Learning that love wasn’t about never hurting each other.

It was about what you did after the hurt happened.

On a particularly bitter afternoon in January, Kyle Mercer walked into the store.

Colton was behind the counter doing inventory.

He looked up when the door opened and felt his whole body tense.

Kyle hadn’t spoken to him since the night at the warehouse.

Hadn’t even made eye contact when they passed on the street.

“Hayes,” Kyle said.

“Kyle.

” An awkward silence stretched between them.

Finally, Kyle cleared his throat.

“I need some supplies, ranch stuff, wire, nails, couple other things.

Evelyn handles orders.

She’s in back.

I can get her.

” She actually I was hoping to talk to you first.

Colton set down his pencil.

All right.

Kyle looked uncomfortable, like the words he needed to say were stuck somewhere between his pride and his conscience.

I was wrong about you, about Wade, about all of it.

What changed your mind? Time mostly.

Watching you stick around when everyone expected you to run.

Watching you help Evelyn through losing her father.

Watching you work your ass off on this expansion when you could have just done the bare minimum.

Kyle’s jaw worked.

And I talked to WDE’s brother, Michael.

He told me some things Wade said before he died.

About being afraid, about lying because he couldn’t stand to lose his best friend.

About regretting it every day after.

Colton nodded slowly.

WDE made a mistake, a big one.

But he wasn’t evil, just scared and selfish.

Doesn’t make what he did right.

No, it doesn’t.

But understanding why someone did something and forgiving them aren’t the same thing.

I can understand Wade’s fear and still be angry about what it cost me.

Kyle absorbed that.

You forgive him.

I’m trying to.

Some days it’s easier than others.

And Evelyn, same.

We’re both trying.

That why you stayed to try? Colton considered this question partly, but mostly I stayed because running didn’t fix anything the first time.

just made me lonely and bitter in a different place.

Figured if I was going to be lonely and bitter, might as well do it somewhere that mattered.

Kyle almost smiled.

That’s honest at least.

Only thing I’ve got these days.

Look, I know I gave you hell when you first came back.

Me and my friends, we were ready to run you out of town.

And that night at the warehouse, I remember.

Yeah.

Well, I’m glad it didn’t go the way we planned.

Would have just made things worse.

Kyle shifted his weight.

I’m not asking you to forgive me.

Just wanted you to know I was wrong and I’m trying to do better.

Appreciate that.

So, we good? Colton thought about it.

Thought about the anger he’d carried toward Kyle, toward everyone in Red Hollow, who judged without knowing the full story.

Thought about how holding on to that anger hadn’t made him feel better, just kept the wounds fresh.

“Yeah,” he said finally.

“We’re good.

” Kyle nodded, relief visible in his shoulders.

Good.

Now, about those supplies.

Evelyn came out from the back room and stopped when she saw Kyle.

Her expression was carefully neutral.

Kyle, she said, Miss Carter, I need to put in an order for the ranch.

Of course, she moved behind the counter.

All business.

What do you need? While Evelyn and Kyle talked supplies, Colton stepped outside for some air.

The cold hit him like a wall, but he welcomed it, the sharp clarity of it.

Frank was sweeping snow off the saloon steps.

He looked up when Colton appeared.

“That Kyle Mercer’s horse?” Frank asked, nodding toward the hitching post.

“Yeah, he causing trouble opposite actually came to apologize.

” Frank’s eyebrows went up.

“That’s so hell must have frozen over maybe.

Or maybe people just get tired of carrying grudges around.

” Wise words for a man who ran away for 9 years.

Colton laughed.

Guess I learned the hard way.

Frank went back to sweeping.

You and Evelyn doing all right.

We’re trying.

That’s all anyone can do.

Try and see what sticks.

Frank paused.

Jacob would be glad that you came back, that you’re making it right.

You think so? No.

So, he told me before he died that he was wrong about you.

that anyone who’d ride back into a town that hated him just to tell the truth had more courage than he’d given credit for.

The words hit harder than Colton expected.

He said that, among other things, mostly spent his last weeks making sure people in this town gave you a fair shake.

Called in every favor he’d stored up over 40 years.

Made sure people like Mr.s.

Halloway and Martin Price knew the real story.

Frank looked at Colton directly.

You’ve got Jacob Carter to thank for the second chance Red Hollow gave you.

Least you can do is not waste it.

I don’t plan to.

Good, because if you hurt that girl again, I’ll finish what Kyle started at the warehouse, and I won’t stop when you ask.

Nice.

Understood.

Frank nodded, satisfied.

Now get back inside before Evelyn thinks you ran off again.

Colton went back inside to find Kyle leaving with his order and Evelyn counting money at the register.

She looked up when he entered.

That went better than expected, she said.

You heard most of it.

Turns out forgiveness is contagious.

Who knew? She finished counting and looked at him.

You doing okay? Yeah, just thinking about what Frank said about your father.

What about him? About how he spent his last weeks changing minds in this town, making sure I got a fair chance? Evelyn’s expression softened.

He did that for both of us.

knew I’d need the town’s support and knew you’d need a reason to stay.

Killed two birds with one stone as usual.

I wish I’d thanked him.

You did by staying, by helping me, by not running when things got hard.

That was all the thanks he needed.

Colton moved behind the counter and pulled her into a hug.

