Alex steps towards me; hands raised beseechingly. "No, Chloé. What are you talking about? I would never - "

  “You’re the son of Benjamin Elliott!” I scream.

  Chapter 23

  Alex

  My face pales, and my heart hammers so loudly that I can’t think. In that agonizing moment, it dawns on me that my carefully constructed façade has crumbled. I'm laid bare before her. Why didn’t I just tell her the truth when I had the chance? Especially once we became lovers. I feel the blood draining from my face. I can’t seem to catch my breath.

  “So, whatchu gonna do now, billionaire?” Matthias antagonizes.

  I step forward, jaw tightening. "This doesn't concern you, Matthias."

  Matthias leers at me and continues. "Y'know, I was just tellin' Chloé I was walkin' by you a few minutes ago and I heard you hollerin' into your phone. You were demandin' to be put through to some Mr. Benjamin Elliott. You said he was your daddy."

  Matthias saunters past me, patting me on the shoulder. "Reckon you got some explainin' to do." He winks at Chloé, then strides away across the pasture, whistling.

  I took every ounce of strength to stop myself from punching him in the face. But Chloe catches my eye.

  Chloé stands frozen as though a stranger is standing before her. I can’t imagine what’s going through her mind right now. I – the man she trusted, confided in, cared for, and loved has been lying to her this whole time. Playing her for a fool. I can visibly see the anger and hurt welling up inside her, threatening to spill over.

  I step towards her, hands raised beseechingly. "Chloé, please, let me explain ..."

  But she’s already turning away, tears welling in her eyes. She can’t bear to look at me a moment longer.

  "Just go," she whispers.

  I grab her arm, forcing her to face me. "Chloé, wait. The trucks are coming back with the cattle. Everything's going to be okay now."

  She wrenches her arm away. "Okay? Nothing is okay!" Her voice rises to a near shout.

  "You've been lying to me since the day we met. Pretending to be someone you're not."

  "No!" I protest. "I wanted a fresh start, away from my family's money. I never meant to deceive you."

  She lets out a harsh laugh. "Well, you did. You've been living under our roof for weeks, sharing our meals and making a mockery of our hospitality. Letting me confide in you." Her voice cracks. "And it was all based on a lie."

  I reach for her again, eyes glistening, needing to tell her I love her and can’t live without her. "Chloé, please. I lo –"

  "Don't." She holds up a hand, backing away. "I don't want to hear it. I don't want to see you ever again. Just give me my cows back and leave."

  She turns and walks away across the empty pasture, tears sliding down her cheeks, heart shattering into a million pieces. But she doesn’t look back. Not even once.

  I inhale deeply, feeling the weight of my actions press down on me like a ton of bricks. I can't allow her to walk out of my life like this. Not after everything we've shared. I’d never be able to forgive myself if I didn’t at least try.

  "Chloé, stop," I call out, voice thick with emotion. "Just listen to me for a minute."

  She whirls around, fresh anger flaring up in her chest. "I said leave me alone! Haven't you lied to me enough already?"

  I flinch like she's struck me across the face. "I know you're upset. You have every right to be. But it was never my intention to deceive you or your family."

  "Oh really?" she snaps. "So, when were you planning on telling us who you really are? That your dad owns the company that has complete control around here?"

  "I don't know," I admit softly. "I was going to tell you, eventually. I just wanted you to get to know me first, without any preconceived notions about my family."

  She lets out a harsh, incredulous laugh. "Get to know you? I don't even know who you are!"

  I step closer, forcing her to meet my earnest gaze. "Yes, you do. I'm still the same person who's been here with you all this time. Nothing's changed except my last name."

  She shakes her head, blinking back fresh tears. "Everything's changed. I trusted you, Alex. I ..." Her voice trails off as emotion fills her throat.

  I reach out, brushing a stray tear from her cheek with my thumb. She doesn’t pull away. It gives me a glimmer of hope.

  "Chloé, please believe me. I never meant to hurt you. I care about you so much, and I just wanted a chance for us to ..."

