Chapter 355: SS4 02: The Honeymoon Photo Package

"This has a couple package, right?"

Eve stiffened, hearing the implication. She hunched over and clutched her stomach. The phone camera in her other stayed pointed at her husband. "Oh, my poor stomach…Oohh, it hurts."

A staff member patted Ambryan on the shoulder. "It's tough to act brave in front of your girl."

Ambryan snapped his gaze towards him. "Who says I'm acting?"

"The sooner you jump, the sooner you can get it over with," the staff member said. He stepped back and let Ambryan make his choice. He had seen this scenario way too many times. People seemed to think that as one grows older, they mature in every aspect.

In reality, they—especially men—still made irrational choices if it meant impressing the woman they loved. Not only did it boost their ego but it also made their hearts flutter. 

The same scenario was about to happen right in front of him.

Taking a deep breath, Ambryan pulled his shoulders back with his arms on his sides. Eve covered her smiling lips. She loved this look on him. The silhouette of this pose made him sexier than usual. Her camera shutter quickly snapped a few photos.

Then, he jumped.

Ambryan had clenched his jaw just before he fell. He dived headfirst and the wind resistance slammed against his face, shoving his facial muscles upwards. It was almost impossible not to scream—at least, to not open one's mouth.

Clear blue waters soon enveloped his entire vision. The rope tugged once he reached right above the water. It yanked him back up like a fish caught on a fishing rod. 

Eve watched in amazement. She should have known better. It would take a lot more than that to faze Ambryan Hathaway. How could he even keep a straight face? The video she was recording suddenly looked dull.

"You look disappointed," the same staff member remarked.

She scrunched her nose. "A little. But what did I expect from my always calm husband?"

"You wanted to catch him off guard?"

"Why do you make it sound like it's a bad thing?"

"I'm not," he defended with a chuckle. "In fact, I think I can help you out."

Eve narrowed her brown eyes at him. She thought about it for some time. If there was anyone who knew how to surprise a guy, it would be a fellow guy. The mischief on the staff member's face made her hesitate a bit.

She would have to follow her gut on this one.

"Fine," Eve surrendered. "I'm listening."

"You would need both hands for this one."

Ambryan was oblivious to their conversation. His momentum eventually came to a halt. Relief flooded him inside and out once it was completely over. The rope gently pulled him up. He grabbed it between his legs and turned himself right side up. 

His violet squinted from the glaring sun.

But he spotted his wife's scarlet hair in an instant. She waved down at him, a big smile on her face. Then, she blew him a kiss. That made his heart soar. It nearly popped out of his chest. Their gaze never left one another even when the crew helped him out of his harness.

Eve giggled from the butterflies in her stomach.

Her husband approached her, exposing his teeth behind his grin. He placed his hands on either side of her waist while Eve wrapped her arms around his neck.  "What's going on?"

She looked at him up and down, and bit her bottom lip. The font of his onyx black hair trailed down his forehead.  "Nothing. Sweat really looks really good on you. You never looked sexier." 

"You're awfully affectionate."

"My husband just jumped off a high bridge. Don't you think he deserves a reward?"

Ambryan lowered his head until their noses touched. "And what do you have in mind?"

The corners of her lips stretched even further. It was the last thing he saw before she closed the gap between them. A few crew members whistled at the passionate kiss they shared. Newlyweds almost never disappointed them.

The couples' display of affection seemed to give hope that everyone had a true love.

Ambryan was in bliss. So what if it was in public? It gave him a valid excuse to show off his wonderful wife. The portrait of her in his office was proof of how much he liked to brag about her. His mother had seen right through him and knew the painting sparked conversation.

It was a perfect gift—

Sharp pain attacked him from two sides. 

"Ow!" Ambryan exclaimed as he pulled back. Two sets of fingers pinched both of his cheeks. The sting swelled across his skin. His eyes squeezed shut when it happened. He grabbed her wrists but didn't pry them off.

"Huh. So it is true," Eve uttered, letting him go. She gave each cheek a quick peck. "No one is immune to cheek pinching."

Ambryan rubbed the sore spots with one hand. He tested his jaw as if he had been punched in the face instead. "Were you experimenting on me?"

