The following morning, in the hotel lobby, Ethan engages in conversation with a lady. She is adorned in a pristine knee-length bouffant dress paired with brown wedge heels. Her accessories include gold drop earrings, a lavalier necklace and a black multi-layered bracelet. She is a young lady with a fair, luminous complexion. Her eyebrows are thick, dark, and elegantly arched, her nose is straight and pointed, and her eyes are round with a striking coffee brown colour, framed long lashes. Her shiny black hair, falling to her shoulders, is styled in a ponytail. Her round face, hollow cheeks and slender rosebud lips emit an additional allure. She possesses an average height, a slim, slender physique, and shapely hips. Her hands are delicate yet graceful, with baby pink nail polish adorning her fingernails. Additionally, she applies a light pink lip gloss.
Ethan is dressed in a light blue chambray shirt tucked into black tapered trousers, complemented by white minimalist sneakers. He also sports a sleek silver wristwatch.
"Where is Mae?" she inquired, scanning the surroundings.
"She is on her way. She faced a challenging night yesterday while attempting to resolve a minor issue", Ethan replied.
"I cannot wait to see her. It has been ages since we last met during our college days. That young lady has blossomed into a sophisticated individual", she remarked.
"I see you share a bond", he observed.
"Yes, Mae and I go way back to our college days. She captivated everyone's attention, particularly the male students, yet she never pursued any romantic relationships unlike Bella", she disclosed.
"And who is Bella?" he inquired.
"She's Mae's best friend. That girl has caused Mae nothing but trouble. I heard she is a model now. That is the only job a whore like her can use to satisfy her lust", she said.
"Sure", he replied with an apprehensive grin.
"May I inquire if Mae is currently in a relationship?" she asked.
"I need not respond to that inquire, as you are already aware of the answer", he stated.
"Typical Mae. She maintains a guarded demeanour, never allowing anyone to truly get close", she remarked.
Mae steps out of the elevator and approaches them, adorned in an off-shoulder wrap top featuring a striking emerald green and white pattern, paired with sleek black culottes and stylish black ankle-strap heels. Completing her look, she accessorized with a luxurious gold wristwatch and exquisite gold hoop earrings.
"So, what's new with you, Ethan?" she inquired.
"I currently have nothing particularly exciting happening", he replied as Mae approached them.
"Good morning, Kelly", Mae greeted.
"Mae", the lady said as she embraced her.
"I miss you as well", Mae replied with a smile.
"You've grown into such a remarkable individual, and I am incredibly proud of you", Kelly stated.
"Thank you, Kelly", Mae expressed.
"You're most welcome", Kelly responded.
"Good morning, Ethan", Mae greeted.
"Good morning, Mae", he responded.
"I apologise for oversleeping", Mae admitted.
"You truly needed the rest after our ordeal last night", Ethan acknowledged.
"Did you manage to find someone?" Mae asked.
"Yes", Ethan confirmed.
"Who did you contact?" Mae inquired.
"The individual wishes to remain anonymous", Ethan disclosed.
"Mae, when can we have breakfast?" Kelly asked.
"Ethan is it possible to do so now?" Mae questioned.
"Yes", Ethan affirmed.
"Then let's proceed to have breakfast", Mae suggested.
"Of course", Ethan agreed as they strolled to the elevator and boarded it.
At the pinnacle of the hotel building, the space is adorned with chairs and tables precisely arranged in groups of three and four. Delicate flowerpots are tasteful positioned I various corners of the area. Kelly, Mae, and Ethan settle at a table situated near the centre. A server elegantly rolls a dining service cart towards them, bearing three plates veiled by gleaming stainless lids. With a skilful motion, the server places the plates on the table and unveils them, revealing the exquisite tortilla Espanola. Kelly eagerly indulges in the dish, while Mae gazes at the food before shifting her gaze to Ethan, who responds with an approving smile. She ten picks up her utensils and joins in the feast, mirroring Ethan's actions.
"These flavours are truly exceptional. It's almost as if Chef Rodríguez himself prepared this", Kelly remarked with enthusiasm.
"Are you absolutely certain about that?" Mae asked.
"Mae, I spent a whole year in South America just to savour Rodríguez's culinary creations daily, so I am intimately familiarity with his signature taste", Kelly replied between bites.
"I'm delighted that you are enjoying it", Mae stated, turning to Ethan in anticipation of an explanation.
"Mae is Chef Rodríguez the culinary mastermind behind the hotel?" Kelly questioned.
"No", Mae promptly replied.
"Then why does this cuisine resemble his so closely?" Kelly inquired.
"I was pondering the same thing", Mae responded, her gaze fixed on Ethan.
"This was prepared by the executive chef overseeing your dining experience during your stay", Ethan explained.
"If he can replicate one of Chef Rodríguez's dishes so precisely, he must be incredibly skilled", Kelly remarked.
"While e is competent, I believe you may be overstating his abilities", Mae countered.
