The following day at RX hotels, Ethan and Kelly engage in a lively discussion in the lobby, prompting Kelly to burst into laughter. Mae emerges from the elevator and observes them. She approaches them, intending to offer an apology for her behavior towards Kelly the previous day.
"I'm certain your mother would be displeased if she discovered you tidying up after Shaun's mess," Kelly remarked.
"I am being compensated for my efforts," Ethan responded.
"At times, I ponder why our uncle entrusted the company to him," Kelly mused.
"I believe he needed a respite following his divorce," Ethan explained.
"Do not bring up that wretched woman. She brought him naught but agony," Kelly expressed.
"Sometimes I am grateful for not being affluent. I cannot fathom someone stripping away half of everything I have toiled for my entire life due to a trivial disagreement," Ethan reflected.
"After what transpired, you vowed to never wed," Kelly recalled.
"Yes," Ethan concurred.
"Have you had a change of heart, or do you still maintain the same stance?" Kelly inquired.
"Hello, everyone," Mae greeted with a smile.
"What transpired yesterday? You departed without a single word," Ethan inquired.
"I apologize, but I needed to clear my mind," Mae responded.
"Please communicate before your departure next time, alright?" Ethan requested.
"Certainly," Mae assured.
"Ethan, shall we commence our journey?" Kelly interjected.
"Good morning, Kelly," Mae greeted.
"Ethan, let's depart," Kelly insisted, completely disregarding Mae.
"What is happening?" Ethan inquired, sensing tension between them.
"Can we depart now?" Kelly urged.
"Kelly regrets her actions. I didn't mean what I said," Mae confessed.
"You instructed me to stay out of your affairs, so I am complying," Kelly defended.
"I didn't mean it. I was simply hurt, and all my pent-up frustration spilled out," Mae explained.
"I'm indifferent now, Mae. It's your own life, so act as you wish. You can continue to turn a blind eye to the truth and act foolishly, or you can finally acknowledge it and save yourself. Whichever path you choose, it doesn't matter to me," Kelly declared as she grasped Ethan's arm.
"Kelly," Ethan exclaimed, taken aback by her sudden gesture.
Mae stands there, paralyzed with conflicting thoughts swirling in her mind. Is she under some sort of curse? Is it wrong to yearn for her mother's affection? Could her love for Bella be a monumental error? Is she being self-centered and thoughtless? Her only desire is to bring joy to those she holds dear, yet she seems to be achieving the opposite. Is she too afraid to acknowledge the possibility that her brother and father may be correct about her mother and Bella? Are they individuals incapable of reciprocating her love, regardless of her efforts? Gradually regaining control of her body, she strides towards the elevator and steps inside.
Ethan accompanies Kelly to the beach located near their hotel. Meanwhile, in Paris, Bella and Shaun make preparations for the upcoming charity event. Subsequently, they both attend the event and attract the attention of the paparazzi who eagerly snap photos and bombard them with questions. Bella then publicly announces her separation from Zack, causing a stir at the event.
The following day, news spreads that Bella has parted ways with Zack to pursue a relationship with Shaun. This revelation leads to a wave of cyberbullying directed at Bella. Bryan urgently contacts her, advising her to return from Paris immediately. However, upon attempting to leave her hotel, she is met with a hostile crowd of Shaun's ardent supporters blocking her path. In response, she reaches out to Shaun, who proposes that they remain in Paris until his public relations team resolves the situation. Bella agrees to this plan and opts to stay in Paris with Shaun. She contacts Mae to brief her on the circumstances, but Mae appears disinterested and abruptly ends the call.
At RX hotels, Kelly and Ethan are seated on charcoal-colored bean bags in the game room, positioned in front of a large display screen. They are each grasping obsidian game consoles, engrossed in a video game.
"Are you inclined to divulge the events involving Mae?" Ethan inquired.
"Why are you interested?" Kelly countered.
"I endeavor to maintain a separation between personal sentiments and professional obligations," he responded.
"We merely engaged in a disagreement, nothing of grave significance," she assured.
"It does not appear as trivial as you suggest," he remarked.
