From a Wrong Turn to Mr. Right novel Chapter 95

"Don't listen to him, seriously. I wasn't scared at all."

Judging by Olivia’s easy tone, Adelina Lane finally let out a breath she’d been holding. That was a relief. Wouldn’t do to scare off the new fiancée she’d worked so hard for.

She patted her chest, gave Olivia a warm smile, and said, “Let’s just ignore him and chat, you and me.”

Olivia grinned back. “Sounds good to me.”

From his spot in the driver's seat, Ethan Carter caught their laughter in the rearview mirror. The two women were chatting away, voices blending with the hum of the car, and he couldn’t help but smile too. Instead of being annoyed, it just felt… right. Like things were finally falling into place.

When the car rolled to a stop in the lot, Ethan cut the engine. He barely had the door open before a booming voice echoed their way.

"Adelina!"

They all looked up in unison, following the sound. A tall, energetic guy was jogging toward them.

Olivia didn’t recognize him, so she just watched quietly as he came over.

Jasper Lane stopped in front of them, catching his breath, and nodded at Ethan. “Hey, Ethan.”

Ethan nodded back, “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

Jasper beamed—a smile that looked a lot like Adelina’s, all bright and boyish, reminding Olivia of a cozy winter morning. “I’m meeting some friends for dinner nearby. Saw your car pull in, figured I’d come say hi.”

He turned to Olivia, waggling his eyebrows at Ethan. “Aren’t you going to introduce us?”

Ethan glanced at Olivia, then said simply, “Olivia Bennett. Olivia, this is Jasper.”

Jasper’s eyebrows shot up in recognition—he’d thought she looked familiar, and now he was sure. She was the same girl he’d seen from a distance in the parking lot the other day.

He stuck out a hand with an easy grin. “Nice to meet you, Olivia. I’m Jasper Lane, Ethan’s cousin. Just call me Jasper, please.”

Olivia shook his hand with a friendly smile. “Nice to meet you too.”

Introductions done, Adelina herded them along. “Alright, save the chit-chat for later. Let’s go eat. Jasper, want to join us?”

Jasper shook his head quickly. “I promised my friends, but I’ll come up with you guys.”

“Yeah, Oakhaven, that’s the name. Sounds about right. Adelina’s got a great memory, see? Ethan, you really need to take some time off work—you’re not even hearing things right anymore.”

The elevator doors opened. Ethan led Olivia inside, giving Jasper a look that was impossible to read.

“Is that so?” Ethan said, deadpan.

Jasper hesitated, feeling the heat of Ethan’s stare. He hurried into the elevator and turned his back, clearing his throat. “Absolutely. You totally misheard.”

As the elevator started rising, Ethan asked, “So, where is Oakhaven, exactly?”

Jasper didn’t even have to see Ethan’s face to imagine the skeptical look he was getting.

Just then, the elevator dinged. Jasper bolted for the doors as soon as they opened.

“It’s just a tiny village, hardly anyone lives there anymore,” he called over his shoulder. “Pretty much abandoned now. The road’s just mud, and the weeds on both sides are taller than you are.”

He disappeared down the hall, leaving the others to laugh and shake their heads as they walked out into the bright, bustling restaurant.