Love over Desire

Chapter 11 The new owner

SADIE'S POV

My weary worker approached me, his tired eyes reflecting the day's exhaustion. "Ms. Sadie, aren't you going home? It's almost six," he said, his voice a mixture of concern and gentle reminder.

I glanced at my worn wristwatch – a gift from my father – and felt a sudden rush of surprise. It's almost six o'clock! The day had slipped away from me, consumed by endless farm responsibilities.

"Almost six," I muttered, a hint of fatigue creeping into my voice. The farm had a way of swallowing time whole, each moment filled with endless tasks and unending care. Keith had left early to pick up Janice, and I'd seamlessly stepped in, taking over his work.

"By the way, kuya," I said, my tone softening with familiar warmth, "please guide our cows to the east part of the farm tomorrow. The grass is lush there – they'll love it," I instructed.

The worker nodded, a respectful smile crossing his weathered face. "Yes, Ms. Sadie, I'll tell my coworker," he responded, the mutual understanding between us speaking volumes.

"Okay, kuya, go home and rest. I'm heading home too," I said, feeling the day's exhaustion settling into my bones.

My old pickup truck waited nearby – a faithful companion that had seen better days. I tried to start the engine, holding my breath. Thankfully, it roared to life, a small victory after its recent temperamental behavior. The 10-minute drive stretched before me, a familiar journey between work and home.

As the farmhouse came into view, something caught my eye. A brand new Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road was parked next to my closed van – sleek, pristine, out of place. My heart raced, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension flooding my veins.

I furrowed my brow, my mind racing with possibilities. Could this belong to the new owner of the farmhouse and farm? The vehicle seemed to whisper secrets, a silent intruder in my familiar world.

A chill ran down my spine. Something was different.

The engine of my pickup truck sputtered and died as I parked next to the gleaming Toyota Tacoma. Something felt wrong – the air was thick with an unfamiliar tension. My hands gripped the steering wheel for a moment, a brief pause before confronting whatever waited inside.

I stepped out, my boots hitting the ground with a determined thud. The evening air was cool against my skin, carrying a hint of uncertainty.

Approaching the main entrance of the farmhouse, I caught snippets of conversation. Aunt Macy's voice floated through the air,

"I heard the rumble of a vehicle. It was probably Sadie." she said.

Another voice responded – a male voice that made my blood run cold.

I pushed open the main door, my heart racing. The scene before me froze me in place.

"Maybe," came the response. A voice I knew all too well.

Markku.

My mind reeled. What was he doing here?

He stood there, casual as if he belonged. A sense of unease crawled up my spine, the way he seemed so comfortable in a space that had always been mine.

Aunt Macy spotted me first. She smiled.

With a subtle gesture, Aunt Macy signaled to Markku, her hand moving in a quick, deliberate motion. Her finger pointed directly at me.

He turned, our eyes meeting. That familiar intensity, that look that used to make my heart race – now it just sent a chill down my spine.

Time seemed to slow.

Aunt Macy's smile never wavered.

Markku's eyes never left mine..

"Markku?" His name escaped my lips like a question, a whisper.

"Hello, Rakas," he said, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

I averted my gaze from him, stepping closer to Aunt Macy and respectfully taking her hand to perform the traditional 'pagmamano' - gently pressing the back of her hand to my forehead as a sign of respect and blessing."

"What's going on, Aunt? What is that man doing here?" I asked, my voice tight with suspicion.

"He's the one who bought the farm," Aunt Macy said, smiling in a way that immediately set me on edge.

I could sense something was wrong. Why was Aunt Macy so delighted that Markku had buy the farmhouse and farm? Why did she seem to know him so well? Were they acquainted? Questions raced through my mind, each more unsettling than the last.

I heard Aunt Macy chuckle. "You're frowning, sweetie," she said. "Go upstairs and rest in your room before taking a shower, so you don't catch a cold," she instructed. Left with no choice, I obediently complied.

As I went downstairs, Aunt Macy and Markku were chatting lively.

Aunt Macy smiled when she saw me. "Come here, sweetheart," she called. As I approached, she stood up and pulled me to sit next to Markku.

"Aunt!" I exclaimed, surprised and uncomfortable.

"You two talk for a bit. I'll help Annie in the kitchen," she said. "Markku, I'm leaving Sadie with you," she added, smiling mysteriously.

"Sure, Aunt," he answered.

The moment Aunt Macy turned her back, I attempted to move to another chair. Suddenly, Markku grabbed my hand, pulling me onto his lap.

Oh my God! I could feel his... bulge!

I felt like electricity shot through my body. Immediately, I pulled myself away and sat next to him – close enough to hear, far enough to feel safe.

"You bought the farm?" The words came out as a breathless accusation, my voice wavering between disbelief and anger.

Markku's eyes locked with mine. "Yes."

Something in his tone – that infuriatingly calm, almost predatory certainty – made my skin crawl. "Did you do this to get to me?" The question burst out before I could stop myself.

He laughed – a short, cutting sound that sliced through my defenses. "Not everything revolves around you, Sadie."

My face burned. The embarrassment was instant, visceral. My inner voice mocked: "Burn, girl! You've been served!"

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down. To listen.

"It's a business opportunity," he explained, his voice clinical, detached. "I've been expanding my dairy farming operations in the Philippines for almost six months. Pure coincidence."

"Coincidence?" The word came out as a bitter laugh.

"I know a land broker," Markku continued, seemingly oblivious to my rising emotions. "He knew Alex. Alex had a farm for sale. Documentation was complete. I saw an opportunity and took it."

His matter-of-fact explanation was almost more infuriating than his mockery. Almost as if buying this farm – my family's legacy – was as casual as buying a cup of coffee.

HAPPY READING ♥️

_TAGAILOCOSNAK