"Our dispute revolved around her mother, but it is of no great concern," she clarified.
"What befell her mother?" he probed.
"Nothing tragic, but it is safe to say she does not epitomize the paragon of motherhood," she disclosed.
"Is that the reason for Mr. Wilson's divorce?" he inquired.
"Not entirely. She was unfaithful, and her actions had a detrimental impact on Mae's upbringing," she explained.
"What do you mean by 'messed up Mae's life'?" he questioned, shifting his gaze towards her.
Kelly paused the game, directing her attention towards Ethan with a compassionate expression on her countenance.
"Mae commenced therapy at the tender age of seven, unfortunately, it was not the therapeutic kind she needed," she lamented.
"For what reason did she require therapy?" he inquired.
"Her emotional struggles began to take a toll on her mental well-being," she responded.
"What has happened to her, did her mother play a role?" he asked as Rebecca approached them.
"Mr. Ethan! Mr. Ethan!" she called out.
"What seems to be the matter?" Ethan inquired.
"I cannot locate Miss Mae," Rebecca revealed.
"What do you mean you cannot find Mae?" Ethan probed.
"This morning, I visited her room to remind her about the preparations for the game fair, but she was nowhere to be found. The front desk informed me that she left the hotel at five in the morning. I have attempted to reach her, but her phone goes straight to voicemail," Rebecca explained, her expression filled with concern.
"Fear not, Mae is safe," Kelly reassured.
"Do you know her whereabouts?" Rebecca questioned.
"Yes, she informed me that she would return by one in the afternoon. She also mentioned for you to proceed with the preparations in her absence," Kelly informed.
"Very well then, Kelly," Rebecca said with a smile before walking away.
"Must you have resorted to deception with her?" Ethan inquired.
"I did not deceive. I understand Mae well, and I am convinced that she sought out Nora due to the unresolved issues we addressed yesterday," Kelly asserted.
"Who is Nora?" Ethan inquired further.
"Nora is Mae's therapist," Kelly responded.
"Will she be alright?" Ethan continued to ask.
"Mae simply needs to distance herself from her mother and Bella, and she will be more than alright," Kelly confidently replied.
"Very well," Ethan acquiesced.
"Shall we resume our game?" Kelly suggested as she recommenced playing, and they continued their game.
A few hours later, Mae returned to the hotel and was warmly embraced by Rebecca. Mae inquired about the whereabouts of Kelly and Ethan, to which Rebecca informed her they were at the lounge bar. Mae then made her way to the lounge bar.
At the lounge bar, Ethan and Kelly are seated on stools at the bar enjoying cherry cocktails.
"It's already one o'clock and Mae hasn't returned yet," Ethan remarked.
"Why are you so concerned?" Kelly inquired.
"She's my partner, so I feel it's my duty to be concerned," Ethan explained.
"And are you certain that's your sole reason for caring?" Kelly probed.
"Why else would I be concerned?" Ethan countered.
"I have no idea," Kelly responded as Mae approached them.
"Why do I sense that you're teasing me?" Ethan questioned.
"I believe it's your guilty conscience speaking," Kelly retorted.
"Hello, Mae," Ethan greeted.
"Mae, what transpired?" Ethan inquired.
"Did Nora perform better this time?" Kelly asked.
"Kelly, please be kind," Ethan interjected.
"I'm relieved you returned unharmed. I wouldn't want you to cause any more distress to your father," Kelly expressed.
"Kelly," Ethan warned as he glared at her.
"I'll catch up with you later, Ethan. I don't feel well staying here," Kelly stated as she rose and departed.
"I apologize for my sudden departure without informing you," Mae uttered, tears welling up in her eyes.
"Why don't you take the remainder of the day off? I will address Kelly and oversee your other responsibilities," Ethan proposed.
"But I..."
"You deserve a break to recuperate. Take today and tomorrow off from work and perhaps indulge in the wonderful amenities the hotel has to offer," he suggested.
"I'm afraid I can't do that," Mae said, her voice catching as she sniffled.
"I shall have to inform your father of the situation if you do not, he threatened."