She came willingly, resting her head against his chest.

“I love you,” he said quietly.

Evelyn went still.

They hadn’t said those words yet.

had been dancing around them for months, both too scared of what they meant.

“You don’t have to say it back,” Colton continued.

“I just needed you to know I love you.

Not the way I loved you 9 years ago when we were different people.

I love who you are now.

Your strength and your stubbornness and the way you won’t let me get away with anything.

I love how you rebuilt yourself after I broke you.

I love that you’re giving me a chance to prove I’m different.

I love Colton,” Evelyn interrupted.

Yeah, I love you, too.

And he pulled back enough to see her face.

You sure? I’ve been sure for months.

Just took me this long to be brave enough to say it.

What changed? Nothing.

Everything.

I just got tired of being scared.

Tired of protecting myself from something that might not even happen.

You’re here.

You’re staying.

And I love you.

Those are the facts.

What I do with them is my choice.

Colton kissed her then, deep and sure, pouring 9 years of regret and hope and gratitude into it.

When they finally broke apart, Evelyn was smiling.

“So what now?” she asked.

“Now we keep going.

Keep building.

Keep choosing each other.

” “That simple? That complicated?” She laughed.

“You’re not wrong.

The weeks that followed felt different.

lighter somehow, like saying the words out loud, had lifted a weight neither of them had realized they were carrying.

They still worked the store, still had hard days, still argued about stupid things, but underneath it all was a foundation that felt solid in a way it hadn’t before.

One evening in late February, Colton was fixing a broken shelf when Evelyn came up behind him.

“I need to ask you something,” she said.

“Shoot, what are we doing long-term? I mean, are we just existing together, or are we building towards something specific? Colton set down his tools and turned to face her.

What do you want to be building toward? That’s not an answer.

No, it’s a question because I know what I want, but I need to know what you want first.

Evelyn crossed her arms.

You’re stalling.

I’m being careful.

There’s a difference.

Fine.

I want She stopped, started over.

I want a future, a real one.

Not just day-to-day survival or taking things slow because we’re scared.

I want to know that this is going somewhere, that we’re going somewhere.

Marriage, Colton said, “Maybe eventually.

If you want that, I do want that with you.

” Evelyn’s breath caught.

You’re serious completely.

I want to marry you, Evelyn.

Want to build a life with you.

want to wake up next to you for the next 40 years and argue about window placement and coffee temperature and whatever else married people argue about.

That’s not very romantic.

You want romantic? Fine.

You’re the most incredible person I’ve ever met.

You’re strong and brave and you make me want to be better than I am.

You took the worst thing I ever did to you and somehow found a way to forgive it.

You let me back into your life when you had every reason to slam the door in my face.

And I know I don’t deserve you, but I’m asking anyway.

Will you marry me? You don’t have a ring.

I’ll get one.

You’re supposed to ask my father’s permission.

Little late for that, but I think he’d approve based on what Frank told me.

Evelyn was quiet for a long moment, and Colton’s heart hammered against his ribs.

Then she smiled, slow and genuine.

Yes, she said.

Yes.

Yes, I’ll marry you, but on one condition.

Name it.

No more running ever.

If things get hard, if we fight, if life throws something at us, we don’t expect.

You stay.

You talk to me.

You work through it.

But you don’t run.

I can promise that.

You better because I’m choosing to trust you, Colton.

Really trust you.

And if you break that trust, I won’t.

He pulled her close.

I swear on everything I am, I won’t.

Evelyn kissed him and it tasted like promise and hope and the future they were choosing to build together.

The engagement was announced the next day.

Red Hollow’s reaction was mixed.

Some people were happy for them, others skeptical, most just curious to see how it would play out.

Mr.s.

Halloway immediately started planning, offering to help with the dress and flowers and whatever else Evelyn needed.

Martin Price actually smiled when he heard the news, which alarmed everyone who witnessed it.

Frank just nodded like he’d known it was coming all along.

About time, he said when Colton told him, “You two have been circling each other like nervous horses for months.

We were being careful.

You were being scared.

There’s a difference.

” Maybe, but we’re not scared anymore.

Good.

Fear’s useful for staying alive, but it’s a terrible way to build a life.

The wedding was planned for early spring, which gave them 2 months to prepare.

Evelyn wanted something small and simple, just the people who mattered.

No fuss, no pretense.

Colton agreed, mostly because the idea of a big formal wedding made him want to run for the hills and he’d promised not to run anymore.

They picked a date in April, right after the last frost when the mountains were still white capped, but the valley was turning green.

Evelyn bought fabric from her own store and made her dress with Mr.s.

Halloway’s help.

Colton bought a new suit from the tailor in Copper Ridge and felt uncomfortable in it until Evelyn told him he looked handsome.

The morning of the wedding, Colton woke up terrified.

Not of marrying Evelyn.

That was the only thing he was sure about, but of failing her.

Of proving everyone right who’d said he was a man who ran when things got hard.

Of being the person he’d been 9 years ago instead of the person he was trying to become.

Frank found him sitting on the steps outside the saloon at dawn.

You planning to run? Frank asked bluntly.

No, you look like you’re planning to run.

I’m not.

I’m just scared.

Of what? Of not being enough.

Of letting her down.

Of proving I haven’t changed as much as I think I have.

