Chapter 1323 - The Grindelwald Villa (1)

~ Switzerland, Grindelwald ~

Sarah felt the ground under her feet and could not be happier about it. For a moment, she contemplated of going on her knees to kiss the ground. Finally, she is not dangling in the air and fearing for her life! She didn't know that the married life will be this stressful.

"Was this really necessary?", Sarah grumbled while gesturing with her arms like she is flying, when Aiden loosened his hold on her.

"Uhm… I think so… Yeah." Aiden saw that Sarah pressed her lips into a line and she is not happy with his answer, so he explained: "To reach here in a reasonable amount of time we needed the helicopter, and without a blindfold you would see everything from the distance and it would spoil the surprise…"

"I don't mind the helicopter or the blindfold, but what is the need for the dangerous landing? Is there no space to land a helicopter?", Sarah asked while sulking and folded her arms under her chest. 

Now that she is not terrified, Sarah became aware of the cold wind. It's not strong, but the temperature dipped significantly compared to when they were at the hotel. Where are they? She moved her feet and realized that she is stepping on something firm, small bits… pebbles maybe? It does not look like the ground which you will find randomly in the wilderness… Are they on a beach? She does hear some water, but it sounds more like a waterfall… The cold air would be explained by the increase in altitude. 

Sarah was surprised when Aiden removed her blindfold. That means that wherever they are, this is their destination and she will get to find out why all this was necessary. 

"If the helicopter landed, some of the romantic welcome would fly away…", Aiden said with a big smile on his face.

Sarah opened her eyes and blinked few times before her eyes focused on the path lit up with low pathway lights. The path is covered in red rose petals.

She followed the path with her sight until she saw the magnificent dwelling. A cabin? No 'cabin' is a shabby word for the villa in front of her. The only cabin-like parts are that it's made out of wood and stone, but the large windows and luxurious lights from within are showing that this is nothing like a regular cabin.

The path and the villa are lit up, and everything around them is dark, but Sarah can see that they are surrounded with a thick pine forest. She thought how the helicopter ride was no longer than ten minutes, and they are in the Swiss Alps. 

She is not familiar with this region, but she had to ask: "Where are we?"

After a dramatic pause, Aiden gave her a one word response: "Grindelwald."

Sarah's eyes widened. Grindelwald? She knows about this place. A winter wonderland with plethora of winter sports and a heaven for hikers in the summer, offering breathtaking views and numerous activities around the year. That Grindelwald? How wonderful!

"If you allow me, Mrs. White…", Aiden smiled widely and extended his arm toward Sarah.

Sarah gave her hand to Aiden and he kissed the back of her palm before placing her arm around his neck and scooping her in his arms. Sarah sank into him as he carried her princess style toward the dwelling which looked more majestic with every step he took.

The lights in the villa are on, and she can imagine that the three-story high glass windows from what looks like a living room are providing a great view toward… somewhere. Right now, it's toward darkness, but considering that this is Grindelwald, and that they are somewhere high, the view must be breathtaking.

Sarah observed that the villa has two floors, and the middle spikes up into a third level, peaking with the high widows from the living room. Based on the path and the neatly trimmed grass around it, and the villa shining brightly, Sarah can see that this is well maintained to the point of looking new. Or maybe it is new. They are secluded in the nature, yet with the luxurious comfort at hand. Ah, Aiden thinks of everything, as usually. This is the perfect romantic spot for the two of them, to spend their first night as a married couple. 

"Do you like it?", Aiden asked as they approached the villa.

"It's beautiful.", Sarah responded with a smile.

Aiden exhaled. "I'm glad. From this side, you can see two stories above the ground. From the back, you will see that there is one level below, and for the rest… you will find out soon."

Sarah giggled. "There is more? Do we need more for one night?"

Aiden lifted his eyebrow and shoot her a side-glance. "Did I say it's for one night only?"

Sarah shook her head in response. Other than few vague things, Sarah has no clue what Aiden prepared for the next few weeks. So, who knows, maybe they will stay here longer?

Aiden saw that Sarah is ready with more questions and he interrupted her: "Whatever it is, keep it for later. You will find out soon. Don't spoil the surprise." 

"This whole day is one surprise after another. I went for a hike and returned as a married woman… Screaming, with a parachute."

"And a husband.", Aiden added cheekily while making his way inside the villa.

Sarah giggled. Yes, she returned with a husband as well. 

Her giggles stopped when she observed the interiors. They stepped into a spacious hallway which leads toward the living area (with three story high windows) to the left, in front are the stairs for the second level and on the right is the hallway leading to the dining room, kitchen and it has access to the stairs which lead to the level below.

Sarah noticed that the rose petal path is branching into two: one leads upstairs, and the other one through the hallway to the right.

"Which way are we going?", she asked while gesturing to the flowery path below them.

"Let's relax a bit after a busy day…", Aiden said and took the path on the right.

Not long later…

"This IS relaxing…", Sarah said as she leaned her head back on the edge of the hot tub.

The hallway provides access to the back terrace which has comfortable seating and a hot tub. The ground below is in the dark, so Sarah does not know what lays beyond the rail, which is decorated with candles and fairy lights, but the current setting is very romantic. There are rose petals in the water as well.

Aiden watched her with a gentle smile on his face. 

Sarah looked at him and his gaze told her that he is lost in memories. "What are you thinking?"

"I am trying to figure out at what point you fell for me."

"Hmm… I remember that I liked your perfume before I saw you. Does that count?"

Aiden rejected that argument with a displeased expression. "No. If that is the trigger, you would fall for any guy who smells nice."

"But it could not be anyone else because I noticed only yours. And if I say that it was a love at first sight, I would be lying. It was not just the scent, it is a collection of many things which makes you."

Aiden's eyes lit up.

"Tell me about it…", he urged her.

Sarah smiled. She knows that he likes to hear how he won her over and she will indulge him by telling him the same story for the umpteenth time.

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