Page 1 of Farmer's Elegant Bride

Chapter One

Aurora

As the signage, “Hacienda Montebello,” comes into view, my heart skips a beat. I’m really doing this. Maybe I should go back. This is a bad idea. Leaving LA for Cascade Groove Town was a spur-of-the-moment decision, and now I’m starting to wonder if it was the right choice.

As we drive down the winding dirt road to the house, my breath catches in my throat. Towering trees line the driveway, and the sheer grandeur of the estate overwhelms me. The stonework around the gate gives it a touch of elegance, blending perfectly with the beautiful surroundings.

The farmhouse comes into view; it’s way larger than I imagined. It’s a stately two-story building with elegant architecture. Levi talked about remodeling the house after he purchased it, but I wasn’t expecting something this elegant.

My fingers tighten around the worn handle of the suitcase next to me as I take in the sight, suddenly feeling small. The scent of freshly cut grass wafts through my nostrils, and birds chip in the distance, their melodic tunes doing nothing to help calm the turmoil raging within me.

This is Levi Brown’s home and will be mine if we both get married. It’s been three weeks since Levi and I first connected on Brides2day.com. A decision I made almost impulsively, spurred by desperation and a fleeting sense of hope to find a companion.

We didn’t exchange photos, an unconventional choice in a world obsessed with appearances. For me, it was a deliberate decision born out of a longing to connect with someone on a deeper level beyond the surface of physical attraction.

I want to be seen for who I truly am beyond the confines of my appearance, and I yearn for someone who shares that desire—to forge a connection based on authenticity and understanding rather than mere aesthetics.

I remember the first message Levi sent. His words were direct, letting me know he didn’t have the time for games; he was looking for a real connection, and because I was looking for the same, his words drew me in like a moth to a flame.

We chatted for hours, our conversation effortlessly flowing as if we’d known each other for a lifetime. I was captivated by his intelligence and his unwavering kindness. He gave me something to look forward to each day.

Levi was ex-military. He had to retire early due to an injury he sustained while saving a colleague from a fire. He shared this with me during one of our conversations.

My existence has been a relentless cycle of comparison, a constant echo of: Why can’t you be more like your sister Emily? Why isn’t your life as perfect as your sister’s? Emily just got married. When are you going to get married? Do you even have a boyfriend? You shouldn’t eat so much if you want to maintain a healthy weight like your sister.

Mom never failed to say those words to me whenever she got the chance. And the weight of those words has burdened me for as long as I can remember, each comparison chipping away at my self-esteem. And, as if life couldn’t get any worse, I lost my job two days after my sister got promoted at her office.

Well, I won’t blame my boss for kicking me out, as I have been showing up to work late for weeks and lost interest in the job. I’d been on autopilot and sank even deeper when I lost my job.

Levi seemed like the only good thing going on for me, and when he asked me to come out and see him, I couldn’t refuse. With no options and nowhere else to turn, I decided to take the leap and meet him for real. We’re supposed to spend the weekend together, which will help us determine if we want to get married.

I liked the idea of us not sharing pictures and not telling each other what we looked like because I wanted to fall in love with sights unseen. But as I stand in front of his home, I can’t put off the feeling that I might have made a huge mistake.

What if he’s not what I expected? What if this is a mistake? What will he think of me? Will he be disappointed when he sees me?

As my Uber stops in front of the mansion, I take a deep breath, steeling myself. This is it. The moment of truth. With trembling hands, I gather my courage and step out of the car.

I’m startled when I hear barking sounds, and two hound dogs run out from behind the house, tails wagging as they stop at my feet, looking up at me with cute yet dangerous eyes. A tentative smile tugs at the corners of my lips as I bend down to greet them. Levi mentioned having dogs.

Rubbing their fur feels like second nature as if I’ve known them forever. There’s a comforting familiarity in their presence, a sense of warmth and acceptance that instantly puts me at ease.

The dogs nuzzle against my hand, their warmth a comforting contrast to the cool breeze sweeping through the air. With a gentle pat on their heads, I reluctantly tear myself away from the dogs and turn to face the Uber driver. Retrieving my wallet, I offer him a grateful smile as I hand him the fare.

“Thank you,” I murmur softly.

As the car pulls away, I hear the sound of footsteps drawing closer from behind me. When I turn, my breath catches in my throat as I take in the appearance of the man approaching me, a stark contrast to the image I had conjured in my mind.

He stands tall at six foot two or more, his frame brawny and rugged, exuding a raw masculinity that commands attention. His chest is revealed by the simple tank top he wears, muscles rippling beneath tanned skin, adorned with scars that tell tales of battles fought and won. A scar slices across his left eye, a jagged mark that adds an edge to his rugged features, somehow enhancing his allure rather than detracting from it.

I find myself drawn to the scar, my fingers itching to trace its path along his skin. It’s unexpected, this attraction to something so inherently imperfect, but there’s a magnetic pull I can’t deny.

His long hair, swept back from his face, frames sharp angles and defined cheekbones, adding to the intensity of his presence. As he draws nearer, his gaze meets mine, and I see a flicker of uncertainty in those hazel eyes.

Does he fear my reaction to his scars, or is it something else entirely? Or perhaps he’s disappointed in my looks?

For a moment, we both stare at each other, with him holding my gaze with his. Then, as if breaking through a trance, Levi’s voice slices through the silence, “Aurora.”

I like how my name rolls off his tongue, his voice deep and husky.

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