Frank sat down beside him.

You know what the difference is between you now and you 9 years ago? What? 9 years ago when you got scared, you ran.

Didn’t talk to anyone.

Didn’t ask for help.

Just left.

Today you’re scared and you’re sitting here talking about it instead of disappearing.

That’s growth, Hayes.

That’s change.

Doesn’t feel like enough.

It’s enough for Evelyn or she wouldn’t have said yes.

It’s enough for this town or we wouldn’t be showing up to watch you get married.

And it better be enough for you because you’re the only one who can sabotage this now.

Colton absorbed that.

You’re saying I need to get out of my own way.

I’m saying you need to trust that you’ve already done the hard work.

You came back.

You told the truth.

You stayed when it got difficult.

You helped Evelyn through losing her father.

You built a life here.

Those aren’t small things.

Those are the things that prove you’ve changed.

Now you just need to believe it yourself.

What if I mess it up? Then you’ll fix it.

That’s what people who love each other do.

They mess up and they fix it and they keep going.

Frank stood.

Now get yourself cleaned up.

You’re getting married in 4 hours and you look like hell.

The ceremony was held in the small chapel at the edge of town.

It wasn’t fancy.

Wooden pews, simple decorations, spring flowers that Evelyn and Mr.s.

Halloway had picked that morning, but it was full.

Nearly the whole town had shown up, curious or supportive, or just wanting to witness the conclusion of a story that had gripped Red Hollow for months.

Colton stood at the front with Frank beside him as his best man, watching the doors and trying to control his breathing.

When they finally opened and Evelyn appeared, everything else fell away.

She looked beautiful, not in the practiced perfect way of magazine illustrations, but in the real imperfect way of someone who’d lived and survived and chosen to hope.

Anyway, her dress was simple and fit her perfectly.

Her hair was down the way Colton loved it.

And her eyes, her eyes held his with a certainty that made his chest tight.

She walked down the aisle alone, no one to give her away because her father was gone.

And she’d chosen to claim this moment for herself.

When she reached Colton, she took his hands and smiled.

“You showed up,” she whispered.

“Did you doubt it?” “Little bit.

” “Not running.

Not ever again.

” “Good, because I’d hunt you down this time.

” “I know.

That’s half the reason I’m staying.

” She laughed quietly, and the officient cleared his throat to begin.

The ceremony was short and honest.

No flowery promises about perfect love or easy roads ahead.

Just two people acknowledging what they’d survived and what they were choosing to build together.

When it came time for vows, Colton spoke first.

“I can’t promise I’ll be perfect,” he said.

“Can’t promise I won’t mess up or say the wrong thing or have days when I don’t know what I’m doing.

But I can promise I’ll stay.

I’ll choose you every day, even when it’s hard.

especially when it’s hard.

I’ll be honest when I’m struggling instead of running.

I’ll build this life with you piece by piece and I won’t give up on us.

That’s my promise.

That’s all I’ve got.

Evelyn’s eyes were bright with tears.

I promise to trust you, she said.

To give you the chance to prove you’ve changed instead of holding the past over your head forever.

I promise to tell you when I’m scared instead of building walls.

I promise to love you for who you are now, not who you were 9 years ago.

And I promise that no matter how hard things get, I’ll remember why I’m choosing this.

Choosing you.

Choosing us.

They exchanged simple rings.

Nothing fancy.

Just gold bands that meant forever in a way diamonds never could.

When the officient pronounced them married, Colton kissed Evelyn like his life depended on it.

And maybe it did.

Red Hollow erupted in applause.

Some people were crying.

Mr.s.

Halloway was sobbing openly.

Even Martin Price looked moved, though he’d deny it later.

The reception was held at the Last Dollar Saloon, which Frank had cleaned up and decorated for the occasion.

There was food and music and dancing, and for a few hours, Red Hollow forgot about the harsh frontier and the hard lives everyone led, and just celebrated.

Colton danced with Evelyn until his feet hurt, accepted congratulations from people who’d hated him months ago, listened to toast that ranged from heartfelt to embarrassing.

Through it all, he kept Evelyn close, kept reminding himself this was real.

This was happening.

This was the life he got to live.

Now, late in the evening, when things were winding down, Kyle approached them.

“Congratulations,” he said, shaking Colton’s hand.

“Thanks, Kyle.

I mean it.

You two, you earned this, both of you,” he looked at Evelyn.

“Wade would have wanted you to be happy.

I really believe that.

” “I think so, too,” Evelyn said gently.

Kyle nodded and left.

And Colton watched him go, feeling something shift in his chest.

Forgiveness maybe, or just the understanding that people were complicated and messy, and sometimes they hurt each other without meaning to.

Sometimes they made terrible choices out of fear.

And sometimes, if you were lucky, you got a chance to make better choices the second time around.

When the reception finally ended and everyone had gone home, Colton and Evelyn climbed the stairs to their apartment.

their apartment now, not just Evelyn’s.

Everything was the same as it had been that morning, but everything felt different.

We did it, Evelyn said, leaning against him.

We did.

You okay? Better than okay.

You exhausted, happy, scared, all of it at once.

Colton wrapped his arms around her.

That’s normal, right? Being scared even when things are good.

I think so.

I think being scared just means we care.

Means we know what we have and we don’t want to lose it.

