Chapter 285

The summer cicadas chirped incessantly as Michael Stone tossed and turned on the bed, unable to sleep. A bitter smile tugged at his lips as he recalled the days when the villagers had whispered about him behind his back.

Back then, they'd called him lazy and aimless, never knowing he'd secretly been running small businesses to earn his own high school tuition.

"Michael..." Daniel River's voice interrupted his thoughts from outside the door.

"Come in."

Daniel entered, his sun-darkened face tinged with shyness. "About yesterday's matchmaking..."

Michael raised an eyebrow. "Not interested?"

"No..." Daniel scratched his head. "Her name's Daisy. She's... hardworking."

Michael recognized that look. When he'd married Emily, the villagers had gossiped too—claiming he'd wed a spoiled city girl who'd make his life miserable.

"Michael, do you think I should..." Daniel trailed off uncertainly.

"What do you feel?" Michael countered. "This is your life partner we're talking about."

Daniel sighed. "I'm not as lucky as you..."

Just then, Emily entered carrying sliced watermelon. Her pale blue dress accentuated her porcelain skin, and Michael's gaze instantly locked onto his wife.

"Have some," she said, setting the plate down before turning to leave.

Michael caught her hand. "Stay with me awhile."

Emily glanced at him. "I need to prepare lessons."

"Just for a minute?" He gave her his best pleading look.

Taking the hint, Daniel stood. "I'll head out now."

Once alone, Michael pulled Emily into his arms. "Are you upset with me?"

"Why would I be?" She averted her face.

He whispered by her ear, "I'd choose no one but you."

A flush crept up her neck as she pushed him away. "Stop that."

"I mean it." His intense gaze held hers. "You're the only one for me."

Emily's pulse quickened under his burning stare. Despite his rural roots, this man carried himself with urban sophistication—especially those deep-set eyes that always melted her resolve.

"Rest now," she murmured. "You've got work this afternoon."

But Michael tightened his embrace. "Stay with me."

"You're impossible..." Yet she relented, lying down beside him.

Content, Michael breathed in her floral scent. He still remembered their first meeting—the vision of her in white standing by the educated youth quarters, radiant as a magnolia blossom.

"Emily..."

"Hmm?"

"Nothing. Just wanted to say your name."

She turned her back to him. "Fool."

Michael chuckled, holding her closer. Let the villagers gossip about how he spoiled his wife. Emily was his to cherish.

That afternoon, Daniel approached him again. "Michael, I'm thinking of marrying after harvest."

"What about the brick house?" Michael wiped sweat from his brow.

Daniel shook his head. "Too showy."

Michael understood. He'd felt the same when building his three adobe rooms after dividing the family property. But now...

"Come to me if you need money," he said, clapping Daniel's shoulder.

Daniel nodded gratefully. Everyone knew Michael had prospered these past years, though he never flaunted it.

"About Daisy..." Daniel hesitated.

"What?"

"She wants to keep working after marriage..."

Michael blinked, then grinned. "That's good, isn't it? Emily still teaches."

Daniel scratched his head. "I just worry what people will say..."

"Who cares?" Michael scoffed. "You live your own life."

At sunset, Michael spotted Emily waiting at their gate, her dress fluttering in the breeze like a painting come to life.

In that moment, Michael knew with absolute certainty—she was the only one for him.