Chapter_13
Naturally, Olivia followed them as they walked around the farm, her steps slow as she took in the surroundings. The atmosphere was peaceful, the soft murmur of the farm contrasting with the tension in the air.
As they strolled, several of the farm staff recognized Tyler and stopped in their tracks, greeting him with respectful smiles. “Are you Mr. Tyler?” one of them asked, his voice full of admiration.
What position did the Harris family hold in Tide City? Their influence was vast, their reputation untouchable. Known for their philanthropy, they were ranked year after year as the top donors to the education sector. The Harris family’s name was synonymous with generosity, and their decision to purchase the farm had caused quite a stir in the local community. Many feared they’d be forced out of their homes, but to everyone’s surprise, the Harris family had ensured they were employed at the farm instead, maintaining the residents’ livelihoods.
Tyler’s decision to do so had earned him the deep respect of the people here, and it was clear that his presence carried weight.
With a warm smile, Tyler nodded graciously, his voice calm but sincere. “Yes, I am.”
One of the villagers, an elderly man with a weathered face, stepped forward, holding out a basket of cherries. “Mr. Tyler,” he said eagerly, “These cherries are grown in our orchard, no pesticides, just fresh, natural fruit. Please, take them.”
Tyler took the basket with a grateful nod, inspecting the bright red cherries with genuine interest. His usual commanding presence seemed to soften in this moment, his demeanor more humble than Olivia had ever seen. The villagers beamed with pride, knowing their gesture was well-received.
For a brief moment, Olivia was struck by the contrast. She had grown accustomed to seeing Tyler in his usual authoritative, high-powered state, always surrounded by luxury and status. But now, here he was, accepting a simple gift from an elderly farmer with nothing but grace. It was a side of him she had rarely seen, and it unsettled her.
The villager left, still expressing his gratitude, and Tyler turned to Olivia, handing her the basket of cherries. “Let’s continue walking,” he said, his voice calm but purposeful.
She hesitated for a moment, the basket of cherries now in her hands, the vibrant red fruit almost symbolic of the complexity of the moment. Her thoughts swirled as she caught up with them, unsure of what to feel or think.
Later that night, they found themselves in the car together. The warmth of his presence was comforting, but it didn’t quite ease the tension that clung to her.
Tyler rested his face on her shoulder, sensing the unease that lingered in her. He knew she was troubled, even if she couldn’t put her feelings into words. There was a subtle shift in the air, a heaviness that neither of them addressed outright.
Olivia, her heart tangled with confusion, couldn’t quite place the source of her fear. The closeness, the intimacy they shared, felt like it was becoming too much to bear. She wanted to pull away, to escape the feelings that were too complicated for her to understand.
Tyler, ever perceptive, released her from his embrace without a word, sensing the change in her. She sat apart from him, wrapping her arms around herself, the coolness in the air contrasting sharply with the warmth of the car’s interior.
He switched on the car’s interior light, the soft glow casting shadows across their faces. Tyler glanced at her, his expression soft but tinged with melancholy, as though he understood something she hadn’t said yet. His silence was filled with unspoken questions, but he made no attempt to push her further.
The night seemed to stretch on, the quiet between them heavy with unacknowledged emotions.