I Told You To Run But You Didn't (Georgia) novel Chapter 59

Chapter 59

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3.89%

Finished

Georgia’s POV

“Payment,” he said simply, standing up. “For carrying you the last ten minutes.”

My jaw dropped. Annoyance flared hot and fast. I scooped up a handful of water and splashed it right in his face. “You can’t just kiss me whenever you feel like it!”

He wiped the water from his eyes, completely unfazed, hat infuriating smirk widening. “Why not?” he challenged, leaning down slightly, “I’m just collecting on that debt you owe me. Or have you already forgotten I saved your life a few minutes ago? You seem a little ungrateful, Georgia.”

I scoffed, rolling my eyes as I pushed myself up, leaning heavily against the boulder. “Oh, forgive me, Your Highness,” I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “How could I forget? You saved me from falling off a cliff that I only ran towards because I want to get away from you! Yes, truly heroic. You deserve a medal. Or maybe just another kiss?”

He just chuckled, that low, infuriating sound. But before he could retort, I noticed the light was fading fast, the sun dipping below the mountain peaks, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple.

And with the fading light came a renewed, throbbing ache in my ankle. I tried to put weight on it and winced. It was definitely swelling, Great.

Estevan noticed immediately. His amusement vanished replaced by that frustratingly practical, assessing look. Without a word, he turned his back to me and crouched down slightly.

“Get on,” he commanded.

“What?”

“Piggyback,” he said, glancing over his shoulder. “It’s faster than carrying you bridal style, and frankly, less tempting.”

I hesitated, but the thought of walking the rest of the way on my rapidly swelling ankle was worse than the indignity.

Swallowing my pride, I carefully put my arms around his neck and shoulders, and he stood effortlessly, adjusting my weight on his back. His body was warm an solid beneath me.

We walked in silence for the remaining twenty minutes the only sounds the crunch of his boots on the path and the chirping of crickets welcoming the night.

As we approached the house, I heard voices drifting from the open windows – Louiella’s familiar tones, but also a younger woman’s lighter laughter.

Louiella met us at the door, her face immediately clouding with worry when she saw Estevan carrying me. “Hija! My goodness, what happened? Are you alright?”

Before I could answer, a woman, probably in her early twenties, appeared behind Louiella. She froze when she saw Estevan, her eyes widening, her mouth falling sightly open.

She wasn’t looking at my injured ankle; she was staring Estevan with an expression of adoration, like she’d just seen a god descend from the heavens.

“Who’s she?” I asked, my voice flat.

III

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1/30

10:36 Tue, Mar 10 M M

Chapter 59

* 3.89%0

Finished

Estevan carefully set me down on the living room couch, ignoring the young woman entirely. Louiella fussed around me, examining my ankle.

The girl finally snapped out of her trance and rushed forward, offering a dazzling, slightly star-struck smile. “Oh! I’m so sorry! I’m Erina, Maria’s daughter.” she said directing the question more towards Estevan than me. “Louiella mentioned she needed some help around the house, and since I’m home from the city until next month, I offered to lend a hand.”

Louiella sighed, gently propping my foot up on a pillow “My back isn’t what it used to be, hija,” she explained softly. “And the garden needs so much work. Crina just graduated with a degree in agricultural science! It’s perfect! She can help me keep things running smoothly while she’s here.” She beamed at the younger woman, then back at Estevan, completely oblivious to the slightly awkward tension in the room.

I forced a polite smile at Erina, but it felt stiff. Her eyes kept flicking back to Estevan, who was now sitting beside me on the couch, examining my ankle with a detached, clinical interest. Great, I thought. Another admirer.

I could practically see the hearts floating around her head. Estevan, of course, noticed too, a faint, almost imperceptible smirk touching his lips.

Erina finally turned her wide, curious eyes back to me, though her question felt aimed more at him. “So,” she began, her voice a little too bright, “Louiella said you two are getting married?” Her gaze then dropped pointedly to my left hand, then to Estevan’s. “But… I dont see a ring?”

Here we go. I braced myself for whatever lie Estevan was about to spin.

He didn’t disappoint. He immediately stood up, reaching into the inner pocket of his jacket. “Ah, yes,” he said smoothly, his voice full of mock regret. “My fault entirely. With all the excitement today the fall, the injury Georgia didn’t put it back on after her… activities.”

My eyes widened in disbelief as he produced a small, velvet box. He opened it, revealing a stunning, emerald-cut diamond ring that looked ridiculously expensive. Before I could even protest, he knelt in front of me, took my left hand, and slid the ring onto my finger.

It fit. Perfectly.

My breath caught in my throat. How? How did he have ring? And how did it fit like it was made for me?

This lunatic hadn’t just tracked me down; he’d come prepared for this ridiculous fiancé charade. The level of his manipulation, his foresight… it was terrifying!.

Louiella bustled back from the kitchen with a glass of water and two small white pills. “Here, hija, take these for the pain. Now, go lie down properly. I’ll call you when dinner is ready.”

I nodded gratefully, swallowing the pills. Estevan immeiately moved to help me up, putting a steadying arm around my waist.

I tried to shrug him off, but he ignored me, practically alf-carrying me towards the bedroom as Erina watched with wide, curious eyes.

He guided me into the room, and as soon as I was clear he shut the door behind us. I heard the distinct click of the lock engaging.

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