I’m not going to lose this.

Lose you.

Not again.

I know.

I believe you.

Those three words, I believe you, meant more than the marriage certificate or the rings or any of it.

They meant trust.

Real trust.

The kind that had to be earned and rebuilt after it was broken.

“I love you,” Colton said.

“I love you, too.

” Evelyn pulled back enough to look at him.

And just so we’re clear, I’m not expecting perfect.

I’m not expecting easy.

I’m just expecting you to stay and work through things when they get hard.

Can you do that? Yes.

Even when I’m being impossible.

Especially then.

She smiled.

Good.

Because I can be really impossible sometimes.

I know.

I’m counting on it.

They went to bed that night as husband and wife, and Colton lay awake for a while afterward, listening to Evelyn breathe beside him, processing everything that had happened.

9 years ago, he’d run from Red Hollow because he believed a lie.

Had spent nearly a decade wandering, convinced he was unwanted and unloved.

And then WDE’s confession had brought him back, and he’d found out the truth.

That the years he’d lost were built on a cruel deception, that the woman he’d loved had never stopped loving him.

that home had been waiting all along.

But coming back hadn’t fixed everything.

It had just given him the chance to start fixing things.

The real work had been staying, earning trust, building something new from the wreckage of what had been destroyed.

Learning that some mistakes couldn’t be undone only survived.

And here he was married to Evelyn Carter, living above the trading post, part of a town that had forgiven him, or at least decided he’d put in enough time to deserve a second chance.

It wasn’t perfect.

Some people still looked at him sideways.

Some days he still felt the old urge to run when things got complicated.

But he didn’t run.

He stayed.

He chose Evelyn and chose Red Hollow and chose the hard work of building a life instead of the easy escape of leaving.

That was the lesson.

Maybe that love wasn’t about finding someone perfect or having a story without pain.

It was about choosing to stay when staying was hard.

About being honest when honesty was terrifying.

about trusting that the person beside you would choose you back day after day even when you gave them reasons not to wait had taken nine years from them but those 9 years had also taught them things they wouldn’t have learned otherwise had made them stronger more careful more grateful for what they had the question wasn’t whether they could get those years back they couldn’t the question was what they do with the years they had left Colton looked at Evelyn sleeping beside him and knew the answer they’d build something worth the something honest and imperfect and real.

They’d fight and make up and learn each other all over again.

They’d run the store and grow old and argue about window placement and coffee temperature.

They’d be human and messy and occasionally scared.

But they’d do it together and that made all the difference.

Spring turned to summer and Red Hollow bloomed the way it did every year, indifferent to the small human dramas playing out in its streets.

But for Colton and Evelyn Hayes, that first summer as husband and wife felt like a new beginning.

Not the end of their story.

Stories don’t really end.

They just keep going.

One day bleeding into the next, but a turning point.

The moment when running stopped being an option and staying became the only choice that mattered.

And in a harsh frontier town where second chances were rare and trust was hard-earned, that was enough.

More than enough.

It was everything.

Everything in the swift family of fortune is now ours.

You stole everything my family left for me.

The business, my inheritance, and now my house.

You’re my aunt, Wendy.

You’ll pay for this.

No one is left to stand up for you.

Your parents are dead.

If you don’t want to join them, get lost.

>> Bye.

Dad, mom.

Are you all right? >> I lost my family.

I have nowhere to go.

>> My name is William.

I was a friend of your father’s before he died.

He asked me to take care of you.

I’ll take you home.

from that night on.

William was the only family I had.

who have saved you 2 years ago.

>> Are you all right? >> Are are you all right? >> Her parents died in a car accident.

Her honor uncle, they took over the family business.

They took all the assets.

They took everything away from her.

Even our family home.

>> You’re home now.

Take a breath.

Steady your hands.

>> Who thinks they can do better? >> You only hit us under once.

>> Actually, all three bullets went in the same hole.

>> Danny, you surpassed me as your mentor and you’ve exceeded all of us.

>> Mr. Miller.

May I learn how to shoot? You >> sure? >> Don’t you know you can’t unknown? >> A gun can cause pain for those on both sides of the barrel.

afraid? >> No.

>> The ones who should be afraid are the ones who hurt my family.

>> You don’t have to carry that burden.

I can handle that for you.

>> I need to be the one to do this.

>> Come here.

Hold it with your left hand.

Steady your aim.

Align the scope with the target.

You gently squeeze the trigger.

>> Afraid? >> No.

>> Let’s go again.

Focus on your breath.

I did it.

He’s been gone for 2 weeks.

Why isn’t he back yet? Who’s there? Who’s there? Mr. Miller, you’re back.

>> I decided to come back early and surprise you.

You gave me quite a scare.

>> Well, I would have dressed up if I would have known, but now >> the girl’s all grown up.

Let’s go get some food.

>> Amy, Mr. Miller’s finally home.

Will you please go one of his favorite dishes? >> Of course.

It’s right away.

>> I’m sorry I’ve been away for so long.

>> I got a lot of work to catch up on.

All right, I’ll see you shortly after dinner.

>> Rumors continue to circulate that you took advantage of the loss of a brother to seize control of the company after he was tragically lost in a car accident with other SW group directors.

How do you respond, >> Uncle Luke? My brother’s death shook up the SW group and we worked tirelessly to stabilize the group and now the total assets are in the millions.

