Imperfect Match (Elixir Bachelor Billionaires #1)

An irritated look crosses her face. “Remember my grandfather’s land, the one he inherited from his parents?”

“The one you’re supposed to inherit next?”

Willow’s mouth twists into a thin line at my words. “I was supposed to, but now someone else is claiming ownership. He’s a distant second cousin and claims the land was gifted to his father several years ago. After the initial shock, I thought maybe it’d be for the good. What’s better than having a business partner who’s also family?”

“But he isn’t on board with your plans?” Elodie leans forward.

“No, he wants to sell it to some big hotel chain. I don’t know who the buyer is, but I know he has deep pockets and big connections.”

“Oh, Wills! I’m so sorry. Is there anything we can do to help? Maybe I can talk to Charles.” There’s no one in town with deeper pockets and bigger connections than him.

Willow finally smiles and shakes her head. “Thank you so much, but not yet. I have a plan. Maybe I can turn this around to my advantage.” The spark returns to her eyes. “I have an appointment scheduled with the big-shot hotelier. I’m going to pitch my plans for the land—extending our inn to a rustic, charming wedding location. Apart from the Butterfly Inn, there’s no other proper wedding venue in Cherrywood, but we host so many weddings each year.”

“That’s so true!” I find myself nodding along with Elodie and Vi.

“So, you all think it’s interesting and he might agree to investing in my idea instead of establishing a huge hotel that no one wants in Cherrywood?”

“Of course!” I give her a high five. “That’s very smart, Wills.” But I’m not entirely surprised, Willow has always been the one with the most business acumen.

“Thanks, but now everything rides on the mystery man, my potential investor.” Willow leans back. “So what about you, Daze? When are you starting on your plan for that big family?”

And for once, I have no response.

All my friends are working toward their dreams. They have a plan, but here I am, holding something beautiful in my hands that I never dreamed of.

What am I supposed to do now? Live this life and forget my dreams? Or leave this and chase what I’ve always wanted?

Because as badly as I want them to, these two things will never be the same.

It’s been five days since my friends visited me. I’m feeling much better now and, truth be told, eager to dive back into work. However, Charles has been adamant that I take the entire week off.

I’m sitting in the sunroom with a cup of hot cocoa. After last night’s snow, Cherrywood is draped in a beautiful white blanket, and through the clear glass, I have a picturesque view of the town—the frozen lake, snow-capped peaks, and a scattering of red and pink decorations as the town gears up for Valentine’s Day.

Despite seeing the sight all my life, my lips instinctively curl into a smile.

Our townsfolk certainly know how to celebrate.

The last few Valentine’s Days have been nothing short of dreadful for me. I’d spent weeks planning every little thing, only to end up alone since Jax was too busy with something important at work.

But this year, I’m scared to even make a single plan, knowing that the man I’d make plans for would perhaps exceed all my expectations.

If you have to plan, plan your exit, Daisy. Your work here is done. Staying any longer is only going to cause heartache.

That voice in my head grows louder with each passing day spent in this house. But that’s not the only change.

Every moment I’m with Charles, this feeling to just crawl inside him and never leave wells inside me with no end in sight.

I can’t even pinpoint the exact moment my insufferable boss transformed into the man I’ve fallen so deeply for.

You really lived up to your name this time, Daisy Hazy.

Love and family were never a part of this deal.

Shaking my head to silence the inner monologue, I reach for my laptop on the nearby table. I must return to work before I lose my mind.

I sift through my inbox to see if anything unusual jumps out, but every project seems to be on track. Until my eyes lock on an email from an unfamiliar address and my heart nearly leaps from my chest as I read the words.

Dear Mr. Hawthorne,