WHEN LOVE RETURNS

CHAPTER 20

The next morning, the house was eerily quiet. Erica stirred awake, the sunlight streaming through the windows casting golden rays on her bed. She stretched lazily, then sat up, glancing around. It was too quiet, even for Aunt Nena's modest home. Normally, the clatter of dishes or the faint hum of a radio would signal the start of a new day.

She rubbed her eyes, her brow furrowing. Where is everyone? Aunt Nena was likely at the market, but Sam? He was always up early, chopping wood or fixing something. Did he leave without saying anything? That's not like him... is it?

Erica got dressed quickly, pulling her hair into a loose ponytail. She wasn't sure why, but something gnawed at her—an unease she couldn't shake. She told herself she wasn't worried. Why would I be worried about that insufferable man? she reasoned, but the thought didn't sit right.

As she stepped into the empty living room, she glanced at the table. The usual breakfast—freshly brewed coffee and bread—was untouched. Aunt Nena had left a note:

"At the market. Back soon. Make sure Sam finishes the firewood."

Erica frowned at the words. Firewood? Where even is Sam? Her unease deepened.

Without giving herself time to overthink, she grabbed her shoes and headed out. Her feet carried her to Sam's workplace, her mind racing with possibilities. What if he left? What if something happened?

"Excuse me," she called out as she reached the workshop, her voice steady despite her pounding heart. "Is Sam here? I need to talk to him."

The older man working the tools looked up, scratching his head. "Sam? Oh, he finished his contract yesterday. He's not coming back."

The words hit her like a slap. Erica blinked, trying to process what she'd just heard. "He... he's not coming back?"

The man shrugged indifferently. "Yeah. Said he was done. Didn't say much else."

Her mouth opened to say something, but no words came out. She turned and walked away, her chest tight. He just left? Without telling me?

Her thoughts were a whirlwind as she wandered aimlessly. Her feet carried her to the riverbank before she even realized where she was going. The gentle flow of water greeted her, but the spot was empty. No Sam.

The sight filled her with an inexplicable sadness. Erica sank down onto a rock, staring at the rippling water. Why am I so upset?

The memory of Sam teasing her, calling her "princess," and that crooked smile flashed through her mind. She shook her head, frustrated. Why do I care if he's gone? He's annoying and rude and... But her thoughts trailed off, replaced by the ache in her chest.

I'm such an idiot, she thought bitterly. Why would he tell me anything? I'm just some spoiled brat who doesn't belong here.

The sound of a bird chirping nearby pulled her from her thoughts. With a heavy sigh, she stood and made her way back to Aunt Nena's house, her heart heavy with questions she didn't want to ask.

When she reached the porch, her legs gave out, and she sank down onto the steps. Tears welled up in her eyes, and before she could stop them, they spilled over. Erica buried her face in her hands, letting out a muffled sob. What is wrong with me?

The sound of the door creaking open startled her. She wiped her face quickly, looking up to see Sam stepping out, carrying a bundle of firewood. His clothes were slightly damp, and his hair was tousled, giving him an annoyingly casual appearance.

"What are you, a kid?" he teased, his voice laced with amusement as he noticed her tear-streaked face. "Why are you crying? I was just in the forest gathering wood."

Erica stared at him, her emotions swinging wildly between relief and irritation. "You—what? You were in the forest? I went looking for you everywhere!"

Sam raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying her outburst. "And? You missed me? That's cute."

Her cheeks flushed, and she scrambled to respond. "No! I didn't miss you. I thought you'd run off or something! I—" She stopped herself, realizing she was only making it worse.

Sam smirked, setting the firewood down. "Sure, princess. Whatever helps you sleep at night."

Erica stood abruptly, her fists clenched. "You're impossible," she snapped, glaring at him. But her anger was tinged with something else—something she wasn't ready to admit.

"Impossible? Nah," he said, leaning against the doorframe. "I think you just like having me around."

Erica groaned, turning away before he could see the blush spreading across her cheeks. "Shut up, Sam," she muttered, retreating into the house.

As she busied herself in the kitchen, her thoughts wouldn't stop racing. Why does he get under my skin like this?

Later, Aunt Nena returned from the market, her arms laden with produce. She set the bags down and immediately noticed Erica's red eyes.

"Erica, dear, what's wrong? Did Sam upset you?"

"No!" Erica's response was almost too quick. "I'm fine. Just... something in my eye," she said, avoiding both their gazes.

Sam snorted from the corner. "Yeah, just something in her eye," he echoed, clearly enjoying himself.

Aunt Nena looked between the two of them, her lips twitching with amusement. "Hmm. Well, whatever it was, I hope it clears up soon."

As the day went on, Erica couldn't stop stealing glances at Sam. He was his usual self—teasing, infuriating, and completely unbothered by the chaos he seemed to cause in her head.

Why do I feel like this? she thought, watching him from across the room. What is this stupid pull I feel every time he's around?

Her thoughts were interrupted when Sam caught her staring. He raised an eyebrow, a slow grin spreading across his face.

"Something on your mind, princess?" he asked, his tone playful.

"Nothing!" she shot back, turning away quickly. But her heart betrayed her, pounding loudly in her chest.

What is wrong with me? she wondered again, sneaking one last glance at Sam.

Whatever was happening, she wasn't ready for it. But deep down, she knew there was no escaping it.