  "It's too late for that now," she says quietly. "I think you should leave." The faint glimmer of hope I held earlier when she didn’t flinch from my touch fades away. It’s as though she stabs a dagger through my heart when she tells me, “I never, ever want to see you again. Please take your things and leave.” Her voice is quivering with the pain of betrayal.

  I stand there, my mind racing as I watch her run off into the house. The world around me seems to move in slow motion, and all I can think about is how I've shattered the one good thing in my life. Numbness washes over my body.

  ***

  I try to go through every possible scenario in my head where Chloe forgives me. Even if she does forgive me, I fear it won’t be happily ever after for us. I made a deal with my father, the devil. I have to go back to New York and become Farmology’s COO.

  With no other choice in hand, I slowly step into the house and begin packing my things. I must bid goodbye to this ranch, the place I’ve called home for so long. I take a deep breath, struggling to contain the turmoil inside me. Leaving is the right thing to do, but it feels like I'm abandoning Chloé and my values and desires.

  With my things in hand, I head down to where Margaret and David sit with joyful expressions on their faces.

  “Son!” says David, jumping to his feet. “We heard the cattle are coming back. Farmology just called. You did it, son. You saved them.”

  “How are we ever going to be able to thank you?” Margaret inches closer, giving me a hug.

  I want to tell them how it happened and who I am. But I also want to hold on to a little part of the fantasy world I’ve been living in. For a while, just a little while, let them believe I’m still the Alex Burrow they’ve grown to know.

  “Margaret, David, I thank you for the wonderful stay. The cattle are back and the company will give you suggestions on improving output while ensuring the safety of your entire livestock. None need to be culled. Now, my work here is done. I really must leave.”

  They try to tell me to spend the night, eat lunch, and celebrate with them. I politely decline. They call out to Chloé but I stop them from going to her room. “We already said our goodbyes,” I mutter.

  David graciously agrees to drive me to the airport.

  “Come visit us,” says Margaret kindly, waving at me. “Don’t forget us.”

  The last thought I have as I watch the ranch disappear in the distance is that I never even got a chance to tell Chloé I loved her. As I drive away from the ranch, I can't help but wonder what the future holds. Is there any chance for redemption? Will Chloé ever find it in her heart to forgive me, or is this truly the end of our story?

  Chapter 24

  Chloé

  Emptiness overwhelms me as I walk through the field. The grazing cows are the only signs of life, their gentle moos accentuating the silence. I can't believe Alex is gone.

  I can’t believe that he lied about his last name and hid the fact that he's a billionaire. My fingers brush over my lips, remembering the stolen moments, the passionate kisses we shared. I wish with all my heart we could be together, but the deception shattered that dream.

  "Why, Alex?" I whisper, my voice breaking. "Why did you have to lie?"

  I picture his face - those hazel eyes that crinkle when he smiles, his dark curls falling across his furrowed brow. My heart aches for his touch. But he betrayed my trust. We can never go back to what we were.

  Dixie nudges my shoulder, jolting me from my thoughts. I stroke her soft coat, taking comfort in her presence. At least I still have the cows, my gentle companions. They're alive and well.

  Yes, Alex is the reason why I have them back. But he was also the reason they were taken from me in the first place.

  I continue across the field, the empty paddocks and barns stark reminders of Alex's absence. I yearn to see him emerge from the stables, pitchfork in hand, flashing that lopsided grin I love so much. But I know it's just a fantasy now. The lies built an impenetrable wall between us.

  With a heavy sigh, I make my way back to the house. It's time to tell my parents the truth about Alex Elliott.

  I take a deep breath as I enter the house, bracing myself for the conversation ahead. Mom and Dad are in the kitchen, chatting over afternoon tea.

  "Chloé, honey, come join us," Mom says, smiling.

  I remain standing, my palms sweating. "There's something I need to tell you both. It's about Alex."

  Dad sets down his mug, his forehead creasing with concern. "What is it?"

