Chapter 19
T he coffee machine whirred, spewing dark liquid into the mug. The shower stopped. Conrad replaced his mug with another one for Annie and flicked the switch on the electric kettle.
The faint smell of coconut wafted into the room as she entered, adding to the aroma of baked almonds from the pastries they had picked up on the way back from the hospital.
Conrad took a deep breath, letting the mingling scents fill his lungs. He could get used to this.
“Feeling better?” he asked, glancing at her. She looked angelic in the white bathrobe, her curly hair framing her still pale face.
“Much.” Her voice was raspy.
“Sounds like you need a drink.”
Conrad poured hot water into her coffee to top it up, added a spoonful of cream, and carried both mugs to the coffee table near the sofa.
“How about the patio?” Annie opened the double doors, inhaling deeply. The fresh air brought in warmth and the fragrance of lilacs.
He nodded and followed her outside.
Annie shivered in her bathrobe. “Give me a sec. It’s not as warm as I thought.” She hurried back inside.
Conrad whistled softly as he followed her, picking up plates and the bag containing a selection of pastries. Among them was his favourite Palmier—a sweet, heart-shaped layered delight. While he was arranging the treats on the patio table, she reappeared in the doorway wearing the leggings and jumper he’d bought for her the other day.
“Better.” Annie smiled as she strolled toward him. “Thank you for washing them.”
Conrad chuckled. “Don’t thank me. I’d be lost without Colton. I don’t even know when he did the laundry.”
She curled her legs beneath her as she settled into an armchair. Conrad leaned back on a lounger with a raised backrest, stretching out his legs.
Home. Great coffee, lovely weather, and a beautiful woman. Life’s little joys.
“I talked to my sister. She’s prepped the room for me.”
The joy in him flickered and dimmed. “What’s the rush? When I said you could stay for a few days, I meant it.”
“Well, I don’t want to intrude.”
“Well, you need a quiet place to stay, and I won’t even be here. I’ve got business to attend to.” His forehead creased as he remembered his appointment with the estate agent later that day.
She smiled faintly and looked away.
Conrad swallowed, debating whether this was the right moment to ask. “So ... ”
Her emerald eyes returned, focusing on him with full attention. He cleared his throat.
“Tell me about this guy I put in jail for you.”
The corners of Annie’s lips curled up, but her eyes remained guarded. Maybe he shouldn’t have joked about it. But how else could he bring the subject?
“Sorry, I shouldn’t—”
Annie waved her hand, and this time her smile reached her eyes.
“No, it’s fine. You have the right to know. After all, you fought him for me.”
She invited a joke here, but it didn’t seem like the right time to respond with a juvenile comment.
“Well.” She took a sip from her mug and licked her lips. “There isn’t much to it. We were together for a few years. I thought he was different when I met him.”
“You’re not married to him, are you?”
She chuckled. “No, I’m not marrying every guy I meet, you know.”
“You can’t blame me. I’ve had a *different* experience.” He winked at her.
“Touché. But no.”
Her gaze wandered toward the orchard, and for a moment, it seemed like she’d forgotten their conversation.
“You said he’d changed.”
Her expression darkened.
“No, I don’t think he did. I think I was blind. When I met him, Darren was charming, and I thought I’d finally found a good guy after my previous marriage disaster.”
Conrad raised his eyebrows. “Marriage? So, you’re actually married to someone else?”
Annie shook her head. “Not for a long time. Divorced. Remember that guy I was running from the other day?”
Conrad nodded.
“That was my ex-husband. Not only did I lose years of my life to him, but also all my money.”
“Your marriage fund?”
“Yeah. He gambled it away.” Annie leaned over and touched his arm, her warm fingers sending a tingle through his skin. “Please don’t tell my parents. They don’t know.”
“About the marriage?”
“No, the money. I wouldn’t hear the end of it.”
“So, what did you tell them?”
“Bad investment.”
He chuckled. “Can’t argue with that.”
She laughed, the sound bubbling out of her until tears formed in her eyes. But then the laughter shifted, turning brittle. Was she laughing or crying now?
