Chapter 22: Mr. Fix-It

After that day, Jason became the new handyman of the house.

He fixed leaky pipes, painted shutters, changed lightbulbs before I even noticed they’d burned out. The other guests started to call him “Mr. Fix-It,” and he wore the title with pride.

Changing lightbulbs, fixing tables and chairs—everything became his job.

He took to it naturally, humming while he worked, always with a quick smile and a joke for anyone who needed it.

The guests often teased him: “You’re so handy, the beautiful boss should just marry you!”

They’d nudge me in the kitchen, winking conspiratorially. I’d blush and roll my eyes, but Jason just grinned, clearly enjoying the attention.

Whenever that happened, he would ask me:

“When do you plan to marry me?”

He made it sound like the most natural thing in the world. Each time, my heart flipped a little more.

I always laughed it off.

I wasn’t ready—not yet. But a secret part of me started to imagine what it would be like to say yes.

He seemed unconcerned, but whenever no one was around, he’d find ways to mess with me!

He’d sneak up behind me, tickle my waist, or steal kisses when I was busy making breakfast. There was a playfulness to him I hadn’t seen before, and it made me feel young again.

Even if I begged for mercy, he wouldn’t let me off!

He’d only grin wider, enjoying every second of my flustered laughter.

I thought life would go on like this, but one day, Jason suddenly disappeared!

He left without warning, his room empty except for a note scrawled on hotel stationery: “I’m sorry. Don’t wait up.” My heart broke all over again.