in his throat, his eyes fixating on something¡ªor someone¡ªbehind Joanne.


    She turned, her expression already shifting to one of exasperation, to see JD approaching. His silly grin was plastered across his face, as if he hadn''t a care in the world.


    "Is that a retriever puppy? He''s cute... Wow! I''ve never seen a lamb this young before. Can I touch him?" JD said, already reaching out a hand toward the lamb.


    Mr. Bingley, ever the protective guardian, barked sharply, his stance rigid as he stood between JD and the sheep.


    "Mr. Bingley, stay!" Joanne commanded in a firm voice. The dog hesitated, his tail twitching, but eventually sat with a low whine.


    Joanne shot a sharp glance at Patrick¡ªa glance that all but screamed I told you so. Then, with the air of someone forced to deal with an imbecile, she turned to JD, her smile tight and thin.


    "Mr. Daniels," she began, her tone syrupy-sweet but edged with steel, "I''d strongly advise against touching the livestock¡ªor the dogs¡ªwithout supervision. That''s not a retriever puppy, as you seem to think. Mr. Bingley here is a Pyrenean Mountain Dog, one of the best livestock guardians you''ll find. They''re trained to fight wolves and bears if necessary. They are highly territorial and trust me, they don''t take kindly to strangers."


    JD''s hand froze mid-air as Joanne continued.


    "I also have Border Collies," she added, her eyes narrowing slightly. "They work with the flock and aren''t house pets. None of these dogs are. They''re socialized enough to tolerate strangers, but it''s best for everyone, including yourself, that you keep your distance. Around here, people value their dogs highly, and if one bites, they may need to be put down. That''s a loss no one is willing to take. Remember that moving forward."


    Without waiting for a response, Joanne turned on her heel, her gait long and purposeful. It was as if she regretted leaving JD unsupervised in her house earlier, and she was determined to rectify that mistake immediately.


    JD raised his eyebrows, watching her retreat. Despite the scolding¡ªor perhaps because of it¡ªhe couldn''t help but smile.


    "What a character," he muttered under his breath. A true redhead¡ªspirited and fiery, confident and assertive. She stirred something deep in him, a spark he hadn''t felt in years.


    Patrick let out a small chuckle. "She''s not wrong, you know," he said, breaking JD''s thoughts. "It''s not just about your safety. It''s for the dogs'' too. Folks around here depend on their dogs. Losing one over a misunderstanding..." He shook his head. "It''s a hard pill to swallow."


    JD nodded, absorbing the lesson. It seemed he was learning something new every day.

 Chapter 8: His Story

    Chapter 8 - His StoryAs JD turned to head back inside, Joanne led the way with brisk, purposeful steps. Her air of no-nonsense practicality was apparent, yet she didn''t miss the opportunity to casually gesture toward a glass-front cabinet filled with an arsenal of weapons.


    The polished barrels of shotguns gleamed under the dim hallway light, flanked by rows of hunting knives and various tools of defense. JD''s gaze lingered on the collection, curiosity flickering across his face. Joanne, ever watchful, caught the pause.


    "Just in case," she said nonchalantly, her tone making it seem as though every home had its own armory.


    He nodded in understanding, suppressing a chuckle. He''d traveled enough to know that in places like this¡ªisolated and remote¡ªself-reliance was paramount. Help, if it came, would arrive late. Cops were a good half-hour away, if not more, and danger often came in the form of wild animals long before any human threat.


    Still, there was something about Joanne''s display that struck him as both smart and slightly reckless. She lived alone in this big house, and flaunting her defenses could either serve as a deterrent or, in the wrong hands, become a liability.


    His eyes wandered briefly to the open cabinet by the stairs, housing a lone pistol behind a photo frame.


    What else does she have hidden around here? he mused, his lips twitching at the thought.


    As they neared the stairs, a low, guttural growl broke the silence. JD''s attention snapped to a massive Rottweiler sprawled at the base of the steps, its dark eyes locked onto him with unnerving intensity. The dog''s muscles, even at rest, seemed coiled, ready to spring.


    "Fluffy," Joanne said, her tone betraying a hint of affection.


    JD raised an eyebrow, fighting the urge to laugh. "Let me guess¡ªhe''s not friendly either?"


    Joanne''s lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. Her green eyes glimmered with mirth. "Only if you give him a reason not to be."


    JD swallowed hard, taking mental note not to make any sudden moves around her. If her pets were as combative as her personality, he didn''t want to test their patience¡ªor hers.


    When she finally opened the door to the guest room, he was taken aback. It was immaculate, far better than the run-down motel rooms he''d been cycling through for the past two years. The bed was neatly made, the walls freshly painted, and even a small dresser stood in the corner, its surface gleaming as though it had just been polished.


    "It''s temporary," Joanne said, leaning casually against the doorframe. Her words carried the same guarded tone she used, a verbal armor she rarely let slip. "Don''t get too comfortable."


    "Wouldn''t dream of it," JD replied, offering a small grin.


    She lingered for a moment longer, her sharp gaze sweeping the room as though ensuring everything was in its rightful place. Satisfied, she turned on her heel and strode away, her steps echoing down the hallway.


    Left alone, JD set his duffel bag on the bed and began unpacking, his movements deliberate, almost mechanical. He hadn''t brought much¡ªjust the essentials he could carry.


    Each item he pulled out was a reminder of how far he''d fallen: a few threadbare shirts, a pair of scuffed boots, and a beaten-up leather jacket that had seen better days. Despite their state, he folded the clothes carefully and placed them in the dresser as if they were treasures. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As he reached the bottom of the bag, a laminated sheet slipped free and fluttered to the floor, freezing him mid-motion. The photograph inside, crinkled and worn, showed only the remnants of a woman''s face¡ªdelicate jawline and straight blonde hair. Below it, faint ink read: Smith, J.


    The part of the picture that remained had jagged edges, echoing the scars it left on JD''s life. He felt a familiar rage stirring within him. This small piece of paper was an obsession, a harsh reminder of the life stolen from him.


    Jeffrey Daniels wasn''t his real name. He had once been Jeffrey Winchester, the cherished grandson of wealthy, eccentric Philip Winchester. JD had lived a life of luxury until a fake-blonde Harvard graduate entered the picture, turning his world upside down.


    Marry a glory goblin? How could he do that when he already had a girlfriend who loved him the most?


    When he refused to marry the bland schemer, Philip cut him off, taking away everything he had. He stripped him of his bank account, his name, and even his education certificates. Left with nothing, he quickly learned how fast loyalty can disappear. His girlfriend left him once his money ran out.


    For two years, he drifted from place to place, surviving on odd jobs while keeping the fire of revenge alive. He was determined to find the woman who had ruined him.


    As JD carefully tucked the photograph back into the laminated sheet, he felt a sense of ritual in the act. The name "Smith" echoed in his mind; it was maddeningly common. He had encountered many Jane Smiths, Josephine Smiths, Jennifer Smiths but none were the right one.


    He regretted his decision not to review her file when his grandfather handed it to him. After his attempt to escape, his grandfather placed a gag order to ensure that no one would discover the woman''s identity. It seemed that his grandfather was more protective of that scheming woman than of his own grandson.


    Looking around the neatly arranged room, he noted its comfort¡ªsoft bed, cozy wallpaper, polished dresser, and the scent of lavender. But this unexpected solace felt jarring, contrasting with the storm raging within him.


    A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.


    "Yes!" he shouted, not bothering to mask the irritation in his voice. The door swung open before he could add anything else.


    There she stood¡ªthe redhead. She didn''t seem to notice the tension in the room as she entered, the familiar, easy smile playing at her lips as if nothing at all was amiss.


    Josephine Smith...


    "Bathroom''s down the hall," she said, holding out a set of clean towels with a casual grace. "Wash up and get down for dinner. It''ll be ready soon."


    The words hung in the air, but JD''s mind was already a million miles away, caught up in the question that had become an obsession.


    Could this J. Smith be her?

 Chapter 9: A Goddess

    Chapter 9 - A GoddessSomewhere down the hall, Joanne''s voice rang out, barking a command at one of the dogs. The sound snapped JD back to the present, grounding him.


    He cleaned up, relieved to find the small bathroom spotless. Cozy. For someone raised in extravagance, it was a concept he''d never truly understood¡ªuntil two years of dirty motels and run-down trailer parks taught him its meaning.


    Life is funny that way.


    Donning his best sweatshirt, JD headed downstairs, only to be met with another surprise. The large dining table, capable of seating eight, was covered with a spread of dishes¡ªproteins, carbs, desserts¡ªenough for a banquet.


    His hand instinctively went to his wallet. How much will this cost?


    "Are you expecting company?" he asked, finally noticing Joanne. She stood by the counter, removing an apron, her simple green T-shirt and shorts a far cry from the rugged farmgirl image she wore earlier. She looked...


    Beautiful.


    Joanne blinked, confused. "No, it''s just us. Help yourself."


    Her casual response surprised him. Did she always cook this much? The sheer abundance made him feel awkward. With a hesitant chuckle, JD lowered himself into a chair. "Is food extra?"


    The question threw her off. Did he think she''d charge him for dinner? "It''s included in the five grand," she said, her smile faltering slightly.


    JD stared at the spread, the rich aroma stirring his hunger until his stomach growled. He hadn''t eaten all day. Yet even as his mouth watered, his mind calculated the dwindling $3,000 he had left. Every dollar mattered now. Once, he''d walked into stores without a second thought, buying whatever he wanted. That life was gone, stolen by one greedy woman. Now, even this home-cooked meal felt like a luxury he couldn''t afford.


    Joanne watched him as he began to eat, his movements deliberate, almost reverent. It was as if he were rediscovering food, savoring every bite. His eyes¡ªpretty but burdened¡ªspoke of exhaustion and pain. She''d seen that look before. This man had learned life''s harsh lessons the hard way.


    Her gaze shifted to his sweatshirt. It was from an expensive brand, though clearly worn and faded. He probably didn''t own much now, just remnants of a life he''d lost. He was a man scraping by, trying to find his footing after losing everything.


    Warmth bloomed in the corner of her heart, unbidden but undeniable. She remembered her own past, when she''d had nothing. Someone had helped her at just the right moment, lifting her out of the darkness.


    Oh, Joanne... you''re not about to help this Jeffrey, are you? Her mind wrestled with her heart. She was supposed to hate all Jeffreys, to guard herself from the disappointment they inevitably brought.


    But it seemed her heart had already made its decision.


    It reminded her of Jeffrey Dahmer, the horse she''d kept even when he proved useless for farm work. She couldn''t send him away even though he was psychopathic. And Fluffy, her dog, had been meant to guard the property but turned out to be more of a cuddly lapdog, wagging his tail at strangers. She''d renamed him Jeffrey McFluffy to detach herself, to send him to a shelter, but two years later, here he was, happily begging at her feet becoming "Fluffy" again.


    Her gaze drifted back to JD. He seemed no different¡ªan unexpected stray she couldn''t turn away. She sighed as he ate, his shoulders hunched, his eyes glistening. Was he tearing up?


    Why do you have such a soft heart, Joanne? she thought, chiding herself.


    -----


    JD leaned back in his chair, savoring the last sip of beer as the evening breeze swept over the porch. His stomach was full¡ªmore full than it had been in months¡ªand so, oddly, was his heart. He hadn''t just been fed; he''d been seen, treated like a human being, not a paycheck or a customer.


    For the first time in two years, no one had looked at him with suspicion or greed before offering food and shelter. He chuckled softly, shaking his head.


    "I''ve never had pie like that," he had told Joanne earlier, meaning every word. She must have magic in her hands to cook like that¡ªbetter than any high-end chef he''d grown up indulging in. Her dishes weren''t plated with finesse, but there was something intangible in them, a warmth no amount of money could replicate.


    Now, as he sat on the porch, he replayed the scene. He hadn''t even realized he''d eaten everything on the table until the last bite was gone. He winced, wondering if he''d left enough for her. Yet she had seemed pleased, standing up with a smile as she''d tossed him a can of beer.


    That simple gesture, the ease in her demeanor, struck him. She wasn''t like anyone he''d met before. Not the polished society women who adorned his past life, with their manicured smiles and shallow laughter. Joanne radiated life¡ªprinciples, warmth, and an authenticity he hadn''t believed existed anymore.


    She can''t be the same J. Smith, he thought, taking another sip of the beer. She didn''t seem like the type to hide behind fake hair and marry someone for money. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    No, she was... something else entirely. A goddess, he mused. An angel walking the earth.


    His thoughts drifted to his next step. He wasn''t eager to get into the grind of an office job, but the idea of leaving this place, of losing this heaven for the summer? Unthinkable.


    Whatever it took, he''d make it work. For now, though, he let himself bask in the rare The peace JD had been savoring shattered in an instant.


    "Hey, Jo!!!"


    The slurred, grating voice came from the driveway, cutting through the stillness of the night. JD sat up straighter, his muscles tensing as his eyes found the source of the commotion. A man, bottle of whiskey clutched in his hand, staggered down Joanne''s long driveway, his unsteady steps leaving crushed gravel in his wake.


    "Where is that dollar wh*re? Jo! Come on out!"


    The crude shout hit like a slap, making JD''s jaw tighten.

 Chapter 10: A Weary Soul

    Chapter 10 - A Weary SoulJD rose from the porch chair, tension rippling through him as his gaze locked on the intruder. The man was wiry, dressed in a tattered plaid shirt, and his stagger revealed just how much whiskey he''d consumed.


    "Who the hell are you?" JD called out, his voice sharp and steady.


    The man paused, glassy eyes narrowing. "Who am I?" he sneered, his words slurred. "Who the f*** are you? Her new f*cktoy?" He laughed bitterly. "Ain''t none of your business!"


    JD stepped forward, the porch creaking under his weight. "You''re on her property. You''re drunk and loud. I suggest you leave before this goes south."


    "Suggest..." The man swayed, caught between his false bravado and JD''s unyielding glare. He jabbed the whiskey bottle toward the house. "Jo owes me! Jo!" he bellowed, his voice slicing through the quiet night. "Get out here, you b*tch!"


    JD clenched his fists, heat rushing to his face. Whoever this guy was, he wasn''t here for anything good. From inside, JD heard faint movement, the sound of Joanne approaching. She must have heard the shouting, but JD''s instincts screamed to keep her inside.


    The door creaked open, and Joanne stepped out, her expression a mix of frustration and exhaustion. "What the hell are you doing here, Sam?" she demanded, her voice razor-sharp.


    Sam smirked, swaying as he leered at her. "Finally, Jo! Took you long enough. Thought your new boy toy here was gonna play knight in shining armor all night."


    Joanne crossed her arms, her glare unwavering. "You''re drunk. Go home, Sam."


    "Home?" He let out a bitter laugh, waving the bottle. "Oh, I would


    if I had one. Maybe you should''ve thought about that before throwing me out like trash!"


    JD glanced at Joanne. She stood firm, but he caught the flicker of embarrassment she tried to hide. She looked like someone who''d dealt with this before, someone who knew how to handle herself. JD hesitated, unsure if she needed help or space.


    He stepped inside but lingered near the stairs, listening. From the crack in the door, he saw Joanne pull a wad of cash from her pocket¡ªtoo much cash for someone like Sam. His eyes widened as the drunk kissed the money with exaggerated reverence before staggering away.


    JD''s gut churned. Why would she give him that much money? Who is he?


    Sam paused at the edge of the porch, then spun around and slapped the door with a loud crack. "You''re here because of us! Don''t forget that, Jo!" he snarled.


    Joanne opened the door just enough to glare at him, her breath steady but her shoulders tense. "Go. Now."


    Sam stumbled backward, muttering curses as he vanished into the night. Joanne slammed the door and leaned against it, her breaths shallow and uneven. For the first time, her composed exterior faltered, revealing the toll Sam had taken on her.


    Fluffy cowered behind the door, his tail tucked tightly between his legs. JD''s fists clenched at the sight. This man¡ªSam¡ªwas no mere drunken nuisance. He was a threat.


    JD hesitated, tempted to ask questions about the tense encounter but decided against it. It was likely her ex, and meddling in other people''s affairs rarely ended well.


    As he ascended the stairs, Joanne sighed in relief, realizing JD wasn''t there to witness her unraveling. She knelt beside Fluffy, gently stroking his fur. "He''s gone... The bad man is gone," she murmured softly, trying to soothe them both. Fluffy whimpered, curling into her touch. Memories of Sam''s drunken rage and the night he nearly harmed Fluffy flooded her mind; that had been the breaking point. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Joanne rose, poured herself a glass of whiskey, and retreated to the dining table for her nightly ritual of reflection. The day had started well¡ªuntil Sam showed up. Fluffy curled up at her feet, finally relaxing.


