UNBROKEN PROMISE

42. Ain't Your Business

Author's Note:

So guys, I was reviewing the chapters and realized that there was an omission😭😔
I didn't write conversation which I intended to, between Logan, Ezra, and Clara, where he showed them around the ranch.
So, I've decided to write a chapter about it. I'm sorry for this🙏🏽.

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Logan led Ezra and Clara through the property. The land sprawled around them, golden fields swaying gently in the breeze and the barn standing tall in the distance. To Logan, it was a place of pride, a testament to years of hard work and sacrifice. But as they walked, he could feel Ezra’s and Clara’s judgment like a heavy weight pressing down on him.

“This is quite a spread,” Ezra said, his voice carrying a hint of begrudging respect. “You’ve done well for yourself, Logan.”

Logan nodded curtly, not trusting himself to respond. He could feel Ezra’s eyes scanning every corner of the ranch, searching for flaws to pick apart.

Clara, on the other hand, made no effort to hide her disdain. She fanned herself briskly, her sharp eyes darting from the barn to the house with a look of faint disgust. “It’s... quaint,” she said, her tone clipped. “Though I can’t imagine this being a suitable place for someone like Carom.....Oma, I mean.”

Logan’s jaw tightened, but he forced himself to keep walking.  “This place suits her just fine,” he said evenly, his voice carrying a warning edge.

Ezra hummed thoughtfully, his hands clasped behind his back as he strolled. “It’s impressive,” he said, his tone measured. “But let’s be honest, Logan—this isn’t exactly what her father would have wanted for her. She deserves more than this... simple life.”

Logan stopped abruptly, turning to face them. His blue eyes burned with restrained anger as he looked at Ezra. “She’s got all she needs right here,” he said firmly. “And it ain’t your place to decide what’s best for her.”

Clara raised an eyebrow, snapping her fan shut. “Logan, let’s not be so defensive,” she said coolly. “We’re only here because we care about Oma. We just want to make sure she’s being properly cared for.”

Logan’s fists clenched at his sides, his knuckles whitening. “She is cared for,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “Better than she ever was before, I’d wager.”

Ezra chuckled softly, though there was no warmth in the sound. “From what we’ve seen, you’re trying, I’ll give you that,” he said. “But let’s not pretend everything’s perfect. You’re not exactly the picture of marital bliss.”

Logan’s glare darkened, and he took a step closer, his broad shoulders looming over Ezra. “What the hell’s that supposed to mean?”

Ezra smirked faintly, leaning in slightly. “Come now, Logan. We’ve heard things. You haven’t even... consummated your marriage, have you?”

The words hit Logan like a slap, and his breath caught as anger surged through him. “What happens between me and Oma is none of your damn business,” he growled, his voice sharp.

Clara tutted softly, shaking her head. “We’re just saying, Logan,” she said, her tone condescending. “If you can’t provide her with what she needs, perhaps it’s time to let someone else step in.”

Logan took another step forward, his fists trembling at his sides. “You don’t know a damn thing about me, or about her,” he said, his voice rising. “Oma’s my wife, and she’s happy here. You’ve got no right to come here and act like you’ve got some claim to her life.”

Ezra’s smirk faltered slightly, but he recovered quickly, squaring his shoulders. “We’re her family,” he said, his voice growing colder. “We have every right to be concerned about her well-being. She deserves more than a life of mucking stalls and cooking meals.”

Logan’s chest heaved as he struggled to contain his fury. Before he could respond, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the tension. Jacob appeared, his face calm but his eyes sharp as he took in the scene.

“What’s goin’ on here?.......lunch is already ready” Jacob asked, his voice steady, carrying an edge of authority.

Logan stepped back, his hands clenched into fists as he glared at Ezra and Clara. “Nothin’ worth repeating,” he muttered, his voice tight.

Ezra smoothed his jacket, forcing a smile. “Just a little misunderstanding,” he said smoothly. “Your brother’s feeling a bit... sensitive, it seems.”

Jacob’s eyes flicked to Logan, his brow furrowing slightly. “Logan?” he asked quietly.

Logan shook his head, his gaze still locked on Ezra. “I ain’t hungry,” he said abruptly, turning on his heel and striding toward the barn. His boots kicked up dust as he walked away, leaving the tension behind him.

Jacob watched him go, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he turned back to Ezra and Clara, his tone cool. “Let’s not keep the others waiting,” he said, gesturing toward the house.

Ezra and Clara exchanged a glance, but neither said a word as they followed Jacob back toward the house.