So under my leadership, the company is thriving.

>> I know you had something to do with my parents’ death and now I know what you thought their lives were worth.

Wow.

This is my first kala, but I’m thrilled.

This is so delicious.

I can’t believe she’s still alive.

I thought she was meant to be dead by now.

>> How did you get in here? Huh? This is for the elite, not for the people off the street.

Oh, I see.

You’re just a couple of working ladies here to satisfy the rich and wealthy men.

>> You little [ __ ] Stand down before I put you down.

Who is he? He’s the richest man in America.

The owner of this hotel.

And I heard his single.

There’s a banquet in Alva tomorrow.

Would you like to go? >> I’m not filling up to a banquet.

>> So, this is what he had mentioned.

The top banquet he hosted in Alva.

Mr. Miller, my father tells me you and I go back for generations.

I can’t believe we have not met yet.

>> Who are you? >> Mr. Miller, I’ve admired you for a long time.

I hear that you’re the world’s most eligible bachelor.

It’s only natural that we connect.

>> Not interested.

I have never been less interested in anything or anyone in my entire life.

Ever.

I’m also not interested in marriage.

Please leave.

I’m wearing a red dress to a black tie event.

That’s really tacky.

You should know that.

Perhaps you could hang out with the guests outside in the veranda where the light is dimmer.

>> Oh no.

>> Mr. Miller, if you really hate women in red, then look at her.

Shouldn’t she be thrown out, too? I lent this red dress to Annie.

It’s not her fault.

>> Step aside.

>> That girl is in trouble.

>> I’m sorry.

I didn’t know about the red dress.

>> You look beautiful.

But I thought that you didn’t like these kind of events.

>> I didn’t.

It’s Iris.

I didn’t wish to wear the red dress either.

>> Some women they wear a red dress to stand out, but nothing stands out more than your eyes.

>> Why are you being so nice to her? Shouldn’t she be outside in dimmer light? >> Annie shines just as bright during the day than any time of the night.

>> Since you’re here with your friends, go and enjoy yourself.

>> Thank you.

Hey, look what you’ve done.

And you flats.

This worth millions.

How are you going to pay for this? Huh? >> What happened? What happened? >> She just destroyed this capture.

>> And I’m not sure where she’s going to come up with $30 million to pay her back.

Hey, Jack.

Says the damage.

>> $120 million.

$120 million.

So, is that going to be a check or a money order? Um, Mr. Miller, I don’t understand you.

>> How are you going to pay Annie for all this that you broke? A check or a money order.

>> Are you serious? We all just watched how your bodyguards smash all this.

>> No, no, no, no.

You see, I’m just taking a page out of your book because when you thought that I walked away, I was watching you because every time there’s people like you in the room, I’m always watching.

I just transferred this establishment to Annie Swift and I will see that she is fully compensated for all of this.

>> Annie Swift? >> Is that a problem? Mr. Miller, I apologize.

This is our fault.

We will compensate for all the items fully and we will be less clumsy moving forward.

Our sincerest apologies.

>> Don’t apologize to me.

Apologize to Annie.

Apologize to Annie.

>> Annie, our apology.

>> I am sorry.

>> We will transfer uh 120 million.

>> 120 million.

Well, what was the first sculpture worth? >> $30 million, >> right? So 30 million.

>> A total of $150 million.

Honey, it’s our fault.

We will fix this problem within 3 days.

Did William Miller just give you this hotel $150 million? Well, the money is going to be used to fix the broken sculptures and paintings.

Annie, why is Mr. Miller so interested in you? How do you two know each other? William and I are family.

>> Mr. Miller, did you really buy me a hotel? It was just to show my aunt and uncle, right? He actually bought it for you two years ago.

You were a little bit drunk and so you asked him for it and he did it.

>> 2 years ago.

I was just choking.

>> There isn’t anything like this.

You deserve everything in the world.

You look beautiful.

Some women they wear a red dress to stand out, but nothing could stand out as much as your eyes do.

I swear you’ll pay an swift.

Don’t expect to have everything so easily.

It’s so late.

Why hasn’t Mr. Millie come back here? Mr. Miller, what’s wrong? >> You’re burning up.

Are you okay? Are you drunk? Mr. Miller, call me William.

>> William Heat.

Heat.

I guess Mr. Miller must be drugged.

That felt so wrong and so right at the same time.

Honey, I love you.

Honey, I love you.

Was that All just a dream.

Am I in love with Mr. Miller? What am I doing? This is crazy.

I need to clear my head.

I’ll stay at Iris’s for a few nights until I can figure out what’s real and what’s not.

>> Where are you going? >> I was just going to spend a few nights with Iris.

>> What happened? Who did this to you? What happened? Who did this to you? >> Was anything of that real last night? >> Annie, what happened last night? Who did this to you? Who is he? >> Nobody.

I promise.

>> I’ve been raising you for 3 years.

Why are you lying to me? >> I don’t know if any of that last night was real.

And even if it was, he was drugged, and clearly not himself.

>> Jack, have someone keep an eye on her? >> Mr. Miller, I’m not a child.

>> What’s wrong with him? What’s wrong with me? Jack, get to the bottom of this.

She did not have that mark when we got here last night.

So, either somebody snuck in or somebody on the inside.