    "I''m tired, Fluffy, so darn exhausted," she whispered as she downed the whiskey, the burn reminiscent of familiar comfort. She staggered toward the stairs.


    Meanwhile, JD, hidden at the top, turned away before she could see him. He couldn''t shake the image of Joanne¡ªnot the fiery woman he had met at the barn, not the cheery woman he interacted with at dinner, but a hurt, weary soul burdened by unseen scars.


    As he lay in bed, he thought about how everyone had their battles. Though he felt sympathy for Joanne and her pain, he quickly dismissed it. Who was he to pity anyone? At least she had stability¡ªshe had money.


    **Morning**


    The smell of sweet pancakes pulled JD from sleep. He rushed downstairs to find Joanne by the stove, flipping pancakes like a morning sun. "Morning," she greeted him with a smile, handing him a plate piled high with syrup-drizzled pancakes and coffee.


    "Ah, you''re spoiling me," he said, settling into his seat.


    "Enjoy it while it lasts. I might starve you one day," she teased, but her mood shifted when he mentioned his plans for the day.


    "I''ve got an interview at Shamrock Logistics," JD announced over breakfast, his fork poised above the towering stack of pancakes Joanne had made.


    At that, Joanne''s easy smile froze. "Did you say Shamrock Logistics?" she asked, her tone sharpening.


    "Uh, yeah. Is something wrong?" he asked, startled by the sudden change in her demeanor.


    "No... nothing''s wrong," Joanne replied, shaking her head with a small smile. Her words felt steady, but her mind raced with uncertainty. Should she tell him the truth¡ªthat she was the owner of Shamrock Logistics? The thought lingered, heavy and awkward, as she considered the implications. Having him as both a paying guest and an employee of her company could blur lines she wasn''t sure she wanted to cross.


    But she dismissed the idea with a quick shake of her head. Why overthink it? "You look educated¡ªit won''t be hard for you to get the job," she added, her voice a touch brighter to mask the storm of questions swirling inside her.


    If he was qualified, why complicate things with unnecessary formalities?


    JD managed an awkward smile. Sure, he was Yale-educated, but without his certificates, his degree felt like a ghost of its former glory. "You think so?"


    "For sure," Joanne replied, her smile returning, but her eyes carried a flicker of something he couldn''t quite place.


    "Can I ask you a favor?" JD asked after a pause, his voice carrying a hesitant vulnerability.

 Chapter 11: Getting Blocked

    Chapter 11 - Getting BlockedJoanne raised a brow, intrigued. Those hazel eyes of his, gleaming like molten gold in the morning sunlight, were doing things to her that she hadn''t felt in years.


    Boy, was she falling! She''d probably offer her neck willingly if he claimed to be a vampire needing to suck her blood.


    He wasn''t ruggedly handsome like the local men she was used to¡ªmen with calloused hands and broad shoulders accustomed to hauling hay. No, JD was aristocratically handsome, if such a thing existed. He looked like someone who''d fit better in a tailored suit than in the fields, but she couldn''t help but imagine him carrying her up the stairs.


    Oh, get a grip, Joanne. He''s still Jeffrey Daniels. Don''t forget that.


    It had been five long years since she''d last allowed herself to truly admire a man, and her self-imposed exile wasn''t about to end with a Jeffrey. Especially not this Jeffrey.


    "Are you acquainted with anyone in Shamrock Logistics?" JD asked, breaking her train of thought.


    Joanne smirked, leaning forward with mock surprise. "Why are you asking me? You think I have that kind of pull?"


    JD chuckled, placing his coffee cup down. "Well... in small towns, everyone knows everyone, right? And you share the same surname as the owner," His grin was disarmingly boyish, and his lips caught the sunlight in a way that made Joanne almost forget her resolution to stay immune.


    Almost.


    "I do know the owner," she admitted, lacing her fingers and resting her chin on them like a cartoon villain. "I might be able to pull a few strings..."


    JD slapped the table with mock triumph. "I knew it! You''re influential." With a smile so earnest it was almost endearing, he pressed his palms together. "Help me out here, please."


    Joanne leaned back, arching a brow. "And what''s in it for me, Mr. Daniels?"


    Although she didn''t know much about him¡ªwhere he came from, or why he''d ended up here¡ªthere was an ease to their connection that surprised her. He was undoubtedly trying to charm her, but she decided to play along.


    "I''ll do anything!" JD said, flashing a wink. "I''ll even warm your bed if you''d like."


    Joanne tilted her head, a chuckle slipping past her lips. "Why-oh-why would I need a bedwarmer in the middle of summer?"


    JD froze, then buried his face in his hands, his shoulders shaking with laughter. "I... don''t know why I said that," he admitted, his voice muffled by his palms.


    She laughed along, shaking her head. "Alright, alright. I''ll help you¡ªif you shave."


    JD groaned. "But I want to grow a beard."


    "Your choice," she said with a shrug, turning her attention back to clearing the table.


    He lingered for a moment before heading upstairs. When he returned, she glanced up from her laptop to see him clean-shaven and dressed in a crisp shirt and trousers.


    "Perfect!" she said, giving him a thumbs-up.


    "I gave up a lot for this," he muttered, rubbing his smooth chin as if mourning his lost beard. He don''t know why she and his grandfather had the same taste. He wanted to grow a beard.


    "Just do well in the interview," Joanne replied with a grin.


    Instead of leaving, JD wandered over to where she was reviewing footage from the property''s security cameras.


    "That horse..." he said, pointing to the screen. "You named him Jeffrey?"


    "After Jeffrey Dahmer," she said with a mischievous grin.


    JD blinked, his expression a mix of amusement and unease. "That''s... dark." S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "He deserves it," she replied, chuckling as the horse on the screen kicked up a fuss.


    "How many sheep do you have?" JD asked, changing the subject.


    "About 300," Joanne replied, her voice tinged with pride.


    "And all this land?" He gestured toward the screen, which displayed the sprawling property.


    "Fifty acres," she said without looking up. "My great-great-grandfather started with just five acres after working as an indentured servant. Over the generations, we built it up. My grandfather had thirty acres, and I added twenty more last year."


    JD nodded, impressed. "You''ve done well."


    Joanne smiled as JD walked away, his earlier compliment bringing a warmth she couldn''t shake. Despite her efforts to brush it off, his countless questions lingered in her mind. And yet, she had a feeling he didn''t ask the question he wanted to ask.


    Fluffy created his usual havoc along with Jeffrey, and Joanne herded them back to the barn before jumping into her old truck. As country music filled the cab, her rhythm faltered at the sight of a leaning fence post.


    "Of course," she huffed, grabbing her toolbox and kneeling in the mud to fix it. The earthy scent and simple task reminded her of her family''s hard work.


    With the fence restored, she cleaned up and drove toward town, her spirits lifted by friendly faces and the welcoming barista at the caf¨¦, who had her coffee ready without a word.


    "Thanks, Darla," Joanne called, taking a sip before turning the corner toward her office. The sight of the modest yet sturdy building brought a smile to her face. It wasn''t much by corporate standards, but it was hers, a testament to years of dedication.


    Parking the truck, she decided to slip in through the back door. It wasn''t unusual for her to take that route, especially on days like today when she''d been knee-deep in dirt. But as she approached, a young security guard stepped forward, blocking her path.


    "This is the staff entrance," he said, his tone curt as he eyed her from head to toe. "You can''t go in this way."


    Joanne stopped in her tracks, her smile fading into a raised brow. The mud-streaked jeans and boots probably didn''t scream "business owner," but the outright judgment in his tone caught her off guard.


    She planted her hands on her hips. "And how exactly am I supposed to get in?" she asked, her voice calm but firm.


    The guard didn''t back down. Instead, he gave a pointed glance at the dirt on her clothes and replied with a smirk, "Maybe... get cleaned up before trying to enter."


    For a moment, Joanne stared at him, incredulous. She could feel her blood simmering, but she quickly tamped it down. This wasn''t the first time someone underestimated her, and it certainly wouldn''t be the last but this was not just about her.


    "Interesting," she said with a wry smile as she noted his name on the ID card, crossing her arms. "Let me guess¡ªyou''re new here."


    The guard''s expression faltered for just a second before he regained his composure. "Yeah, and? Rules are rules."


    Joanne chuckled softly, stepping closer. Her voice turned deep. "Rules? Who made those rules?"

 Chapter 12: The Ruthless Boss

    Chapter 12 - The Ruthless Boss"Who made those rules?" Joanne asked, her tone sharp, arms crossed. Last she checked, she was the only one with the authority to make rules around here.


    The young security guard, Nolan, stared at her with a mix of defiance and the overconfidence that came with his youth. "My dad," he said, squaring his shoulders. "He owns this place."


    Joanne couldn''t help but chuckle, though there was no humor in it. "Go get your manager," she said, her voice calm but laced with steel. "Tell him Joanne Smith wants to see him." She took a step forward, only for Nolan to block her again, his chest puffed out like a rooster guarding a barnyard.


    That was the final straw. Joanne''s patience evaporated, leaving only the fire in her eyes. "You didn''t even bother to learn the name of your boss?" she asked, her voice rising, sharp enough to cut glass. "One more word out of you, and I''ll fire you right here and now."


    Her tone left no room for argument, and with a firm push, she stepped past the dumbfounded guard and through the door.


    The moment she entered, the entire office froze. Conversations stopped mid-sentence, and every staff member stood up, eyes widening as they took in her appearance. Mud-streaked boots, dirt on her hands, and an aura that could turn a summer day into a thunderstorm.


    "HR Manager, to my office. Now!" Joanne barked, her voice echoing through the space like a whip crack. She didn''t wait for a response, heading straight to her cabin, the door slamming shut behind her.


    For a moment, silence reigned. The employees stood rooted in place, as if any movement might draw her wrath. Only after a long, collective breath did the whispers begin.


    "What is it this time?" one voice murmured nervously.


    "She always finds something. Even when we''re doing our best, she just..."


    "Chews us out," another finished. "Like she enjoys it or something."


    "Boss or not, it''s exhausting. Who works like this?"


    In the corner of the lobby, JD stepped out of the restroom just in time to catch the tense atmosphere. He looked around at the pale, anxious faces, raising a brow in curiosity. He was the only one waiting for an interview¡ªan unusual sight, considering the impressive salary Shamrock Logistics was rumored to offer.


    He approached the front desk, where the receptionist, Nina, was casually unwrapping a piece of gum. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and gave him a knowing look. "Boss is here," she said, rolling her eyes as she popped the gum into her mouth.


    JD arched a brow, intrigued. The whole office felt like they were bracing for a tornado. The stark difference between this place and how his grandfather had run his business struck him.


    "You can still escape," Nina said, smirking as she leaned against the desk.


    JD''s lips quirked into a smile. "Is the boss really that terrifying?" he asked. He knew the boss was a woman, but it was hard to imagine anyone in this small town being so fearsome. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nina motioned for him to lean in closer. He obliged, more amused than wary. "Have you ever seen The Devil Wears Prada?" she whispered conspiratorially.


    JD nodded, suppressing a groan at the memory. Most of his ex-girlfriends had forced him to endure that movie, along with other romantic dramas. "Unfortunately, yes."


    "Our boss is like Miranda Priestly," Nina said with a grin. "Ruthless. But without the fashion sense or the wit." She giggled behind her hand.


    JD chuckled softly, though he couldn''t quite picture it. A small-town woman running her company like Miranda Priestly? It seemed absurd. But as he glanced around at the terrified employees, he started to wonder if Nina''s comparison wasn''t entirely off the mark.


    "So, you''re saying I should run for the hills?" JD teased, his charm shining through.


    Nina gave him a pitying look. "I''m saying you''d be smart to walk out of here while you still can. This place eats people alive."


    JD''s smile didn''t falter. He let Nina chatter on, trying her best to dissuade him, but her words slid off him like water off a duck''s back. He needed this job. Whatever or whoever this Joanne Smith was, he wasn''t about to let her¡ªor anyone else¡ªstand in the way of his plans.


    Nina sighed as JD sat back in his chair, completely unfazed. "You''re either brave or stupid," she muttered, popping her gum.


    JD smiled wider, his eyes twinkling. "Let''s just say I''m determined."


    -----


    Inside the cabin, Joanne tapped the back of her pen on the polished oak table, the sound echoing in the tense silence. The security manager and HR manager stood before her, their postures stiff under her withering gaze. Sunlight filtered through the half-drawn blinds, casting striped shadows across their faces, but neither dared shift to avoid the discomfort of her scrutiny.


    Her eyes locked on Mr. Williams, the security manager, who seemed determined to focus anywhere but on her. "Mr. Williams," Joanne began, her voice as calm and cold as a steel blade, "I''ve been very clear that untrained security staff should not be assigned to the gates. Yet here we are. Nolan didn''t let me into my own building this morning because I was ''dressed dirty.'' Can you believe that?"


    She didn''t wait for an answer. "This is a logistics company. For ranchers. For farmers. Should I expect my clients to show up in suits and ties just to drop off their paperwork? Should I?" Her tone sharpened, each word punctuated by the quiet fury simmering beneath her composed exterior.


    Mr. Williams opened his mouth, but his voice faltered. "I¡ªI asked Mr. Nolan to guard the warehouse, but he preferred¡ª"


    Joanne cut him off with a sharp wave of her hand. "Preferred? Aren''t you the manager, Mr. Williams?" Her words hung in the air like a challenge.


    His gaze flicked reflexively toward Brian Cooper, the HR manager. That small movement, almost imperceptible, was all Joanne needed. Her lips tightened. There it was¡ªthe silent confirmation of what she''d suspected: Brian''s meddling.

 Chapter 13: Bitter Accusations And A Surprise

    Chapter 13 - Bitter Accusations And A Surprise"Train your people properly," Joanne commanded, the security manager, her tone brooking no dissent. "Effective immediately, Nolan is reassigned to the warehouse. He''s too young and unprofessional to handle client interactions at the entrance. That''s all."


    She dismissed him with a flick of her fingers, watching as Williams stumbled over a half-hearted apology and shuffled out the door.


    As the door clicked shut, Joanne''s attention shifted to Brian, who stood with his arms crossed and his jaw clenched tight. Through the gaps in the blinds, she caught a glimpse of Jason, the office assistant, craning his neck to peer inside. Joanne exhaled slowly, her irritation mounting.


    "Hire the one here for the interview for the clerk position," she said, not bothering to glance at Brian as she turned back to her monitor.


    Brian''s jaw slackened in surprise. "But I already hired a girl yesterday," he stammered, his tone laced with panic. "I asked Jason to get your signature yesterday, but he said you''d do it today. The file''s here..."


    Joanne raised a brow and tilted her head slightly, finally looking at him. "A girl?"


    "Yes," Brian replied quickly, nodding. "She''s fresh out of community college and wants to work as an intern to get a grasp on things."


    "An intern?" Joanne repeated, her skepticism clear. Her sharp eyes caught the way Brian avoided naming the girl outright. She let the silence hang, daring him to continue.


    "She''ll work for free," Brian blurted, his face brightening as if he''d just delivered the solution to all her problems. He knew his boss loved money more than anything. "She said she wants to learn the business and gain experience."


    Joanne''s lips curved into a sardonic smile. "For free? My company has such a stellar reputation that young people are lining up to work for us without pay? How flattering."


    She knew he came up with ''interning'' right now. After just a month, she''d be hired as a temporary worker and then as a permanent worker with all the perks.


    Brian nodded eagerly, oblivious to her sarcasm. "Of course! Other than Meyer Steel over in the next town, there aren''t any companies of our caliber here."


    "Mmm..." Joanne leaned back in her chair, letting a moment of pride wash over her. But her expression hardened just as quickly. "Hire the one here. Pay him the salary we agreed on."


    Brian''s smile faltered. "But Chrissy will work for free, and you want to hire someone else?" Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Joanne''s brows shot up. "Chrissy?" she asked, her voice deceptively light. "Would her surname, by any chance, be the same as your wife''s maiden name, Mr. Cooper? Is her name Chrissy Nolan?"


    The flicker of panic that crossed Brian''s face was answer enough. Joanne''s jaw tightened. Over the past year, Brian had filled her office with relatives¡ªhis cousin at reception, his wife''s aunt as a clerk, the security guard and now this. Her patience with him was hanging by a thread.


    Brian straightened, his tone turning defensive. "Are you accusing me of¡ª"


    Bang!


