With a graceful stride, Mrs Cha made her way to the cabinet, her delicate fingers reaching and gently grasping the bottle that held her most prized possession - a bottle of the finest aged brandy that had spent years maturing in oak barrels. Carefully, she uncorked the bottle. The rich aroma of the brandy escaped in the air, filling the room with its intoxicating presence.
She poured it into a delicate crystal cup. "Here," she said. "Celebrate it, by the grace of God, your soul has been spared. Do you truly want to waste yet another precious day thinking about that imbecile?"
As I raised the cup to my lips, the cool liquid flowed down my throat, briefly soothing the suffering within. Looking into the mirror before me, I saw a woman drowning in self-doubt.
My Hazel eyes were clouded with uncertainty. A ring of redness encircled them. The weariness engraved on my face and faded mauve lipstick on my dry, parched lips. I looked defeated; all I yearned for was to be accepted and loved.
As the night grew darker and it grew quieter, I found myself slowly falling victim to the intoxicating effects of the alcohol. Each sip of the brandy sent a warm rush through my veins. If only I could fully embrace the joy of living and relaxing tonight, for I am aware that tomorrow will bring the same hustle to survive in this world.
The new recruit will start working at Elite Oaks tomorrow, and I have already submitted my resignation. Now that I'm jobless, I have to start figuring out how to pay off my wedding loan.
What on earth possessed me to give up all that I had built here, to return to my hometown for that imbecile? Once I realized what I had done, I was more upset with myself than I was with him.
I asked Mrs Cha, "What can I do to make myself feel good and happy?" I let out a low groan, my words slurring together.
"Would you like to sleep in the Sterling Suite tonight?" She asked.
My eyes widened and a grin spread across my face; I was thrilled but quickly reined it in because I realized it was impossible. Then, giving a subtle smile I turned away.
"Zara, I'm 100% dedicated to this if you're up for it," Mrs Cha exclaimed with great excitement.
"How? You know I can't afford it."
"I don't have that kind of money either, but I do happen to possess the key," Mrs. Cha remarked. The resort had over 200 huge rooms, and Mrs Cha came up with a brilliant scheme to take advantage of the empty ones. A short overnight stay and a quiet departure in the early hours of the morning would not raise any suspicion.
"Mr Sherman Colton left a while ago. Are you interested?" she posed the question. I couldn't help but be captivated by her mesmerising, sparkling eyes, which held a hint of mischievousness, as she eagerly anticipated my response.
"Let us embark on this journey, my love, for we have but one precious life to live," With a surge of vitality, I blurted it out and rose to my feet.
Decked out in my dazzling bridal gown, I was radiating so much sparkle that I could have given the disco ball a run for its money. I would have invited the attention of every person within the resort's vicinity and gotten us in trouble. But with the stealth of a ninja and the grace of a ballerina, we managed to navigate our way to the illustrious Sterling Suites without being seen.
As the door to the lavish sterling suite swung open, my heart fluttered with excitement. A rush of thrill travelled through my veins, rekindling the flame of excitement that had been simmering within me. The air was instantly filled with a delicate and compelling fragrance, a harmonious blend of lemon blossom and neroli. Its soothing scent wrapped around me like a soft embrace, arousing my senses and setting the mood for an unforgettable experience.
Mrs Cha departed with the assurance that she would be back the following morning to get me.
The suite was a vision of elegance and magnificence, with its exquisite furnishings and tasteful decor. The soft glow of the crystal chandeliers cast a warm and inviting ambience, illuminating the polished marble floors. Expensive paintings with vibrant colours embellished the high walls.
Although despite many trips here as a cleaner, I never had enough time to enjoy its beauty truly.
I twirled in my bridal dress for the very first time, mesmerised by my reflection in every mirror of the luxurious Sterling suite. I was embracing self-praise and discovering the attraction within my flaws. I may not have been the epitome of beauty, but I certainly wasn't lacking either. I was genuinely ecstatic.
I looked through the in-room minibar and found some premium liquor that I poured into a crystal tumbler. I reclined on the luxurious king-sized bed, supporting my slightly tipsy, booze-infused head with one hand as I clutched the glass in the other.
My bridal gown was like a beautiful cloud, enveloping me in its softness and elegance. The luxurious feel of the brand-new bedding in the master bedroom was absolutely divine. As I admired the suite's finery, I wondered how difficult it must be to maintain such a high standard of living.
Apparently, some people are fortunate enough to have wealth passed down through their families and don't have to put in as much effort as the rest of us. I inherited nothing but worn clothes and crockery. Nonetheless, I esteem them equally. But even a tiny sum of money would have been helpful.
Worrying about what lies ahead and feeling anxious about financial matters were starting to take hold. Just as I was about to be fully immersed in it and ruin the night for myself. I forced myself to compose and diverted my attention to the spacious balcony, which was enclosed by see-through fibre railings.
The view was absolutely incredible; the shimmering lake and the lush forest were bathed in the ethereal glow of the radiant full moon. Everything had a magical quality, like a dream. I rested my weary head upon the pillow, surrendering to sleep with the carefree innocence of a child devoid of any worries or troubles.
"Excuse me, hello, miss?"
A voice abruptly awakened me. It was a male voice that seemed to possess a certain silkiness that effortlessly captivated my attention.
Caught in the realm between unconsciousness and consciousness, the line between dream and reality blurred, leaving me confused and uncertain of what was in front of me. My eyes caught a glimpse of movement. Shrouded in the soft glow of moonlight stood the silhouette of a man, tall and slender with broad shoulders.
With a flick of his wrist, he turned on the lamp perched on the side table, and a warm golden hue spread across the room. I was immediately drawn towards the intense darkness of his eyes. His presence was unlike anything I had ever encountered before; the aura around him was both commanding and unwavering.
WHO WAS HE..??