“Annie?”
“I’m fine. Very bad investment indeed.”
“Do they know about ... ”
“Darren?”
Conrad nodded. He wanted to ask about the baby, but maybe that would come next.
“They do now. He barged into their house a few days ago. But before that, well ... one of the things he did was keep me isolated. It came on slowly, you know.” Annie shook her head. “I missed the signs. At first, he kept telling me that he and I were family, that we didn’t need anyone else, and that my parents didn’t understand me. And I totally fell for it. Stupid, huh?”
“No, not at all. You had no reason to doubt his intentions, I guess.”
“Then he became very controlling, upset whenever I left the house without him, so I stopped doing it. Visits to my sister or any friends were out of the question after a while.”
“That must’ve been awful.”
“Not really. My relationship with my parents is, at best, strained. The only person I was close to was my sister, and since we moved around a lot, I never built any work relationships.”
“So, you worked?”
“Yes, bartending. Moving from pub to pub. Every time I got settled, we either moved or he made a scene, and I’d have to quit.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, but it explains your skills. I thought you were a natural.”
Her soft chuckle warmed him.
“Old story now. Anyway, I always thought he was just a normal businessman with a bit of a temper. But one day I overheard him on the phone, instructing someone to solve a problem with a person who had a funny name. A few days later, I heard that name on the news. The guy was badly beaten and in the hospital, while his house burned down.”
“Oh my God, Annie.” He took her hands in his.
“Yeah. I still convinced myself it was a coincidence, but I started noticing things. Finally, several days ago, when I was home alone, a post came through with an invitation to my sister’s wedding. It said the wedding was on the 7th of May, literally a few days away, and in an attached note, she asked why I wasn’t answering calls or emails.”
“And why weren’t you?”
“I lost my phone at some point. In hindsight, I think he took it. And truth be told, I had no money to buy a new one. As for the emails—”
“Let me guess. No internet?”
“No. I checked my emails on the only computer at home every evening. But there was never anything interesting.”
“So, do you know what happened with your sister’s emails?”
“Yeah. That day, I broke the rule and entered Darren’s study when he wasn’t there. And checked those emails again.”
“And?”
“And still nothing. I checked spam. Nothing there. Then I checked the bin folder.”
He narrowed his eyes. “And?”
Annie frowned, the green in her eyes darkening. “He hadn’t cleaned it. There were many.”
“Bloody hell, Annie.”
“Yeah. When I saw it, I grabbed a few possessions, took some cash from his drawer, and left the house through the window as he always locked the doors before leaving.”
Wow.
If he’d known, he would’ve thrown a few more punches at that scumbag.
“I’m so sorry you had to go through that. At least you’re safe now.”
“Yes.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”
She raised her mug and held it close to her chest. “I want you to know I will void the marriage and tell everyone it was my fault.” Her tone carried a firm resolve.
Conrad opened and closed his mouth. “Thanks.”
What else could he say? That it wasn’t exactly helping him right now? It wouldn’t save the people who would lose their jobs when the sale went through. Maybe he could cut a deal with the new owner to keep his staff.
He sighed. It was his problem, not Annie’s.
“What about your parents? They’ll be disappointed.”
Her face lit up. “I count on it.” Holding her mug in both hands, she took a long swig from it.
“They’re still your parents. They did it for you and your sister.”
She smirked and finished her coffee.
“Want another one?”
Annie glanced at her empty mug. “Tea, please, and then I think I’ll be going.”
Conrad got up, collecting both mugs. “Seriously, Annie, stay till tomorrow at least. Doctor’s orders, remember?”
She looked up at him with those emerald eyes without saying a word.
***
?
A hoot from an owl yanked Annie from her nap. The late evening hum of crickets floated on the warm breeze, accompanied by the sweet, potent scent of night-blooming flowers.
Shaking off the stiffness in her neck, she stretched and pulled the soft blanket higher, wrapping it tightly around herself against the evening chill.
“Conrad?”
