Betrayed by Fiance, Embraced by Hidden Tycoon-Chapter 44: A Major Setback In Her Life

"Cabin in the woods? So, you’re the kind of guy who likes to stay in solitaire and explore nature?" Abigail asked. fгeewebnovёl.com

"Yeah. I guess I am. I only recently stayed in the city. Before, I spent almost all my time in the forest. I enjoyed nature and was far from the bustling city whenever needed. It’s very peaceful," Sawyer replied while washing the last cutlery and offering it to her.

"Wow, I’ve never met someone who likes living off-grid in nature like you, Sawyer. I envy you. It was my dream to have such a good life." Her eyes flashed with excitement and envy.

Abigail smiled bitterly, recalling how busy her life became after graduating. She had dedicated herself to helping Ryland build Urbandgrid Innovations.

They rarely took vacations outside the city because Ryland was always focused on work and saving money for the company.

She could only take a day off every two weeks to visit her grandma and mother’s grave. She considered this her "me-time," a small escape to help her cope with the fatigue and stress of work.

A few years ago, Abigail wanted to leave her job at Ryland’s company and become an independent architect. However, she couldn’t go through with it because Ryland proposed to her and insisted that their future lay with the company. She now recognizes how foolish she is to believe him.

Yet, Abigail could only cheer herself up with a solid reason to stay at Urbandgrid: After her mother passed away, she became responsible for her grandmother’s care. The money her mother left behind was quickly spent on her grandmother’s medical expenses, and her earnings went toward her grandmother’s nursing home fees.

With that enormous responsibility on her shoulders, Abigail set aside her dreams of a carefree life. She worked remotely to help Ryland build their future together. But it was just an illusion.

Calling off her engagement to Ryland feels like a significant setback in her life. At almost twenty-six years old, she finds her bank account only has a pitiful amount of funds and feels she has wasted her young and precious time with that bastard.

’You are so stupid, Abby! Really, really stupid for believing that bastard.’ Abigail silently took a deep breath before she left the sink to clean the dining table. She tried to avoid Sawyer, worried he could see how sad she was now.

But it was too late. Sawyer had already noticed her damp, nearly tearful eyes and dark expression, and he understood what had caused her sudden mood drop.

Sawyer didn’t rush to speak but allowed her some time to calm down. After a few more minutes of silence, he finally offered, "If you have time, let’s go camping. The weather is too nice to be ignored..."

His offer surprised Abigail, and her hand paused as she wiped the clean table.

She turned to look at him and instantly felt her heart race. He was only two steps away, and from her point of view, his strikingly handsome face glowed under the light.

Unable to find the right words, as if under a spell, Abigail quickly tore her gaze away from him.

When Sawyer heard no response, he continued, "The scenery in the North is stunning, and the temperature is pleasant. When do you have time?"

Feeling an unexpected surge of courage, Abigail asked, "Sawyer, do you mind staying a bit longer? Let’s talk on the patio outside..."

Though taken aback by her sudden request, he didn’t refuse her. This was what he wanted: to stay a little longer and talk with her.

Sawyer nodded, saying, "Sure—"

***

The beautiful city lights in the distance did not calm Abigail’s mind. She felt so stressed and embarrassed that she had offered Sawyer to stay longer at her place.

She tried hard to enjoy the rest of the night sitting under the patio umbrella beside him.

Five minutes had passed since they sat there enjoying their drinks, but neither had started a conversation; they were both lost in their thoughts.

To distract herself, Abigail recalled the first time they met. She smiled at the memory of meeting him on the rooftop, sitting under the patio umbrella, and enjoying a cold drink—just like now.

"What are you thinking that makes you smile?" Sawyer’s voice pulled Abigail out of her thoughts.

Turning to Sawyer, Abigail smiled slightly before looking back at the city lights in the distance. "I remember the first time we met. Look at us now—we’re back on the rooftop again, enjoying our drinks."

Sawyer smiled slightly as he continued to look at her. "You know what? I was thinking the same thing."

"No way!" Abigail was taken aback as she turned her gaze back to him. His brilliant blue eyes stared back at her. She nervously swallowed. She felt she might get lost in his eyes if she stared too long.

"Hmm, how amusing. We share the same thoughts. I wonder what else we have in common, Abby?" Sawyer’s sentence trailed off as he remembered something. "Oh, about my hobby you asked about earlier—I haven’t answered yet."

"Ah," Abigail nodded, realizing she had been too distracted by her troubles to recall her question. "You said you like spending time in nature?"

"Yeah. I dislike staying in the big city for too long. I spend most of my year in the woods or rural areas, far from the city," Sawyer said with a smile as he turned his gaze back to the distant city lights.

Abigail was amazed to hear that, but she felt puzzled and hesitant about asking him anything else.

After a while...

"How about you? What is your hobby?" Sawyer asked.

"My hobby?" Abigail’s voice was barely audible yet noticeable enough for Sawyer to catch her confusion.

"Yes, do you have a hobby?" Sawyer prompted, waiting for her response. However, she seemed unable to say anything. "Usually, women enjoy shopping—buying clothes or bags—or traveling. Maybe eating? Something like that..."

Abigail was at a loss for words to respond to him. Since her teenage years, when she lived with her father before moving in with her mother to care for her sick grandmother, she hadn’t had the chance to enjoy her hobbies. She had put those interests aside to fulfill her responsibilities.

A bitter smile slowly formed at the corner of her lips as she replied, "I don’t have a hobby. Those things are a luxury I can’t afford."