Tiana's eyes lit up at the mention of horseback riding, "We can ride horses?" She turned to Maria and asked, "Do you know how to ride?" Maria shook her head. "No, I don't." A hint of disappointment appeared on Tiana's face. "If you don't know how to ride, it wouldn't be fun forto go alone." Maria said, "There are others here, though." Tiana waved her hand dismissively. "Nah, I don't want to go already." Maria sighed.
Alright, if that was what she wanted.
Herman, also looking a bit helpless, shifted his gaze to Maria and said, "If you're interested in learning, I could teach you how to ride." Tiana immediately perked up at that, grabbing Maria's arm excitedly. "Are you interested? I really want to go horseback riding." Maria gave her a knowing look. It wasn't hard to see what she was really up to.
"We'll head to the vineyard first," Maria suggested. "There's plenty of time. Who knows, maybe later I'll want to try riding." "Good idea, vineyard first." Tiana nodded and shot Herman a look, silently encouraging him to keep trying.
Herman raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing at his lips as he followed them out of the lounge area.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe vineyard was vast, and as they arrived at the entrance, the staff handed each of them a small basket.
They were free to eat grapes on-site or pick them to take home.
Tiana eagerly moved ahead while Maria strolled behind, taking her time. She plucked a plump bunch of grapes and popped one into her mouth. It was sweet and delicious. Not bad.
Herman maintained a respectful distance, his gaze occasionally drifting to Maria.
Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the vines, casting dappled patterns on her as she walked. She wore a relaxed smile, looking carefree and unbothered. With a stylish straw hat perched on her head and a simple sundress, her whole demeanor exuded effortless grace.
She didn't seem particularly interested in picking grapes herself but enjoyed watching others get excited about it. It was as if she was just an observer.
Herman was curious about her, wondering what kind of person lay beneath her relaxed exterior. Who was she, really, when the je nonchalance was stripped away? "Have that couple tried to contact you again?" Herman asked.
Maria shook her head. "No, they haven't." "They don't seem like good people," Herman remarked. "Maybe you should consider moving somewhere else. That way, they won't be able to find you." "There's no need," Maria said. "Even if they cback, I won't acknowledge them." Herman nodded, not pressing the matter further.
"Look! I picked so many grapes!" Tiana's excited voice rang out about an hour later.
Maria turned to see her running over, her basket brimming with plump, juicy grapes.
Maria picked one and took a bite. It tasted quite good.
"Tired? Want to head back and grab something to eat?" Maria asked.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmTiana nodded. "Yeah, I'm tired. But why didn't either of you pick any grapes?"
Her gaze shifted to the empty baskets Herman and Maria held and then she suddenly asked, "Have you two been hanging out together this whole time?" Maria nodded. "Yes."
Tiana's face immediately lit up with a mischievous grin. Linking her arm through Maria's, she asked, "So? Did E you have fun talking?" "It was fine," Maria replied.
Tiana almost squealed with excitement, barely holding herself! back. She shot Ferman a series of exaggerated winks. Herman just smiled without saying a word.
As they headed back to the guest area, they made their way to the buffet.
However, the moment they walked in, Maria spotted someone familiar.