"Please refrain from doing so," she replied.
"Take some rest and return to work on Tuesday," he instructed.
"Understood," she replied as he rose from his seat.
"I must go check on Kelly. I will catch up with you later," he said as he walked away.
Mae approached the bar and settled on a stool. She swiftly consumed the two glasses of cherry cocktail left behind by Ethan and Kelly. She then motioned to the bartender for another drink. She resolved to seize the opportunity presented by Ethan to escape from work and focus solely on herself.
The subsequent day, Mae emerges from her quarters and proceeds to the fitness center. Following a two-hour session at the fitness center, she ventures to the amusement park and then to the serene pool. Meanwhile, Kelly and Ethan opt to spend their day at the beach, culminating in an evening of bowling, while Mae opts to attend a performance by the hotel band.
The next day, Shaun and Bella bid adieu to Paris, as Mae makes the choice to indulge in a spa day. En route to the spa, she encounters Rebecca, engaging in a brief conversation before continuing her leisurely stroll.
Upon arrival at the spa, Mae enters the steam chamber donning a pristine white towel wrapped around her physique and head. As she takes a seat, she is taken aback to discover Kelly...
"You must be kidding," Kelly exclaimed upon seeing Mae.
"May we talk?" inquired Mae.
"There is no need for discussion," Kelly retorted as she rose and made her way to the door.
"You are correct, Kelly. I have an issue that I am unwilling to acknowledge. It all began when I was merely six years old. My mother abandoned me, and as a child, I struggled to cope with the situation. I do not hold affection for Bella, and I doubt her ability to change. I merely endure her presence out of a sense of indebtedness for helping me emerge from the emotional abyss in which I was trapped. Witnessing the turmoil my mother caused my father through her actions, I am determined not to subject him to a similar fate because I cherish him deeply. I love him and cannot bear the thought of losing him," Mae confided, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Kelly turned around and embraced Mae. "I apologize if I appeared insensitive. I truly care," Kelly expressed.
"When will this emptiness within me be filled?" Mae inquired.
"You will overcome this, Mae," Kelly reassured her.
"All I hear is reassurance. I am apprehensive about establishing new connections. I dread the idea of dating or falling in love. I am haunted by the fear that anyone I love will abandon me, just as my mother did," Mae revealed.
"Is that the reason you're holding onto Bella despite being aware of her negative influence?" Kelly inquired.
"We have been friends since childhood, so she won't abandon me," Mae replied.
"The absence of your mother's love is not only hindering you from forming new relationships, but also preventing you from breaking free from toxic ones. Mae, you require assistance. It's time to disclose the truth to your father," Kelly advised.
"I cannot bring myself to disclose it to him," Mae responded, her hands trembling uncontrollably.
"Mae, the pain you're experiencing is not solely due to your mother's absence. It's crucial that you reveal the truth. You can no longer face this alone," Kelly said as Mae's breathing accelerated.
"I am in desperate need of my fix," Mae admitted.
"I require my medication," Mae stated.
"What medication?" Kelly inquired, noticing Mae's trembling hands. "Where is your medication?"
"It's in my bag in the dressing room," Mae replied.
"Alright," Kelly said as she hurried out of the room.
A few minutes later, Kelly returned with a bottled water in her left hand and a small container of pills in her right hand. She rushed over to Mae and sat beside her. Opening the container, she removed two pills and placed them in Mae's mouth before uncapping the water bottle. She poured the water into Mae's mouth, recapped the bottle, and then set both the medication container and the water bottle on the seat. Finally, she embraced Mae tenderly.
Later, at the reception desk, Kelly was engaged in a conversation with the manager when Ethan approached her.
"Have you spotted Mae?" he inquired.
"She's currently asleep in her quarters," she responded.
"Why is she resting at this hour?" he questioned.
"She experienced a minor breakdown and requires some time to recuperate," she explained.
"What should I do now?" he pondered.
"What seems to be the issue?" she inquired.
"I have a crucial meeting to attend, but with Mae indisposed, there is no one to oversee matters here," he stated.
