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 known for its exceptionally sweet pineapples. I heard this harvest has been their best

young man behind her, her perspiration-

Ian raised his eyebrows.

little interest in morsels, he gave in

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

Small Fry here has made us a lot of money.

farmer led the way back to his

a primitive village. With houses made of mud bricks and worn tiles, the fragrance of fresh produce wafted from both sides up the quaint village

and sight seemed to

a panic earlier that day, she did not dare think about how Ian's impression

think I have an ulterior motive against him and cast me

agreed to keep her company and showed no displeasure in doing so that the knot in her chest began to

scent of freshly baked tarts informed the pair that they had

"It smells amazing!"

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

him with Ian

cool due to the adobe used

a village, he

thought village life suited him, a furry thing shot between his feet

Thud!

backward and collided

over with

"What happened?"

expression was contorted in a curious mixture of rage and humiliation as he