But I follow him anyway.
Strangely, he doesn’t lead me back to the castle. Instead, he heads down a narrow path I’ve never taken before.
—Where are you taking me? I ask—but he keeps going.
Curious despite everything, I follow. The path winds through a small wooded area before opening onto a hill with a breathtaking view over the McGregor lands. The castle rises in the distance, fields stretching endlessly, and beyond them—a glimpse of the sea.
It’s stunning.
—Is this why you brought me here? To show me what I might be leaving?
Hamish simply lowers his head and keeps grazing, completely ignoring me.
I sit on a rock, taking in the view. For the first time since Ryan’s call, I actually let myself think.
Los Angeles represents my career, my ambitions—the life I had planned. It’s exciting, fast-paced, full of opportunity. But it’s also superficial, ruthless. A place where relationships can be as artificial as a red carpet smile.
Scotland… has become something else entirely. More than a backdrop for an arranged marriage. It’s where I found a family—even if it’s a chaotic one. Where I discovered parts of myself I didn’t know existed. Where I learned to appreciate silence. Simplicity.
And then there’s Callum…
My phone vibrates again, pulling me from my thoughts.
Keira
Dinner in 30 minutes. Heather’s gone (Callum was VERY clear about that), and the vibe is weird. Where are you? I need backup.
I smile despite everything.
Keira
I stand, casting one last look at the view. Hamish watches me, as if waiting for a decision.
—I still don’t know what to do, I admit quietly. But thank you… for the perspective.
I head back toward the castle, my mind still tangled—but with one thing finally clear.
Whatever I decide…
It won’t be because of Alistair McKenzie.
Or Heather.
It will be because of me.
CHAPTER 32
JANE
Dinner is quiet. Isobel and Maggie exchange concerned glances, Keira tries desperately to keep the conversation alive, and Callum and I carefully avoid looking at each other. It feels like we’ve been dragged back to the very beginning—two strangers forced to share a meal.
—So, Keira begins with forced enthusiasm, Jane, Callum told us you visited the McKenzie distillery today. How was it?
I nearly choke on my wine. Of all the topics she could have picked…
—Interesting, I reply vaguely. I learned a lot about the whisky-making process.
—McKenzie is as charming as he is devious, Maggie comments, peering at me over her glasses. Never trust a man whose smile doesn’t reach his eyes.
