Page 42 of Runaway Bride For The Rancher

“I didn’t deserve that!” I said to myself. It wasn’t emotionally healthy, but I was hung up on the past. I clutched to it so tight and would not let go, regardless of how hard I tried.

A tear rolled down my cheek as I leaned my head on my palm, supported by my elbow on the bed.

My alarm rang. I sluggishly slammed my hand on it to turn it off. “Shut up!” I screamed angrily.

I didn’t have the slightest control over my emotions that morning, and Aunt Nelly did well to let me be.

I buried my face over my pillow, pressed it tight to me, and screamed into it. Then, I slapped the foam a couple of times. I thought it would make me feel better, but it didn’t. I felt like a mess.!

A soft bang on the door.

“I know you’re not okay, but you’ve to go to the ranch today, remember?” Aunt Nelly came with a reminder.

“You’re supposed to check how the cows are doing from the treatment you administered yesterday.” She added. Her voice was faint, and she sounded exhausted.

I didn’t respond. I could tell she was still standing there because I didn’t hear her footsteps walking away. She was either waiting for a response or observing if something wasn’t right. I didn’t think of what my actions were doing to her, I just acted.

“Olivia?” I heard her call out with a curious tone. “Are you there?” she asked.

I wanted to respond, I opened my mouth to talk, but I was going to cry if any word left my mouth. So, I sighed and took my words back in.

She got anxious and started banging on the door. It was time for me to talk. I couldn’t stand the kind of troubled heart I’d be giving to her by staying quiet.

“I’m here!” I said and busted into tears; I sobbed.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

Please let me come in. Do you need me for anything?” she asked again.

“I’m fine, Aunt Nelly…” I sniffed loudly. “…just a little running nose, that’s all.” I lied to her and sniffed again to back up my lie.

“There’s no damn way that’s a runny nose, but I won’t push,” I heard her turn and back out the door.

“When you’re ready to talk, I’ll be here.” She said and started walking away.

“Little girl, keeping me outside her room like I’m begging for attention.” I heard her mumbling these words.

I chuckled and let a grin stain my face. My first lie of the day, and she caused it.I was getting fed up with not telling how I’d been feeling. Each day felt like a lie, and even if she figuredeverything out, it would be a good idea to confide in her as a source of strength.

My almost-marriage was an arranged one by my father, her brother, and since he was known for his fierceness, no one opposed when he committed me to Randall family.

Jack Randall was the son of the reigning executive and my betrothed. He was a terrible liar, a womanizer who was known all around town, so when I first found out he slept with one of the girls in my office place, I wasn’t surprised. But my resolve to leave started when he couldn’t control his loins, from the cleaners at his home to the women in my supposed bridal party.

Neither my mom nor my aunt was happy with the development, but they had no choice. So, even when Aunt Nelly mentioned she wouldn’t be at the wedding, I couldn’t hold it against her. It was another reason why I’d to end the misery of a wedding before it ended.

I walked down the aisle that day with no loved one by my side, and even if my life had to get any worse after that day, the realization of Jack waking up from a hotel room with someone else the morning of our wedding was enough to push me to the wall.

He didn’t dare contact me since I left him at the altar. Likewise, my Dad hadn’t. I hoped they wouldn’t. I wasn’t sure what I’d do if they did.

I feared my father, and his influence even more. Jack? He was just a puppet, and between him and I, I knew he just wanted to live and do his family’s bidding.

Damn. It was getting late.

I needed to be at the ranch. So, I found a little strength and got off the bed. I’d to go do what I was good at. Clearly, I wasn’t good at love.

I hoped Ben wouldn’t be at the ranch. I just wanted to work on the cows and leave.

I’d been hurt for too long and the only thing that could distract me was work. I got out of bed and got ready. I had to wear my work boots because of the mud the rain had blessed us with. The weather was still cold so I’d need my heavy jacket.

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