    Joanne''s palm slammed against the table, the sharp sound reverberating through the room. Brian flinched, his words dying on his lips.


    With her head tilted slightly, Joanne fixed him with a glare sharp enough to cut steel. "Tell me, Brian¡ªhow fond are you of your current job? Because it might not last past today if you keep testing my patience," she said, her voice dangerously soft.


    Brian''s mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, but no words came.


    "Do what I say. That''s all." She waved him off dismissively, already turning her attention back to her screen as if he were no longer worth her time.


    Brian hesitated, his jaw tight, before turning on his heel and storming out of Joanne''s office. His murmurs echoed down the hall, a bitter litany about being underappreciated despite shouldering all the company''s burdens.


    He did what he was told to do. He interviewed JD.


    In the break room, his indignation boiled over. "She''s making me hire someone with no experience and no certificates," he vented, his voice loud enough to draw a sympathetic circle of workers around him. "Of course, she doesn''t care about management. It''s all about money for her."


    The murmurs of agreement rippled among the staff. To them, Joanne was the cold, detached boss who lived by spreadsheets and profit margins, oblivious to the struggles of her workforce.


    But Joanne wasn''t oblivious.


    Sitting in her office, she leaned back, closing her eyes to block out the whispers of the spring breeze. The accusation hung in the air, bitter but hollow. She had learned not to care; after all, she knew her worth¡ªshe pulled the company from bankruptcy to success.


    She''d been surprised when Brian mentioned JD lacked educational certificates. He didn''t look unqualified.


    The way JD carried himself¡ªthe ease in his posture, the measured politeness in his gestures, his table manners, the faint confidence that slipped through even in his quiet moments¡ªspoke of someone well-bred, perhaps even from wealth. She had thought as much when she first met him.


    Yet now she wondered, Was I wrong?


    Her gaze drifted to the stack of papers on her desk, JD''s hiring form among them. Signing it had felt more like a gamble than a decision.


    Prove to me you''re not useless, JD, she thought, exhaling a slow breath as she signed.


    By the time Joanne left the office, the golden hour bathed her fields in hues of amber. Dirt crunched beneath her boots as she stepped onto the driveway, relief washing over her. Home. There was no place like it.


    Jeffrey, her playful horse, greeted her with a nicker, and Fluffy bounded up, tail wagging furiously. Joanne smiled, saddling up Mr. Darcy, her favorite horse, and set off to check the perimeter. The rhythmic clip-clop of hooves and the scent of spring wildflowers calmed her mind. The fields stretched around her like an embrace, the soft rustle of leaves and the distant lowing of cattle her sanctuary.


    After ensuring the cattle were safe and instructing the farmhands, she lay in the meadow, watching the sky shift from blue to soft pinks and purples. Fluffy darted through the grass, his energy boundless, while Joanne let herself drift in the serenity.


    It was her therapy¡ªno expensive spa could replicate the quiet solace of this moment.


    As twilight deepened, Joanne returned to the barn to settle the horses, the sounds of the evening wrapping her in a cocoon of peace. But just as she stepped outside, the grating rattle of an old car pierced the tranquility. Her dogs erupted into a barking frenzy, charging toward the driveway.


    Joanne followed, her brows knitting as she saw the dilapidated vehicle pulling in. Its sputtering engine struggled to quiet even after the driver cut the ignition.


    "JD?" she called out, surprised as he climbed out.


    JD stood by the car with an exaggerated flourish, arms spread wide. "Behold, Goddess!" he declared, a boyish grin lighting up his face. "My first car!"


    Joanne blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the title he''d just given her. Goddess?


    She had been given many names throughout her life, but "Goddess" was never one of them. Not even close.

 Chapter 14: Something New

    Chapter 14 - Something NewGoddess was entirely new.


    Something about the way JD said it, brimming with pure, unfiltered enthusiasm, made her pause. It wasn''t flattery or mockery¡ªit was as if he truly believed it.


    She signaled her dogs to return and her gaze shifted to the car JD was so proudly presenting. "First car" felt like a generous term for the rusted heap before her. The paint was flaking like dried mud, and the mismatched panels gave it the look of a patchwork quilt stitched together from spare parts.


    But JD''s pride in the vehicle was unmistakable. To him, it wasn''t an old car; it was a symbol of something more¡ªa step forward, however small. He needed the car now that he got the job.


    Joanne didn''t say anything, but JD''s mind was already racing. This car, this moment¡ªit all felt like the culmination of a whirlwind few years.


    Since crossing paths with her, his luck had taken a sharp turn for the better. First, he had a whole meal after years, then he landed the job at Shamrock Logistics, and now, he''d managed to get his hands on a car.


    Granted, he hadn''t exactly paid for it yet. The salesman had handed him the keys on nothing more than a verbal promise, swayed by his earnestness. JD hadn''t even needed to show paperwork; all it took was mentioning he was staying at McDonald''s Farm and had just been hired in Shamrock Logistics. The man hadn''t asked questions¡ªjust handed over the keys.


    He loved how trusting people in small towns were.


    Looking at Joanne now, JD couldn''t help but marvel at how much had changed in such a short time. He didn''t know much about her yet, but she had an air about her¡ªa presence that commanded respect and seemed to draw luck her way. Maybe some of that luck was rubbing off on him.


    Joanne, meanwhile, was sizing him up with a mix of amusement and incredulity. She couldn''t help but wonder about him.


    There was something unusual about JD that she couldn''t quite put her finger on.


    The spring breeze swept through the driveway, carrying the faint scent of wildflowers. Joanne exhaled, shaking off the thought as she folded her arms. For all his quirks, JD had managed to keep things interesting, if nothing else.


    "Well," she said finally, her voice light but firm, "let''s hope that car holds up long enough to get you back into town."


    JD smiled wider, his excitement undimmed by her skepticism. She watched him for a moment longer, unsure whether to laugh or sigh. She found herself curious¡ªintrigued, even¡ªto see what he would do next.


    "You really are influential, Jo Smith!" JD''s voice rang out, brimming with unrestrained enthusiasm. His grin was wide enough to rival the horizon. "I got the job! Yay!"


    Joanne crossed her arms, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. His energy was infectious, though she wasn''t about to let it show too much. "Well, congratulations, Mr. Daniels," she replied, her tone playfully cool. "Hope you don''t embarrass me there."


    "I''ll make you proud, Goddess."


    The words rolled off his tongue with a surprising ease as JD strolled closer, his face alight with unshakable optimism. The last rays of sunlight danced across his features, accentuating the sharp angles of his jaw and the sparkle in his eyes.


    Joanne''s breath caught, and she hated herself for noticing just how... distracting he looked. Snack? No, more like a full-course meal.


    "Did you just call me Goddess?" Joanne asked, arching a brow, her voice steady, though an undercurrent of something unfamiliar flickered beneath her composed exterior.


    JD froze, his grin faltering for the briefest moment, a crack in his otherwise boyish confidence. He rubbed the back of his neck, his laugh softer this time, almost nervous. "Uh... it just slipped out," he admitted, the slight waver in his tone lending him an air of vulnerability that was unexpectedly endearing.


    Her heart betrayed her, skipping a beat before she could catch it. Twice now. He had called her that twice. Once might have been an accident, but twice?


    Did he actually think of her that way?


    Joanne found herself momentarily lost in the thought, her mind drifting in unfamiliar territory. A strange, alluring scent¡ªearthy with a faint musk¡ªbroke her reverie. It wasn''t overwhelming, not the kind that clawed at the senses, but something gentler, subtler. It was the sort of scent that crept in, uninvited, stirring something inside her before she even realized it.


    Butterflies. Actual butterflies. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her gaze snapped up, and her breath hitched. JD was standing toe-to-toe with her, his arms reaching upward.


    "Uh..." JD began, his voice low, warm breath brushing against her cheeks and carrying an intimacy she hadn''t anticipated. The cool breeze teased the edges of her hair, starkly contrasting the warmth that had sparked between them.


    Joanne startled like a skittish kitten, stepped back sharply as if the proximity had burned her. The sudden rush of emotion, unbidden and unfamiliar, left her shaken.


    She hadn''t felt this way¡ªthis off-balance¡ªin the presence of a man for a very long time.


    JD''s hand fell to his side, his expression softening as he seemed to sense her discomfort. "You have a leaf stuck in your hair..." he explained gently, his voice carrying an almost apologetic note.


    Her cheeks warmed again, but this time it wasn''t entirely from embarrassment. Joanne let out an awkward chuckle, brushing her fingers through her hair with more force than necessary.


    "You have beautiful hair," JD said, his voice quieter now, his words unfiltered. "It suits you. Gives you so much character..."


    She heard Jeffrey''s frantic neighs from afar but she didn''t allow herself to be distracted. She stilled for a moment, studying the man who reignited the feelings she had long buried deep down.


    There was no artifice in his tone, no clever manipulation or practiced charm. He was genuine. JD didn''t seem to have the capacity to keep a thought to himself¡ªit all spilled out, raw and unpolished.


    Something softened in her then, the earlier tension melting into a quiet warmth. The fleeting awkwardness was replaced by an inexplicable ease, like the shifting of a storm giving way to calm.


    For a moment, neither of them spoke. The crickets'' rhythmic chirping filled the growing twilight, their song mingling with the soft hum of the cooling air. Overhead, the sky blushed with gold and lavender, the sun making its final descent, casting a faint glow over their silent exchange.


    Joanne exhaled quietly, as though releasing the unspoken tension coiled between them. She cleared her throat, breaking the stillness. "Let''s go inside," she said briskly, her tone measured and steady, even if her steps felt slightly too purposeful as she turned toward the house.


    JD followed a few paces behind, his own calm unraveling with every step. His heart thundered in his chest, its rhythm erratic, and as his gaze wandered down, it landed on his hand¡ªhis fingers twitching as though still caught in the lingering sensation of the moment.


    What the hell was that? He flexed his hand absently, as if trying to shake off an invisible tether. Why did I want to touch her?

 Chapter 15: Shrouded in Allure

    Chapter 15 - Shrouded in AllureWhy did I want to touch her?


    The thought hit him like a jolt, unbidden and disconcerting. His mind replayed the way she''d jumped back, the brief, startled flicker in her eyes. He hadn''t meant to get so close, hadn''t even realized he was moving too close until it happened.


    He wanted to ignore her relationship with "Sam" but in the morning, when he saw her with a smile, when he ate that delicious breakfast, that nagging feeling returned. The whole day, he hoped to find a chance to ask her.


    Why was he so focused on her life? He had no clue. There was something about her. Something that pulled at him in ways he wasn''t sure he understood.


    His eyes fell on a distant line of oak trees that seemed familiar, but he couldn''t pinpoint why. Perhaps he was too tired after two years of wandering or... experiencing d¨¦j¨¤ vu.


    JD rubbed the back of his neck, glancing at her retreating figure as she reached the door. She hadn''t looked back. Maybe that was for the best. Whatever had just passed between them, it was better left unsaid.


    Still, the faintest hint of her scent lingered in the air¡ªsomething warm and earthy, like the hay-sweetened breeze of the farm at dusk. It clung to him, impossible to ignore, and for reasons he couldn''t quite grasp, it left him both restless and anchored.


    She might not look familiar. He didn''t know many true redheads, but there surely was something about her.


    He swallowed hard, his hands shoved into his pockets as he quickened his pace to follow her. Whatever it was¡ªthe allure that shrouded her¡ªit didn''t matter. It couldn''t. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At least, that''s what he told himself.


    Dinner had been satisfying, leaving JD curious about the house. His gaze fell on a small nook by the stairs¡ªcozy but unassuming. Joanne was still in the kitchen, washing dishes, so he wandered over, only to freeze when he saw the massive rottweiler sprawled in the shadows.


    The rottweiler rose slowly, shaking itself as if to make its size even more apparent. JD''s pulse quickened, but he held his ground. He knew this dance well. His grandfather had taught him enough about dogs¡ªhunting companions bred to test boundaries. Showing weakness was never an option.


    "Sit," JD said firmly, his voice carrying the weight of command.


    The dog tilted its head, unmoving, its stance defiant. It took a single step forward, muscles taut as though daring him to flinch. JD''s heart thudded in his chest, but he leaned into his instincts.


    He stepped forward with purpose, closing the distance, his tone dropping into a low, controlled growl. "Sit."


    The dog paused, ears flicking. For a tense moment, they were locked in a silent battle of wills. Then, with a soft whimper, the rottweiler relented, lowering itself back to the floor.


    A triumphant smile spread across JD''s face. "Good boy," he said, reaching down to pat the dog''s broad head. The rottweiler wagged its tail, a slow, measured rhythm, as if conceding its approval.


    From the kitchen doorway, Joanne watched with quiet admiration. Not many could handle Fluffy like that. Most were either too afraid or too forceful, but JD handled it with a quiet confidence that left her in awe. JD really was something.


    "There isn''t much there... Just old books and stuff," Joanne said as she stepped into the nook.


    She patted Fluffy, her loyal protector, who gave her a glance before settling back down as if leaving the intruder''s fate in her hands.


    JD smiled faintly and began examining the space. There were curiosities¡ªa high-quality violin, clearly one a professional might use, and books with signed copies by famous authors. One signature stood out, unmistakably authentic, as it belonged to an author his grandfather had known well, someone notorious for signing only for friends.


    A thought struck him, connecting the dots. His grandfather had mentioned that she was his friend''s granddaughter¡ªcould this woman be that


    woman? He hoped against hope that she was not.


    "Oh, that," her voice broke into his thoughts, sweet and melodious. But doubt lingered in his mind, and he stiffened.


    "You''re not the first paying guest this house has seen," she continued, eyes glinting with humor. "My grandfather used to rent this place out. Artists, writers, all kinds of people stayed here..." She leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.


    JD turned to face her, letting out the breath he didn''t know was holding out of relief. She is not her.


    "...even those on the FBI''s most wanted list."


    JD''s brows shot up. "No way! Get out of here!"


    Joanne''s mischievous smile widened, filling the air with a light, playful energy. "I''m not kidding. This place is isolated, low crime rate, and barely any cops around. Don''t believe me? I have proof."


    She rummaged through a drawer and pulled out a photograph, handing it to JD with a teasing glint in her eye.


    He took it, squinting skeptically, but his expression changed as he stared at it. His finger pointed at the fireplace, then back to the photo. "This... this is that serial killer! How?"


    Joanne shrugged, casually nonchalant. "He only stayed a couple of weeks. To be fair, no one knew he was a serial killer back then. He was active, sure, but not around here. Papaw sensed something off about him and sent him packing."


    "Sent him packing?" JD echoed, disbelief etched into his features. This was a brutal killer they were talking about. What kind of person was her grandfather to face someone like that and live to tell the tale?


    Joanne shrugged again, her tone breezy but tinged with pride. "Papaw was... I don''t know how to explain..." she shrugged. He had a way of reading people and still would take off the shirt off his back to help others. Sometimes she had wondered if he was a secret spy masquerading as an alcoholic farmer. Though the debts he racked up say otherwise.


    JD stared at her, speechless for a moment. Joanne was a mystery, one he hadn''t expected to find in this quiet town. Shaking his head, he tossed the photo back into the drawer, not wanting to hold onto it any longer.


    "So," she asked, tilting her head with curious eyes. "What brought you here, JD? To this little farming town?"


    Has he been here before...?

 Chapter 16: Weight of the Past

    Chapter 16 - Weight of the PastJD''s hand froze mid-reach, lingering above the drawer.


    Why this town? S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He didn''t know. He''d been planning to head to the next town for work at a steel factory. Bitterness filled him as he rode the bus, drowning out even the music in his ears, a constant reminder of the woman who had shattered his life.


    Then he''d spotted it¡ªa row of oak trees on a distant hill, their silhouette etched against the horizon. Without thinking, he stepped off the bus. The walk toward the trees had taken longer than expected, darkness falling before he reached the town. Asking around for shelter, he''d been directed to Jane''s Bed and Breakfast. The kindly woman there mentioned a logistics company nearby and offered to drive him to the McDonald farm, where they occasionally took in paying guests.


    When JD arrived at the farm, disbelief struck him. The row of oak trees¡ªthe ones that had inexplicably drawn him¡ªwere on the McDonald property. It felt like his first win in a long time. Small, perhaps, but meaningful.


    Was it fate? He wasn''t sure. But as he lowered his head in a rare moment of reverence, he spotted it: a four-leaf clover. If that wasn''t luck, then what was?


