Returning from the Dead: His Secret Lover

The villagers were ecstatic. Once the wood was measured and paid for, the farmer dragged Ian to his house for some potato and leek soup. As it was a local and expensive delicacy, it would only be prepared to honor significant guests.

Ian had already firmly made up his mind to decline even before the offer was made.

At the farmer's approach, Ian shuddered in recollection of the incident with the Villagers' Committee and hastened his departure.

"Hey, Small Fry, where are you going? My wife has prepared a feast to thank you for your help"

Ian almost yelled in exasperation as the farmer's soil-crusted hand reached out with surprising vigor to grab his snow- white shirt.

Fortunately, a slender figure in the distance quickened her pace in Ian's direction at the commotion of his struggle.

"He has a delicate stomach, sir," the figure cried from afar. "But I'm sure he appreciates the offer"

As she spoke, she forcefully pried the farmer's fingers away from Ian's shirt.

Oh my, it's as black as soot!

Susan quickly extracted a clean handkerchief and cleaned Ian's shirt as best as she could.

The farmer must have gotten the hint as he no longer insisted on Ian's presence.

"I'm sorry to hear that. Even if you won't have lunch, at least come for my wife's pineapple tarts."

Pineapple tart?

Susan, who was feeling rather hungry, swallowed when she heard that.

is there? This village is known for its exceptionally sweet

young man behind her, her perspiration- laced face was

Ian raised his eyebrows.

in morsels, he

thrilled. Turning to nod excitedly at the farmer, she gratefully accepted. "We would love to

as Small Fry here has made us a

led the way back

worn tiles, the fragrance of fresh produce wafted from both sides up the quaint village

seemed to lift

that day, she did not dare think about how Ian's impression of her would change

of me? Would he see me as disrespectful, or would he think I have an ulterior motive against him and cast me aside as

the knot in her chest began to

the pair that they

"It smells amazing!"

"She got up especially early today for this. We are the first to bake with our harvest this year,

with him with

the house's interior felt refreshingly cool

it was not Ian's first time in a village, he could

suited him, a furry

Thud!

and collided with the

noise, Susan hurried over with the pineapple tart in

"What happened?"

was on the floor. His expression was contorted in a curious mixture of rage and humiliation as he stared at the cause of