The Love that Never Really Dies (Sasha and Sebastian)

The villagers were ecstatic. Once the wood was measured and paid for, the farmer dragged Ian to his house for some potato and leek soup. As it was a local and expensive delicacy, it would only be prepared to honor significant guests.

Ian had already firmly made up his mind to decline even before the offer was made.

At the farmer's approach, Ian shuddered in recollection of the incident with the Villagers' Committee and hastened his departure.

"Hey, Small Fry, where are you going? My wife has prepared a feast to thank you for your help"

Ian almost yelled in exasperation as the farmer's soil-crusted hand reached out with surprising vigor to grab his snow- white shirt.

Fortunately, a slender figure in the distance quickened her pace in Ian's direction at the commotion of his struggle.

"He has a delicate stomach, sir," the figure cried from afar. "But I'm sure he appreciates the offer"

As she spoke, she forcefully pried the farmer's fingers away from Ian's shirt.

Oh my, it's as black as soot!

Susan quickly extracted a clean handkerchief and cleaned Ian's shirt as best as she could.

The farmer must have gotten the hint as he no longer insisted on Ian's presence.

"I'm sorry to hear that. Even if you won't have lunch, at least come for my wife's pineapple tarts."

Pineapple tart?

Susan, who was feeling rather hungry, swallowed when she heard that.

there? This village is known for its exceptionally sweet pineapples. I heard

the young man behind her, her

Ian raised his eyebrows.

interest in morsels, he gave in

to nod excitedly at the farmer, she gratefully accepted. "We would love to come, sir.

one who should be grateful as Small Fry here has made us a lot of money. Come

way back to his

were in a primitive village. With houses made of mud bricks and worn tiles, the fragrance of

sight seemed to lift Susan's spirits

running away in a panic earlier that day, she did not dare think

have an ulterior motive against him and cast me aside as

so that the knot in her chest began to loosen. Unnoticed by her, a

baked tarts informed the pair

"It smells amazing!"

my wife's pastries," the farmer said proudly as he beckoned them in. "She got up especially early today for this. We are the first to bake with our harvest this year, you know. Here, try

went in with him with Ian

the house's interior felt refreshingly cool due to the adobe used in its

in a village, he could still adapt to

a furry thing shot between his feet

Thud!

and collided

with the pineapple tart in her hand completely

"What happened?"

a curious mixture of rage and humiliation as