  "His name – it isn't Alex Burrow. It's Alex Elliott." I pause, letting it sink in. "He's from one of the wealthiest families in the country. His parents are billionaires."

  Mom and Dad exchange startled looks. "Billionaires?" Dad repeats. "Are you sure?"

  I nod, tears stinging my eyes. "He lied about who he was. He's the heir to Farmology. I don't know why he lied."

  My parents look shell-shocked, stealing glances at each other. I don't blame them. It's been a week, and I've barely been able to cope with this piece of information. But my parents have noticed something amiss in my behavior, and given the number of times they've asked if everything is okay with me, I owe them the truth.

  After a few minutes, Mom reaches across the table, taking my hand. "Oh, sweetie. I'm sure Alex had good intentions. He seems like such a nice young man. And I get that you're upset, but that's no reason why we can't all be friends."

  Friends. For some reason, the word spreads rage through my body. I almost shout. "Don't you get it? Alex and I weren't just ... friends. Mom, Dad, we were falling in love. Had fallen in love."

  A tear comes to my eyes. My dad whispers to my mom, "See, I told you."

  "You knew?" I ask, gasping as I look at them.

  Dad nods. "We've seen how he is with you, Chloé. The way he looks at you – that boy adores you. There must be more to the story."

  Their faith in Alex only deepens the ache inside me. I thought I knew him. But it was all a beautiful illusion.

  "You didn't see his face when I confronted him," I reply, my voice wavering. "He looked so guilty. I don't know if I can ever trust him again. In fact, I don't think I'll ever see him again."

  I turn and hurry upstairs before they can respond, tears spilling down my cheeks. My heart and mind are at war, desire battling doubt, love wrestling with pain.

  Curled up on my bed, I cling to a pillow, wishing it was Alex's strong arms holding me close.

  I squeeze my eyes shut hoping that the memories will go away. But they persist, rising unbidden to the surface. The brush of Alex's fingers against mine as we walked together. His lips grazing my cheek. The warmth of his breath on my neck as he held me close.

  Downstairs, I can hear the low murmur of my parents' voices. No doubt discussing me, wondering what to do about the Alex situation. Part of me wants to march back down there and tell them to stop defending him.

  But even I can't silence the small voice that whispers maybe they're right. Maybe there's more to Alex's story than I realize.

  I think back to the day I confronted him, the stricken look on his face when I said I knew the truth. He seemed just as shaken as me. Like his world was falling apart too.

  Could I have been too hasty, too quick to assume the worst?

  No. I harden my heart once more. It doesn't matter. Alex had his chance to come clean, and he didn't. I can't ignore that.

  Can I?

  My thoughts chase each other in endless circles as I lie there. Longing, anger, hurt, and hope refuse to make sense.

  I don't even notice as, exhausted, I eventually drift off to sleep ...

  I'm jolted awake by a soft knock at my door. For a moment, I'm disoriented, and confused about where I am. Then it all comes flooding back. Alex. The lies. My parents defended him downstairs.

  I don't respond to the knock, but the door creaks open anyway. My mom peers in, her face gentle but concerned.

  "Sweetie, can we talk?"

  I huff, clenching my fists, and roll over to face the wall. My voice trembles as I mutter, "I don't want to talk about him."

  The mattress dips as she sits down on the edge of the bed. "I know you're upset, honey. You have every right to be. But will you at least hear us out?"

  My mind races, torn between anger and love. I don't reply, my thoughts a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. I'm too emotionally spent to have this conversation again.

  Mom sighs. "Alex is a good man, Chloé. Misguided, perhaps, but his heart is pure. Whatever his reasons for deceiving you, he obviously cares for you."

  At that, I snap. "If he cared, why didn't he tell me the truth from the start?"

  "I don't know," she says gently. "Have you given him a chance to explain?"

  "Explain what? That he's been laughing at me this whole time for thinking he's an honest, hard-working, self-made man? And, I’m not sure his intentions were pure when he arrived here."

