Page 22 of Runaway Bride For The Rancher

He wasn’t lost, but I hated not seeing him where I left him.

The security in the store joined me to search for Michael. We called his name throughout the store and even checked the storeroom. He was nowhere to be found.

I started regretting taking him to the store. I should’ve let him stay home with Cindy. I should’ve gone to work.

What would I do if I lost him?

Soon, the manager joined the search. “Don’t worry, sir. We’ll find your boy.” He assured me.

I nodded. “Was it possible he’d gone home? I doubted.

“Maybe he was outside. Sir, could you go check?” The manager asked.

“Yes, I could.” I quickly rushed out of the store and began looking.

CHAPTER 9

Olivia

It was a cold morning. My window curtains were open, and I could see things flying in the wind. Papers and leaves in the yard went in circles.

The trees waved as the wind took them.

“Today is…” I paused and thought of my next words carefully. “…I don’t even know.” I sighed.

A huge burden was stuck in my mind. No way to get it out. How could he? Why was he acting like that?

These were questions I didn’t have answers to, but they didn’t want to leave my head. Ben was hiding something. I could feel it in my gut, and my gut never lied.

I didn’t know how to confront him, but it seemed like the right thing to do.

I stayed in bed never letting my legs touch the ground. My mind raced through reasons why Ben would act the way he was. Nothing tangible, however, crossed my mind.

I sighed again. “I should just let it be.” I was about to sigh the third time when Aunt Nelly knocked on my door.

“What are you doing now? Why are you still in there?” She yelled.

“It’s still early in the morning, and it’s cold.” I was still under the covers. I gnashed my teeth out of frustration and beat my legs on the bed.

“I just wanted to make sure you’re awake and alive.” Her tone went down fast. She was soft and calm like the Aunt Nelly I knew. “Come out when you’re ready for breakfast,” she said. “I won’t make anything for you.”

I sighed. My temper was already rising, but her soft tone made it cool off with the cold. I went back to being worried about Ben and his supposed secret.

“He’s being too mysterious; I don’t like it.” I started talking to myself. “Olivia, let it go. You’ve had enough of men, and you should let this one slide.” I advised myself. For a few seconds, it sounded like great advice, until it wasn’t.

“You’re talking to yourself again.” Aunt Nelly said from the living room.

“No, I’m not,” I responded.

“Oh, good. I just wanted to be sure.” She chuckled. She sounded like she knew what troubled me. I was sure she did.

“You mind talking about it? I could know a thing or two about what bothers you.” She offered, and I refused.

“I’m fine, Aunt Nelly,” I said with a loud voice. “I can take care of myself.” The confidence in my voice was over the moon. I knew my voice didn’t match my heart at the time.

“Aunt Nelly, I’m fine.” I rolled my eyes.

“I’m only here to tell you that we’re running low on groceries. There might not be enough to cook lunch or dinner.” She started.

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