LOGINNoah POVSilence mixed with tension flooded the air. I went quiet after spilling everything I’d been holding in for so long. And Casey… man, she was crying, crying like someone who’d just lost everything.The damage I’d taken was too much. Losing James wasn’t easy, and then Black Hell getting shut down on top of that? My dad treated me like a stranger now, even though he gave me a fresh start after I got out of jail. But without James and Black Hell, I was just a loser.“Get out of here, Casey. Wood Town ain’t good enough for you,” I said, making sure my voice was cold as ice.Casey was the reason all this happened. My biggest regret was not listening to James. I never should’ve gone near her, but… even though I was so mad. Even though I blamed her for every single problem, there was a part of me that missed her. I couldn’t help it.“I am sorry,” Casey whispered, her voice scratchy. “Forgive me for causing all this.”I took a deep breath. “Apologize don't bring James back, Casey.”“Th
Casey POV“Come on, Casey. Why are you sitting here like you’re worth nothin’?”Reemar grabbed my hand, tugging me toward the river.“No, no, Reem. I can’t… “I wasn’t ready to get soaked in river water. I just wanted to tag along with him.“Good idea!”Noah popped up from the water, climbing onto the bank. His eyes had that look. The one I knew all too well. That damn sneer of his was familiar as hell.“No, Noah, no!”Noah shook his head. He closed in on me, lifting my body with Reemar’s help.“Fuck, let me go!”They swung me around. Laughing their asses off. The river water was like it was waving at me. Oh, no…In seconds, my body was flying into the river. One minute the air was free and clear. The next, cold, crisp water was wrapping around me. I lost control for a second, water flooding my nose and mouth, but only for a beat before my brain snapped back to reality. I tried to push my head up, kicking my legs. The current was a little strong. I could stand, but my foot slipped. I
Casey POV“Going out?” I raised my voice as Reemar tried to talk me into hanging out.Real talk, I’d asked for a week in Wood Town just to chill. My schedule in Center City was insane, and it was all so emotionally draining. I needed a break from all the chaos. And one of the reasons I didn’t stay at my mom’s place? I really wanted some me-time, just for myself.“Please, Casey. Noah made time for us. He said he wants to show us around Wood Town.”“Us?” I mumbled, taking a deep breath.Reemar gave me those puppy dog eyes. You know the ones, like he wasn’t gonna back down till I said yes.“Alright, alright, but… “ I trailed off, hinting at conditions.“I’ll go along with whatever rules you lay down.”I couldn’t say no to Reemar. Even though he never said it out loud, I knew his heart was broken. He was trying to distract himself from it all. I’d checked his fiancé’s socials, and the dude posted wedding pics. Reemar still hadn’t unfollowed him. Which meant he hadn’t fully let go of Patri
Casey POV“Stop!!!”I shoved Noah away. My breath came in ragged gasps. We stared at each other, both still shell-shocked from what just went down.“Casey, I am sorry… I didn’t mean to… “I squeezed my eyes shut. Why am I like this? Why did I push him away?“This is not your fault,” I said, rubbing my forehead. I stared off into nothing, my thoughts spiraling out of control.“Casey… ““I am sorry, Noah. I gotta go.”I turned to leave. No. No. I shouldn’t be doing this. Didn’t I want this? But how could I? Everything just… happened so fast.I bolted out of the vineyard, hopped in my car, and peeled out of there. I didn’t even think about Reemar. I just booked it back to the inn.My heart was racing. As soon as I got to my room, I collapsed on the floor. Before I knew it, tears were streaming down my face. My chest felt tight, aching. I pounded on it as hard as I could. I’d been fine this whole time, right? I thought I’d moved on, living my life, focusing on my career, not dwelling on t
Casey POVI was rushing a bit as I arrived at Mr. Adam's vineyard. The party guests were definitely filling up the place. It was a magnificent party with an outdoor concept, and it looked seriously cool. Twinkling lights matched the evening breeze near the vineyard. The scent of grapes and leaves added a certain vibe.“Casey!” Reemar rushed over to me, letting out a sigh of relief. “Thank God. I’m having trouble getting close to Mr. Adam. So many reporters came early. They’re getting interview slots, even if it's just for a few minutes. I’m helpless without you.”I smiled, monitoring the party situation. I didn't see Rebecca. Where was she? Mr. Adam was surrounded by some guests and also reporters who wanted to know about the party. He was still the center of attention, even though he wasn't the Mayor anymore.“Where’s your car, Casey? Whose car did you take to get here?”“Mmh… it’s…” I forgot to come up with an excuse for Reemar. She looked over at the parking lot. “Wow, isn't that t
Casey POVAn aroma I hadn't smelled in forever. A place holding so many memories. It seems quiet, but it’s actually packed with mysteries.Wood Town. I’m back here again, to a place I should have never set foot in."Are you sure you used to live around here, Casey?" Reemar Cattle, my coworker, has been non-stop complaining since we started driving from Center City to Wood Town."Yep. My mom even lives here.""Are we staying at your mom's house?""Nah…" I chuckled. I got Reemar’s concern. "We’ll do the job first. I'll see my mom after everything’s wrapped up.""You didn't tell your mom you were coming?"I just smiled. Of course not. If I told her, she definitely wouldn't agree to me coming. I haven’t been communicating much with her for the past five years."I heard this place has a lot of interesting stuff to dig up, Casey.""No idea. We’re just here for a feature story.""A super successful businessman in a town like this?""Don't underestimate the countryside, Reemar. You never know