"Mae, there is truly no indication that this was not made by Rodríguez. As someone who admires his culinary creations, I can assure you that his sous chef cannot match this level of excellence", Kelly declared, as Ethan grinned.
"Ethan who was the mastermind behind this exquisite meal?" Mae inquired.
"The head chef of the hotel", Ethan responded.
"I find that hard to believe", Mae said, prompting Ethan to summon a waiter to their table.
"Yes, Mr Ethan?" the waiter inquired.
"Please bring the head chef to our table", Ethan instructed.
"Of course sir", the waiter acknowledged with a bow before departing.
A few minutes later, the head chef appeared at their table.
"Good morning, Miss Wilson", he greeted.
"Good morning, David. Did you prepare Kelly's meal?" Mae inquired.
"No", David responded.
"Then who did?" Mae pressed.
"Ethan did", David revealed.
"I thought we agreed to keep that a secret", Ethan interjected.
"Did you make this?" Kelly inquired.
"Yes, he did", David confirmed.
"This is even better than when your uncle cooked for me", Kelly remarked, her eyes sparkling.
"I seem to have missed something here, could someone kindly explain the situation?" Mae requested.
"David please ensure the brunch preparations are finished before I return. You may leave now", Ethan instructed.
"Understood, Ethan", David complied as he walked away.
"Are you going to provide an explanation or not?" Mae probed.
"Ethan and I met in South America. He was residing with his uncle and occasionally assisted with cooking. We developed a close friendship and he would cook for me sometimes. I have truly missed his culinary skills", Kelly elaborated.
"Why did you not disclose your acquaintance with Kelly to me?" Mae inquired.
"You did not ask", Ethan responded.
"Why did you not mention anything Kelly?" Mae inquired.
"I assumed you were already aware of our shared past", Kelly replied.
"Our shared past?" Mae inquired.
"It is of no significance", Ethan stated.
"Where are we headed next?" Kelly inquired.
"Initially we shall provide you with a tour, and then you can determine your next destination", Mae explained.
"That sounds delightful", Kelly replied with a radiant smile.
"It is delightful to have you back", Mae expressed.
"It's a pleasure to return", Kelly responded.
Following breakfast, Ethan and Mae conducted a tour of the hotel for Kelly. Subsequently, they proceeded to the lounge, where Ethan excused himself to attend an important meeting. He departed, leaving the two women to converse in the lounge.
"So how is your love life faring?" Kelly inquired.
"Less favourable than my time in college", Mae responded.
"Are you even devoting energy to pursuing romantic connections?" Kelly asked.
"I accompanied Bella on a double date this past Monday", Mae replied.
"And I assume Bella caused some sort of disruption", Kelly presumed.
"Why do you consistently assume negative intentions from her?" Mae inquired.
"Mae why can't you see that she's toxic for you?" Kelly pressed.
"I understand she may not meet your expectations, but she's fallible like the rest of us", Mae defended.
"I have no expectations from that promiscuous individual, and being human doesn't excuse repeated mistakes", Kelly argued.
"She simply requires time to change", Mae insisted.
"You deserve way better than her", Kelly stated.
"I'm content with my current situation", Mae affirmed.
"I trust that you will come to her two-faced nature sooner rather than later", Kelly remarked.
"Thank you for your concern, Kelly", Mae responded.
"Sure", Kelly replied.
"So, do you have a significant other in your life?" Mae inquired.
"I have someone in mind. I only hope that his feelings align with mine", Kelly answered.
"Do I have the pleasure of knowing this individual?" Mae probed.
"No but you will soon become acquainted", Kelly replied with a smile.
"Very well then", Mae agreed.
"How are things within your family?" Kelly inquired.
"My father and brother are well, although they remain as overprotective as ever", Mae disclosed.
"Mae I'm asking about your mother", Kelly interjected with a solemn expression.
"My….my mother is fine, I guess. I have not had any recent communication with her. My father restricts my contact with her", Mae revealed.
"Why would you desire to see her after all her transgressions?" Kelly inquired.
"She remains my mother regardless of her actions towards me", Mae replied.
"Mae, your compassionate and forgiving nature is commendable, but if you continue to be naive, it may lead to detrimental consequences", Kelly warned as Mae rose from her seat.
"I appreciate your concern, but I would prefer if you refrained from meddling in my affairs. Enjoy your visit", Mae stated as she walked away.
"Conversations regarding her mother always prove to be exceedingly difficult", Kelly expressed as she ran her fingers through her hair and exhaled.
After Ethan concludes his meeting, he returns to the hotel an encounters Kelly in the lobby, prepared to depart with her suitcase. Following a conversation, he successfully persuades her to stay. Subsequently, Kelly opts to have dinner in her room with Ethan, while Mae dines alone in her office. Meanwhile, in Paris, Shaun and Bella enjoy a romantic outing, causing Shaun to miss an important business engagement.