>> Yes, sir.

>> It’s been 3 days.

I can’t go anywhere.

>> Am I being held here? >> Annie, that’s Mr. Miller’s favorite.

Then you should have kept it someplace safer.

Any bad bottle could fund half of America.

That’s Mr. Miller’s favorite.

>> Eddie, where are you? Eddie, please.

Please.

If I’ve learned anything over the past 3 years, it’s to always be prepared to win the fight.

We haven’t found her.

And there’s no sign of anybody at the house and her room last night.

Also, uh, security cameras, they picked up Annie at the house this morning.

She breached the vault and she destroyed nearly half a billion dollars of cash and contracts.

She also happened to damage your sculpture, the Dante Marcellis.

And I just received a message from Bailey.

She blew up your beloved stable this morning.

And she burned down the villa.

>> What? Prepare the car.

>> Oh, Mr. Miller, you’re back.

Annie has caused quite stir.

>> What now? >> She blew up your stables, scaring horses away.

Two are still missing.

>> Yes, I heard.

We’re still looking for her.

Go and find out.

>> She’s upstairs.

>> You shouldn’t have locked me up.

>> Why’d you come back? >> I like it here.

>> You got a funny way of showing it.

Next time you want to vent out your anger, have Jack and the others blow things up for you.

Things up for you.

You don’t have to do it yourself.

>> You don’t have to deal with this yourself.

>> Aren’t you angry with me? I lost you a lot of money.

>> That’s trivial compared to how much you matter to me.

You must be hungry.

Let’s go get dinner.

I can walk on my own.

What am I going to do with you? Mr. Miller, I’m truly sorry.

It’s just a mosquito bite on my neck.

I was training in the mountains all day.

>> Perhaps you overreacted.

>> Thank you.

>> Honestly, I believed you.

I just don’t get why you have the need to lie to me.

I’m only trying to protect you.

>> I know.

You don’t need to worry.

I’m an adult.

>> And you don’t get it.

There are people out there in this world that are going to try and hurt you.

They’re not like the other girls.

They’re meant for bigger things.

>> Are you suggesting I shouldn’t have a husband or kids? So Annie wants to fall in love.

Annie has grown up.

Although I gave her a place to live and taught her many survival skills, I always knew she was an independent person who would have her own friends, life, and love.

But why is my heart so heavy? Annie has grown up.

Although I gave her a place to live and taught her many survival skills, I always knew she was an independent person who would have her own friends, life, and love.

But why is my heart so heavy? >> Mr. Miller, thank you for teaching me how to dance.

>> My pleasure.

You deserve the best.

>> Steady, your aim, line, the scope, the target.

afraid.

>> No, I don’t think I understand this formula.

>> Is that correct? >> Yep.

You’re very smart.

>> I wish I could pause time so I can cherish her forever.

What is wrong with me? Weird.

Mr. Miller has never been late for work before.

Mr. Miller, a dog on your face.

And you really need a watch on your wrist.

>> Annie, what are you doing? What are you up to? Come out of here.

You’re safe.

You’re really talented.

It’s a good drawing, >> Mr. Miller.

>> Yeah.

>> Anniey’s drawing is remarkable.

>> I’m sorry.

That was childish.

>> Um, I have wilderness survival training that Jack scheduled for me.

Is it okay if I go? >> Of course.

Any updates on who the man she’s seeing? >> Annie must have cheated.

Nobody can shoot a gun with that level of accuracy.

She almost doubled on a scar.

He has been the best shooter three years in a row now.

>> Yes, there is something wrong with that girl.

I hate France.

I say we especially >> Annie, may I invite you to be my uh date to the ceremony later today? >> Uh, I don’t think so.

>> You know, I always wonder why there was so much heat between us whenever we’re together.

But uh, makes sense.

>> I found some wild strawberries.

Perfect timing.

Of course, I know.

You have to admit.

Owen is handsome, smart, funny, kind.

He’s not really my type.

>> Of course.

Who would be into handsome, smart, funny, kind, and it’s clear he has a crush on you? >> Well, I don’t think Mr. Miller would like that.

And since I’m living under his roof, I think I need to respect his wishes.

He kind of scares me.

Heard you cheated earlier today on the shooting competition.

I wonder who could have started that rumor.

How do you think people feel about liars? I know exactly how I feel about cheaters.

You really think I cheated? You don’t think I can make those shots clean? >> If you’re really that good, surely you can make the same shot twice.

How about we call Owen over since he’s the one you cheated on? >> Fine, let’s do it.

>> Kenny, I’m not saying you cheated.

If you did, I got it.

You don’t have to try to impress me.

I like you.

>> You really think I cheated, don’t you? >> Do you really want to do this? >> I’ve already set up the targets 30 m apart, just like last time.

Except this time, Addie can’t do anything funny with them.

Three shots wins the bullseye.

Let’s do it.

Three perfect shots.

Annie, your turn.

Annie, your turn.

Why are you always doing this to yourself? Why don’t we raise the stakes? Since you’re so confident I cheated, you have nothing to lose, right? Owen won’t lose.

He just hit three perfect bullseye.

If Owen wins, I’ll admit I cheated and we won’t have to cross paths again.

But if I win, I’ll take your life.

Yeah, >> that’s my girl.

>> That’s impossible.