The patio lights flickered, casting a mellow glow across the space. The heater purred in the corner, bathing the area in a snug, cosy warmth. From the dimness, Conrad emerged, balancing two boxes of pizza. The scent of garlic and pepperoni wafted through the air, and her stomach growled.
“You must be a mind reader.” Annie sat up straight, pushing the blanket to the side.
The corners of his mouth curled upward. “Hard not to be, considering you’ve been out cold all day. Colton even said you were snoring.”
“I do not snore!” She feigned indignation, but the corners of her mouth twitched upward.
Conrad placed the pizzas on the patio table, undoing his tie in a casual, unhurried gesture. She couldn’t decide if she liked him more in a suit or a T-shirt.
“You look smart. What’s the occasion?”
His smile faded. “I went to see the estate agent.”
“About that country club?” Annie picked up a slice with her fingers. “You’re still going to buy it?”
“No.” Conrad sighed, sinking into a lounger opposite her.
“No?” She cocked her head while shoving a slice into her mouth.
His gaze wandered toward the darkness, and it didn’t seem like he’d heard her at all. Annie chewed on her pizza, listening to the leaves rustling in the wind.
Finally, he shifted in his seat and turned toward her.
“The truth is ... ” he began, his fingers fiddling with the pizza box. “I counted on that marriage fund money. It would’ve pulled me out of debt.”
“What?” She nearly choked on her pizza, washing it down with a gulp of water.
“Please, before you say anything.” He touched her arm lightly. “I would’ve paid it all back and made your sister a co-owner of the inns.”
Annie licked her lips, the tingling sensation on her arm distracting her. “Wait, what about the country club?”
“I—” Conrad swallowed and averted his gaze. “I lied about the club, Annie. It was never for sale. I needed that money.”
She furrowed her brows, trying to make sense of what she was hearing. “But I thought you were ... well, rich?”
His grim chuckle sent a shiver down her spine. “The pandemic hit hard, Annie. I was lucky I only lost money.” He stretched his arms and put them behind his head. “That money would’ve solved everything.”
Annie scoffed. “Your problem, but my sister’s money.”
He licked his lips and focused his deep blue eyes on her. “I would never deceive anyone like that if it were just about me. You need to believe me.”
She clicked her tongue. “What do you mean?”
“My staff—” He raked his hand through his hair. “They might lose their jobs when I sell.”
Oh, that’s what the waitress meant!
“And it was a good deal for both sides. Your family would get the cottage, and I could save my inns while making your sister’s life very comfortable.”
The implications hit her like a sledgehammer. The marriage. Her parents. The inheritance. Her mind whirred, replaying her parents’ words, ensuring Annie that Conrad wouldn’t be worse off without the cottage. If anything, they’d claimed taking it off his hands would make his life easier.
Easier my ass. Her breathing quickened as she realised how close she had come to deceiving a person in trouble. Her parents. Damn greedy parents. A sour taste filled her mouth.
“My parents ... ” She sucked in some air.
How much should she tell him? It didn’t matter now, and sharing more might only make him feel worse.
“They don’t care about anyone but themselves. As for Louise ... ” Annie swallowed, watching his eyes darken. “You need to understand.” Her voice trembled. “Louise couldn’t go through with the marriage. She ... she’s gay.”
Conrad exhaled audibly and hid his face in his hands, his shoulders sagging. The silence stretched, the pizza forgotten.
“Was today about selling your inns?” Annie broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper.
“No. It was about my house in Bath. There’s a buyer.” His eyes met hers, a spark of determination in their depths. “It might help delay the foreclosures.”
“But that’s your home!” Her protest was met with a shake of his head.
“No, Annie.” A hint of a sad smile appeared on his lips. “Haven’t you guessed it yet?”
Guessed what?
She tilted her head, puzzled.
“This cottage is my home. It always was.”
***
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T he suitcase rattled on the wooden floor as Conrad pulled it toward the door, with Annie strolling beside him. He inhaled her coconut-infused scent for the last time before opening the cottage door and letting the morning air sweep in. The sun still hung low over the horizon, and mist wove through the trees.
