What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 164

Kaia laughed. "Scientific cultivation isn't exactly a walk in the park."

Just as she spoke, the weather took a violent turn. Heavy, leaden clouds rolled in fast, suffocating the sky and plunging the farm into darkness. The local technicians, eager to beat the storm home, hastily packed up and waved their goodbyes. Scanning the threatening sky, Kaia turned to Laura. "If it gets too bad, we might have to crash here for the night."

Laura grinned. "I wouldn't mind roughing it in the country for a night. I'm just worried you won't be able to handle it, Dr. Chavez."

Kaia gave a soft smile. "I'll be fine. I just hope we don't freeze."

Laura nodded. "Good point. Let me go check if there are any beds upstairs."

The second they reached the upper floor, massive raindrops began hammering the metal roof of the greenhouse, creating a deafening roar. In an instant, the world outside was swallowed by a blinding curtain of rain.

Kaia hugged her arms across her chest, pulling her black puffer jacket tighter as she stared out the window. The silhouettes of the distant mountains and nearby trees were entirely erased, replaced by nothing but thrashing wind and torrential rain.

The herb farm was a new build, nestled deep in a valley. The dirt road out front had already transformed into a rushing creek.

Her phone buzzed. It was Marcus. "Kaia, are you still up on the mountain? Don't try to drive down. I just got a call from the local coordinator. The bridge about fifteen miles out got completely washed away. The road is impassable. Do not try to leave."

Kaia checked the time. It was already seven o'clock, and the sky was pitch-black.

"Uncle Marcus, it looks like I'm spending the night here," Kaia told him. "I'll head back tomorrow. Are there any alternate routes down?"

"There are, but who knows if the rain will even let up by tomorrow," he replied. "Just stay put. Check the kitchen—there's rice in the cupboards and fresh vegetables in the back. Just throw something together for tonight."

"Got it. Thanks, Uncle. We'll reassess tomorrow once the rain stops."

Hanging up, she turned to see Laura jogging over. "Dr. Chavez, I just scoped out the kitchen. We've got rice and veggies. We definitely won't starve."

Kaia glanced at the dim, old-fashioned bulb swaying under the eaves. Yep, they weren't going anywhere tonight. She texted her mother a quick update, and Jane replied, urging her to stay warm and safe.

Just as the two were prepping to cook dinner, a pair of blinding headlights suddenly swept across the front yard.

Laura jumped. "Who on earth is driving up here this late?"

Kaia's heart skipped a beat. In weather like this, could it be someone looking for trouble?

"Grab that kitchen knife," Kaia ordered immediately. As she spoke, she snatched a heavy iron rod resting against the wall. Laura clutched the knife, her entire arm trembling violently. Oh man, we are so dead, Laura thought.

Kaia nodded. "Come inside. It's pouring out there."

Finnian stepped inside. The building had originally been two single-story structures that Marcus had merged and added a second floor to, but it was still incredibly cramped. Standing so close to him, Kaia could smell his signature scent—a crisp, sharp, and intimidating cologne.

Seeing Finnian and Dexter standing in the humble farmhouse, Laura turned beet-red, awkwardly hovering on the sidelines.

Having been on her feet all day, Kaia was starving. She turned to Laura. "Let's just make dinner. We can figure the rest out once we've eaten."

"Oh, you stay out of the kitchen, Dr. Chavez. I've got this. I'm a great cook," Laura said, plastering on a bright smile.

Dexter quickly jumped in. "Why don't you keep Mr. Sanders company, Dr. Chavez? Laura and I will handle dinner. I make an excellent sous-chef. Mr. Sanders has been driving in this storm for over three hours, and he's totally exhausted."

Kaia glanced at Finnian and nodded. "Alright. Thank you both."

To be completely honest, Kaia was an atrocious cook. Anything she made looked decent but tasted like a science experiment. Back home, the extent of her kitchen help was washing vegetables and carrying plates. So, letting her cook was genuinely a bad idea.

Finnian took a seat on the side as Kaia plugged in an electric space heater and flipped it on, filling the small space with immediate warmth. "Where's your uncle?" Finnian asked, his eyes sweeping over the shabby room.