Chapter 10
Chapter
Ten
WORKING HEIRESS
Ella
“I never saw her coming and now she’s all I see.” – S
T he hot afternoon sun blazes over the ranch as I make my way towards the stables to start my day. The crunch of gravel under my boots echoes softly in the crisp air. I haven’t had time to truly appreciate the beauty of this place. It’s a beauty that forces you to stop and admire just how wonderful Mother Nature is. I pause, breath catching at the breathtaking sight before me.
In the distance, rugged mountains stretch their mighty peaks towards the sky, almost kissing the blue above us. The mountains are covered with patches of evergreen forests.
Reaching for my instant camera, I take a quick photo, wanting to capture this perfect view forever. “Wow,” I whisper, amazed by how this simple yet stunning place can elicit so much peace within me.
Shaw’s ranch sprawls out beneath me, with rolling hills and wide pastures stretching endlessly. Wooden fences crisscross the landscape, dividing fields where horses graze peacefully. A herd of chestnut and palomino horses moves gracefully through the dewy grass. Above me, birds circle in the clear blue sky, their calls echoing across the ranch. Captivated by the beauty around me, I take another quick picture, hoping to capture this moment forever.
I pocket the small, squared picture and continue my way towards the stables. Once there, I push open the old wooden door, greeted immediately by the unmistakable scent of hay and the soft nickers of horses. Sunlight filters through the cracks in the barn boards, casting warm, dancing patterns on the ground.
I take in the stable with wide, curious eyes. This sanctuary for the horses is filled with rustic charm and elegance. Wooden beams stretch overhead, adorned with hanging lanterns. Each stall is immaculate, lined with fresh straw and brass fittings. My gaze sweeps across a large room, where bridles and saddles hang neatly on hooks, gleaming in the sunlight. A row of windows on one side frames the landscape outside, with rolling hills and mountains in the distance.
I can’t help but smile as I take in the sights and sounds around me—the quiet rustling of horses munching on their feed and the occasional whinny echoing softly through the stable. That’s when I see them: three beautiful horses.
I stand with my heart filled with excitement as I introduce myself to the three magnificent horses: Peppermint, Geraldine, and Peanut. I know their names because Shaw shared them with me right before he left to take a call, about fifteen minutes ago. The three horses are not the only ones on the ranch, but from the tender look on Shaw’s face, I know these three mean the most to him. That’s why, after he gave me a tour of his land and shared a little about the businesses he runs here, I decided to come to the stables and introduce myself to his beautiful beasts.
Being here with the horses takes me back to a time when Mom and I would spend countless hours with our beloved horse, Bliss. Bliss was our beautiful white Lipizzan, and she brought us so much joy. Remembering my sweet girl hurts my heart and is bittersweet. Still, I smile wide as I get closer to the horses.
With gentle strides, I approach the first horse, Peppermint, a sleek chestnut with a dark, soulful eyes. “Well, hello there, Peppermint,” I whisper softly, extending my hand for the beautiful creature to sniff. “I’m so pleased to meet you. My name is Ella.” I smile wider when the horse tilts his head. “You look like royalty, Pepper,” I tease.
This is the one Shaw took for a ride around the ranch yesterday morning. I saw them while peeking through the window and caught him gently stroking the horse, his touch brimming with tenderness. It was sweet and didn’t surprise me at all. The Shaw I once knew had a soft heart and a gentle soul. He’s changed, yes, but there’s still a trace of the man he used to be. With the animals, he’s different— softer, less grumpy— than he ever is with people.
I turn my attention to Geraldine, a gentle horse with a coat as white as a snowy winter day. This one reminds me of Bliss, and suddenly my heart starts to ache, but I push through the sadness. “And you must be Geraldine,” I whisper softly, my smile widening. “What a lovely name for such a stunning girl. I can already tell we’re going to be great friends, sweetheart.” The lovely creature holds her ears forward as if interested in what I’m saying. “Oh, you’re so smart,” I laugh.
My gaze falls upon the third horse, Peanut. The one acting up inside his stall—a playful baby with mischievous eyes. “Ah, you must be Peanut,” I chuckle, watching the horse nuzzle my hand. “You’ve got quite the personality, don’t you, sweet boy?” The happy horse licks my hand, making me laugh. “I have a feeling we’re going to have some fun adventures together.”
The pang in my chest fades away, replaced by a sense of peace—one I haven’t felt in a while. It’s true. I haven’t felt this calm and peaceful anywhere but here, on this ranch with Shaw and his beautiful beasts. Surrounded by the horses’ warm energy, I feel as if I belong. I’ve never felt such an immense feeling of joy rushing through me, yet I feel it here. My heart soars as I revel in this feeling.
“Oh!” I exclaim, clapping my hands together as an idea pops into my head. “How about while we wait for Shaw Bear, I give you three makeovers? Doesn’t that sound fun?” I wiggle my eyebrows playfully and laugh when Peppermint’s eyes narrow, looking skeptical. It’s quite comical.
