Page 86 of Sweet Madness

How many times has he wanted to fall apart but wouldn’t allow himself to?

Last night, I wasn’t lying when I told him that he didn’t have to carry his burdens alone anymore. I’m here now, and I don’t plan on going anywhere.

This ranch. This town. This man.

Yeah, this is my home.

Space Note

“Quick, how many stars are there in the Milky Way? There are 200-400 billion stars in our galaxy. I be you didn’t know that.” — E

Chapter

Twenty-Three

BRIGHTEST STAR

Ella

“All good things take time.” – E

When I reach the stables, the evening sky is painted in hues of pink and gold, with a gentle breeze blowing my hair. I find peace here, but I do not find Shaw. He must’ve mounted Peppermint and disappeared through the fields.

After talking with my parents, my heart feels calm, but my mind is still a mess with thoughts of a suffering Shaw. I hate seeing him in pain. I don’t ever want to witness it again. I truly hope all his days moving forward are filled with happiness and peace.

Knowing that the reason I can’t find him is probably because he doesn’t want to be found, I decide to let him be. With a sigh of resolve, I saddle Geraldine. With a gentle pat on her neck, I mount the horse and guide her toward the path leading to the lake.

The ride, although short, is soothing, with the rhythmic sound of hoofbeats mingling with the rustle of leaves in the evening breeze. As we approach the lake, the sun dips lower on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the water’s surface. It is a magical scene, untouched by all that has hurt me today.

As I ride Geraldine, everything that was holding me back slowly fades with the wind, allowing me to breathe freely.

When we arrive, I dismount near the shore, letting Geraldine graze nearby as I take a moment to absorb the breathtakingly beautiful surroundings.

You can’t get this kind of scene in the city…

Before me lies a magnificent lake, mirroring hues of pink and gold like a flawless mirror. It seems as if the sun is kissing the water.

Soon, thoughts of Shaw invade my mind. I think of how happy he makes me just by being next to me or sharing a fleeting smile. Without words, he makes me feel like the prettiest girl or the most special creature to ever exist. With him, I feel completely myself and don’t worry if I say or do the wrong thing. I simply exist, and there’s nothing more beautiful or perfect than that. I know that with him, I can be myself, and he won’t judge or mock me.

I think of how he has stepped out of his comfort zone just to make me happy, perhaps without realizing it or acknowledging it. Deep down in my soul, I know that what has bloomed between us is more than just a friendship.

Does he?

The image of his whiskey-brown eyes races through my mind, causing my heart to race in my chest. I’ve never felt this with anyone else, which is how I know he’s the one for me—my favorite galaxy. My very own constellation.

Looking at the sunset, I smile with my entire heart, allowing that blissful feeling of love to spread through my body. With that same smile and a happy heart, I walk toward the shore of the lake, its surface shimmering like liquid gold under the fading light of the sun. I love the sounds of nature in the background—the rustle of leaves and the distant call of birds dancing below the clouds.

I hesitate only briefly, glancing around to ensure I am truly alone, then slowly shed my sundress, the fabric slipping from my shoulders to pool at my feet. Standing at the water’s edge, I take a deep breath, letting the cool evening air kiss my skin.

The water beckons, its surface rippling invitingly. With each step, I feel a sense of peace that only happens while I am here, on this ranch, with its owner by my side.

Without thinking twice, I step into the lake, the water enveloping me in its refreshing embrace. The initial shock of coldness fades away as I begin to swim, each stroke cutting through the water with determination.

How is it that in this small town I feel the freest? I never imagined such freedom could exist, especially for me, but it has. In this blissful place, I feel as though I’m in my own world, and nothing can touch me. At least, nothing bad.

As I swim happily under the gaze of the setting sun, I welcome the inner peace this place offers me. My movements are gentle and effortless as I let the water carry me.

Then, sensing someone’s gaze upon me, I slowly turn, somehow feeling him before seeing him. As I pivot, my eyes meet his. Even from a distance, I find myself lost in those whiskey-brown eyes. No one on this earth has eyes like Shaw Banning.

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