Chapter 104
Rachel’s POV
Carter and I walked along the sunlit path leading to my cottage. Dappled light filtered through the leaves, casting playful shadows on the ground.
The sea breeze carried the scent of salt and flowers, a combination grown to love during my short time here.
My mind kept circling back to what Carter had said earlier. Repaying him? What exactly did he mean? A chill ran down my spine despite the warm afternoon sun.
“Carter, what did you mean when you said I could start repaying you I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
He glanced at me, those eyes twinkling with mischief. “You’ll see soon enough, he replied.
My heart sank. Had I misread his kindness all along? I’d been sold once before by my own father. Was history repeating itself? I instinctively placed a protective hand over my growing belly.
When we reached my cottage, Carter gently took my another hand. “Come on, Rose, inside. I have something to show you. I think you’ll like it,” he said in an almost sing–song voice of excitement.
I hesitated at the doorstep. “I’m pregnant, you know?” I said, stating the obvious as my hand remained protectively on my bump.
Carter looked genuinely confused. “I know that. What does that have to do with anything?”
“It makes things… uncomfortable,” I replied cautiously.
“Well, you can scoot back a bit,” Carter suggested.
“Only so far,” I reminded him, gesturing to my protruding belly.
“Your stomach isn’t that big, and you have long legs. It’ll be fine,” he responded casually.
My confusion deepened as we entered the hallway. None of this made sense, and my instincts were on high alert.
“I’m not sure it will fit. It’s pretty big. And the opening is small,” Carter said, his eyes gleaming.
“How would you know?” I asked in surprise.
“Well, I measured it,” Carter said, leaning against the living room doorframe. “The back door is even narrower than the front. But we still got it in, steps and all.”
“Steps? Wait–what?” I was thoroughly confused now. What was he talking about?
Carter moved aside, finally revealing the living room. There, in the corner by the window where sunlight streamed in, stood a magnificent black harp.
The furniture had been rearranged to accommodate it, creating a perfect space that made the instrument look like. belonged there.
“If you don’t like it, I can have it taken out, but what do you think?” Carter asked, anticipation in his eyes.
d always
Carter, I love it! It’s the most beautiful harp I’ve ever seen!” I exclaimed, tears welling in my eyes. My fingers itched to touch the strings, to feel the delicate tension beneath them.
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Chapter 104
Then reality set in. “Carter, I can’t accept this,” I said hesitantly.
“What? Why not?” His face fell, looking like a disappointed child.
Because it’s too expensive! This must have cost a fortune!” I protested.
“That doesn’t matter, Rose. I brought it here so you could start repaying me. I told you that’s how you’d repay me, remember?” Carter said, his eyes twinkling with mischief again.
“I’m confused,” I admitted. “How does buying me another gift help m repay you?”
“You said you were a singer, that you play the harp, remember? I want to hear you. I think you have a beautiful voice. If you sing for me, then you can start repaying
can start repaying me. My own private concert, perfed by an angel.” Carter explained.
“That’s how I repay you? By singing?” I asked in disbelief.
“Yes! You sing, I listen, and it helps repay your debt.” Carter nodded seriously.
“I don’t think that counts as repayment,” I admitted. “I love singing love playing the harp. I’ve been craving to play again for some time. It’s more like a reward for me.”
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