love and challenges

DON'S POV

"Get a grip, Don," I scolded myself silently. "You're acting like a lovesick teenager."

But try as I might to ignore it, there was no denying the fact that being around Accalia had stirred something within me. Maybe it was the effect of the village, or maybe it was something more. Either way, it was driving me crazy.

I glanced over at Accalia, who was now engaged in a lively conversation with the village head, her laughter ringing out like bells. And in that moment, I couldn't help but marvel at how lucky I was to have her by my side, even if it was just for a short while.

But then my ego kicked in again, reminding me that I was Don, the grumpy city guy who didn't do feelings. I shoved the thoughts of Accalia's beauty aside and focused on the task at hand, determined to keep up my facade of indifference.

But deep down, I knew that no matter how hard I tried to resist it, Accalia had already worked her way into my life, and there was no turning back. And if that meant embraci