Chapter 4

Harry took the tablet from my hands and waved it around.

He said, "Esther, what did you mean by what you wrote on the tablet?"

I was desperately racking my brain for a good excuse, reaching out to snatch the tablet back.

"Why are you so nervous?" Harry stared at me, his gaze sharp like he was trying to see right through me.

"It's just a snippet from a novel I'm writing," I said, pretending to be calm as I hugged the tablet to my chest and forced a smile. "It's not finished yet, and I didn't want you to laugh at it."

He raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth twitching as if he wanted to say something. In the end, he just chuckled. "A novel? Since when are you into writing novels?"

"I just started recently," I replied, lowering my gaze, my voice calm, as if I were totally serious about it.

Harry didn't ask any more questions. He casually picked up his car keys and said, "The supplies for the shop are coming in tomorrow. I'll go with you."

"Okay." I nodded as I watched him walk out the door. I finally let out a long breath.

The next day, the pet shop was buzzing with activity. The contractors were busy painting the walls.

Harry stood off to the side, his shirt sleeves rolled up, calling the shots and keeping everything running smoothly.

"Leave this wall empty. We'll hang shelves here," he said.

One of the contractors said with a grin, "Wow, Mr. Snyder, you're really something. I've worked so many jobs, but this is the first time I've seen the big boss personally keeping an eye on things."

Another contractor laughed. "Yeah, Mrs. Snyder is really lucky. You two make such a great couple. I'm honestly a bit jealous."

As soon as he said that, Harry glanced over at me, a faint, almost teasing smile tugging at his chiseled lips.

I couldn't read the meaning behind that smile, and my chest tightened up. I hurriedly started shuffling through the papers on the table.

I had to play it cool and act like I didn't hear a word.

At noon, Harry got a call and had to step out for a bit.

After making sure he was out of earshot, I walked over to the contractors, keeping my tone steady.

"About earlier, I think there's been a bit of a misunderstanding," I said.

The guy stopped mid-brush, looking a little thrown. "A misunderstanding?"

"We're not a couple, just friends," I said with an easy smile, keeping it light.

I added, "He's just doing me a favor, so please don't start any gossip about us. That could get messy."

The guy scratched his head, looking a little sheepish. "Sorry about that. I didn't mean anything by it. Please don't take it to heart."

I nodded and turned back to the counter, feeling like the weight on my chest just got even heavier.

Harry came back in the afternoon, carrying a few lunch boxes.

He handed me one without much fuss. "Been working hard all day, huh? Hungry?"

"Thanks," I murmured, taking the box.

I kept my guard up, playing it safe.

Meanwhile, Harry was totally at ease, leaning against the counter with a smirk, half-joking. "Heard the guys earlier saying we make a pretty good couple. Looks like we really are quite the match, huh?"

I glanced up at him, my tone neutral. "I've already set the record straight. No need for anyone to get the wrong idea."

Harry's gaze grew more intense, his voice dropping lower, suddenly sounding more serious.

"Why so worried about a misunderstanding?" he asked.

"Yeah," I murmured, dropping my gaze as I opened the lunch box. I kept my tone calm to mask the unease churning inside.

"I just don't want any complications," I added quietly.

Harry didn't press further. He simply shook his head and walked away.

As I walked over to the trash can with a few lunch boxes in hand, I overheard the contractors gossiping in low voices.

"That girl's so young. Looks like she's in her early twenties, and she's already running her own business. Must have some serious cash."

"Listen, I know Mr. Snyder. He's got a wife, and it's not her! You know what kind of relationship they have."

"Man, she's just young and pretty. Got him totally hooked."

"Yeah, and his wife's already back, but Mr. Snyder keeps coming around here every day. Seriously, what do you think she's after?"

"Come on, what else could she possibly want?"

Stone-faced, I pushed open the door, tossed the trash into the bin, and kept silent.

The moment I stepped in, their gossip died instantly.

They cleared their throats awkwardly, quickly dispersed, and went back to work, avoiding eye contact.

I dropped my eyes, silently tidied up the papers in my hands, then got up to double-check the shelf measurements.

I'd heard that kind of talk more times than I could count. They were not worth caring about. I had heard far worse.

By the time I finally finished up, it was already past nine. I was just grabbing my bag when my phone screen lit up.