Bucharest, Romania. Three hundred years later
This trip marked the first journey for Dahlia Vilhelm and Mathew Corvinus since they officially got engaged four months ago. Their love story, full of twists and turns, had finally gained the blessing of Mathew's father, leading them to a more serious relationship. This time, they decided to vacation in Romania, Dahlia's birthplace. Although Dahlia's parents had passed away in a car accident ten years ago, she visited their graves in Bucharest every year. Fortunately, this year Dahlia could visit with her beloved fiancé.
Dahlia placed several white roses, her late mother's favorite flower, on the grave. The beautiful girl with golden-brown eyes and dark hair tied in a ponytail prayed for her deceased parents. She knelt between her father's and mother's graves, clasping her hands in front of her chest.
From across the street, Mathew walked toward Dahlia and stopped right beside her as she knelt. "Sweetheart, have you finished your prayer ritual?"
Dahlia tilted her head, smiled at Mathew, and nodded. "Yes, I have."
Mathew extended his hand to help Dahlia stand. Mathew's brown hair appeared lighter under the morning sun. His hazel eyes matched the shirt that clung to his athletic body. The sweet smile on his lips made Mathew look incredibly captivating. And in her heart, Dahlia adored her fiancé.
Once Dahlia stood up, Mathew wrapped an arm around her slender waist. They walked hand in hand out of the cemetery area toward the black sports car they had rented from a renowned travel agency in the city. A few minutes later, the car, driven by Mathew, was on the highway.
"Sweetheart, where are we going today?" Mathew asked during their journey.
"As per our plan yesterday. We have to return to Summerdale tomorrow. So today, we will visit Aunt Evelyn in Parczana."
"Okay, then I'm not going the wrong way." Mathew gently caressed Dahlia's cheek.
Dahlia grabbed Mathew's hand and moved it away from her cheek. "Sweetheart, you're driving. Focus on the road."
"You always make me lose focus, Babe." Mathew withdrew his hand and returned it to the steering wheel.
"Are you flirting?"
"That's the truth." Mathew smiled proudly.
After nearly five hours of travel, they finally arrived in Parczana, a picturesque village nestled in the valley of the Piatra Craiului Mountains, still part of Brasov County. The village retained its natural charm, far from the encroachment of skyscrapers, with houses that were still simple and rustic.
Arriving at the yard of a modest house with dark brown wooden walls, Dahlia quickly exited the car. She jogged towards the porch, her dark hair swaying against the back of her pink tight shirt. She couldn't wait to surprise her aunt. She knocked on the door twice and waited patiently.
A few seconds later, a middle-aged woman opened the door. Happiness radiated from her eyes upon seeing Dahlia. "Dahlia!"
"Auntie, how are you?" Dahlia gave Evelyn a brief hug.
"You look so beautiful, dear," Evelyn said as Dahlia released the hug. She then scrutinized her niece from head to toe. "Perfect."
"Oh, Auntie, you're exaggerating. I'm the same as always." Dahlia smiled softly.
For a moment, joy enveloped them. Unfortunately, the warm family atmosphere was interrupted by Mathew, who stood frozen behind Dahlia. Evelyn's gaze shifted to Mathew. "Who is he, Dahlia?"
Dahlia took Mathew's hand. "Come here, sweetheart."
Mathew stepped forward until he was beside Dahlia. His 185-centimeter frame tensed up, his green eyes scrutinizing Evelyn's face.
Like Mathew, Evelyn felt a profound shock. She sensed a strange aura about the man. The longer she contemplated the odd sensation, the more unsafe she felt. She needed to leave immediately, she thought.
"Dahlia, I'm sorry, but I have to leave right now. There's an urgent matter at the farm, and I can't take you with me. You should return to Bucharest. Now!" Evelyn's tone startled Dahlia. Her aunt's demeanor changed drastically within seconds.
Dahlia was stunned and confused. Her aunt was essentially kicking her out. "W-what, Auntie?"
"Yes. Forgive me, dear. I have to go." Evelyn hurried off to her truck. Without further ado, she drove west.
Is that it? Dahlia couldn't believe her visit with her aunt ended so abruptly. She had come all the way from Summerdale to Romania not just to visit her parents' graves but to see her father's sister, Evelyn Vilhelm. However, it seemed Evelyn didn't want her there. Mathew put his arm around Dahlia's shoulders. He felt sorry for what had happened to his fiancée. He then hugged Dahlia. "It's okay. Maybe your aunt is really busy. We can come back another time."
"I can't believe she kicked me out, Mathew." Dahlia's voice was heavy with disappointment.
"Let's go somewhere else. Don't be sad. Think positive."
Dahlia pulled her face away from Mathew's broad chest. "Okay. Let's just have fun today. Where are you taking me?"
"We'll enjoy this amazing village. If your aunt rejects us, I'm sure there are others who will welcome us, especially the restaurant owners." Mathew smiled warmly.
Dahlia chuckled. "Just say you're hungry."
"I am hungry, sweetheart."
Mathew embraced Dahlia's slender body again, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead.
Momentarily forgetting Evelyn's blatant rejection, Dahlia and Mathew spent their last day in Romania exploring the charming and serene village. The lush green fields, trees, surrounding cliffs, and mostly wooden houses with traditional European designs made the village look like something out of a fairy tale.
After a long day traveling to Parczana, Dahlia was exhausted. As soon as they returned to their suite, she headed straight for the bathroom. The sweat and dust clinging to her body made her feel uncomfortable.
"Darling, do you want to help me scrub my back?" Dahlia's call from the bathroom sounded like an invitation Mathew couldn't resist, even though he was still relaxing on a lounge chair on the balcony.
Mathew quickly made his way to the bathroom. He pushed past the plastic partition in the shower area where Dahlia was enjoying the refreshing water cascading from the showerhead. The sight of her, more beautiful and enchanting than ever, completely captured his attention. The water flowing over Dahlia's smooth skin and every curve of her body was a temptation Mathew couldn't ignore.