    Later, as he wandered to the barn, he caught sight of her. Through the high window, sunlight streamed in, framing her fiery red hair like a halo. He froze, awe-struck. She was, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman he''d ever seen. His heart skipped a beat, and it felt as if he''d been struck by lightning.


    The moment still lingered in his mind, clear and vivid. Only a few moments in his life were like that. They say that in your final moments, all your happiest memories and regrets will flash before your eyes. He was certain that the image of her smiling face as she watched the little goats would be among those memories on his deathbed.


    The Redhead Goddess.


    "Are you a wanderlust?"


    Her sweet voice pulled him back to the present.


    "Ah..." JD turned to her with a soft smile. "Something like that."


    Joanne nodded, noticing the flicker of something unreadable in JD''s eyes. He didn''t seem eager to elaborate, and she was glad her question hadn''t unsettled him too much.


    "I promise you I''m not a serial killer," JD quipped with his signature wink.


    "Hopefully!" Joanne chuckled, holding up her crossed fingers playfully.


    JD laughed, turning away, only to stop abruptly as his gaze landed on something that made his heart skip a beat. Nostalgia washed over him, stirring memories he hadn''t visited in years.


    A Pentax K1000.


    "You have this camera? Wow!" JD exclaimed, picking it up with the excitement of a child discovering treasure. His expression softened with awe as he turned the camera over in his hands. Photography had been his solace growing up, and this particular model had been a constant companion. Though not rare for enthusiasts, stumbling upon it here felt like fate.


    Joanne''s smile faltered briefly, a shadow of something unspoken crossing her face. She hadn''t realized the camera was still there. She''d meant to donate it to Goodwill, but somehow, it had lingered.


    "I wanted to learn photography," she said, her smile returning, though it didn''t quite reach her eyes. "I don''t know if the film''s still any good, but..." She hesitated, then added softly, "You can have it."


    JD''s hazel eyes widened with surprise, glimmering under the warm light. Or were they hazel-green? Joanne blinked, caught again by the quiet mystique of his gaze.


    "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice tinged with wonder, as if he couldn''t believe his luck.


    Her smile turned genuine, seeing how joyful he looked, cradling the camera as though holding a piece of his past. It was better this way. She had never found the courage to touch the camera again¡ªit carried memories she wasn''t ready to face.


    "It''s yours," she said softly.


    JD''s grin lit up the room, his happiness so infectious that Joanne couldn''t help but watch him for a moment longer. There was something about his unguarded delight that stirred an ache deep within her, a feeling she couldn''t quite name. It sat heavy in her chest, bittersweet and unwelcome.


    Before it could consume her, she turned and began to walk away.


    "Wait!" JD called, his voice stopping her mid-step. She turned, forcing a small smile she didn''t truly feel.


    "Say cheese!" he said, his grin widening as he raised the camera to his eyes.


    Before she could protest, the shutter clicked.


    "Now I''ll know if the film''s still good," JD added with a playful smirk, lowering the camera.


    Joanne tried to smile, but it faltered before it could form. The sharp pain in her chest returned, cutting through her composure like a blade. Without a word, she spun on her heel and rushed upstairs to her room, the sting in her heart too much to bear.


    Closing the door behind her, she leaned against it, her hand pressed to her chest as though that could somehow steady the storm raging inside.


    "It''s over, Joanne," she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible in the stillness. "Don''t linger on it. Let it go..."


    She drew in a shaky breath, willing the tears threatening to spill to stay at bay. But as she moved to her bed, the fight left her. Wiping at the corners of her eyes, she fell onto the mattress, the weight of her emotions pulling her down.


    She was so tired. Tired of feeling, of remembering, of carrying the weight of things she couldn''t change. But sleep wouldn''t come¡ªnot yet.


    Reaching into the nightstand drawer, she pulled out a bottle of whiskey. The glass clinked softly as she unscrewed the cap and took a long drink, the burn sliding down her throat, dulling the edges of her pain.


    "You can''t turn into your grandfather," she murmured, her voice thick with a sadness she couldn''t escape. But the whiskey was the only thing that would let her sleep tonight.


    With each sip, the ache in her chest began to blur, the sharpness dulling until exhaustion took over. Joanne closed her eyes, the bottle slipping from her fingers as she succumbed to the only solace she could find.


    -----


    The next morning, after finishing her chores in the barn, she headed to the kitchen, excited to whip up breakfast. She thrived in the daylight, where the rhythm of her work kept her mind busy and free from past worries.


    Humming a cheerful tune, she busied herself with preparing biscuits and gravy, the mouthwatering aroma soon filling the air. Suddenly, from a distance, a voice called out.


    "JD?"


    She halted, her ears straining to catch the sound. His voice¡ªthen a piercing scream¡ªshattered the calm of the morning, raw and frantic, as if he were in grave danger. Without a second thought, she dropped her spoon, her heart racing.


    She bolted outside, her feet pounding against the ground as she rushed toward the source of the commotion.

 Chapter 17: The Desire To Touch

    Chapter 17 - The Desire To TouchRubbing her forehead, Joanne let out a sigh. From her porch, she was met with an entirely new, albeit ridiculous, sight: Jeffrey Dahmer, her psychopathic horse, was chewing on JD''s hair.


    JD, clutching the camera close to his chest as if it were a precious heirloom, looked like he was trying to protect it at all costs, all while enduring Jeffrey''s bizarre display of affection¡ªor aggression.


    He probably woke up early to capture the golden hues of dawn, but somehow, he''d managed to fall victim to the death grip of her infamous horse.


    None of the farmhands were anywhere near brave enough to intervene.


    "Jeffrey, you psychopath!" Joanne shouted.


    Both Jeffreys¡ªthe horse and the paying guest¡ªfroze at her authoritative tone.


    JD''s heart seemed to skip a beat. The way she called his name, sharp and commanding, unsettled him in a way he didn''t fully understand. It stirred something deep, a mix of curiosity and a pang of... something else.


    Joanne, however, was oblivious to his reaction. She stormed toward them with determination, pointing a finger at the playful yet deranged horse.


    "Let go of JD, right this instant! Jeffrey!"


    To JD''s surprise, the horse obeyed, opening its mouth wide and releasing him. Joanne exhaled in relief as JD gingerly fixed his hair, now damp with horse spit.


    "Are you okay? You''re not hurt anywhere, are you?" Joanne asked, grabbing hold of Jeffrey''s leash.


    "I''m fine," JD said with a chuckle. "Just need a shower, maybe a new head of hair."


    Joanne smiled, relieved to see him taking the situation lightly. "That''s it, Jeffrey. Time out!"


    The horse whined in protest, but Joanne remained firm. With his head bowed as if in shame, Jeffrey followed her to the isolated stall.


    "No carrots for you today," Joanne declared, locking the stall.


    The horse turned his face away dramatically, as if wounded by her decision.


    JD watched the whole interaction, a mix of amusement and understanding in his eyes. He could tell she cared deeply for the horse, even if it was a tough one to handle. He''d heard the warnings about Jeffrey before, and this could''ve easily been dismissed as the horse''s antics. But Joanne took responsibility without hesitation. That struck a chord with him.


    Respect for her rose sharply in his heart, as if she''d just scaled the metaphorical ladder to the very top.


    "I was heading to the oak trees," JD said after a beat, "but on the way, I saw him chewing on... something."


    Joanne''s face fell. "Don''t tell me." She took a deep breath, bracing herself. "Was it a squirrel?"


    JD nodded, his expression a little traumatized. "There were a couple of dead squirrels near the bushes."


    Joanne groaned. "He lures them with acorns and then... Well, he kills them for fun. I don''t know why he does it. And those stupid squirrels! There are loads of acorns just lying around. Why do they follow this psychopath?"


    Her frustration was laced with genuine bewilderment. She''d long since given up trying to train Jeffrey out of his murderous streak. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Jeffrey Dahmer..." JD muttered, bowing his head to hide his grin. The name couldn''t have been more fitting.


    Joanne glanced at him, noticing his amusement. For a moment, the tension lifted.


    "It doesn''t hurt, does it?" she asked, stepping closer. Before JD could answer, she reached out, brushing her fingers through his hair.


    The gesture caught him off guard, but he didn''t move.


    Joanne marveled at the texture of his hair, silky smooth under her touch. In the morning sunlight, what she thought was plain brown hair glinted with shades of red. Dark auburn, she realized. He''s a fellow redhead.


    She didn''t notice how long she''d been standing there, her fingers absentmindedly threading through his hair. It was soft, thick¡ªhair that would probably never thin with age.


    JD cleared his throat, a small, awkward smile tugging at his lips. "Enjoying yourself?"


    Joanne snapped out of her reverie, her cheeks flooding with heat. She stepped back, brushing her hands against her jeans.


    "Your hair had... spit in it," she said quickly, though she knew it wasn''t entirely true. "I was just checking."


    "Right." JD''s grin widened, but he didn''t press her further.


    Joanne turned away, her cheeks warm and her heart pounding, and hurried back to the house with quick, deliberate steps. Behind her, JD lingered for a moment, shaking his head with an amused smile before following at a casual distance.


    Out of the corner of his eye, JD caught a figure standing still in the field. Turning, he saw Patrick watching him, his straw hat clutched to his chest in a gesture that seemed more contemplative than casual. Patrick''s gaze was steady, a faint curve of his lips hinting at something unsaid.


    JD gave a small wave and a polite smile, fully aware that Patrick''s look wasn''t just a simple morning greeting. Did Patrick think there was something between him and Joanne?


    The thought lingered uncomfortably in JD''s mind. He considered addressing it but decided against it when Patrick turned back to his raking without a word.


    Once inside the house, JD''s attention shifted. He spotted one of the farmhands wandering the property, holding a camera and narrating to it with theatrical enthusiasm. The sight amused him. Even out here, "influencing" seemed to have left its mark. JD chuckled, cradling his own camera protectively.


    He''d managed to take a few good shots earlier¡ªat least, he hoped they were good. Whether the film had captured what he saw was another matter entirely. He made a mental note to check it later today.


    Stepping into the kitchen, the scent of coffee and fresh bread greeted him. His smile widened as he saw Joanne setting the table, her movements efficient yet graceful.


    "How do I thank you for saving my life?" JD asked, his voice carrying both warmth and humor.


    Joanne glanced up, momentarily caught off guard by his earnest tone. Then she waved a hand dismissively, her lips curving into a small chuckle.


    "Oh, don''t mention it," she said lightly.


    But JD wasn''t letting it go that easily. "No, really," he pressed, his gaze earnest. "There must be something I can do to repay you."


    Joanne paused, a playful glint sparking in her eyes. She leaned in slightly as if she were about to share a secret. "You know what? There is one thing..."


    Intrigued, JD leaned closer, his heart unexpectedly skipping a beat as she drew nearer. The proximity felt intimate, her soft breath brushing his cheek.


    His heart thumped against his chest as he breathed in her floral perfume. The sweet scent filled the air and easily overpowered the smell of gravy that had filled the house. She was that close.

 Chapter 18: The Murderer

    Chapter 18 - The MurdererJD''s lips almost parted, his breath hitching as he anticipated the softness of her lips brushing against his. His mind spun, racing between possibilities¡ªwould she kiss him? Or maybe ask him to kiss her?


    The warmth of her breath caressed his cheek, so close it sent shivers down his spine. Instinctively, his eyes closed, his thoughts blurring into a haze. For a fleeting moment, the world disappeared; only her intoxicating scent and her alluring proximity lingered in his mind.


    And then, as suddenly as it came, her warmth was gone. His eyes flew open, just in time to see her retreating, a soft dragging sound accompanying her movements. "Excuse me," she murmured, her voice a whisper that carried all the gentleness of a summer breeze.


    Her absence felt like an abrupt void, her scent lingering faintly but slipping further away with every nanosecond. JD blinked, his gaze following her as she picked up her phone, unlocking it with a swipe.


    She wasn''t going to kiss him. She wasn''t even thinking about it. She was just... getting her phone.


    Letting out a deep breath, he realized his chest had tightened, his pulse quickening for no reason other than his own foolish imagination. The realization left him feeling both disappointed and slightly foolish. All of a sudden, he wasn''t quite as hungry anymore.


    "Here," Joanne said, turning her phone toward him with a grin. "This is our page. Follow it." Her smile bloomed, bright and genuine. "You do have social media, don''t you?"


    JD blinked, caught off guard by the mundane request. "This..." He paused, clearing his throat to steady his voice. "This is all you want in return?"


    Joanne nodded, the jesting glint in her eyes unmistakable. "Unless, of course, you''d rather clean Jeffrey''s stall," she teased, her grin widening.


    "Nope!" JD shook his head vigorously, his hands held up as if surrendering to her terms. "I''ll follow the page¡ªFarm Chronicles, huh? Nice name," he added, glancing at her appreciatively.


    Joanne shrugged modestly. "It fits what the page is about."


    "Whoa!" JD exclaimed as he scrolled through the page, his eyes widening in genuine surprise. "You''re a star, Ms. Smith! You''ve got over 100,000 followers!"


    Joanne waved a dismissive hand, clearly unimpressed by the numbers. "It''s all Jason''s work," she replied. "I''m not the star¡ªthe farm is. I just tell him what to post. I''m barely in any of the videos, unless something big is happening."


    JD''s curiosity deepened as he scrolled through the posts. Most were about farm life¡ªtips for maintaining the land, videos featuring her dogs, and even snippets about Jeffrey. He couldn''t help but notice the dogs had amassed their own fanbase, "Mr. Darcy" had cult followers, and even Jeffrey had admirers who called him "adorable" in the comments.


    He quickly noticed a pattern: posts featuring her, whether she was sharing tips on lamb care or showcasing her guardian dogs, received the most attention. In her denim dungarees, muddy boots, and messy curly red hair peeking from under a hat, her charming videos racked up hundreds of thousands, even millions, of views. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But the comment sections made his stomach twist uncomfortably.


    "Foxie." "Scarlet Jo."


    Some comments celebrated her strength, calling her empowering. Others, from men, were far less respectful. Some were downright vulgar, leering at her curves in ways that made JD''s blood boil. Sure, he''d noticed her figure¡ªwhat man wouldn''t? She was blessed with the right amount of curves.


    He''d enjoy taking a peek or two but that didn''t give anyone else the right to be so crude about it.


    Something burned in his chest, a strange, unfamiliar heat that felt almost like... jealousy. He cleared his throat, setting the phone down and focusing on his breakfast. The food was fantastic, and no way was he letting his appetite lose out entirely¡ªnot when she had clearly gone out of her way to make this meal.


    After finishing, JD excused himself, heading upstairs to shower before leaving for work. He needed to clear his head and shake off the inexplicable irritation that clung to him like a shadow; also the horse spit.


    On his way out, Joanne stopped him at the door. "Here," she said, handing him a neatly packed lunch. Her expression was casual, but her gesture carried a warmth that tugged at his heart.


    JD left the house with a lingering warmth in his chest. He didn''t even stop to wonder why she''d asked him not to tell anyone at work that he was staying in her house.


    The week passed quietly. JD found more film rolls but couldn''t locate a darkroom to develop what he''d already shot. He spent the weekend photographing the farm and, discreetly, Joanne. He couldn''t explain why he lacked the nerve to ask her for a picture, though he''d noticed her unease around cameras.


    Work started rough¡ªhe didn''t even know how to use the scanner¡ªbut it wasn''t rocket science. As he settled in, his curiosity grew about Shamrock Logistics'' mysterious owner, whom he''d never seen.


    Apparently, she only visited the office once a week. The office assistant Jason was scared to even say her name. It only made his curiosity grow.


    By Monday, JD found a moment to approach Nina, the receptionist and self-proclaimed queen of office gossip.


    "She only cares about money," Nina said bluntly. "As long as we''re making a profit, she''s content. But the moment we slip up, she loses it. For her, we are just the little elves running around to make money. Greedy pig!"


    "That can''t be true," JD replied, instinctively defending the unseen owner. Rich people were often misunderstood¡ªhis own family had been branded unfairly too.


    "No," Nina said, lowering her voice and leaning closer. "She''s worse than greedy. She''s a monster. Word is, she even killed for money."


    "What?" JD blinked, leaning in unconsciously. A murderer running the company? And wasn''t the owner supposed to be a woman? He leaned closer wanting to learn more.


    "But it gets interesting. She didn''t murder just anyone," Nina whispered with a smirk to her lips and a glint in her eyes.


    "Who?" JD asked in a whisper.

 Chapter 19: Her Dilemma

    Chapter 19 - Her Dilemma"Her own cousin."


