Chapter 6
Wesley was startled by the sudden intimacy, but before he could react, Gemma had withdrawn from his arms.
He awkwardly cleared his throat and, out of politeness, asked, “Are you alright?”
Gemma nodded slightly. “I’m fine. Thank you, Mr. Lowell.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Amy’s looking for me. I guess I’ll head back now.” With that, she tumed and walked away, leaving Wesley watching her with deep–set eyes.
When he returned to the campsite, Amelia and Gemma were sitting together, tallang. Jacob approached him and asked, “Where did you go, Wes? Haven’t seen you
for awhile.”
Wesley glanced at him. “What’s up?”
“Well, it’s nothing.” Jacob replied as he looked toward Amelia and Gemma. “You’re close with Amy. Do you know much about Ms. Field?”
wesley didn’t respond immediately and gave Jacob a glance, while the latter continued, “I just looked into it. They say she’s spoiled, arrogant, and used to gettin her way as the daughter of the Fields. She’s repeatedly hurt others.
“When she was 18, she couldn’t accept Thomas marrying Sadie. She insulted Sadie multiple times and pushed her down the stairs while she was pregnant, nearly causing a miscarriage. The furious Thomas sent her abroad for studies, and she left for five years.”
Spoiled and arrogant?” Wesley repeated the words.
Jacob nodded firmly. “That’s what they say, but I don’t think so. From my interactions with her today, she seems gentle and quiet; nothing like the rumors say.”
For a long moment, Wesley said nothing,
“What do you think, Wes?”
“None of my business.”
Jacob clicked his tongue. “How is it none of your business? You and Amy are…”
Halfway through his words, Amelia’s voice came from behind them. “Wes, Jake, what are you two
talking about?”
When Wesley looked over, Amelia smiled brightly, while Gemma stood quietly beside her with her head lowered. The latter’s facial features were obscured in the dim light.
“Nothing, much,” Jacob replied with a prin
Amelia then tumed to Wesley with an inviting gaze. “Wesley, I have something to talk to you about, shall we go for a walk?
“Sure. Let’s go.”
As the two walked away, Gemma looked up and watched them. There was a thoughtful look in her eyes.
She withdrew her gaze only to find Jacob looking at her. His eyes carried a gentle smile as he said, “Hello, Ms. Field.”
Gemma was slightly surprised. She hadn’t expected Jacob to continue talking to her er their earlier conversation, so she nodded out of politeness.
He enthusiastically asked, “Want something to drink? I can grab it for you.”
She casually named a drink, and he quickly went to get it. They sat under a sunshade as he stated chattering again, “You’ve just come home, so you probably don’t have many friends here. If you ever need anything or want to go out, you can come to me.”
le say about me? They all think I’m ruthless and intolerant.”
paused and lifted her gaze to meet his. “Don’t you care about what people say
Jacob scratched his head “That’s all in the past ”
In the past? Was he implying she used to be someone like that?
Gemma looked away and emotionlessly replied, “Thank you, Mr. Gray, we’ll see.”
They continued chatting idly until Amelia and Wesley returned.
Amella seemed to be basking in happiness as her face glowed with joy. The way she stood close to Wesley was notably more intimate than before. Gemma recalled the conversation she’d overheard between Amella and Sadie, and she wondered if the two had contined thele relationship-
