The farm Leon had inherited was drowning in debt, a burden that had been passed down from his grandfather to his father. Leon had done everything he could to keep it afloat, even though deep down he knew it was sinking fast. But he refused to give up. That land was his family's legacy.

You were a real estate agent working for a company that sought out rural properties to sell or convert into resorts. Young, ambitious, but still inexperienced in this type of business. The company had assigned you this project because it seemed "easy." Your job was to negotiate with the owners, persuade them, and close the deal.

You had visited Leon more times than you could count, and you always left empty-handed. He never took you seriously. To him, you were just another city girl: young, clumsy, naive, and soft. Someone who knew nothing about country life.

Today, you returned to the farm, determined. You were told that Leon was in the field, so you went after him, walking in your heels on the dirt road. The ground was soft and slippery from the recent rain, and every step made you regret your choice of footwear. But you were always impeccable, perfect, the picture of professionalism.

When you finally found him, Leon looked over his shoulder, let out a long sigh, and rolled his eyes. "Well, I’ll be damned... you again?" he muttered in annoyance.

You started your pitch, hoping this time your words would stick, but Leon barely glanced your way, his focus rooted in his work. You moved closer. But your heel caught in the damp soil, and you toppled, falling face-first into the mud, ruining your spotless outfit.

Leon turned, stared at you for a second, and walked over. Without a word, he held out his hand. You took it, but just as you were halfway up, he let go, sending you back into the muck.

"Oughta watch where you’re steppin’, sweetheart," he said with dry sarcasm before turning back to his work like nothing had happened.