    "Cousin?" JD repeated, a mix of disbelief and curiosity flickering in his eyes. Family could be complicated¡ªhe''d certainly entertained dark thoughts about his cousins during their relentless teasing¡ªbut murder?


    "Why?"


    "To cut him out of the inheritance, of course!" Nina scoffed, as though it was the most obvious conclusion.


    "Wow," JD murmured, stunned. He hadn''t imagined people like that actually existed¡ªthough the news occasionally painted such pictures.


    "But how is she not in jail?" he asked after a pause.


    "Money, man." Nina shrugged with resignation. "Enough of it can buy you freedom. Plus, she''s got some powerful backers."


    JD nodded absently, his gaze drifting. "I know people like that," he muttered, his tone hardening.


    Memories gnawed at him. The woman who had wrecked his life had walked away unscathed. His grandfather had thrown him out but settled her debts, leaving her free to rebuild while JD was thrown out to fend for himself.


    His mother was right. That woman had charmed his grandfather beyond anything. He had no idea how she managed to do that. She came in pretending to force herself into that marriage for her debts, then even when the wedding fall apart, she managed to get what she needed.


    What a talent!


    His fists clenched at the thought. A familiar, simmering need for retribution surged within him. When he found her, he vowed, he''d take everything from her¡ªleave her with the same emptiness he''d been forced to endure.


    A light tap on his arm snapped him back. Startled, he stepped back instinctively, putting space between himself and Nina. Nina at times didn''t respect his personal space and he wasn''t a fan of that.


    "What did you say?" Nina asked, her brown eyes narrowing in concern.


    "Nothing," JD replied, exhaling a shaky breath. "Anyway, her personal life doesn''t matter to us... as long as the paycheck clears." S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He forced a smile, trying to mean the words. Whatever shadows lurked in other people''s lives weren''t his concern. He had something far brighter waiting for him at home: his redheaded goddess. That was all that truly mattered.


    "Yeah," Nina chuckled, nervously tucking her hair behind her ear. "She''s coming in on Wednesday. When you see her... Well, don''t see her." She smiled ominously. "Stay off her radar. For your own safety."


    JD thought Nina was being a little too dramatic. But if his boss really was a murderous psychopath... well, he''d cross that bridge when he came to it.


    And if this job didn''t pan out? Maybe he''d learn farm work.


    -----


    Joanne checked her bank balance, her eyes scanning the figures with a sense of triumph tempered by disbelief. The gold bonds she had carefully purchased over the years added to her assets, bringing her total liquid wealth to nearly fifteen million dollars.


    A soft exhale escaped her lips. It wasn''t just money¡ªit was proof of her resilience, her ability to rise from the ashes of a life she once thought irreparable.


    She hadn''t always been this secure.


    When she left the hotel that fateful day, she barely had enough for the journey back to her grandfather''s farm. Every step away from that Chapter of her life felt heavier, lonelier, and more uncertain. She didn''t know who to call, where to go, or what to do. Like many wounded souls, she did the only thing that felt natural: she went home.


    Home wasn''t hers, though.


    She hadn''t paid property taxes or inheritance dues for the farm. She couldn''t have kept it if she tried. But it was the only place that held even a whisper of solace.


    By the time she arrived, she had learned something that shook her more than the journey itself. Philip Winchester had paid off all her debts.


    She was free¡ªdebt-free.


    More than that, he had settled the property taxes and even the inheritance fees, ensuring she would have a roof over her head.


    Her hands trembled as she dialed his number. This wasn''t part of the deal. She hadn''t fulfilled her end of the bargain, so why had he stepped in? She was determined to tell him to take the money back, that she couldn''t accept it.


    But Philip never answered.


    She called him repeatedly for a week. The phone would ring, and then¡ªnothing. He didn''t block her; she was certain of that. Yet, somehow, he always seemed to know it was her and declined the call. Even when she used other numbers, his uncanny awareness thwarted her attempts.


    Eventually, she gave up.


    Instead, she vowed to repay him, every penny and then some. Not because she was obligated to¡ªPhilip had never made her feel that way¡ªbut because she didn''t want the Winchester family to think she had stolen from them. The thought of their judgment, their scornful whispers, haunted her.


    Four years ago, she started with nothing but a dilapidated farm and twenty sheep along with the dogs. The neighbors, a kind-hearted couple, gifted her Mr. Darcy, a well-trained horse who quickly became her anchor and companion. That small act of kindness was her first step forward.


    Now, after years of tireless effort, she had not only survived but thrived. The fifteen million dollars she had accumulated was a testament to her grit and determination.


    But the shadow of Philip''s silent generosity still loomed over her. She didn''t think she deserved that.


    Joanne picked up her phone, her thumb hovering over the screen. She stared at Philip''s number, her mind warring with itself. She didn''t even know if the old man remembered her. Did he still keep tabs on her?


    If he did, she liked to think he would be happy for her.


    But what would he think if she returned the money? Would it feel like an insult to his kindness? She doubted the Winchesters would even notice the sum she intended to repay. Even fifty million dollars wouldn''t add a single meaningful zero to their vast fortune. What good was fifteen million dollars?


    And yet, she couldn''t shake the memory of the sharp words she''d overheard from his family, the way they''d derided her as a gold digger, a parasite.


    The thought of their disdain made her want to throw the money in their faces, to prove she was more than their cruel assumptions. But then, she would remember Philip''s warm smile and the way he used to call her "Poppet." Her heart ached at the memory.


    What could she do? How could she reconcile these feelings?


    "Jo!"


    Joanne nearly jumped, startled by the familiar voice cutting through her thoughts.


    "Ah, JD, you''re back!" she said, quickly closing her laptop and forcing a smile.


    "You were so lost in thought, you didn''t even hear me call," JD said, crouching halfway down to Fluffy''s level. He held out a treat, his tone light but teasing.


    Joanne watched, her smile softening as Fluffy, ever so selective, accepted the snack without hesitation. The sight warmed her heart. Fluffy wasn''t usually food-motivated, and after Sam, he hadn''t warmed up to most men. But JD? He seemed to have a natural knack for earning the little dog''s trust.


    "Well, Fluffy likes you," Joanne mused, leaning back in her chair. "He''s not exactly easy to impress."


    "Oh, he''s a cute teddy bear... Aren''t you, Fluffy?" JD petted Fluffy''s head and Fluffy waved his little tail as fast as he could with a smile on its face.


    Joanne chuckled softly. They said that dogs have sixth sense about people. JD must be one of the good ones and Fluffy caught up on it.


    Her mind, however, lingered on her earlier thoughts. She studied JD for a moment, noting his relaxed demeanor and easy charm. He seemed like someone who had it all figured out¡ªor at least came from a world where people didn''t have to agonize over dilemmas like hers.


    "Well," she started hesitantly, glancing at her closed laptop. "I was thinking about something..."


    JD looked up, his expression open and curious. "Oh? Care to share? You know I''m a good listener."


    Joanne hesitated, weighing her options. Could she really talk about her dilemma with him? JD carried himself like someone from a well-off family, someone who might understand the complexities of obligations, pride, and guilt tangled up in wealth.


    Maybe, just maybe, he could offer some perspective.

 Chapter 20: Lonely Souls

    Chapter 20 - Lonely SoulsJoanne clenched her hands together under the table, trying to soothe herself as JD took his seat. Fluffy hopped onto JD''s leg, greedy for more treats.


    "Alright, buddy, that''s enough," JD said firmly, his tone light but commanding.


    To Joanne''s amazement, Fluffy obeyed, retreating to sit obediently by JD''s side. Her jaw almost dropped. Fluffy wasn''t known for his restraint but JD seemed to have earned a rare place of respect in the dog''s eyes.


    Joanne''s gaze followed JD as he reached for the pitcher of lemonade on the table. He poured himself a glass, his movements easy and unhurried. When his green eyes, flecked with warm golden specks, softened as they landed on her, she felt a knot of tension in her chest ease.


    This.


    This was what she''d missed so desperately over the past five years: someone who was simply there. She''d achieved so much in those years, clawing her way to success with sheer determination. But the higher she climbed, the lonelier it became.


    Her headache, which had been a dull throb all afternoon, began to recede as JD''s steady presence anchored her.


    "What color of wool would a grandmother who loves knitting and crocheting like best?" Joanne asked, her voice soft but tinged with curiosity.


    She''d already decided on the perfect way to repay the man she owed everything to: through his wife. He had once proudly mentioned that his wife adored knitting and crocheting. What better gift could she give than something meaningful and personal?


    She had selected the wool from her best sheep, ensuring it was processed using traditional methods to retain its natural softness and flexibility. Now, the final step was choosing the dye. She''d been stuck on the color for days.


    "Grandmother? Yours?" JD asked, his brow lifting slightly as memories of his own grandmother flitted through his mind.


    "No," Joanne replied, shaking her head. "My grandmother passed when I was ten." Her gaze dropped to the table briefly. "This is... for someone I owe. Someone I owe everything to," she admitted, her voice growing quieter. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    JD tilted his head, a cheeky smile tugging at his lips. "Being mysterious, huh? Well, if you''re aiming to impress a grandmother, you can''t go wrong with Christmas colors. Festive, timeless, and cozy. What do you think?"


    Joanne''s eyes lit up, a relieved smile spreading across her face. "That''s a great idea. Why didn''t I think of that?" she sighed, already picturing the deep reds, greens, soft whites, and blues. "Thank you."


    "You''re welcome," JD said, his grin widening. "My own grandmother is big on Christmas. She starts planning the sweaters she''s going to knit for all of us around summer."


    His expression softened, and a flicker of sadness crossed his face. It was subtle, but Joanne caught it.


    "Have you seen her recently?" she asked gently, sensing the weight behind his words.


    JD let out a breath, his smile turning wistful. "Not in years. Life... well, life gets in the way sometimes..."


    Joanne stood abruptly, crossing over to JD. Her hand rested on his shoulder, a firm yet gentle touch meant to reassure him. "I have a feeling you''ll spend Christmas with your family this year," she said, her voice warm and brimming with certainty.


    For a moment, JD simply stared at her, his green-gold eyes searching hers. Then, his lips curved into a smile¡ªgenuine and unguarded, a rare glimpse of the man beneath his charming exterior.


    "I hope so too," he murmured, his voice faintly trembling with an emotion he rarely let slip.


    Joanne''s gaze lingered on him, her chest tightening as the vulnerability in his expression tugged at her heartstrings. There was something deeply familiar in his sadness.


    Maybe both of them weren''t all that different. They were lonely souls.


    As she stood there, lost in his eyes, a strange warmth began to spread from where her hand touched his shoulder. It radiated outward, traveling from her fingertips to her heart, leaving her feeling both grounded and weightless.


    JD''s hand moved almost reflexively, covering hers. His touch was warm, steady¡ªan unspoken acknowledgment that he needed her reassurance just as much as she offered it.


    For a man like JD, who was used to begrudgingly shoulder expectations, this moment was new. It caught him off guard. Everyone in his life seemed to expect something from him¡ªa decision, a favor, a solution.


    But this was different. Joanne wasn''t asking anything of him. Instead, she stood beside him, offering quiet support.


    This warmth seemed so novel and yet familiar. This feeling... he had felt it before. But when?


    He didn''t know what compelled him. Perhaps it was the rare sense of peace she gave him, or the way her words planted a seed of hope in his heart. Without thinking, he lifted her hand from his shoulder and pressed his lips gently to her knuckles.


    Joanne froze, the warmth of his lips on her skin sending an unexpected shock through her. It took her a few seconds to process what was happening.


    Is he kissing my hand?


    Her heart thudded wildly in her chest, and a flush of heat spread across her cheeks.


    He is kissing my hand!

 Chapter 21: Meeting The Boss

    Chapter 21 - Meeting The BossClearing her throat, Joanne broke the spell.


    JD blinked, his expression shifting as if realizing what he''d just done. He quickly released her hand, his own darting to his hair in an attempt to mask his embarrassment.


    "Uh... I..." He stumbled over his words, his mind racing. What have I done?


    Was it crossing a line? Would she throw him out for this?


    "I¡ªI better start dinner," Joanne stammered, turning on her heel and retreating to the kitchen. Her heart was pounding so loudly she was sure he could hear it. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What is this?" she muttered to herself, gripping the cold handle of the fridge and letting the chilled air wash over her flushed face.


    Meanwhile, JD stood rooted to the spot, his thoughts swirling. Should he address it? Apologize? Pretend it never happened? But how could he explain something he didn''t fully understand himself?


    He ran his fingers through his hair again, his mind replaying the moment over and over. Her touch, her voice, the warmth he felt¡ªit had been overwhelming. He hadn''t meant to do it, hadn''t even realized he''d done it until it was too late.


    Feeling too rattled to face her, JD decided to freshen up and stay in his room. But the mouthwatering aroma of dinner eventually pulled him downstairs, hunger overriding his nerves.


    As he descended the stairs, he rubbed the back of his neck, unsure of what to expect. Would she bring it up? Should he?


    With each step, JD''s heart thudded a little louder. Here goes nothing, he thought, bracing himself for whatever awaited him in the kitchen.


    To his relief, he found Joanne in simple loungewear, humming a soft, happy tune as she plated dinner. The tension from earlier seemed to have melted away, at least on the surface.


    "Hi there!" she greeted him with a bright smile, her voice light and warm.


    "Hi," JD replied, his own smile creeping in as he moved quickly to pull out her chair.


    "Thank you," Joanne said, taking her seat. She poured him a glass of wine with an effortless grace. "Wine goes well with spaghetti and meatballs," she added, a playful lilt to her voice.


    JD glanced at the bottle and raised a brow. "Ah, you''re splurging. I like that," he said with a wink. It had been a while since he had a good wine. She truly was spoiling him.


    Joanne chuckled softly, sinking into her seat. She started eating, trying to maintain her composure. The earlier moment¡ªhis lips brushing against her hand¡ªhad left her rattled, but she was determined to act as though nothing had happened.


    It was just a fleeting moment, she told herself. A kiss on the hand meant nothing. Nothing!


    And yet, as she watched JD relax, a twinge of something stirred in her chest. Was he the type to do such things without thinking much of them? The thought stung slightly, though she couldn''t say why. Joanne wasn''t one to touch people easily; physical gestures were rare for her, reserved for those she trusted deeply.


    Then, with a sudden pang of self-awareness, she recalled how she''d casually patted his shoulder earlier and she even ruffled his hair. Maybe that had been her version of crossing a line. Maybe the kiss wasn''t so different from her touch.


    Eh! She sighed inwardly, deciding to let it go.


    "So," she said, breaking the silence, "How''s work? Have you settled in? Are they treating you well?"


    JD hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "It''s... not bad. Can''t complain," he said, though a self-deprecating chuckle escaped him. "I mean, it''s pretty shameless that at thirty, this is the first time I''m working in an office. At first, I couldn''t even figure out how to use the scanner or print a document. But I''m getting the hang of it."


    Joanne smiled at his honesty. "Good. I''m glad to hear that."


    Encouraged by her response, JD continued. "Actually, I''m kind of excited for Wednesday. I heard we''re meeting the boss then," he said, leaning in slightly. "Everyone seems terrified of her. They''re calling her names, saying she''s ruthless and all that..."


    Joanne raised an eyebrow, trying to suppress a smile. "Well..." she began, but paused as JD added, "But¡ª"


    "What?" she asked, leaning forward slightly. There was something about the way he said but that piqued her curiosity.


    JD shrugged, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "I don''t think she has much of a choice but to be strict," he admitted. "I mean, some people are good workers, but others... not so much. There''s definitely some office politics going on, and I''m sure I''ll get to the bottom of it eventually."


    He paused, his tone growing more earnest. "From what I''ve heard, the company was on the verge of bankruptcy before she turned things around. Credit where credit''s due. I guess the only thing she could improve on is her relationship with the employees. That would really make a difference."


    Joanne''s lips curved into a small smile. He wasn''t entirely wrong. JD was proving to be sharper than she''d anticipated. In just a week, he''d managed to pick up on the dynamics of the office¡ªeven when the HR Manager was actively working against him, setting him up for failure.


    I cannot lose him, she told herself.


    The conversation drifted to lighter topics as they ate, both of them finding comfort in the easy rhythm they''d fallen into.


    -----


    On Wednesday morning, Joanne entered her office and her employees all looked at her with their eyes wide even forgetting to greet her.


    "Is she wearing a pencil skirt? Did I see that right?" Nina whispered to Brian Cooper as he came out of the breakroom.


    "Did the sun rise in the west today?" Brian mumbled but then tucked his shirt in his jeans. "Wish me luck. I am going to get Chrissy hired today." He didn''t care what their boss wore. He had to get what he wanted. He deserved that for putting up with her.