>> Deal’s a deal.

>> Oh my god.

Dang, you’re dead.

Mr. Miller, why are you here? >> I’ve been hearing some comments on social media trying to slander Annie over here, ruining her reputation.

>> She cheated this morning and she cheated again.

>> I’ve personally seen all of Annie’s certificates and medals.

She is perfect marksmanship, the best out of all of us.

>> That’s impossible.

>> How about this? I’m going to check the IP for the server and anybody who caused this, and then we’re going to expel them.

Please don’t expel me.

I I was wrong.

I was wrong.

>> Why is she always involved whenever there’s a trouble? I’m never going to trust her.

>> I apologize, honey.

Please forgive me.

Please.

I will never forgive you.

>> What are you doing here? I’m investing in the shooting school.

I always like to come and see my investment in person.

>> Annie, what’s wrong? >> Nothing.

I I just got my period.

I’m I’m fine.

>> Annie, >> where am I? >> The hospital.

You fainted.

I’m sorry.

>> You need to take care of yourself.

>> I will.

I promise.

>> Feeling better? >> Much better.

>> Annie, are you okay? Annie, I just want to see if you’re okay.

Is he pursuing you? Is he pursuing you? Is he pursuing you? >> Maybe, but I’m not interested.

>> Might be.

>> You need your rest? >> Annie, I just want to see if you’re okay.

>> Mr. Miller, may I come in? >> Okay, you choose.

Me or him? What do you mean? >> I can help you get rid of him.

>> What do you choose? Why did you just kiss me? >> It was just acting.

>> Was it really just acting? That had to mean something, right? >> It was just acting.

I had to make it look real.

Don’t take it so seriously.

>> Men can be predatory.

But if he sees that you’re with someone like me, then he’s going to back off.

>> I feel better.

I should get to shooting school.

And good.

What am I doing? Did I just kiss her out of jealousy? My feelings are betraying my role for her, and I think I’m falling for her.

>> Come eat.

Mr. Miller made your favorite breakfast himself this morning.

>> Where is Mr. Miller? >> He had to go to work early.

>> I can’t believe he made me breakfast.

Is this the annual financial report from the company? >> Let’s take a minute and stretch our legs.

>> Boss, can I help you with anything? >> Jack, look at this text from me.

>> Thank you for the breakfast.

>> How is Annie? >> What do you ask? Thank you for helping me to choose the dress for the wedding.

Annie I love you, Annie.

I love you.

>> Hello, Annie.

Anyone home? >> How do I look in this one? Wow.

What are you doing here? What am I doing here? What are you doing here? >> You two were getting married.

>> She’sn’t worth it.

>> How do I look? You are the epitome of grace and elegance.

>> Wow.

>> It’s a bit more than I can afford, but a girl can dream, right? This dress was made for you.

Will you let me buy it? >> You mean it? Thank you, honey.

Of course.

Uh, hello.

Our store requires full payment upfront.

Uh, no installment plan.

I’m quite certain I can afford it.

Oh, it worked.

Are you able to help more than just one person? Are you able to do more than just one thing at a time? >> I apologize, Miss Swift.

And oh my god, you look stunning in this dress.

Isn’t she beautiful? >> Bella.

>> Uh, Miss Swift, are you okay? >> She pushed me.

I was just inviting her to our wedding.

Why are you always so jealous of me? What is wrong with you? I know all about your sugar daddy, William Miller, but that doesn’t make you invincible or above the law.

>> She’s just like her mom.

She did it to herself.

>> Her mother is my future mother-in-law.

Bite your tongue, woman.

>> Well, clearly somebody pushed her.

Nobody just falls, right? >> What’s happening? >> Well, these two are picking fight with our customers.

>> Well, we can’t take it now, can we? Did you witness this event? >> No.

But >> And you still sure without question you know what’s happening here? >> Well, Miss Swift has a platinum membership.

>> Have you reviewed the store civilians footage? >> What? What’s going on here? I’ve never been treated like this before.

>> Are you crazy? Do you have any idea who you’re talking to? You can’t even see clearly on those.

>> All the same.

Let’s have a look.

>> That resolution there is really good.

>> Looks like you fell without anyone near you, let alone pushing you.

Would you like to have a look for yourself? >> I >> Maybe the floor is uneven.

Dela, did you feel someone push you? Is there a chance >> I was punished? Were you? >> Did you pretend to be pushed? >> Owen, please.

>> That is not okay.

Who does something like that? >> Owen, let me explain.

>> I’m afraid we can’t let unpaid merchandise leave the store.

>> I apologize.

>> No need to apologize.

You run a beautiful store and you and your staff deserve to be respected.

Miss Swift, perhaps you don’t know me.

I was hired two years ago to protect this asset for you.

You are any Swift, a silent and majority shareholder.

>> What? You own the place? Did I not mention that? >> So, let me get it straight.

You own the Opel Oyers Hotel, Louis Bridal Shop.

What else do you own? What are you doing? Checking to see if there’s a receipt.

I want to know if you owe me to.

>> Well, 2 years ago when I was studying business operations with Mr. Miller, my first project was to acquire Loveies.

And when I did, he made me a major shareholder.

>> How many more secrets are you keeping from me? >> I am a bit of a riddle wrapped inside of an enigma mixed with a conundrum and a mystery.