“You’re sure you don’t have time for breakfast?” Conrad’s eyes pleaded, even though he knew it would only delay the inevitable. Breakfast or not, she would still leave.
Annie shook her head. “No, I can still feel that pizza from last night sitting in my stomach.” She laughed, patting her belly.
“So, this is it.” Annie’s words ricocheted off the silent walls, her figure framed by the open door, the suitcase handle resting firmly in her hand.
An unexpected wind blew in from outside, weaving its chilly fingers through her hair, creating a playful disarray. She tucked the strands behind her ears in a manner Conrad had already come to recognise, and pushed the suitcase to one side, stepping closer to him.
“Yes. It was—” Conrad cleared his throat.
Great? Horrible? All of it.
“An eventful week.”
She laughed in that carefree way of hers. He wished he could do the same.
“So, what now?” he asked.
“As I said, I’ll void the marriage tomorrow, and you can forget all about us.”
“Yeah.”
He didn’t want to forget it. Or her. He didn’t want to forget her.
A murmur of an engine caught his attention, and he turned toward the road. A silver car approached, winding its way toward the cottage.
“Must be your taxi.”
Annie shivered and rubbed her arms. “Yes, it must be.”
“Cold?” Conrad pointed to the suitcase. “Do you need your jumper?”
She shook her head. “No, I’ll be fine. The cab is almost here.”
“Annie—” Conrad swallowed hard. He wanted to say so many things, to ask her to stay, but he couldn’t. Not yet anyway.
She looked at him with those emerald eyes, sighed, and said, “I guess this time it’s an actual goodbye.”
Conrad wanted to hug her, to feel her body against his, her head resting on his shoulder. Instead, he extended his hand. She took it, shaking it firmly. “I guess it is.”
The taxi’s wheels screeched on the gravel outside the cottage just as his phone buzzed.
Conrad glanced at the notification bar. It wasn’t a text. The phone buzzed again, displaying an unknown number—a déjà vu. His heart beat faster.
Annie touched his arm. “What’s up?”
“Not sure,” he said, answering the phone. “Hello?”
“Good morning, Conrad. I trust you’re well.”
“Good morning, Richard. How are you?”
Annie’s eyes widened. In a hushed tone, she asked, “Is it my dad?”
Conrad nodded.
“I thought I’d check when we could book that reading of the will. Time is not on our side, you know.” Richard’s tone had a high pitch, hinting at his impatience.
“A will reading?” Conrad glanced at Annie, silently pleading for help.
She covered her mouth with her hand and whispered so softly he had to strain to hear. “Tell him to book it for Tuesday.”
He furrowed his brows and mouthed, “What?”
“Conrad, are you there, my boy?”
“Yes, Richard. Just checking my schedule.”
Covering the receiver, he turned back to Annie. “Why would I go to the reading?”
“We both will.” She giggled. “And I’ll tell them there that I’ve voided the marriage. So, they’ll be left with nothing and no time to do anything about it.”
Devious woman. He chuckled.
“Right, Richard. I think Tuesday would work. Will that be fine for you?”
“How about Monday? You know, Tuesday is the last day, and I’d hate for something to go wrong at the last minute.”
Ah, that’s why Annie suggested Tuesday. Conrad shook his head, smiling.
“I’m very sorry, but I can’t possibly be ready by Monday. I hope you understand.”
He heard an audible sigh on the other end.
“Tuesday it is. I’ll email you the arrangements.”
“Excellent.”
The car door opened, and the driver stepped out of the cab.
“May I speak to my daughter?”
Annie shook her head firmly.
“Not now, Richard. She’s—” The taxi boot opened with a thud. “At home. And I’m at work. Sorry, have to go.”
Conrad disconnected the call a second before the driver called for Annie and grabbed her suitcase.
“Let’s get you packed.”
“Thank you.” She smiled, walking beside him to the car.
“I’ll see you on Tuesday, then?” He shoved the suitcase into the open boot.
Annie nodded. “Would you pick me up from Louise’s place? I’ll be staying there.”
“Absolutely.”
“See you then.” She rose on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. His heart somersaulted.?