    Nina watched as Brian rushed JD to the boss''s office, wondering why their boss looked feminine today.


    "Hey, JD, drop that for now," Brian urged, gesturing for him to follow. JD froze, surprised by the unexpected summons. "Uh, okay," he replied, quickly setting aside the documents and trailing behind Brian.


    Brian led the way, his knock firm but respectful as they arrived at the executive office. JD adjusted his shirt and tried to mask his nervousness. When the door opened, he followed Brian inside, but before he could fully step through, someone darted past him, cutting him off.


    Startled, JD turned to see a young girl¡ªaround ten years old¡ªburst into the room. She was wearing loose denim shorts, a dirt-streaked T-shirt, and a baseball cap that barely contained her tousled hair. Sweat clung to her as if she''d been playing outside for hours, her shirt sticking to her frame.


    "Mom!" the girl exclaimed, her voice cheerful and slightly breathless.


    JD blinked, momentarily thrown. He hadn''t heard anything about their boss having children. None of his coworkers had mentioned it, and office gossip tended to cover everything.


    Still puzzled, he stepped into the room, his gaze following the girl as she made her way toward the large desk at the far end.


    Then he saw her.


    Seated behind the desk was the woman he knew as Jo Smith¡ªhis landlady.


    JD''s breath hitched as his brain struggled to reconcile what he was seeing. His eyes widened in shock, disbelief washing over him. He blinked several times, half-expecting her image to vanish like a mirage, but it didn''t.


    "Jo?" he murmured, the word barely audible.

 Chapter 22: Is He Your Boyfriend?

    Chapter 22 - Is He Your Boyfriend?"Jo?" JD murmured, the word barely audible.


    There she was. Seated behind the large desk, exuding a composed authority that made the room feel smaller. Joanne Smith¡ªor rather, the boss¡ªlooked every bit the part. The playful ease he had once associated with her was replaced by a professional sharpness, an air of control that left no room for nonsense.


    Beautiful, nonetheless.


    JD barely had time to process the revelation before another voice cut through the moment.


    "Mom!"


    His gaze snapped to the young girl who had burst into the room, and for a second, his brain failed to catch up.


    Joanne''s heart skipped a beat. Damn it, Charlotte.


    This wasn''t how she had planned for JD to find out. She had wanted to tell him herself, maybe in a controlled setting, where she could explain things properly¡ªnot like this, not with him standing there, caught completely off guard.


    She pushed her emotions aside and turned to the messy-haired girl who had made herself comfortable in the middle of the room. Joanne''s gaze softened as she took in Charlotte''s flushed face, her cheeks still pink from exertion, her feisty blue eyes gleaming.


    "Charlotte... Did you bike here again?" Joanne sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.


    The next town was almost five miles away. Charlotte had done this before¡ªriding in the summer heat without a second thought, just to see her. Joanne had told her time and again not to, but she knew better than anyone that trying to control Charlotte was like trying to hold back a storm with bare hands.


    "It''s Charlie, Mom! Not


    Charlotte," the girl corrected, puffing her chest in defiance.


    Joanne rolled her eyes but didn''t argue. She stood and walked to the mini-fridge, retrieving a pack of cranberry juice. Without a word, she handed it over.


    "Eww! Not cranberry again!" Charlotte wrinkled her nose, but despite the protest, she grabbed the pack and started drinking. She was thirsty.


    Joanne smirked. Uh-huh. Thought so.


    Charlotte was at that stage where everything remotely feminine seemed to offend her. Joanne understood¡ªshe''d gone through it herself. Then, seemingly overnight, she had wanted to be Cinderella. She had a feeling this twelve-year-old firecracker would come out of it, too.


    "Hey, kid," Brian cut in, his patience already wearing thin. He placed a firm hand on Charlotte''s shoulder. "You can''t just barge in here whenever you¡ªAh!"


    Before he could finish, Charlotte twisted out of his grip and delivered a swift, well-aimed kick to his shin.


    Hard.


    Considering she was trained in karate, it was a lot of force.


    "Oww¡ªfcking sh*t¡ª!" Brian cursed, immediately doubling over to clutch his leg. His face twisted in pain as he glared at Charlotte, who looked entirely unfazed.


    Joanne''s eyes narrowed. She saw it before it happened¡ªthe way Brian''s hand curled into a fist, the way his expression darkened.


    "Get out, Brian."


    Her voice was sharp, authoritative, leaving no room for argument.


    Brian hesitated, still clutching his shin, but when he saw the look in Joanne''s eyes¡ªthe kind that meant she would fire him¡ªhe grumbled a few curses under his breath and limped his way out of the room.


    Charlotte grinned triumphantly and made a beeline for the mini-fridge. She pulled it open and scanned its contents, then let out an exaggerated groan.


    "Ugh! No alcohol? Why is it all cranberry juice? I like root beer." She stomped her foot dramatically.


    "No, you don''t," Joanne replied without looking up from her laptop. "You like cranberry juice."


    "You don''t know me!" Charlotte huffed, stomping again. But then, as quickly as her mood had turned sour, it flipped again. Her face lit up with an excited smile, and she spun toward Joanne, dragging a chair to sit beside her.


    "You''re going to fire that guy, aren''t you?" Charlotte leaned in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I saw that look on your face. I love that look on your face. Tell me. Tell me, Mom! You are going to fire him, right? Please say yes. I don''t like him at all." She grabbed Joanne''s arm and shook it. "Mom! Mom! Mom!"


    JD pressed himself against the wall, watching the exchange unfold. He should leave. Technically.


    But... she had only told Brian to leave. Not him.


    And more than that, something kept him rooted to the spot.


    The dynamic between Joanne and Charlotte fascinated him. There was something oddly natural about it, something deep and unshaken. The way Joanne looked at Charlotte wasn''t just fond¡ªit was familiar. Like she knew her, inside and out.


    Could she really be her mother?


    If so, that raised a lot of questions. Is she divorced? Was she a teen mom?


    Joanne exhaled, turning toward the girl who was gulping down her juice. She reached over and tugged Charlotte''s hat off her head, making the girl frown. Joanne ignored it. She needed to see her face properly. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Does your dad know?" Joanne asked, her voice firm.


    Charlotte''s eyes flickered. "That I''m here?" She pressed her lips together and looked away.


    Joanne''s stare remained steady. "...And that you''re calling me Mom?"


    There it was. The real question.


    Charlotte hesitated. Then, with a shrug, she said, "Nope."


    Joanne sighed.


    She had told the girl over and over again not to call her Mom. But Charlotte never listened. In the end, Joanne had relented¡ªbecause she loved her.


    Still... for some reason, she wanted to clarify things to JD. She could feel his gaze, sense the questions running through his mind.


    "He''s a busy man. He doesn''t have to know everything," Charlotte said with the defiance of a tween, yanking her hat back and shoving it onto her head.


    Joanne sighed again, rubbing her temple. What else could she do?


    Joanne exhaled, her gaze settling on the passionate girl before her. "What do you want now?" she asked, though her voice lacked any real bite. Charlotte wouldn''t have biked all the way here in the summer heat for no reason. Joanne had an inkling as to why¡ªprobably something about the junior league.


    But instead of answering, Charlotte grinned and leaned into her, hugging her arm. "I just wanted to see you, Mom! I want to watch you work so I can grow up to be just like you."


    Joanne''s lips twitched. How could she not love this kid? She chuckled, brushing a damp strand of hair from Charlotte''s face. "You''re already a handful. The world might not survive two of us."


    Charlotte laughed, but then her gaze shifted across the room, landing on JD. Her lively expression faded into a scrutinizing squint.


    JD, who had been watching the scene with an amused grin, suddenly found himself the subject of a twelve-year-old''s interrogation.


    "Why is he still here?" Charlotte asked, her head tilting. Then, as if the idea had just dawned on her, she turned back to Joanne, eyes wide with accusation. "Wait. Is he your boyfriend?"

 Chapter 23: Missing Her Mother

    Chapter 23 - Missing Her MotherJoanne barely had a moment to respond before Charlotte pivoted, marching toward JD with all the authority of a seasoned interrogator. "Are you?"


    JD held up his hands in surrender, a playful grin tugging at his lips. "I come in peace."


    Charlotte narrowed her eyes, studying him like a warrior princess sizing up a foe. JD had to admit, there must be something in the water here¡ªbecause this town was producing an unusual number of them.


    Joanne was about to dismiss the absurdity of it all when something caught her eye. The humor drained from her face.


    "Wait... Charlie..." She stepped closer, gently grasping the girl''s shoulder. "Did you spill juice on yourself?"


    Charlotte turned, puzzled by the sudden shift in Jo''s tone. Joanne''s eyes flicked toward JD, who was watching the exchange with growing concern.


    "Ask Veronica in my cabin," Charlotte muttered.


    JD didn''t have the slightest clue what that meant, but he didn''t question it. Instead, he turned and headed off to do as instructed.


    Meanwhile, Joanne quickly checked Charlotte''s shorts. Her stomach clenched. It wasn''t juice.


    Blood.


    Her expression softened as she looked at the girl, who still hadn''t realized. But when Charlotte finally noticed, her face twisted in confusion, then panic.


    "Why is this happening now?" she whispered, her blue eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I need to participate in the league..."


    Joanne pulled her into a hug. "Oh, sweetheart, it''s okay. It''s a good thing." She kissed Charlotte''s temple. "And who said you can''t participate?"


    Charlotte swallowed, her voice small. "Billy won''t¡ª" She hesitated, her words catching in her throat. "What do I tell him if I¡ª"


    Ah. Joanne bit back a smile. She knew exactly who Billy was¡ªthe boy from the junior league who had been Charlotte''s shadow since childhood. He also was her first crush. Charlotte had adopted this boyish persona mainly because she wanted to be close with Billy. Poor girl was now probably mortified at the thought of him finding out.


    It was... adorable.


    Just then, Veronica arrived.


    "Ver, could you grab Charlotte a fresh pair of underwear and a dress?" Joanne asked warmly.


    Veronica, a meticulous accountant with an eye for detail, immediately took stock of the situation. Her fingers twitched slightly, avoiding direct eye contact. Joanne knew this wasn''t easy for her¡ªVeronica was brilliant with numbers but struggled with social interaction.


    "You can bring Jason with you to do the talking," Joanne added with an encouraging smile.


    Veronica nodded, visibly relieved at the suggestion, and hurried off.


    Charlotte crossed her arms, pouting. "I don''t want to wear a dress."


    "Just for today," Joanne coaxed. It wasn''t often she got to see Charlotte in anything but shorts and t-shirts.


    To Joanne''s surprise, Charlotte didn''t argue. She simply stood there, arms still folded, lips pursed in reluctant acceptance. Joanne smiled but let her be¡ªshe needed time to come to terms with this new reality.


    When Veronica returned with the dress, Joanne thanked her before closing the door. She rummaged through her drawer and pulled out a fresh pack of panty liners, holding them out.


    "Go change in my restroom," she said, motioning toward the private bathroom¡ªone of the perks of being the boss.


    Charlotte stared at the pack as if it might explode in her hands.


    "Do you prefer tampons?" Joanne asked gently.


    Charlotte''s cheeks flamed. "I... I don''t know how to..." She hesitated, her eyes dropping back to the liners.


    "I''ll teach you," Joanne assured her, leading her toward the bathroom. "Didn''t they teach you this in school?" They taught her when she was in school. That''s how she learned everything.


    Charlotte scowled. "I wasn''t listening."


    Joanne chuckled. Of course she hadn''t.


    "Don''t laugh! I didn''t think I''d become a girl," Charlotte muttered, still sulking.


    Joanne laughed harder. "You were born a girl." S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Charlotte huffed, turning her face away. Of course, she knew that. It just... felt different now.


    Joanne took her through everything she needed to know¡ªhow to clean up, how to change, how to handle it all. When Charlotte emerged, dressed and visibly subdued, Joanne packed up her soiled clothes.


    "I''ll drive you home," Joanne said as she guided her out of the office. Charlotte only nodded, still unusually quiet.


    Joanne knew what the girl was feeling¡ªuncertainty, embarrassment, even a strange sense of loss. Joanne had felt it too, all those years ago. But in time, it would become just another part of life.


    "Want some ice cream?" she asked casually.


    Charlotte hesitated, then her face lit up¡ªjust a little. "Okay. Chocolate chip."


    As they sat in the truck, Charlotte happily devouring her ice cream, Joanne loaded her bike in the back. But as she climbed into the driver''s seat, she caught something she hadn''t expected¡ªsilent tears slipping down Charlotte''s cheeks.


    Joanne''s heart twisted. "Are you crying?" she asked softly.


    Charlotte quickly wiped at her face, but the next words fell from her lips before she could stop them. "I miss my mom."


    Joanne''s breath hitched.


    She reached over, pulling Charlotte into a hug, holding her as she cried.


    Charlotte''s mother passed away in a terrible accident when she was in kindergarten. Joanne knew that pain all too well. She''d grown up without a mother, too. And no matter how strong you became, no matter how many years passed, that absence never truly left you.


    She let Charlotte cry, rubbing slow circles on her back until the storm passed. When Charlotte finally pulled away, sniffling, Joanne started the car. She called Jonathan, Charlotte''s father, letting him know she was on the way.


    "Sorry for the trouble," Jonathan said, sounding exasperated but grateful. "I know my daughter can be a handful."


    "She''s not a trouble at all," Joanne said sincerely.


    As Joanne set her phone down, a fragile voice broke the quiet.


    "Why can''t you be my mother?" Charlotte asked, her words barely above a whisper. She stared down at her lap, small hands twisting in the fabric of her dress. "Do you hate me? I''ll be a good girl¡ªI''ll do whatever you say..."


    Joanne''s chest tightened, a dull ache blooming beneath her ribs.


    Oh, Charlie...


    She swallowed hard, gripping the steering wheel as if it could anchor her. Then, she reached over and gently took Charlotte''s hand, giving it a squeeze.


    "Never," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Not for a second."


    Charlotte hesitated, then lifted her watery blue eyes.


    "Then marry my dad."


    Joanne exhaled, the weight of the request settling deep in her bones. She turned to Charlotte, meeting the quiet hope in her gaze, and sighed.


    "Do you not like my dad?" Charlotte asked next.

 Chapter 24: Cruel Whispers

    Chapter 24 - Cruel WhispersJoanne sat in her office chair, rubbing her forehead. She had managed to convince Charlotte¡ªfor now. But the words "It''s complicated" and "It''s adult things" felt hollow. How else was she supposed to explain something so tangled to a twelve-year-old girl?


    Jonathan was a good man¡ªarguably the best man she had ever known. But he was still mourning his wife, and even if he did ask her out, Joanne wasn''t sure what she felt about him.


    Dating?


    The word felt foreign, like a language she had once spoken fluently but had long since forgotten.


    A sharp knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. She sighed, already bracing herself as Brian Cooper stepped inside. Without acknowledging him, she focused on her laptop, hoping he wouldn''t test her patience today.


    "Jeffrey Daniels is not suited for this company," Brian announced, his tone brimming with self-importance. "He refuses to do the small tasks, never stays in his seat, and doesn''t even try to understand how the company operates¡ª"


    Joanne didn''t bother looking up. "By ''the workings of the company,'' do you mean the fact that he doesn''t kowtow to you?"


    Brian''s face paled. His hands curled into fists.


    "He might not enjoy menial tasks," she continued, tilting her head. "But last I checked, the company still runs. He resolved the Virgo Farms cargo delay, found a loophole to bypass the semi-truck restriction law, and even uncovered a way to fully utilize our drivers'' medical insurance. Sounds to me like he understands exactly S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    how this company works."


    Brian''s eye twitched. "That''s exactly my point! None of that was his job!"


    Joanne almost pitied him. Almost. She wasn''t sure if he had actually earned his degree or if his certificates were fake, but one thing was certain¡ªhe was an idiot.


    "Then I''m changing his designation," she said flatly. "Effective immediately, Jeffrey Daniels is the new Administrative Officer of Shamrock Logistics. Give him a raise."


    Brian stiffened, his expression darkening. It wasn''t just about Jeffrey¡ªhe hated that someone he disliked was already being promoted. Joanne could practically see the gears turning in his head, scrambling for a way to turn this conversation in his favor.


    "So," he began carefully, "I''ll hire a replacement for his current position. The candidate I mentioned earlier¡ªChrissy Nolan¡ªwould be a good fit."


    Joanne blinked. Did this man really think he ran this office?


