Page 21 of Shadows of Obsession

He told me about a cookout that he holds at his house. A weekend tradition for friends, family, and workers. That he canceled last weekend’s because of my arrival.

"I was thinking about canceling it again, but—"

"Do not cancel that because of me," I interrupted, my tone firmer than I felt. Determination flared in my chest, hot and insistent. "I will not be the reason things change around here. I won't make people feel like they have to tiptoe around me or put their lives on hold."

Connor smiled, and I saw relief there. Pride, even. "I thought you might say that. But I do want you to have options. You don't have to stay for the cookout if you're not comfortable. You can go upstairs,take some time for yourself, or hang out in one of the guest cabins if you need space. Whatever makes you feel at ease, Anna. That's what matters most."

I nodded, gratitude warming my chest. "Thank you, Connor. I'll think about it. But I don't want to be a burden. You should enjoy the cookout with your friends, not worry about me."

"You're not a burden," Connor assured me, his voice gentle but firm. "You're a friend too, Anna. And you can always change your mind. The important thing is that you feel safe and have choices. I'm here for you, no matter what."

I gave him a small smile. It wasn't easy to navigate this, the delicate balance between my own needs and the desire not to disrupt everyone's lives. But Connor's reassurance helped me feel a little more in control.

The chime of Connor's phone broke the moment. He glanced at the screen and sighed. "I have some work I need to take care of. Are you okay?" he asked, stretching as he stood.

I nodded, mustering what I hoped was a reassuring smile. "Yeah. I think I'll go for a ride, it'll help clear my head."

We stepped outside together, greeted by warm sun and a gentle breeze. Connor headed toward the sale barn, and I walked in the opposite direction, making my way to the older barn where Choco had been moved so he could stay with Sam's horses.

As I walked, the stress and adrenaline from earlier began to dissipate, replaced by something calmer. Riding Choco had always been a source of comfort and freedom for me, a way to escape my thoughts and simply exist in the present moment. The rhythmic cadence of hoofbeats, the rush of wind against my face, the way everything else just... faded away.

I found Choco grazing in the field next to the barn, his sleek coat gleaming in the sunlight as he mingled with the other horses. A smile tugged at my lips as I entered the field and approached them, relishing the warmth of Choco's neck beneath my palm, the velvet softness of his coat.

The other horses sensed my presence and nudged me gently, seeking attention. I obliged, scratching their withers and offeringgentle pats. The simple act of connection soothed my frayed nerves in a way nothing else could.

Being around the horses brought a unique sense of peace. They didn't judge. Didn't ask probing questions or demand explanations. They were simply there, offering their silent strength and unconditional acceptance.

As I stood there, surrounded by these gentle giants, I felt something grow within me—resolve, maybe.

I knew that if I was going to heal, to truly move forward and build a new life for myself, I needed to push myself out of my comfort zone. Avoiding people and hiding away from the world wouldn't help me in the long run. Especially not here, on Connor's bustling ranch filled with friends and workers who knew nothing of my past or of the darkness that had nearly consumed me.

In that moment, standing in the warm sunlight with Choco's breath soft against my shoulder, I made a decision.

I would face the uncomfortable situations that would inevitably arise. I would confront the whispers and curious glances with my head held high.It’s time to stop running. To stop letting fear dictate my every move.This was my chance to find stability—to reclaim control of my own narrative.

And I wasn't going to let it slip away.

I pressed my forehead against Choco's neck, breathing in his familiar scent—hay and horse and sunshine and home.

"We've got this, boy," I whispered. "We'regoing to be okay."

CHAPTER 7

Anna

In the last few days, I'd fully immersed myself in the daily routines of Connor's ranch. I'd explored every corner of the house and its surrounding grounds, becoming intimately familiar with the older barn where Sam's horses were kept. I'd spent countless hours with the gentle creatures, finding solace in their quiet strength and unwavering presence.

But today felt different. A restless energy pulsed through my veins, an unsettling sense of unease that lingered despite my efforts to ignore it. The stability of staying in one place for an extended period, something I hadn't experienced since fleeing from Daniel, now felt constricting, like a weight pressing down on my chest.

Compounding my anxiety was Connor's cookout. The thought of being surrounded by so many people, navigating the intricacies of social interactions and expectations, filled me with dread. What if they asked about my past? About the reasons behind my sudden appearance at the ranch? The idea of confronting those painful memories, of exposing my vulnerability to strangers, made my skin itch with discomfort.

The comfort of my reading nook had become my only sanctuary as the day unfolded. I'd grown accustomed to the silence and predictability of my own company, the soft rustling of pages my only companion. The idea of a lively social event, filled with laughter andoverlapping voices, felt like an overwhelming contrast to the tranquility I'd come to crave.

My room had become a fortress against the intrusion of the outside world. I was so lost in the escapism of my romance novel, the entanglement of fictional love stories providing a welcome distraction from reality, that Connor's soft knock on the doorframe made me jump.

"You okay?" he asked, stepping into the room, his eyes filled with concern. He'd noticed the tension in my shoulders, the way my fingers gripped the book a little too tightly. "Just wanted to see how you're doing."

"I'm fine," I replied, forcing a smile as I met his gaze. The warmth in his eyes told me he wasn't buying it, but it was the best I could muster. "Is anyone here yet?"