I don’t think Shaw would mind if I tended to his horses. Would he? I have no idea about the livestock or poppy field business, but if it’s something Shaw does and enjoys, then I’m more than willing to help during my stay here. I don’t want to be a burden, even if he’s getting paid to guard and protect me. I still want to be useful to him, plus it will help pass the time. So, I quickly work on brushing the horses’ manes, then run to the garden where I see pretty, colorful flowers, plucking some before making my way back to the stalls.
Gently, I tuck delicate daisy flowers into each horse’s mane. They look almost ethereal, as if they’re horses from another world. The flowers add a touch of natural beauty to their already magnificent appearance.
I’m adding the last flower to Peppermint’s mane when he stomps his hooves dramatically. “There,” I murmur softly, stepping back to admire my handiwork. “Now you all look even more beautiful.” And they do.
All three of my sisters would adore the horses’ new appearances, especially my youngest, Evie. Like our mom, she has a deep love for horses— so much so that our parents gifted her a pony for her birthday last year. She’s the kindest, and sweetest soul, caring for Lottie, her horse, with so much love. Ambrose, on the other hand, never had much interest in wildlife or nature, but she can’t resist a good epic makeover.
As I watch the horses and think of my sisters, another idea pops up—the idea of capturing this moment and sharing it with my family so they don’t feel so far away. Shaw did say I could post on social media, and I will—but not the intimate moments. Those I reserve only for the people who truly care about me, not for what anyone might read online.
I pick up my small, pink Polaroid camera from the ground, a perfect match for the picturesque scene. With a grin, I hold the camera up, framing all three horses and myself in the viewfinder before pressing the shutter button. As the camera clicks and captures the moment, I can’t help but feel a rush of happiness coursing through me.
With the small photo in hand, I turn back to my three new friends, my smile genuine. “Thank you for letting me capture this moment,” I say, my voice filled with warmth. “You were all so sweet to me. Even you, Pepper boy.” And with that, I tuck the photo into my skirt pocket, hoping to hold onto this peaceful feeling forever.
Shaw
After breakfast, I show Ella around the ranch and explain the business I manage here. I tell her about the poppy fields and the livestock. She has a smile on her face throughout our walk and seems genuinely interested. Her enthusiasm is refreshing, a surprise given my expectations of hesitation or boredom.
That’s all she has done since arriving—proving me wrong every single time.
After giving her the rundown of ranch life, I leave briefly to answer Ben’s call. My cousin calls every day for updates on the Kenton heiress. He shares something that makes the hairs on the back of my neck rise: They still haven’t located the sick fuck after the Kentons. The stalker has sent more packages to their residence, each one for a different sibling.
No more disturbing mail has arrived at Ella’s apartment, suggesting the stalker knows she’s no longer there. Some might think they’ve given up, but I know better. Predators don’t quit; they bide their time, waiting the perfect moment to strike again.
But they won’t get the chance to get to Ella. The family has tripled their security since we last spoke. I also told Ella to keep posting on social media. Yes, she shares more, but I ensure her posts can’t be traced back here. Her uncle Riagan O’Sullivan— the Godfather of Philadelphia—- has his best hacker, Maeve, working tirelessly to block any cyber threats and track down the creep.
I’m confident the family will handle this threat swiftly and Ella will be home safely soon.
Why does the thought of her leaving make my chest tighten?
As I contemplate her return, an unexpected pang tightens in my chest. It’s a strange sensation I can’t quite rationalize. Why does the thought of her leaving affect me this way? She’s just a girl from another world so different from my own. The sudden rush of emotions she stirs in me is disturbing and dangerous.
Not wanting to dwell on these unwanted feelings, I search for her and eventually find her in the stables.
I’m not worried about her safety. She’s secure here, safer than anywhere else. My land is protected with high-end security equipment, and no one would dare step inside without facing me.
There have been rumors about me for years—rumors that I lost my mind after losing my Ma and that’s why I rarely leave the ranch. I never bothered to correct them. The rumors keep people away from me and my land.
Now that I spotted her, I can finally breathe. I hadn’t even realized I was holding my breath.
I step into the dimly lit stables; my footsteps are muffled by the soft straw beneath my boots. The scent of hay and horses wraps around me like a comforting embrace. As I round the corner, I halt at the sight before me.
Ella stands near the horses, not dressed in a cowgirl getup but in an outfit that should be a crime. She wears a soft pink long skirt that hugs her curves and a white tube top that enhances her ample figure. Shit. I can’t look away. The strapless neckline reveals her shoulders, and she wears a thin gold necklace that seems to mean a lot to her.
Her dark curls fall down her shoulders, framing her delicate face. She is a vision of natural beauty. Fuck, even without makeup, she robs me of my breath.
Then the loveliest sound fills the air—a melody of joy and contentment that breaks the trance she has me under.
Peppermint tosses his head playfully beside Ella, his mane adorned with a colorful array of wildflowers.
Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
What the fuck? There’s that pain in my chest again.