    "You''ll hire?" she echoed, disbelief flickering across her face.


    Brian straightened his shoulders.


    "You''re fired, Mr. Cooper."


    Silence.


    His mouth opened, then closed. His face went red. "What? You can''t do that!"


    "Oh, I can." Joanne leaned forward, resting her chin on her interlocked fingers, her smile razor-sharp. "Did you think Shamrock Logistics was an IPO? That you could manipulate the board and turn them against the chairman like you did in your last company?" She scoffed. "This company is mine


    . What I say, goes."


    She watched the realization sink into Brian''s thick skull. He had no power here.


    "Get out of my sight," she continued. "And if you''re feeling generous, take every single person you hired with you. I never needed them."


    Brian''s nostrils flared as he puffed out his chest, fists clenched at his sides. Joanne''s gaze flicked to the drawer where she kept her pepper spray. Men like Brian didn''t just walk away.


    Then, as if proving her point, he slammed his fists onto her desk, the sound cracking through the office.


    "You bitch!" he roared.


    Joanne didn''t even flinch.


    Maybe he finally noticed the camera in the corner, because after a tense beat, he stepped back. But he wasn''t done.


    "You ungrateful bitch," he spat. "You were just some orphan begging around town! My mother fed you, and this is the thanks she gets? The moment you see money, you turn into this?" His lip curled. "Hah! Let''s see how long it lasts."


    "She thinks she''s the queen! She doesn''t even have full ownership over this company? Does she think we forgot?"


    He stormed out, shouting, and shoving anything within reach off desks as he made his way to his office.


    Joanne leaned back in her chair, rubbing her forehead.


    That''s it, right?


    No matter how far she had come, how hard she had worked, to them, she would always be that orphan girl. That unfortunate farmgirl who had once relied on the kindness of others. It didn''t matter how many contracts she signed, how many people answered to her, or how much she built from nothing. They still saw her as beneath them. And they wanted to keep her there¡ªunder their boots, crushed beneath the weight of their disdain.


    Just like they had back then.


    She had spent years clawing her way out, building a life beyond this cursed town. Yet, somehow, it had pulled her back. Again. Dragging her down, stripping her of every victory, making her feel like that helpless child once more.


    She wanted to rest. Just for a moment. But she didn''t know how. Loneliness clung to her like an old wound, and on days like these, it festered, whispering cruel things.


    What was the point of all this? What was she fighting for?


    A knock at the door cut through her thoughts. She exhaled sharply, torn between the desire to ignore it and the inevitability of duty.


    But then, the door creaked open just enough for a familiar face to peek in.


    JD.


    The tightness in her chest eased, the weight on her shoulders lifting just enough for her to breathe.


    He stepped inside with his usual easy confidence, his hazel-green eyes warm with mischief. "Coffee for the boss," he announced, placing the cup in front of her before revealing a small white box with a flourish. "And... tada!"


    Joanne glanced at the shop logo and felt a smile pull at her lips despite the day she''d had.


    "How did you know I wanted red velvet cake right now?" she asked, motioning for him to sit across from her.


    JD grinned, sliding into the chair. "Boss intuition."


    She chuckled softly and opened the box, the rich scent of cocoa and cream cheese frosting filling the air. She hadn''t realized how badly she needed something sweet until now. She took a bite, letting the smooth frosting and soft cake melt on her tongue, the flavors grounding her in something real, something good.


    JD watched her with quiet satisfaction, fingers wrapped around his own coffee. Seeing her enjoy something¡ªeven something as simple as cake¡ªmade his chest warm with something he couldn''t quite name.


    He had heard everything Brian had shouted at her. Every sneering word. He had seen the way she had stood her ground, unshaken on the outside, but he wasn''t fooled.


    They had tried to make her feel small. They had tried to drag her down to where they thought she belonged.


    But she didn''t belong there.


    And as he watched her now, he finally understood why she wore that sharp, untouchable mask around here. Even with all the power she held, they still believed they could break her.


    But she wasn''t broken.


    He was glad, at least in some small way, he could lift her mood. Seeing her like this, relaxed, smiling, warmed by something simple¡ªit made him feel like he had done something right.


    God, she was beautiful.


    He smiled to himself and took a sip of his coffee, content just to sit here, to share this moment, and to remind her¡ªwithout words¡ªthat she wasn''t alone.

 Chapter 25: Vanished Happiness

    Chapter 25 - Vanished HappinessPhilip Winchester closed the file on his heavy oak desk, but the words on the page barely registered. Lately, he couldn''t focus on anything. Something was missing.


    No. Not something. Someone.


    Leaning back in his leather chair, he shut his eyes, exhaling slowly. That boy¡ªJeffrey. His Jeffrey. He had loved him dearly, raised him as his own. And once, Jeffrey had stayed close, always within reach. Until Philip let his anger drive them apart.


    For years, he had refused to check on him, waiting for the boy''s stubborn pride to break first. But Jeffrey had vanished from his radar, slipping into the world beyond his reach. And now, Philip''s heart ached with the weight of all the time lost.


    A quiet beep from the intercom pulled him from his thoughts.


    "Come in," he said, pressing the button.


    Seconds later, Sebastian entered, his ever-loyal assistant of thirty years. Without a word, he held up his phone.


    "Sir, you need to see this."


    Philip took the device, frowning as a short video played. His heart clenched at the familiar sight¡ªthe farm, the animals, his favorite girl Poppet playfully chasing that belligerent horse. Then, his breath caught.


    A figure in the background.


    He stilled, fingers trembling as he paused the video. His gaze locked onto the blurred outline of a man, his back turned to the camera. The hair. The stance.


    "Is that... Jeff?" Philip''s voice came out hoarse.


    "I thought so too, sir." Sebastian''s tone was careful. "I''ve already instructed people to sift through other videos and investigate the area. Rockchapel, specifically."


    Philip let out a slow breath, his eyes lingering on the screen. His finger brushed over the tiny figure on the display, tracing the blurred outline of the boy¡ªno, the man¡ªwho had once been his whole world.


    "He looks well..." he murmured.


    Sebastian exhaled in quiet relief. "And happy, sir."


    Philip nodded absentmindedly as the video continued. A ghost of a smile crossed his lips¡ªuntil it faded just as quickly. His expression darkened, his gaze turning unreadable.


    "Ah... what a cruel twist of fate this is," he muttered.


    Sebastian frowned. "Sir?"


    Philip didn''t answer right away. Instead, he sat still, lost in thought. He had longed for this moment¡ªfor proof that Jeffrey was alive, thriving. He had prayed for fate to give them another chance.


    And now that it had...


    "If that''s him, find a way to bring him back," Philip said at last, his finger still resting on the blurred figure.


    Sebastian hesitated. "Sir...?"


    "They can''t be together, Sebastian. Bring him back."


    There was a finality in his tone that left no room for argument.


    Sebastian bowed his head in acknowledgment, though he didn''t understand. He knew how much his boss had wanted this. How deeply he had longed to see Jeffrey and Joanne together. And now that fate had reunited them, why tear them apart?


    "You haven''t forgotten what happened the last time they were together, have you?" Philip''s voice was quiet, but firm.


    Sebastian stiffened. The weight of that unspoken history settled heavily between them.


    Lowering his head, this time from his heart, Sebastian answered, "No, sir. I haven''t. I''ll bring him back."


    And he knew, without needing to ask, that his boss could not afford another heartbreak. He loved the girl more than he thought he would.


    -----


    JD had barely stepped out of the office when he received the news¡ªhis promotion and raise had been finalized.


    Apparently, Jo Smith had made sure the order went through today itself.


    On his way home, he couldn''t stop thinking about it. Why was she helping him so much? What did she see in him?


    There had been moments¡ªmany, in fact¡ªwhen he felt unworthy of working there. He wasn''t anyone special. But people told him Jo had noticed his efforts, that this was her way of acknowledging them.


    Honestly, he was awed by her.


    Brian had scoffed, saying it wasn''t JD''s job to fix the logistics mess. But JD had grown up watching his grandfather, the "Emperor of Logistics," as people called him. JD had never paid much attention back then, but some things had stuck. He knew what his grandfather would have done in that situation. So, he did it.


    And now, for the first time in his life, he felt a real sense of accomplishment.


    As he drove back, he whistled along to the upbeat tune playing on the radio, the lightness in his chest unfamiliar yet exhilarating.


    It was strange. He had never felt this before. Not in school, where he had coasted through classes without caring. Not in sports, where he played only for fun. He had never taken anything seriously before. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But now¡ªthis job, this work¡ªit mattered.


    And he was rewarded for it.


    It felt incredible. Almost as incredible as seeing Jo''s smile when she ate that cake¡ªthe one he had bought for her. That feeling of making her happy, of doing something that put light in her eyes... Phenomenal.


    Had he ever done that for anyone else?


    Only one person came to mind¡ªhis grandfather. When he was young, he would do anything to make the old man smile. And somewhere along the way, he had forgotten what that felt like.


    But now, because of Jo, he remembered.


    She was always like that. He had seen it firsthand. One night, a group of teenagers had shown up at her house with a deer they had hunted. Instead of sending them away, she had stood outside for hours, cooking for them. JD had wondered why she even bothered.


    Then he had seen it.


    That smile on her face as she watched them eat, the quiet joy in her eyes. They joy one gets by making others happy.


    At thirty, JD found himself thinking about things he had never once given a second thought.


    And it was all because of her.


    When he stepped through the door, he wasn''t the least bit surprised to find Joanne in the kitchen, moving effortlessly between the stove and the counter. The morning''s ordeal with Brian Cooper had left her shaken, but she had rebounded with a quiet strength that left him in awe.


    Honestly, she was spectacular.


    "I promised Charlotte I''d send her dinner tonight," she said, her voice light with affection. "That girl is such a cutie... She tried to make me stay at her house to cook dinner for her and her dad."


    She chuckled, but then her smile wavered, dimming at the edges.


    "She thinks I''ll be her mother if I marry her father," Joanne sighed.


    JD felt something in his chest lurch¡ªsomething sharp, something cold.


    "M-marry him?" The words stumbled out, unsteady.


    And just like that, every ounce of happiness he had carried throughout the day vanished.


    It felt like someone had reached inside him and hollowed him out.

 Chapter 26: Confusions of the Heart

    Chapter 26 - Confusions of the HeartWhy he had such a strong reaction to his landlady talking about marriage, he had no idea.


    Well... maybe he had some idea.


    Of course, he found her attractive. That much was undeniable. Even on her worst hair day, she was a solid ten. He doubted there was another woman in the world as beautiful as her. But beauty paled in comparison to everything else she was¡ªkind, strong, smart, and graceful.


    How could someone be all that and more?


    Wait...


    JD rubbed his chest, unsettled by the sudden, inexplicable tightness there.


    What he had for her was respect, right? That''s all it was. It couldn''t be¡ª


    His spiraling thoughts were cut short as Joanne pulled out a chair and sat down.


    "I do want to marry soon," she admitted, her voice carrying the quiet certainty of someone who had long made peace with the idea. "I''m twenty-seven, and I''ve always pictured myself settling down by now."


    She always wanted to marry. The death of her grandfather and everything that followed had forced her to put that dream on hold, but it had always been there, waiting. Maybe that was why she had agreed to marry Jeffrey Winchester all those years ago¡ªbecause marriage had always been part of her plan.


    JD barely managed to swallow against the dry knot forming in his throat. "You''re not that old," JD said, though the words felt hollow.


    A strange, unwelcome jolt ran through him. He had no doubt that if she put her mind to it, she could have any man she wanted. It was almost absurd that she didn''t already. If she so much as gave a signal, men would line up at her doorstep.


    "What kind of man do you prefer?" he asked, reaching for his whiskey and downing it in one go. The burning liquid did nothing to ease the sinking feeling in his chest.


    Joanne smiled and turned her gaze away, covering her mouth with her hand¡ªmore to hide the blush rising to her cheeks than anything else. She had no idea she was sending a storm crashing through the heart of the man sitting across from her.


    She was really thinking about it.


    Four years ago, she would have answered without hesitation¡ª"A charming prince." That had been her dream once. But life had changed her, reshaped her. She wasn''t Cinderella, and no Prince Charming was coming to save her. She had learned to save herself.


    Here''s a refined version of your prose with improved flow, emotional depth, and natural dialogue:


    "I want a man who''s a strong oak," Joanne finally said, her voice softer now, thoughtful. "Someone I can lean on, knowing he''ll stand firm against any storm. A shield, a protector... a knight, if you will. A man who understands me and knows the value of family."


    Then, with a teasing glint in her eyes, she turned back to JD and smiled.


    "He should also be able to carry me up those stairs." She added the last part lightly, as if to brush off the weight of her own words. Truthfully, she wasn''t sure why she was opening up her heart to someone who was, for all intents and purposes, almost a stranger.


    JD didn''t even breathe.


    He had spent his life hearing women list their ideal man¡ªwealth, power, charm, height, looks, sexual compatibility. And every time, he had smiled, knowing he checked every box.


    But Joanne...


    For the first time in his life, he felt like he wasn''t enough.


    And it shook him to his core.


    But the feeling only lasted a few seconds. After all, it wasn''t like he was planning on dating her.


    "So, what do you think of him?" JD asked, forcing his voice to remain casual.


    "Him?" Joanne blinked, pulling herself from her thoughts. "Oh¡ªJonathan Meyer?" Her smile softened as she tried to rein in her drifting mind.


    JD already regretted asking. Meyer. That name carried weight. If he wasn''t mistaken, Jonathan Meyer was the owner of the biggest steel company in the state.


    "I''ve never thought about him that way," Joanne admitted, pressing her lips together. "He''s helped me a lot in the past. He even paid for my tuition. He''s a good man. A really, really good man." She hesitated, tilting her head. "He lost his wife and never dated again... He runs a company and¡ª" she exhaled, shaking her head. "I don''t know. He''s from around here, and I suppose our thoughts would align. Also, he comes with cute Charlotte... But he wouldn''t be interested in me."


    She cleared her throat and stood, heading into the kitchen. The thought of Jonathan Meyer as a potential partner hadn''t seriously crossed her mind before, but when she considered it... he did seem like a perfect match. He was nearing forty, older than her, but that wasn''t necessarily a bad thing. Mature men had their own kind of charm.


    There is Charlotte too...


    Still, it was pointless to even think about it.


    She turned to grab a pan, but in her distraction, she misjudged the open shutter of the counter. Pain bloomed across her temple as she let out a sharp breath, rubbing the sore spot.


    No, she told herself firmly. He would be the last person interested in her. That much she was certain of.


    She repeated it over and over in her mind, forcing herself to believe it. The last time she dreamed of a happy life with someone, she was met with a cruel heartbreak.


    She couldn''t afford to entertain needless affections. Not when she knew exactly how people in this town saw her.


    JD, on the other hand, sat frozen.


    She''d said Jonathan Meyer would be perfect for her. He was everything she wanted¡ªa strong oak, a protector, someone dependable. On top of that, he was rich. Wealth wasn''t a priority for her, but it was certainly a bonus. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    JD let out a slow breath, dragging a hand down his face.


    Even after a cold shower, the sinking feeling in his chest refused to leave. He told himself not to care. What she did with her life had nothing to do with him.


    But he couldn''t rid of that sinking feeling in his chest. Although the aroma of her cooking filled the house, he wasn''t hungry.


    She was preparing it for Charlotte. He knew she would pack enough for Jonathan too. He didn''t feel good about it. But what else could he do other than keep his silence?


    As he sat on the couch, scrolling through his phone in a futile attempt to clear his mind, an email notification popped up.


    [Hope you''re doing well, Jeffrey. Don''t you think it''s time to return home?]


    JD stared at the screen, his grip tightening. It should be Sebastian. He must have found out his location.


    Returning home.


    Should he?

 Chapter 27: The Nightmare

    Chapter 27 - The NightmareJD couldn''t sleep.


    The nightmares had returned.


    He was falling¡ªendlessly, weightlessly¡ªthrough an abyss with no end, no place to land, no ground to steady him. It was a dream he''d had for years, a manifestation of something he never spoke aloud.


    He didn''t belong anywhere.


    But this was the first time he''d had the dream after staying in Joanne''s home.


    With a sharp gasp, he jolted awake, his body damp with sweat. His pulse thundered in his ears as he pushed himself upright, dragging a hand down his face. He exhaled slowly, then glanced at the clock.


    12:30 AM.


    He got up and opened the window, letting the cool night air wash over him. But it wasn''t enough. He needed something stronger¡ªsomething to quiet his mind.


