Page 28 of Crossroads of Love

Not that I expected anything less. Even though I don’t need any of it, it still hurts.

My fingers dig into the armrest as I silently pray for this to be over soon. The sooner I get out of Hicks Creek and forget aboutthis, the better. I’m so on edge, so tense from being here that I’ll have to get a good run and a workout in when I get home.

“There’s… one final stipulation,” Mike says, clearing his throat. “Henry wanted to ensure that the farm stays in the family, specifically with Jayla and Lena.”

I take a deep breath, fighting the urge to roll my eyes.

Not even going to let me have my childhood home, I see. Thanks for the final fuck you, Dad.

“I’m not surprised that he left me nothing. I am wondering why the hell I needed to be here in person for you to reiterate that my father hated me,” I practically growl as I lean forward.

Lena shifts in her seat, her eyes narrowing as she glances at me.

“Henry put in a condition. Gavin, in order for Lena and Jayla to inherit the farm, you are required to remain in Hicks Creek for the next year. You must live here and contribute to the upkeep of the farm.”

Excuse me?

“What?” I snap. “He wants me to stay here for a year? Are you serious?”

“I’m afraid so. It was his final wish.”

I glance at Lena, expecting her to look just as surprised, but instead, I see the storm brewing in her eyes.

Did she know?

I’m livid. It’s taking everything in me to curb my anger. He never respected me or the life that I busted my ass to build for myself. It all still boils down to Henry Wells getting the last laugh to make sure I come back to the Podunk bullshit town.

“This is ridiculous,” I mutter, standing from my chair. “He can’t force me to stay here. I have a life, a job, back in the city.”

“Gavin,” Lena hisses. “Sit down.”

I turn to face her with my hands clenched into fists at my sides. “Why? So you can tell me how I should just throweverything away and stay in this town that I left behind? You know I can’t do that.”

My anger is at a tipping point. I know I need to stop and take a few breaths, but I can’t. I’m so mad at the idea of being trapped in this place for a year.

I can’t leave my job, my home, my friends, and the life I’ve built. People there rely on me.

She stands, her eyes locking onto mine. “Why is it so horrible for you to stay? You can do everything remotely now. The farm isn’t just some property, Gavin. It’s your family’s legacy. It’s Jayla’s legacy.”

“I didn’t ask for this. I didn’t ask to come back here and get pulled into all of this. I don’t want to be a farmer. I’m a day trader. I have a life on Wall Street. I have a penthouse in the city. VIP access to the best clubs and restaurants. I made something out of my life, and just because he never understood it or cared doesn’t mean he can force me to give all that up. I have kids, man…I have kids at the youth center who rely on me, who need my guidance. I…” I let out a low growl as I shake my head. “What, is there a clause in there that I have to become the fucking sheriff, too?” I hiss.

I run my hands over my face as I turn around and try to calm down.

How dare that asshole do this to me?He knew that I wouldn’t turn my back on Jayla and Lena.

Collin…he’s one of the kids I mentor in the city. I don’t know how he’ll handle me not being there anymore. Both his parents abandoned him, and now my dad is forcing me to do the same thing.

Lena’s voice cracks as she speaks, her frustration bubbling over. “No one is disputing that you made an amazing life for yourself, and Henry wasn’t forcing you to give that life up either. Jesus, Gavin, he was damn proud of you, but… you’re acting likethis town, this farm, this life…like it’s some burden you can’t wait to shake off. You used to love the farm.”

My jaw tightens, and I can’t find the words.I’m too angry to speak.

So much for all these assholes telling me that Dad was proud of me. Actions speak louder than words, right?

“I’m going to give you two time alone,” Michael offers quickly as he stands and leaves the room.

“I didn’t… I didn’t know how to stay,” I finally admit angrily.

I raise my arm to point at the door, and Lena flinches and ducks as her face turns white. My stomach drops immediately. Did she think I was going to hit her? Why would she think that?

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