A/N: this chapter is a bit short, please bear with it, enjoy reading!
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Maria eat the last piece of pierogi, savouring it in her mouth, wanting to taste more of it. And she hummed softly but alas all the food are gone.
Then Edward ordered for both of them something to drink. He ordered mocktails, they are simply cocktails without the liquor. And uses a wide range of ingredients that cover a spectrum of flavors.
There were plenty of mocktails from the menu but he chooses a Tart Cherry-Hibiscus Refresher. It was that combination of a tart cherry juice, sweet hibiscus syrup and fresh lime. It makes this drink a lovely non-alcoholic drink to enjoy when wanted to relax, refresh and unwind. The mint also adds a delightful cooling note and it is perfect for a hot summer day.
She took a sip on her drink and sighed contentedly, it feels so refreshing.
I've never eaten so much in years, it feels nice but also weird at the same time. And she glance down at her stomach, if he continues to treat me something like this.. at this kind of rate where he ordered so many, I'm gonna be fat, she cried inwardly.
"Is there anything on your mind?" He asked her, concerned about her sudden gloomy expression. And he holds her hands and gently squeeze it.
"N-no, I'm fine." She said and flashed him a bright smile. Feeling quite happy about how he cared so much for her.
"Now that we finished our dinner, either we go somewhere or go to our room." He said as he stands up and stretch out his hand for her to take.
"Yes, let's go. I'm excited to see what our room looks like. But I'm too full right now.. we should go for a quick stroll! Let's go out for a walk outside." She said as she hold onto his hands.
"Yeah that's a good idea!" He said while holding her hands tightly as they walk towards the door.
The guards opened the door and they walked right through. He remembered there was a garden nearby so he lead her their. It was a peaceful night, only them both walking leisurely outside.
"Where are we going?" She asked curiously.
"We're going to a garden." He said casually as they approach a metal gate.. inside was filled with various flowers like roses.
"It's beautiful!" She exclaimed. "But is it okay to go inside?" She asked him again.
"Yeah as long as we don't pick any flowers or litter the place." He answered and took her inside.
She nodded as they walk inside. The garden was huge, there was a maze like bushes too but there was also another path leading to a fountain where he wanted to take her. Large trees with hanging flower vines, and some fireflies flying above the trees. It looks beautiful with the night sky.
They first explored the maze, it took a while before they gotten out. But it was worth the try, after reaching the other side he lead her towards the pathway to the fountain.
It was beautiful, she was mesmerized by the sight. They sat down on a bench nearby. They sat there quietly, listening to each other's breathing. He cuddled her closer to him, warming her with his body heat.
There are plenty of rose bushes around them varying in different colors such as red, white, blue, pink, yellow and etc. The fountain stood tall in the middle, surrounded by four benches made from cement with striking designs.
It was a perfect place for a date, and definitely would look more majestic in the morning. The area was quite and peaceful, only the water from the fountain, the wind blowing and their breathing could be heard.
The fountain itself was a beauty, with blooming water lilies and lotuses. It is beautiful cascading fountain with evergreen and aquatic plants. The continuous flow of water also generates a calming effect. The fountains are often symbolizing about abundance and the flow of life. In many cultures, water has been seen as a life-giving force. A saying that goes — a kind heart is like a fountain of gladness that spreads joy and happiness wherever it goes. They also provide water to the thirsty animals around the garden.
"I haven't been here before, thank you for bringing me here," she said as she hugged him.
"I'm happy to be here with you." He patted her head gently.
Watching how the water flow from the fountain, listening to faint sound of the wind as they feel the coldness but his warmth bring comforts.
The wind also carries a lavender scent, there were actually lavenders planted somewhere in the garden. A lavender is a fragrant flowering plant known for its slender spikes of delicate purple blooms and soothing aroma and it belongs to mint plants. It's widely known for its calming fragrance.
"I really enjoyed this," she said, her eyes sparkling with affection. They were sitting on a bench near the fountain. Inhaling, she feels calm and enjoyed being with him.
"I could say the same," he responded as he gently pinched her hands a bit. Leaned in to kiss her on her forehead and she lets out a satisfied sigh.
The wind outside was chilly so he took off his jacket and gave it to her, he wrapped his jacket around her while she blushed at his gesture.
Maria yawned a few times, she was feeling sleepy and he decided they should go back inside to check out their room.
"It's getting late, we should go back." He suggested and she hummed softly in response.