  "Is that really what you think of him?" Mom asks. "That he was just toying with you?"

  I falter. No, if I'm being honest, that's not what I think of Alex at all. But I'm too hurt and angry to admit that out loud.

  Mom seems to sense my inner conflict. She places a hand on my shoulder. "Talk to him, sweetie. Let him tell you his side. Maybe then you'll understand."

  I don't respond. I can't make sense of my swirling emotions right now.

  After a moment, she stands up and heads for the door. "Just promise me you'll think about it," she says softly.

  When I don't reply, she leaves, closing the door behind her with a quiet click.

  Alone again, I curl up on the bed, more confused than ever. My heart and head are at war, and I don't know which one to listen to.

  Chapter 25

  Alex

  Istare blankly at the computer screen, the words and numbers blurring together. This report is due at tomorrow's board meeting, but I can't focus. She’s all I can think about.

  Chloé invades my thoughts, her chestnut hair and bright green eyes etched into my mind. I remember the feeling of her hand in mine as we walked through the ranch, the musical sound of her laugh, and the passion in her eyes when she talked about saving the dairy farm.

  I slam my fist on the desk in frustration. It's been weeks since I left Perham and left her behind, but she still consumes me. I thought I could forget her by throwing myself into work, but clearly, that strategy has failed.

  My leg bounces uncontrollably under my desk as I struggle to rein in the turmoil swirling inside me. I shouldn't have left her like that. I should have stayed back and fought for her. I should have gone against my dad and followed my heart. But the thought of putting my heart on the line again terrified me. What if she rejected me?

  I rake my hands through my hair, exhaling sharply. I can't do this anymore. I can't go on pretending like I don't love her.

  I'll never find a woman like her again.

  I open my desk drawer and pick up my photo of Chloe. My heart melts when I see that smiling face. Why am I so masochistic, keeping a photo of a woman who doesn’t want to have anything with me?

  Just then, my assistant comes forward. "Sir, we have to leave for your TV interview."

  "Right, coming."

  I stand and follow the assistant down through the building to the waiting car. Since returning, I've been throwing myself into every single engagement I can find. When not working, I'm giving speeches, TV interviews, and participating in as many sporting activities as I possibly can.

  An hour and a half later, I'm sitting in front of bright lights, waiting for my next question.

  "So Alex, what made you leave the bright lights of New York for a small town like Perham?"

  I clear my throat, caught off guard by the sudden personal question. "Well, I was just looking for a change of pace."

  The interviewer leans in, intrigued. "There's got to be more to the story than that. A handsome, successful guy like you giving up the New York dating scene? What really prompted such a big move?"

  I shift in my seat, debating how much to reveal.

  “I felt it was time for me to rethink my lifestyle. The pressures of the corporate world have a way of wearing a person down. And, to be honest, the possibility of finding a down-to-earth girl who loves me and not my wealth was intriguing too.”

  The interviewer nods knowingly. "So, you wanted something more genuine."

  My thoughts drift back to Chloé. Her smile, her laugh, the way she lets her hair down and doesn't care about a broken nail. She's nothing like the women I knew in New York. With her, everything felt real.

  I shake my head slightly, realizing I've gone silent. Now is not the time to get lost in memories of her.

  The interviewer regards me curiously. "You drifted off there for a moment. Is there something more to your story? It sounds like you might have found what you were looking for out there. Was there someone special?"

  I hesitate, emotions swelling inside me. Was there someone special?

  "Yes," I whisper, knowing that I can't deny the truth in front of the world anymore. "I thought I did," I say, my voice catching. "There was someone special. But I was scared and ran away instead of facing my feelings."

  I pause, emotion welling in my chest. "She saw the real me, not just the Elliott name. And I threw that away."

  The interviewer leans forward eagerly. "Do you think you'll see her again?"

  A jolt of reality hits me. "I’m going to try.”

  "Really?" the interviewer asks, rubbing his hands together excitedly, knowing he has the biggest scoop of the month.

 

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