CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND SIX – SURREAL SPOTS

As the urban landscape gave way to rolling hills and vineyards, Rebecca felt the tension of the past few weeks begin to melt away. They drove for about an hour before Luca turned off onto a narrow dirt road. "Close your eyes," he instructed as they rounded a bend. Rebecca complied, her heart racing with anticipation. She felt the car come to a stop and heard Luca's door open and close. "Okay," his voice came from her side of the car. "Open them." She gasped as she took in the view. They were parked at the edge of a sprawling meadow, dotted with wildflowers. A crystal-clear stream meandered through the field, and in the distance, she could see the silhouette of mountains against the azure sky. "Luca," she breathed. "It's beautiful." He smiled, clearly pleased with her reaction. "I thought we could use a day away from everything. Just the three of us." They set up their picnic under the shade of an old oak tree. Rebecca spread out a blanket while Luca unpacked a wicker basket fill