"There he is."
Dimitri waved at his friend when they spotted him from the cart. Bolin had set up for them to meet under a large tree overlooking an expanse of field far from his home. Dimitri had requested they meet in the open for Ayesha to enjoy horseback riding without the limits of fences.
Bolin was particular about who handled his horses on open fields, but after his first-hand experience watching her, Dimitri vouched for Ayesha's temperament with horses.
"Oh, look at those babies." Ayesha shrieked.
Carina, Bolin's head equestrian, was walking two horses towards him. They were magnificent, tall and muscular. Their mane and tail were healthy and long. The lustrous strands glisten under the sunlight.
"Many people come over here to hire the horses and to train. He has a field, not too far from here, where players come to practice."
"Players?"
"Polo, rodeos, showmen. Basically, anyone that wants a good horse for sporting activities."
Ayesha tied her bandana on her head, fluffing up her curls. It had been a blissful two weeks, and now they only had one day before returning to their lives in Watford. So, for their last day in Greece, the last country he had worked in, they were escaping to spend the remainder of their time at one of the more private beaches.She shimmed into her dress, using the sheer gown to hide her swimsuit. She packed her beach bag with towels and lotions. After everything was set, she went to the adjourning door to check on Dimitri.“Hey. You ready?”“Come in.”She turned the knob and peeked in cautiously. He smiled at her from the bed. He was bent over, tying the laces of his sneakers.“Just about ready. You?”“Done. Done.” She showed him her packed bag and entered the room. “I have packed my bags. We can leave as soon as you’re finished.”He chuckled and stood. “Then let&
Dimitri thanked the driver as he dropped the last of his bags on the stairs. They had returned to town in the evening because she wanted to spend the day walking around the city and buying gifts for Joseph and Carol, plus a few other friends she had not mentioned before. He indulged her. With her help, he got gifts for his sisters and parents.“Take the rest of the things to her place.”He asked and handed the address to him.Ayeshadidn’tbother arguing. She thanked the driver before he drove off and walked ahead to open the door. Dimitrididn’tlook over his shoulder as he kissed the top of her head and walked in behind her.He and Ayeshahadn’tspoken about being more open with their relationship since he proposed it weeks ago. Hewasn’tgoing to pres
Ayesha woke up in a fright. She yanked her hand back from the invisible grip and scrambled away from the darkness until her back hit the bed frame. Her lips trembled. Her eyes scanned the room, feasting on every bit of light it saw. Itdidn’ttake long to realise where she was.The suitcase on her bed, clumsily packed with clothes falling out the sides, made her stop. Then she remembered her frantic actions when she returned fromDimitri’splace. Her words rioted in her mind, blossoming her headache as she recalled arguing with Joseph.She sniffed, using the bed to help herself up from the floor. With fresh tears
Dimitri looked up when someone passed by him. He meant to continue reading the email on his phone, but whoever it wasdidn't move away from the table. And for a split second, he wondered if it was Ayesha, only to raise his head to see his younger sister.“Morning.”He raised his cup to her.“Gloomy.”She replied before she sat down.“Brat.
Ayesha glanced at the car park where some of her former colleagues ate. She was surprised that the few people who came over to speak to her on the issue seemed kinder and less judgmental than she thought they’d be. They gushed about how shocked they were to find outshewas dating the mayor's son and teased that they were jealous of her luck. Ayesha had every chance to tell them it was over, but she didn’t.She wasn’t trying to enjoy their attention, but she wasn’t ready for the awkwardness that would set in when she said the words. She didn’t want their pity, or questions, or understanding. She just wanted to be alone with her loneliness.The girls cleared out after three minutes, but it felt like forever. So, she waited fo
Dimitri entered the house and was immediately greeted with the smell of curry and gravy. His family were already seated at the table, passing their plates around. He greeted them with a smile.“Morning everyone.”“Morning.”They all resounded. Vienna patted the chair by her side.“Sit with me.”“As you wish.”
Ayesha smiled at one of her colleagues as she arranged the stools in the room, prepping for the morning class. Three weeks had passed, and she had gratefully gotten the job at the pottery store, so she was filling her time with work while she tried to settle back into a quiet life. There were still a few interested eyes lurking here and there. She could see them when she left the apartment, but they were dwindling. On the bright sight, no more magazines posted about their relationship, and it all fizzled after some time. She wondered if Dimitri had something to do with it or if people just got bored and decided to face their business.Maybe since they stopped meeting, there was nothing spicy to report to the ton, she thought with a scoff.Aside from the news, there was no indication that he
“Morning!”“Morning!” Dimitri waved as he jogged past the older man walking his dog. With only a few minutes left on the trail, he picked up speed, pumping his legs faster and faster until he sped out of the canopy of forests and into the morning sun. He closed his eyes, planting his hands on his waist as he tried to catch his breath. The sun’s heat was bearable, even pleasant in the morning. After his quick rest, he pulled his headphones down to his shoulders and began walking to where he parked his car. He looked towards the water and stopped in his tracks. Ayesha sat on the ground with a blanket beneath her and a lunch box propped at her side. Her sneakers were off, neatly arranged to the side. Her socks stuck out of them. She sat with her hands braced behind her, keeping her upright as she watched the lake. He hadn’t seen in a while. He knew she didn’t want to speak to him yet, so he remained there even though he felt compelled to go to her. He missed her desperately, but he d