"This is your ride, Miss Palermo. I assure you that your stay is a memorable memory for you."
Jerry told me, and I could only smile. Still, I was baffled even after I got inside the limousine and waited for him to finish putting my small luggage in the trunk.
It was Camilla's idea to bring only a few clothes, as she promised we would go shopping once we arrived in the city. However, that girl left me!
'What am I going to do now? I don't want to stroll in this vast city alone!' I was contemplating, and then the limo rolled out slowly, exiting the VIP Waiting Area.
"Jerry…"
I rushed to the partition and knocked on it. Jerry lowered the window and politely asked about my concerns.
"Do you want to go somewhere before we head to the hotel, Miss?"
"No. It's just that… Aren't we waiting for the others?" I queried, as it confused me.
Camilla and I are not the only lucky winners who will arrive today. Thus, I presumed the hotel sent this limousine to pick us up. I made eye contact with Jerry through the rearview mirror and was perplexed as to why he only smiled at me.
He looked in the left-side mirror of the vehicle as he replied to me. "Their designated chauffeur will pick them up, Miss."
Jerry tilted his head, gesturing at me to look behind us. I followed the chauffeur's gaze. Indeed, several limousines lined up in the arrival area with the hotel logo.
How impressive that the hotel accommodates everyone reasonably, and with this, they absolutely earn my admiration.
"I thought we would have the same ride," I told Jerry. The limos were too spacious, just me alone in here. In fact, I only look forward to a tour bus picking us up at the airport along with the other grand winners from the lottery draw with a prize of a five-day vacation here in M Country.
"The management knew that each winner had different places they wished to visit. Thus, they came up with the idea that all winners must experience the same treatment and convenience during their vacation. So each of you will provide your car."
Listening to Jerry's explanation astounded me.
Indeed, it was the first time I was on a grand vacation.
Lounging leisurely inside this Limo, I cannot believe whatever is happening now is real.
It was the first time I had ridden in a limousine. Thus, I couldn't help scanning the lavish interior of this vehicle. The leather seats were very comfortable. It really impressed me what money can buy.
Even so, I am not envious of this luxury. But since it was just luck that got me here, then why should I not enjoy it? Right?
Champagne and wine were being prepared on the countertop on the side. It tempted me to have a taste since the bottles were opened, and there was also a card encouraging me to enjoy the ride, but I was afraid to touch anything inside this grand vehicle.
I gasped as I looked outside the window. We are now leaving the island airport and crossing the skyway bridge above the ocean.
The view was spectacular from those colossal buildings erected proudly throughout the city.
I heard the partition roll down, followed by Jerry's voice.
"Miss, why don't you treat yourself? There will be traffic jams ahead. It will take a little while before we reach the central city."
"Alright." With a grateful smile, I nodded at Jerry, who resumed driving slowly and then minding his own business every time we came to a halt.
After a quick debate in my head, I finally decided what to drink. I removed a glass from the transparent cabinet and grabbed the red wine bottle.
With full confidence in my thin skin, I poured the red content into my glass. Once it reached the middle, I brought the glass under my nose and inhaled the aroma, which smelled sweet.
Then, swirl the content before I take a sip and prove it tastes delightful, with almost no presence of alcohol.
I checked the bottle and found out that it contained 5% alcohol. I don't have a good tolerance, but I can handle it as long as it only has low alcohol.
After that, my eyes caught the dessert trays filled with pastries and sweets. I drool just staring at them; thus, I stuff the dessert plate and try out what they taste like—whether they are better than what Karen baked for our coffee shop.
"Hmm… Not bad. It lives up to its name that its chefs are one of the best in the world."
Gosh. Now I can't stop eating. I'm glad I am alone, and Jerry rolled up the window earlier so I have my privacy. At first glance, I absolutely looked like a peasant in how I acted, being overexcited with the expensive desserts offered.
And if it happens... Indeed, I would not move a muscle if the other guests were with me in the same car. I probably starved myself from being an alien to anyone because I was not familiar with them. Honestly, it depressed me to think of this.
How did I survive in the past twenty-five years?
