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After spending the day at the local church, sketching and gathering inspiration for her designs, Rachel made her way back to the mansion. As she walked through the grand halls, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. She had seen her boss in the garden yesterday, and the encounter had left her feeling uneasy and confused.
As Rachel made her way back to the mansion, she was lost in thought, studying her designs on her iPad. She was so focused on her work that she didn’t notice her surroundings, and she didn’t see the man standing in her path until it was too late. They collided with a thud, sending her iPad flying from her hands.
The man caught her by the elbow to steady her, looking down at her with concern. Rachel looked up and found herself staring into the eyes of her betrothed, the handsome son of the family she was visiting. She was momentarily taken aback by his sudden appearance, and the familiarity of his gaze.
He was a tall, striking man with a commanding presence. He had a chiseled jawline and high cheekbones, with piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through her. He had a head full of thick, dark hair that was styled in a neat, short cut. He was dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, with a crisp white shirt and a silk tie.
“I-I’m fine,” Rachel stammered, feeling embarrassed by her clumsiness. “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there. I was just…” She gestured to her iPad, which was now lying on the floor beside them.
As Rachel and the man exchanged glares, he looked at her as if searching her face for something, as if trying to place her his gaze felt familiar. Rachel greeted him warmly, but he took a step back and brushed past her rather rudely.
Rachel felt a wave of embarrassment and confusion wash over her. She couldn’t understand why he was acting this way and it made her feel terrible and awkward.
Feeling hurt and confused, Rachel retreated to her room, trying to make sense of what had just happened. She couldn’t understand why her betrothed would treat her so coldly, and the encounter left her feeling uneasy.
The rest of their days were spent sightseeing, exploring the beautiful countryside and the family’s wine press. Celine, the matron, accompanied Rachel and her mother on their tour, introducing them to the local sights and history.
They visited the local vineyards, learning about the process of making wine and the history of the region’s winemaking tradition.
As they arrived at the family’s wine press, they were greeted by a knowledgeable guide who showed them around the facility.
The wine press house was a grand and impressive building, made of stone and wood with a traditional rustic design. It had a large entrance with a wooden door that opened to a spacious reception area.
Inside, the walls were lined with oak barrels, some of them dating back decades. The air was thick with the scent of fermenting grapes and aging wine.
The main production area was located in the basement, where large stainless steel tanks and fermentation vats were used to make the wine. The guide explained that they used modern techniques and equipment to make sure they produce high-quality wines.
The aging room was located on the first floor, where rows of oak barrels were lined up, each one containing a different vintage of wine.
The guide explained the process of making wine, from the cultivation of the grapes to the fermentation and aging of the wine. Rachel and her mother were fascinated by the intricate process and the artistry that went into making each bottle of wine.
Celine, the matron, was also a great source of knowledge, she explained the history of the wine press and the family’s wine-making tradition.
She told them stories about the ancestors of the family and their passion for winemaking. Rachel and her mother listened intently, fascinated by the stories and the rich history of the region.
As they came out of the winery, Rachel saw a man in the distance and her heart skipped a beat. She thought it was her boss, and without thinking she quickly walked towards him.
To her surprise, the man turned around and looked at her, and she realized that it was not him.
Rachel found the situation she was in very awkward and her words were ridden with stutters “Um E- excuse me, I thought you were someone else.”
“Oh, sorry about that. Is there something I can help you with?” His face lit as he responded.
“No, I just thought you looked familiar. Have we met before?” She said, glancing back at Mrs. Jenkins and her mother.
The man shook his head “I don’t think so. My name is John, I’m a worker here at the vineyard.”
“Oh, I see. My name is Rachel. I’m just visiting. I thought you looked like someone I know.”
“I’m afraid I can’t help you with that. But if you need any help or information about the vineyard, I’d be happy to assist you.”
John was dressed in a simple yet practical garb. He wore a well-worn denim overalls that covered a white collared shirt. His hands were protected by thick gloves, and his head was covered with a wide-brimmed hat.
On his feet, he wore a pair of sturdy boots, which were caked with dirt from working in the vineyard.
He carried a small pruning shears in one of his pockets and a small notebook in the other. He had a small smile on his face, and his face was tanned from spending most of his time under the sun.
They exchanged pleasantries, but it felt weird. Rachel sensed that something was off with the recent happenings which she didnt know how to place, and she couldn’t understand why she kept thinking she saw her boss everywhere.
The matron, Celine, was busy talking to the guide, and Rachel took the opportunity to walk up to the man she thought was her boss.
Celine, the matron, looked at her perceptibly, and Rachel knew she had to shake off her unease and enjoy her visit.