For a moment, I simply watch, captivated. Ella’s radiant smile and interaction with my horse—a horse that’s usually a complete asshole—are more beautiful than any view from my windows.
I see she has stolen Peppermint’s heart.
As I keep my gaze fixed on her, a small smile tugs at my lips. It feels weird and foreign. She talks to the horses as if they understand every word. It’s endearing how she treats them like friends and not mere animals. And those flowers... adding them to the horses’ manes with such care, as if preparing them for a grand celebration.
Laughter bubbles inside me as I watch her.
Lovely, lovely heiress… What are you doing to me?
I realize I’ve misjudged her completely. She’s neither a spoiled brat nor a clueless heiress. I must admit I judged her without giving her a chance.
She’s still the girl who would make her father’s men dress up and have tea parties with her, making them laugh for hours with her silly antics. The girl who would notice if you were having a bad day and tell you a joke or give you a compliment to brighten your day. She was a little menace but oh so sweet.
That girl is here now.
Who adds flowers to the mane of a horse while chatting with them? She does.
She’s certainly unique, adorable, and maybe a little cuckoo. Yet, in a world full of darkness and chaos, her uniqueness and kindness remind me of how sweet life can be.
As if sensing my presence, Ella turns, her blue eyes widening in surprise before breaking into a delighted grin. “Oh! I didn’t see you there,” she exclaims, her cheeks flushed. “Have you been here the entire time?” she asks, sounding embarrassed.
She shouldn’t be embarrassed, but I don’t tell her that.
Instead, I find myself at a loss for words, struck dumb by the loveliness of this moment. After a second that feels like an hour, I clear my throat. “You gave the horses makeovers…” I point out, my gaze lingering on her twinkling eyes.
“I sure did! Animals deserve to be spoiled too!” she replies, stepping closer without fear. I hate being so close to others, yet I don’t mind her invading my space. I should, but strangely, I don’t. “Come join us! There’s plenty of flowers to go around.” Her smile is both gentle and inviting.
There’s nothing I would hate more than wasting time putting flowers in the horses’ manes, but somehow my traitorous feet move closer. I reach out to touch the soft petals she carries in a small basket, realizing that in this moment, surrounded by her joyful laughter, I’ve found something I haven’t felt in years.
Peace.
Peace and joy.
As I join Ella and the horses, I feel something shift inside me. Something I wasn’t quite ready to admit yet. Something I started feeling from the moment I first saw her on that desolate road, dressed in high-end brands, so out of reach for a man like me.
She’s the type of woman most men would dream about, yet few could ever be deserving. I am one of those men.
“I love them already,” Ella whispers as she brushes Geraldine’s soft mane.
With a lump in my throat, I touch one of the petals on Peppermint’s mane and stifle a laugh when the horse looks at me disapprovingly.
He always had a sour mood. I guess I’m not so different from him.
“Horses are easy to love,” I admit. I don’t know how Ella does it, but she gets me to share more than I ever do with anyone else.
And it’s only been a couple of days. I’m afraid to think about what she might be capable of if she stays longer.
“Life has taught me that sometimes animals are more compassionate and kinder than humans,” she whispers, her voice tinged with sadness.
I see Ella gazing at Geraldine with distant sadness. What changed? She was just beaming with happiness.
A painful pressure builds in my chest. It’s different from the ache I felt when watching her smile. I don’t like it. I don’t like it at all. “What’s wrong?” I bark, feeling uneasy.
She turns to me, her blue eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “It’s just... I miss her,” she confesses, her voice barely a whisper.
“Your mom?” I ask, thinking of the first person who comes to mind.
She shakes her head.
I sigh, feeling helpless as I watch her with a sad smile. I hate her sad smiles just as much as the fake ones.
Understanding dawns on me. Ella had a horse she loved dearly when she was younger. “Bliss?” I ask softly, remembering the horse’s name.
Ella nods, a single tear tracing down her cheek. “You remember her name,” she whispers, her voice thick with emotion. “She made me so happy. Bliss was my friend for so long, my confidant.”
“Was?” I ask, knowing the answer already.
She is quiet for a moment before saying, “She left us.”
Her horse died. The one gifted by her father to his wife but shared by mother and daughter. “I’m sorry,” I tell her sincerely.
“Losing her... was like losing a piece of myself.” She shrugs and wipes the tears from her cheeks.
I feel a lump in my throat. Shit. Goddamn tears.
I wish I could erase the pain from her face and replace it with the lightness I saw when she laughed among my horses. I truly despise tears, but her tears—especially hers—undo me.
The more I look at her sad eyes, the more helpless I feel. What should I do? What should I say? I haven’t dealt with someone with a soft heart like hers in a long time.
Struck by a sudden impulse, I blurted out, “Would you like to go for a ride through the tulip fields?” I say through gritted teeth.
Ella wipes a tear away, her eyes widening in surprise. Then a radiant smile breaks across her face, illuminating everything in sight, including part of my tattered soul.