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CHAPTER 29
Zara’s POV
An hour had swiftly passed, and we found ourselves arriving at our cherished destination-a personal interpretation of a green paradise. Memories of my childhood flooded back when my mother would bring me here on every vacation to escape the monotony of Claybourne. This place was a haven filled with cousins to play with, ensuring that boredom was never an option in the province.
The landscape held numerous delights-a river perfect for bathing, trees begging to be climbed and turned into tree houses, and mango trees that yielded juicy fruits. We would rise early to savor the rich taste of fresh cow’s milk, a ritual that added to the enchantment of our days.
Even in the evenings, our joy didn’t wane. We would play on the roads, chasing dragonflies, capturing rice spiders, and marveling at the luminous glow of fireflies. The memories of my childhood, so full of innocent bliss, are priceless and irreplaceable.
Despite the passage of many years, Clayland had managed to maintain its essence. The air was still invigoratingly fresh, the green crops a feast for the eyes, and the rivers we had passed remained untainted by pollution or chemicals.
Before long, we reached the ancestral home of my grandfather’s sister, Grandmother Minerva. Contrary to its portrayal in horror movies, the house stood resplendent, well-cared-for by my cousins.
As we approached, my uncle, Uncle Arni, and his wife, Aunt Sophia, warmly greeted us. They exuded vitality and strength, attributed to the farm’s vastness and the nourishment derived from consuming fresh produce. Mama and Aunt Sophia were cousins, connected by blood and shared experiences.
Leading the way, I guided my husband, Lucas, and our son into the house. Aunt Sophia exclaimed, “Oh my, Zara, is this your child? He’s grown so much! The last time I saw him was at his baptism. We endured quite a journey to Claybourne. And who is this handsome gentleman with you?” Her surprise was palpable.
Lucas hadn’t been present at Enrique’s baptism; it was Nick who accompanied me.
“This is my husband, Auntie. The person I was with during the baptism was my friend, Nick. Let me introduce you to my husband, Lucas Blackwood,” I clarified, observing a flicker of jealousy cross Lucas’s face.
Oh, how amusing!
“Is that so? Well then, come on in. Your mother’s room is ready for you to rest. Bring your belongings,” Aunt Sophia graciously offered. June will be returning home shortly. We’ve already made arrangements for the week.
“Mom, can we take a walk later?” my son eagerly inquired as we stepped inside the manor.
“Yes, son, we’ll visit your grandmother Minerva’s farm,” I replied, preparing myself for the tender moment that awaited.
“Where is Grandma Minerva, Mom?” my son asked once more.
“She passed away two years ago, my dear,” I gently shared, and together we walked in silence.
The place exuded an air of sophistication, adorned with chandeliers reminiscent of Spanish elegance. The fusion of classical and modern elements lent the house a captivating charm.
As we ascended to the second floor, I overheard my husband whispering, “It seems like something is being dried or stomped on here again. Women, I tell you…”
His voice barely reached a whisper, but I caught every word. Ah, the wonders of his playful nature!
“Hey, Lucas, behave yourself… You’re like a child,” I playfully scolded, disregarding his comment. Thankfully, my son and I paid no attention to the things that lingered in the manor.
“Tsk, am I not allowed to be jealous? And you still call me by my first name only?” he retorted, feigning annoyance. It wasn’t a new sight, but his faux irritation never failed to amuse me. He should know he has a wife to contend with.
“I won’t call you ‘love’-that’s reserved for you and Giselle,” I teased, well aware of our inside joke. Why not play along?
A mischievous grin crept across his face. “Then what would you like to call me? Sweetie? Honey? Wifey?” he proposed, his tone softening.
Oh, the banter between us was always filled with laughter.
“Huh? That’s quite a repertoire!” I exclaimed, breaking into laughter.
“Thank goodness, because I truly love you,” he confessed, pulling me close and stealing a kiss. And as always, we reveled in the thrill of our playful affection.
“Lucas! Tsk! Alright, let’s go,” I blushed, feeling the warmth spread across my cheeks.
“Huh? What’s wrong, Zara?” he pretended to be puzzled.
“Come on, dear! You’re such an actor! Haha!” I responded, and he released his grip, playfully winking at me.
Mischievous indeed! Perhaps his name should have been Lucas, the embodiment of mischief!Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.
My mind raced, lost in thought, before snapping back to reality. We proceeded toward my mother’s room, nestled within the old manor-clean, spacious, with wooden tile floors, and a serene ambiance that greeted us outside. It was a truly perfect setting.
After a brief rest, we descended from the rooms to find a delightful lunch awaiting us. Aunt Sophia had prepared a feast fit for royalty. As we sat down to indulge, my other cousins greeted us warmly. It was heartwarming to see how we had all grown and blossomed into beautiful and handsome individuals.
Among them were Rea and Mie, my dearest girlfriends, who had stood by me through thick and thin. Their brothers, Josh and Andrew, were like brothers to me, sharing a bond that had only strengthened over the years.
They were a unique bunch, each with their own remarkable qualities. It was as if they possessed an air of singularity that set them apart from the rest. They were priceless gems that I was lucky to have in my life. You won’t find them anywhere else, so add them to your cart now!
My son and husband savored the delectable spread with utmost delight. Every dish was meticulously crafted by Aunt Sophia, showcasing her culinary prowess. We relished the flavors of crab with beans and pumpkin, the succulent moaning fish, the charred perfection of grilled pork belly, and the freshness of farm-raised catfish, among other farm-to-table delights. Our taste buds danced in ecstasy with each bite.