"Could you possibly reschedule the meeting?" she suggested.
"I am reluctant to postpone it," he confessed.
"Please consider assisting Mae in this situation. She is in need of all the support she can receive," she emphasized.
"Will she experience a recovery soon?" he inquired.
"I cannot confidently assert that due to the severity of the circumstances," she responded.
"Should we consider informing her father?" he proposed.
"Please refrain from doing so. It would only exacerbate the situation, without yielding any benefits," she advised.
"How can we be of assistance to her?" he inquired.
"I believe we must exercise patience and wait for the opportune moment to involve her family," she suggested.
"And when might that moment be?" he probed.
"Only Mae possesses the answer to that query," she replied.
"Thank you for your assistance. I must inform Shaun that I will be unable to attend," he stated.
"Of course," she acknowledged as he departed.
Ethan assumes the managerial responsibilities at the hotel, with Kelly providing support. Shaun and Bella return home at last. Shaun attends a crucial meeting, while Bella returns to her residence.
The following day, the hotel arranged a family game fair, with Ethan and Kelly overseeing the event while Mae opted to stay in her room to recuperate.
Later that evening, Mae decided to take a stroll and encountered Ethan and Kelly at the reception area.
"Hello, Kelly," Mae greeted, waving her hand.
"Why are you out of your room, Mae?" Kelly inquired.
"Being cooped up in there is quite dull. You both have confined me to my room for a whole day now," Mae expressed.
"We just want you to recover," Kelly responded.
"I already feel much better," Mae stated as Bella and Shaun entered through the revolving door.
"You're not fooling anyone, Mae. You need to rest," Kelly insisted.
"Indeed, Kelly is correct. I wouldn't want any mishaps occurring under my care," Ethan added.
"I apologize if I caused you concern. This week was meant to be enjoyable, but I inadvertently dampened the mood with my personal issues," Mae confided.
"It has been a delightful week, Mae. I cherished the moments spent with you and Ethan. You didn't spoil anything, Mae. Nothing can mar this week for me," Kelly reassured.
"Hello Mae," Bella greeted.
"Why are you here, Bella?" Mae inquired.
"I just thought of someone who could potentially disrupt this week," Kelly remarked, eyeing Bella intently.
"I'm pleased to see you as well, Kelly," Bella responded with a forced smile.
"Hello," Shaun greeted.
"And the day just keeps getting better," Kelly added sarcastically.
"Why are you here, Shaun?" Ethan questioned.
"I need to have a conversation with Mae," Shaun replied.
"What is it that you wish to discuss with me?" Mae asked.
"It's a private matter," Shaun responded.
"Let's step away," Mae suggested.
"Of course," Shaun agreed as they walked away from the group.
"I see you have finally discovered a remedy for your lack of physical attractiveness during your global travels," Bella remarked.
"Well, at least I have found a lasting solution, unlike you who must continuously apply an excessive amount of cosmetics to mask your own," Kelly retorted.
"Kelly, we can continue our discussion at a later time. I must depart now," Ethan interjected.
"I presume you are Ethan," Bella inquired.
"And he is already spoken for, so kindly refrain," Kelly warned.
"I am Bella Davies," Bella stated, dismissing Kelly.
"Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Bella. My apologies, but I must take my leave now," Ethan expressed.
"Of course," Bella replied with a smile.
"Farewell, Kelly. I will see you later," Ethan said as he walked away.
"What is it that you desire, Bella?" Kelly inquired.
"Isn't he simply captivating? My, he is quite handsome and attractive," Bella remarked.
"Do not overstep, Bella. You may have your pick, but Ethan is unattainable," Kelly warned.
"And who will prevent me?" Bella challenged.
"Ethan is no fool, my dear. You may make attempts, but he will never be swayed. I relish the idea of witnessing your inevitable failure," Kelly stated.
"Refrain from presuming too much, Kelly," Bella retorted.
"I would love to linger and converse, but I must attend to other matters of lesser importance. Farewell, Bella," Kelly said, blowing an air kiss before striding past her.
"That contemptible woman," Bella muttered through gritted teeth.