>> Yeah, you are.

Cheers.

Cheers.

>> Dela says you faked those videos at the bridal shop.

>> Neither of us knew the other was going to be there.

How would that even be possible? >> Probably the same way you won those shooting challenges.

>> Are you done? Don’t you have a tin foil hat to go put on? >> I know what you’re doing.

We both know you’d rather be with me than that cringy old dude.

You trying to get between Dell and I is so obvious.

But let me save you some time and heartache.

You chose that old man and I chose Dela.

Time for us to just both move on.

>> You are so delusional.

>> It’s him.

Please sit.

You’re all here for the Nova project.

The head of this project will become the next partner.

I expect you all to bring your agame.

Who would like to go first? >> I’ll go first.

Hey, this project’s really important for your family business.

Don’t let your father down.

>> Thank you, Uncle Cooper.

I’m very confident this will clearly illustrate the kind of work you can expect from me if I’m placed in charge.

my nephew, the comedian.

>> So, this this is the work we can clearly expect from you.

>> You’ve embarrassed yourself and disgraced your family line.

>> I’m disappointed.

I can’t believe Jack was able to set all that up on tape.

>> Hey, I saw you know Ellen out there.

You need help? >> Nothing I can’t handle.

Actually, I have a plan.

>> Joining the show? You know, I was going to take you out for food, but I see you already had dinner.

>> I had a few chips.

Hardly spoiled my dinner.

Not >> really.

Just a few chips.

>> Okay.

A few chips.

A few bags.

Those bags are tiny.

>> Do you want to try one? >> Is that what you want? >> Aren’t you supposed to be providing for me anything I want? Here.

This one’s my favorite.

How do you do that? >> The what? >> I mean, even eating a chip, you do in a handsome way.

>> I’m serious.

You might just be the most handsome guy in the world.

It must be exhausting.

>> I mean, laugh.

>> Hm.

They really are handsome.

>> Who’s that? >> Just some handsome guy Iris met at the bar.

>> I thought you said I was the most handsome guy in the world.

>> I did? Are you jealous? Thanks for coming.

I needed it.

I felt like celebrating.

It was a good day.

Is this where you met me, guys? >> Yeah.

>> I have a bad feeling about this.

>> Bailey, is Danny still asleep? >> I believe she went out with her friend Iris tonight.

>> Oh, yeah.

Do you know where she might have? Velvet Oak.

I took the liberty of writing down the address in case you felt the urge to join them.

>> Bailey, my bad.

>> Predictable.

Not at all, sir.

Not at all.

Lettuce.

It’s time.

What I’ve all been waiting for.

Let’s fix our arms in our absolutely gorgeous ladies nights.

Yeah, guys, show me your passion.

More energy.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Show me how you can do it.

>> This feels amazing.

You should try it.

It’s like models for your fingers.

>> What are you doing? Who are you? You’re scaring her.

Am I >> enjoying yourself? >> I don’t know why you were so upset.

We’re just dancing.

What are you doing? >> What do you think of me? >> He thinks I look good.

Have you been drinking? >> Touch me.

You like sexy entertainment, right? You don’t have to pay to touch me.

I am.

>> Is this supposed to be funny? Because it’s not.

>> I’m sorry.

I don’t know what’s gotten into me.

By the looks of things, too much alcohol has gotten into you.

>> What am I doing? She’ll never see me like I see her.

>> Are you okay? Get some rest, Mr. Mallet.

Did I do something wrong? >> What’s wrong? Grab your life jacket.

You keep drowning in your sorrows.

I’m going to have to call the Coast Guard.

>> A bun boy.

me jack boy.

Two days ago, she tells me that I’m the most handsome guy that she’s ever met.

I see her dancing with some guys.

You know, my mother used to call me handsome.

That doesn’t mean anything anymore.

A heart.

She wants to be with me.

She gives me all the signs.

>> Who? Annie? You think Annie likes you? >> Yeah.

I just know I’ve known her for a long time.

I understand it.

She sent me a red heart.

Boss, a red heart could mean that she’s in love with you.

That’s also what kids used to say.

Yes, I want to order pizza today.

You don’t think she’s a little young? I’ve dropped a Is that a cat? >> It looks like you’re just as lonely as I am.

>> Are you okay? Why are you so drove? I’m sorry.

I didn’t mean to hurt you.

I just uh >> It’s okay.

Let’s just get you home.

Why are you so drunk? >> I wish you knew how much I love you.

I’d have fewer reasons to drink if you did.

All right, I’ve arranged with Jack to um get some medicine and food the vet to check her out in the morning.

He advised to uh to leave her alone for tonight.

>> I guess she’s pretty happy here with you.

>> Yeah.

Um we can watch her, but uh I’m scared of cats.

>> You’re afraid of cats? >> Yeah, I’m not staying alone with that thing.

>> Are you being serious? >> Mhm.

>> Mr. You know, I remember.

I remember.

>> Yes, I understand.

No, I understand.

Yes.

My grandpa invited me to the Swift family dinner.

>> I thought you didn’t talk to your family anymore.

>> I don’t.

My aunt and my cousin convinced everybody that I despised them and nobody’s talked to me since.

>> Are you going? >> Yes.

>> You want me to come with you? >> No, I’ll be fine.

Thank you.

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