    A beer, maybe.


    Slipping out of the room, he made his way downstairs. The house was quiet, save for the faint hum of the refrigerator and the steady tick of the wall clock.


    He wasn''t at all surprised to see Fluffy sprawled on the living room rug. The dog had a perfectly good bed, but for whatever reason, he preferred the floor. JD''s lips quirked at the sight, his fingers twitching with the instinct to ruffle the dog''s fur.


    But before he could, something caught his eye¡ªa dark shape on the couch.


    Not something.


    Someone.


    Joanne.


    She lay curled up, her frame barely covered by the thin throw blanket draped over her. The soft light from the porch spilled through the window, casting a golden glow along the smooth lines of her legs. He hadn''t noticed before, but she had a beautiful pair of legs¡ªlong, toned, effortlessly elegant even in sleep.


    His throat tightened.


    "Aren''t you cold?" he murmured, reaching for the throw. As he pulled it over her legs, he shook his head. "You sure make me hot..." he muttered under his breath, smirking at the absurdity of his own thoughts.


    She didn''t stir.


    JD crouched beside her, watching the slow, steady rise and fall of her breath.


    "Aren''t you too trusting of me, Jo?" he asked softly.


    Nothing.


    His gaze swept over her, catching the faint flush on her cheeks, the way her lips parted slightly in sleep. A scent of whiskey lingered around her, warm and intoxicating.


    His smirk deepened.


    "You even got drunk and passed out in the middle of the house," he mused, shaking his head.


    Still, she didn''t wake.


    Clenching his jaw, he leaned closer, drawn in despite himself. He didn''t know what he was doing, creeping around her like this, but his body moved on its own. His hand lifted, fingers hovering just above her face.


    Before he knew it, he was reaching out¡ªhis fingertips mere inches from her lips.


    Thump. Thump.


    His heartbeat thundered against his ribs.


    Just as the tip of his finger was about to graze her, she stirred.


    Her brows furrowed, her lips trembled, and her nose twitched slightly, as if she were caught in a dream of her own.


    JD stilled, his breath shallow.


    "Are you having a bad dream too, Jo?" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Slowly, gently, he traced his finger over the crease in her brow, smoothing away the tension.


    Then he just... stayed.


    Watching her.


    Listening to the quiet rhythm of her breath.


    JD''s breath hitched.


    For the first time in years, his nightmares weren''t the only thing keeping him awake.


    I might have feelings for her.


    The thought struck him like lightning in the dead of the night, in that dimly lit room, while distant dogs barked into the silence. It sent a tremor through his chest, unfamiliar and unwelcome.


    What the hell was he supposed to do with that?


    With a heavy sigh, he pushed himself up and trudged back to his room. Sleep felt impossible, so he perched by the windowsill instead, his gaze drifting over the vast stretch of land beyond the house. His eyes landed on the rows of oak trees standing like silent sentinels in the night.


    Something felt... off.


    Was it just the restlessness in his head? Or was there something out there, beyond the trees, lurking in the darkness?


    A shadow. A presence.


    He stared hard into the blackness until his eyes ached.


    A soft creak from the hallway pulled him back.


    He heard her bedroom door easing open, then closing with a quiet click. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She must have finally gone to bed.


    The heaviness in his chest deepened.


    2 AM.


    With reluctance, JD lay back down.


    He drifted into sleep, but it wasn''t peaceful. The nightmares came again.


    This time, it wasn''t just falling.


    Something heavy¡ªan anvil of dread¡ªpressed down on his chest. He couldn''t move. Couldn''t breathe. Darkness surrounded him, thick and suffocating.


    Then¡ª


    A sound.


    Like bubbles breaking the surface of water.


    A flicker of light, just enough to pierce the void.


    And then he saw it.


    A child. A small, frail body with a head full of red hair, sinking beneath the murky surface of a pond.


    No... not sinking.


    Being forced under.


    A towering figure loomed above, pressing the child deeper into the water. The figure was faceless, just a hulking mass of darkness, its presence dripping with malice.


    JD wanted to move. To scream. To stop it. But he couldn''t. Behind them, the oak trees stood in a perfect line¡ªwatching, waiting, judging.


    No. No!


    He tried to yell.


    But the scream never left his lips.

 Chapter 28: A Scary News

    Chapter 28 - A Scary NewsWith a violent gasp, JD lurched awake.


    Sunlight poured through the window, golden and indifferent, as if the night hadn''t been haunted.


    He was drenched in sweat, his breath ragged, his pulse erratic. It took several long seconds before the panic faded, before his mind clawed its way back to reality.


    His eyes landed on the camera sitting on his nightstand.


    Then, once more, on the oak trees outside.


    A sigh rattled out of him.


    Something wasn''t right.


    JD couldn''t shake the feeling that he had forgotten something¡ªsomething important.


    The unease clung to him, lingering like a shadow at the edge of his mind. But there was no time to dwell on it. He was already running late.


    He forced himself out of bed and got ready in record time. As he rushed downstairs, the scent of fresh coffee and toast filled the air.


    Joanne was already in the kitchen, moving effortlessly between the stove and the table. She turned just as he walked in, a playful smile curving her lips.


    "You''re not going to slack off on your first day as Administrative Officer, are you?" she teased, setting a plate down in front of him.


    JD let out a breathless chuckle. "No way, Boss." He gave her a mock salute before adding, "I''ll have to skip breakfast if I want to be on time, though."


    Last night, during dinner, they''d talked about her being his boss. She''d asked if he was offended that she hadn''t mentioned it earlier.


    Shocked? Yeah.


    Offended? Not at all.


    If anything, the way she handled things only made him admire her more. He had told her as much, and the relief in her eyes had been unmistakable.


    Now, she crossed her arms, leveling him with a stern look. "No! You are not leaving without breakfast."


    JD hesitated but knew better than to argue.


    Minutes later, he was out the door¡ªhis stomach full, his mind still tangled with lingering thoughts.


    Something wasn''t right.


    But he didn''t have time to figure out what.


    Joanne stood by the window, watching as JD''s car disappeared down the road.


    Something was missing from his face this morning. A light that usually flickered behind his eyes¡ªgone. She couldn''t put her finger on it, but the thought lingered like an itch at the back of her mind.


    Before she could dwell on it further, her phone rang.


    She glanced at the screen¡ªand her breath hitched.


    Her fingers trembled as she answered.


    The man on the other end started with small talk, but Joanne barely heard him. Her grip on the phone tightened. She had no patience for pleasantries.


    "Is he dead?" she cut in, her voice cold and steady.


    That would be good news.


    A pause. Then, the answer came.


    "He escaped."


    Joanne''s blood ran cold.


    Her knees nearly buckled, and she caught the edge of the counter for support. "How?" Her voice was barely above a whisper. "How does someone escape from a high-security prison?"


    Her eyes flickered¡ªunbidden¡ªto the rows of oak trees outside. The same trees that had stood there that night.


    Captain Miller''s voice remained calm. "We''ve already dispatched forces. He won''t get far. I just wanted to inform you since you''re directly involved."


    Joanne exhaled, but it didn''t ease the tightness in her chest. Involved. That was one way to put it.


    "Thank you," she murmured.


    She was scared. Of course she was. But fear wouldn''t protect her. She needed to fortify her home¡ªnow.


    "Miss, should we inform Mr. Winchester?" Captain Miller asked.


    Joanne hesitated. A short silence stretched between them before she answered.


    "...No."


    "He''s not involved anymore," she added, her voice quieter now. "If he comes for anyone... he''ll come for me."


    That was the scariest part.


    The call ended, but the weight in her chest only grew heavier.


    Joanne closed her eyes. And, as if summoned by memory, an image flickered in the darkness.


    A boy.


    A camera in his hands.


    And that day.


    Her entire body trembled.


    Because she remembered.


    She remembered everything.


    That boy? He forgot. The horrors of that day, the weight of what had happened¡ªhis mind had buried it, locked it away for survival. But Joanne?


    She remembered.


    And maybe, in a twisted way, she was thankful for that.


    Because if she didn''t, who would protect her?


    She took a shaky breath and forced herself to move. The weight of fear sat heavy in her bones, but she refused to be paralyzed by it. Not again.


    She stepped outside, the crisp morning air biting against her skin as she made her way to the barn.


    "Paddy."


    Patrick barely had time to turn before she threw her arms around him.


    He stiffened for half a second before exhaling and holding her tight. "I know," he murmured against her hair.


    She swallowed. "He escaped."


    Patrick let out a slow, measured breath.


    "We''ll get through this," he said, his voice steady. Unshaken. "Don''t be scared."


    Joanne nodded against his chest. She had to believe that.


    After a moment, Patrick pulled back, his sharp gaze searching hers. "Have you informed him?"


    She knew who he meant.


    Joanne shook her head. "I''m not involved with the Winchesters anymore, Paddy."


    A flicker of frustration crossed his face. "You got into this mess because you saved his grandson. He should¡ª"


    "Paddy."


    Her voice was firm. Final.


    "I want nothing to do with the Winchesters."


    A tense silence settled between them. Patrick sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. He didn''t agree, but he wouldn''t push. Not now.


    Instead, he rested a heavy hand on her shoulder.


    "You have us," he said simply. "No one''s going to hurt one of us. Not as long as we''re here."


    Joanne managed a small smile.


    Oh, she trusted Patrick.


    But deep down, she knew trust wasn''t a shield.


    And he was coming.


    -----


    A couple of days passed¡ªno calls from Captain Miller. No updates. No confirmation.


    Just silence.


    And that terrified Joanne more than any words ever could. Still, she learned to live with it. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She checked the fences for gaps, tested her motion-detecting cameras, reinforced the blind spots, and¡ªmore importantly¡ªensured she had enough ammo to take over a small country.


    You never know.


    She kept herself busy. Too busy.


    JD noticed.


    She wasn''t the same.


    She didn''t relax anymore¡ªnot like she used to. Her shoulders were always tense, her eyes darting around as if expecting something... or someone.


    JD figured she was worried about Jonathan Meyer. He hadn''t heard anything about the guy asking her out yet. Maybe that was what had her so preoccupied. Maybe that was why she barely smiled.


    That morning, JD climbed into his car, turned the key¡ª


    Nothing.


    He tried again. And again.


    Still nothing.


    Joanne leaned against the porch railing, watching him struggle. Finally, she asked him to call out a phone number from memory.


    JD hesitated, then looked at her, brow raised. "You know your mechanic''s number by heart?"


    Joanne smiled¡ªawkward, tight.


    Because that wasn''t just a mechanic.


    That was her ex-boyfriend. The only guy she had dated all her life.

 Chapter 29: The Awkward Situation

    Chapter 29 - The Awkward SituationJD frowned at Joanne''s odd reaction but dialed the number anyway. A man picked up after the first ring. JD suddenly realized he didn''t even know the mechanic''s name.


    "Uh... hi. My car won''t start, and¡ª"


    "Call the shop."


    The voice was deep, clipped, and annoyed.


    JD blinked. "Oh... uh¡ª"


    "Wait." The man''s tone softened, shifting from irritation to something sharper. Something wary. "Where''d you get this number? Where are you calling from?"


    JD hesitated. "The McDonald Farm. I''m¡ª"


    "I''ll be there in a minute."


    Click.


    The line went dead.


    JD stared at his phone. What the hell was that?


    "What did he say?" Joanne asked, still standing on the porch.


    "I don''t think he''ll help..." JD said.


    Joanne waved her hand with a smile. "He''ll send someone. Wait." Saying that, she went inside the house.


    JD thought about the odd interaction. Before he could process it, a cloud of dust kicked up on the road.


    A truck was coming fast.


    JD watched in disbelief as the vehicle barreled down the driveway, tires skidding to a stop with an aggressive crunch of gravel.


    Two minutes.


    That had to be the mechanic. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    JD hadn''t expected customer service at breakneck speed, especially not after that frosty phone call.


    Through the dust emerged a man in plaid and worn jeans, sleeves rolled up over tanned forearms, chewing gum like he had all the time in the world. His dirty blonde hair was clumsily set back. Even his loose shirt couldn''t hide the slight beer belly beneath it.


    JD''s first impression? Unimpressed.


    But what really bugged him¡ªthe guy didn''t even look at him.


    Not the car. Not the guest.


    His piercing blue eyes were locked on the porch.


    "What''s the issue?" he asked, still not looking away from the porch.


    JD bristled.


    Was he waiting for Joanne?


    JD crossed his arms and stayed silent.


    That finally made the man turn to him. He scanned JD up and down, gaze assessing, unimpressed.


    "You the paying guest?"


    JD cleared his throat. "Yes."


    At that, the man''s mouth curled into something close to a sneer.


    JD''s annoyance flared. "You''re the mechanic?" he asked coolly. "I''m Jeffrey Daniels. Everyone calls me JD. I''m working at~"


    The man barked a laugh. A real laugh cutting through JD''s words.


    "Mechanic, am I?" He smirked. "And you''re Jeffrey?" Another chuckle. "Your name''s Jeffrey?"


    JD''s brows furrowed. What the hell was so funny about his name?


    Before JD could retort, another voice cut in.


    "Liam!"


    Patrick strode over, grinning. "What do we owe the honor of having Mr. Sullivan here?" His tone was teasing¡ªtoo familiar.


    Liam''s face lit up. "We had drinks at the pub last night, Paddy. Don''t act like we don''t see each other anymore."


    Patrick chuckled, but then his expression shifted, something unreadable crossing his face. "You haven''t stepped foot here in five years," Patrick said, "ever since..." then hesitated. His gaze flicked to JD, and he cut himself off.


    JD shifted, feeling like an outsider in the conversation. Like an eavesdropper in someone else''s history. And history, it seemed, Liam had plenty of with this place.


    As JD stepped back, he noticed something else.


    The workers all knew Liam. Not just in passing. They greeted him with easy smiles, nods of familiarity¡ªlike an old friend, like someone who belonged.


    JD listened as they chatted. Liam owned the biggest garage in town. His shop handled everything¡ªcars, trucks, even farm machinery. Including Joanne''s.


    JD did some quick math in his head. Liam probably made six figures, at least.


    That didn''t bother him.


    But his relationship with Joanne did.


    Because no matter how JD looked at it, this wasn''t just a mechanic dropping by. Liam had come the second JD mentioned McDonald Farm. And somehow, he already knew JD was the paying guest.


    He kept tabs on Joanne.


    And Joanne...


    She knew his number by heart. Not the shop. His private number. She was sure he''d help. She knew him that well.


    JD watched as Liam worked his way into the crowd, acting like a man who belonged. By the time JD reached them, Liam was already unloading hay, the workers teasing him about still having farm strength.


    JD frowned.


    Why was the mechanic even helping?


    JD stepped to the side, eyeing one of the heavy bales of hay. How hard could it be?


    Turns out¡ªpretty damn hard.


    Liam made it look easy, but when JD tried to shove one aside, it barely budged. He stretched his hands out, forcing down his annoyance. He worked out, he was strong¡ªbut Liam worked with his hands.


    "Careful, city boy, Jeffrey!"


    JD turned, already irritated. Why should he call his name that way?


    Liam was smirking, arms crossed.


    JD scowled. "I can handle a little hay."


    "Sure you can," Liam said, unimpressed. Then, as if to rub it in, he picked up a bale and slung it over his shoulder.


    JD clenched his jaw.


    Before he could retort, Liam suddenly started talking¡ªabout the car, throwing out terms JD barely understood.


    "Sounds like your solenoid is bad," Liam mused, chewing his gum.


    JD blinked. "My what?"


    Liam snorted. "You don''t know what that is?"


    JD narrowed his eyes. "If I did, I wouldn''t need a mechanic."


    Liam grinned, like he enjoyed the irritation in JD''s voice.


    At that moment, the sound of another car pulling in caught both their attention.


    Not just any car. A luxury car.


    JD and Liam both turned, watching as it slowed to a stop in the driveway.


    Who the hell would drive something like that out here?


    On the porch, Joanne stepped out, balancing a coffee cup in her hands.


    She''d made it for the mechanic. The smile on her face reduced as she saw the mechanic who arrived. She never expected it to be him.


    Five years.


    Five years since Liam had set foot here. Five years since he spoke to her, since he even looked at her.


    And yet, here he was.


    Her heart fluttered with feelings that she thought she had long buried down. The approach of the car caused a stir in her stomach.


    Liam was here.


    And now... so was Jonathan Meyer.


    Joanne''s grip tightened on the coffee cup.


    Her heart pounded.


    Liam. JD. Jonathan.


    What kind of situation was this?