Chapter 9: Oaklyn

Words : 1066 Updated : Sep 18th, 2025

"Gideon, we can't do this!" Melissa grabbed my hand. I could feel her guard go up. The reckless move I had made a moment earlier had put her on edge. I'd rushed things. "Melissa, I'm no saint, but I'm not some creep either. You really don't trust me?" She just stared at me for a moment, still tense. I pressed on, keeping my voice low but steady. "Let me be clear. This remedy's a bit unconventional. The method won't be by the book. If you think I'm taking advantage, take the medicine and pretend I never said a word." I turned to leave, but Melissa caught my hand. "Gideon, it's not that I don't believe you, it's just..." Before she could finish, a head popped in through the window, making us both jump. It was Oaklyn. Seeing our startled faces, her eyes crinkled as she smiled, and she let out a flirty laugh. "Oh! Sorry! Didn't mean to scare you two." The apology didn't sound sorry at all. Everyone in Royphia Village knew Oaklyn was bold and over the top. "It's fine..." Melissa managed a strained smile. "You two..." Oaklyn's gaze slid to our joined hands and lingered, full of meaning. Melissa realized she was still holding onto me and snatched her hand away. "I've got things to take care of at home. I should get going." She glanced at me, then opened the door and left. "Hey, Melissa!" I called after her, but she didn't answer. She was gone. My chest tightened. Oaklyn barging in had totally killed the moment. Worse was the look in Oaklyn's eyes, which put me on edge. "Gideon, what do you think you're doing? Melissa is Billy's wife." At some point, Oaklyn had slipped inside the clinic and was standing uncomfortably close. Her expensive perfume hung in the air. Unlike Melissa's clean presence, Oaklyn was very much a woman in her prime. Even the way she lifted a hand seemed to have a hidden hook, tugging at the restless hearts of men. "Oaklyn, you've got the wrong idea. Melissa fainted and almost fell. I was holding her up." I felt a weight in my chest. I tried to play it down and change the subject. "So, did you need something from me?" Oaklyn studied me with those smoldering eyes, long enough to make guilt creep up my spine. Finally, she said, "Angie isn't feeling well. I want you to take a look at her." "What's going on with Angie?" I met her sharp gaze, though it took effort. This woman was tough to read. Oaklyn's lips curled into a sultry smile. She caught my hand, rubbing it suggestively. "Nothing serious. Her period's been going for seven days and still hasn't stopped. She got a chill last night and ran a fever. She can't get out of bed." The warmth of her skin jolted me. I pulled my hand away at once. "Give me a second. I'll grab my medical bag." Before Melissa showed up, Oaklyn had been the dream woman for the single men of the village. I wasn't one of them. I knew Oaklyn had a thing for me, but I had no interest in her. She wasn't as pretty as Melissa, but her curves were fuller, her hips rounder. When she walked, she swayed. When she smiled, the allure of a young widow emanated from her, enough to make any man lose his head. Years of flirtation and reading men had taught her how to get by. She could keep herself and her daughter afloat without leaning on a man. I followed Oaklyn back to her place. Her door was wide open. I stepped in behind her and saw Billy sitting in the living room. My heart lurched. Why was Billy here? At this hour, he was usually out in the fields. It must be for no good reason. "Billy, how's the rice in my field? All taken care of? Thank you so much!" Oaklyn hurried over to him and smiled. "Angie's sick today, so I can't treat you to a meal. Next time." "Oh, Angie's sick," Billy repeated the words blankly. He spotted me, scratched his head, and let out a sheepish little chuckle that only made him look more guilty.

Chapter 9: Oaklyn

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