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.

a visit, is there? This village is known for its exceptionally sweet pineapples. I heard this harvest has

to face the young man behind her, her perspiration- laced

Ian raised his eyebrows.

interest in morsels, he gave

Turning to nod excitedly at the farmer, she gratefully

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

the way back to his

and worn tiles, the fragrance of fresh produce wafted

smell and sight seemed to lift Susan's

not dare think about how Ian's impression of her

think of me? Would he see me as disrespectful, or would he think I have an ulterior

in her chest began to loosen. Unnoticed by her, a joyful feeling that put a spring in her step rose within

freshly baked tarts informed the

"It smells amazing!"

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

with him with Ian

the house's interior felt refreshingly cool due to the adobe

first time in a village, he

thought village life suited him, a furry thing

Thud!

backward and collided with

over with the pineapple tart in

"What happened?"

curious mixture of rage and humiliation as he stared at the cause of his