OBSESSION

EIGHTEEN.

The winding gravel road leading to the vineyard was flanked by endless rows of lush, verdant vines that stretched across the rolling hills like a vibrant green quilt. The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the landscape, its warm light dappling the leaves and shimmering on the gently swaying tendrils. As Logan's sleek black car crested the final hill, Bethany gasped, her eyes widening at the view before her.

Nestled at the heart of the estate was a sprawling villa, its terracotta-tiled roof glowing in the sunlight. The stone walls were aged to a soft honey color, and ivy crawled up its sides in a way that spoke of history and care. Beyond the villa, a glistening lake reflected the azure sky, surrounded by flower-dotted meadows that completed the picturesque scene.

"It's like something out of a movie," Bethany breathed, leaning forward to get a better look as Logan parked near the villa's grand stone steps. "Logan, this is... incredible."

Logan smiled as he stepped out of the car, walking around to open her door. "Wait until you see the inside," he said, offering her his hand.

Bethany took his hand, stepping onto the gravel path and inhaling deeply. The air was crisp, tinged with the earthy aroma of vines and faintly sweet blossoms. She turned in a slow circle, trying to take it all in.

"This is your family's?" she asked, her voice tinged with awe.

Logan nodded, his gaze soft as he watched her. "My parents bought it years ago as a retreat. It's private, peaceful... a perfect getaway."

As they ascended the steps, a man in a crisp white chef's coat stepped out of the villa, wiping his hands on a towel tucked into his apron. His warm smile and ruddy cheeks immediately put Bethany at ease.

"Mr. Chase," he greeted Logan with a nod before turning to Bethany. "And you must be Miss Bethany. Welcome to the vineyard."

Bethany smiled, her cheeks warming. "Thank you. It's beautiful."

"This is Chef Anton," Logan introduced. "He's the reason we won't be going hungry this weekend."

Chef Anton chuckled. "I've got something special planned for tonight—locally sourced, of course. I'll let you two get settled. Dinner will be ready in an hour."

"Thank you, Anton," Logan said before leading Bethany inside.

The interior of the villa was as breathtaking as its exterior. High, beamed ceilings gave the space an airy feel, while the terracotta floors and rustic wooden furniture exuded warmth. A grand stone fireplace dominated the living room, its mantel decorated with antique vases and family photos. The open floor plan revealed a kitchen with gleaming copper pots hanging above a marble island, and a dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the vineyard beyond.

"This place," Bethany murmured, her voice trailing off as she turned in a slow circle. "It's magical."

Logan smiled, carrying her bag up the wide staircase. "Come on. Let's get you settled before dinner."

The guest bedroom Logan had prepared for her was equally stunning, with a plush king-sized bed framed by a carved wooden headboard and dressed in soft cream linens. The French doors opened to a private balcony overlooking the vineyard, where the vines seemed to stretch endlessly under the golden light of the setting sun.

Bethany unpacked quickly, slipping into a flowy, knee-length sundress in a soft shade of lavender that complemented her skin. She pulled her curls into a loose bun at the nape of her neck, letting a few tendrils frame her face. Taking one last glance at herself in the mirror, she couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement.

When she came downstairs, Logan was waiting for her in the dining room, dressed casually in a navy button-up shirt and khaki pants. The table was set for two, adorned with a simple yet elegant arrangement of wildflowers in a ceramic vase. Candles flickered softly, casting a warm glow that mingled with the golden hues of the setting sun streaming through the windows.