"No," she answered right away until a thought occurred to her. "Actually… maybe I was."

He squinted in suspicion. "Why?"

Eve fluttered her eyelashes. "To get to know my husband better, of course."

"Well, you have a peculiar way of showing it."

"Thanks to that your life has never been boring again since we started dating." She bumped his nose and noticed someone approached from the corner of her eyes. The staff member handed her her phone back. "Oh, thank you."

Ambryan glared at the staff member. The latter raised his hands in surrender before backing away. Eve headed for the big hut. Their turn was over and it was time to go. She scrolled through the pictures the staff member had taken while filming.

She stopped at a photo of her pinching Ambryan's cheeks. Her nose was scrunched and her lips were pursed while his face contorted with pain. It was such a cute picture—one that the press and the general public would love to see.

It became her new home wallpaper.

Then, she switched out her lock screen one for the photo they took before Ambryan jumped.

Ambryan stared at his wife's back. Her playfulness knew no bounds. He had tried the bungee jump at her request. She had won that round. It shouldn't be fair that she was able to win another. 

Picking up the pace, he seized by the waist and threw her over his shoulder.

"AMBRYAN, PUT ME DOWN!" Eve yelled. She pushed herself upright so she'd be able to see. Their tour guide pressed his lips together but thanked the crew. All three of them walked towards their rented vehicle.

Eve huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. "Needed to have your fun, huh, Ambee?"

"You can't be the only one who gets to tease."

"But I get teased more than you!"

"Because I'm competitive by nature," he replied, putting her down on the backseat. He buckled her in and bumped her nose back like she did earlier. "And you don't like to give up. This is why we make such a good pair."

Eve pouted as he closed the door. 

Well, at least, she had a photo to remember her win by.

The adventure continued as the couple climbed out the car in favor of a helicopter. High up somewhere in the mountains was a winery. The owner had a private vineyard but he granted them a visit. It was Ambryan's side of the bargain since Eve picked the bungee jump.

Helicopter blades roared from above their heads. Eve peeked out the window, holding her husband's hand. They sat on either side of the backseat while their tour guide sat out front with the pilot. Lush greenery stretched for miles under their feet. 

"Eve, look," Ambryan called out to her.

She scooted over to see out his window. He pointed to the boats on the lake. From what he can see, there was a boat rental near it and couples could row for a while. Ducks, swans and geese swam along with them. 

"Do you want to try it?" He asked Eve.

She thought about it for a moment. "Maybe later at sunset? Unless we already had plans."

Their heads turned towards their tour guide. He caught their eyes from the rearview mirror and jumped in his seat. He had overheard their conversation but decided to wait for their final decision. It was common for tourists to throw ideas.

He found it easier when they made up their minds before offering ideas.

"Anything on the itinerary around that time, Mr. Bert?" Eve asked, talking louder.

Bert looked over his shoulder to give his response. "As a matter of fact, it's an outdoor dinner near that lake. We should be able to squeeze in a quick boat ride."

"Great! Thank you."

The helicopter soon landed near the winery. Ambryan helped Eve climb out the helicopter. Then, almost all of his attention shifted towards the vineyard. Eve followed his line of sight. Grapevines grew on acres of land. 

"You must be Mr. and Mrs. Hathaway," an old man said. He offered his hand for them to shake. "Welcome to my vineyard. I don't usually do this but I'm always happy to welcome enthusiasts."

Ambryan was the first to shake his hand. "It's a pleasure to be here. Thank you for doing this, Mr. Ernie."

"Have to get the best souvenir for back home somewhere, right?" A hearty laugh left Ernie's lips. He shook Eve's hand, appreciating her small smile. "You came just in the nick of time. We'll be making wine like the olden days today. It's been a tradition for my late mother's birthday. Come, come. Everyone is eager to meet you."

Eve gulped. Just how many people were there? Ambryan walked ahead. Their interconnected hands pulled her out of her daydream. He conversed with Ernie about the vineyard. It had a rich family history, dating back to centuries ago. 

Chatter slowly grew louder as they headed for the back of the house.

And Eve soon felt like she was transported back in time.