My parents died in a plane crash. I was probably alone for the past five years if it weren't for my wonderful neighbors and good friends, who gave me the feeling of a home where I am comfortable with just being me and not pretending to be a socialite.
Now, I was missing them terribly.
I put down the wineglass and stared at the plate full of sweet and cheesy treats.
My thoughts struck me deeply. But I should not feel any guilt. Right?
I wish my friends were with me and we shared all these foods and drinks.
If only Camilla had won the first prize. There will be five of us traveling instead, and she even left me at the airport!
Yup, I was supposed to be with Camilla on this worth-a-million-luck trip.
Camilla won a two-person trip to M Country, where the winners will experience Presidential Suite privileges during a five-day stay in the city.
Empire Dragon Hotel launched as a new hotel five years ago after a new CEO was appointed. According to the article I found on the internet, he cleaned up the terrible reputation of the hotel when it was known as a place for the Mafia's illegal activities. Not only that, but he also renovated the hotel. After that, it became a ten-star hotel.
As part of their new branch opening somewhere on an island, according to that article, they distributed lottery tickets worldwide through their subsidiary companies because their target was middle-class people like me.
The hotel gave several slots to travel and experience their ten-star service.
A five-person ticket is the first prize in the draw. The second prize is for newlyweds. The third prize is for an elderly couple celebrating their golden wedding anniversary.
And the fourth prize is for a family of three, and the fifth is for two people, such as a sister, a brother, or a best friend.
And that's what Camilla won! The fifth prize!
What a stroke of luck in my elusive world that I was the one she picked out to accompany her! However, I have a concern regarding my arrival here.
Where is my damn friend?
It seemed like Camilla had already planned that she would come to M Country ahead of me. Now, I panicked because she ignored my messages.
'This is not happening to me! How could I enjoy this trip if I was alone, touring around? I didn't know anyone here!'
Camilla has been here twice for business purposes. Hence, she is somewhat familiar with the place.
'Camilla, where are you? Damn it, girl!' I heaved a long breath and calmed down.
I was complaining in my heart. Then I remembered I had found a red envelope addressed to Camilla and me. I read the card inside. Blair Williams Ivanov has signed it as a welcome message.
'What a beautiful name! It sounds too….' I could not find that slang word, so I left it that way.
Besides, I sniffed the card out of habit. I often received one from George. But this one is unique. It looks expensive and smells expensive. I wonder what perfume they use in it. The fragrance was sweet. It is also mild on my nose. I am unfamiliar with expensive perfumes if not for Camilla gifting us often.
Well, I'm only here for a week. So when it's over, it's time to return to my small but warm and cozy house.
Actually, I have a lot of work on my small ranch, but my friends kicked me out of my own place!
Imagine that?
I know! I had a chuckle when I thought of that. My friends are crazy, but they were actually the best.
Before I boarded the plane, I worried about Bruno, so I kept reminding Kathy to ensure he could run outside daily. And an ending reminder about my other pets.
Yeah. I babied my farm animals. There are only a few of them, but they keep me busy. So there are times I put myself in someone's shoes.
What if I am a corporate employee? What kind of life would I have by now?
Am I still single? Did I date someone again? Or am I in an open relationship?
Gosh. I could not dare or even would…
I imagine Camilla's life. She worked for a big corporation in the nearest city to where I live in the province. So Camilla has called herself a city girl ever since she officially announced she would stay there after college. Good for her, though.
As for me, I could still not imagine myself living in a chaotic place—where I was at the moment.
The traffic outside was crazy, and thank God for the food and drinks. I didn't have time to get bored. Jerry was also such a nice guy. He turned on the AI, which gave me a briefing and a tour of what I would expect and see in this booming city.
After an hour of supposed only twenty minutes drive from the airport, we finally arrived at the hotel, and I held my breath.
During the trip, it mesmerized me how modern this city was… Well, I could not help it if I felt like a kid. I lived in the countryside for almost my entire life. Except for three years, I was attending college.
So, right now, everything is totally new to me. At this moment, I feel like I am walking in the middle of the woods, which I am not unfamiliar with...
I felt like I was prey to the curious eyes staring at me.