"Honey, everything's ready!" Matthew's voice echoed from the living room.
"Matt, just a second!" Emily replied, still checking her suitcase.
Matthew entered the room, watching her curiously. "Honey, what are you still doing?"
Emily looked away, a little embarrassed. "I'm out of some toiletries... And my period is coming soon, so I need tampons."
Matthew paused for a moment, not knowing exactly how to react. "Oh... cough, cough... relax. We can get everything when we get there," he said, trying to hide the blush on his face.
She smiled, relieved. "Okay, then I'm ready! Is it time to go?"
Matthew took her suitcase, nodding. "Yes, and it seems like you're pretty excited about the trip."
"I am!" Emily replied happily. "After the physical and emotional toll of the role in the movie, some downtime would be great."
Matthew smiled, a fond gleam in his eyes. "My grandmother helped me get a vacation from Lancaster Corp., I needed a break too."
As he carried his suitcase into the living room, Emily followed him, quietly reminding him, "Matt, don't forget our pinky deal."
He laughed, shaking his head. "How could I forget? You're going to pay for this whole trip, and I'll keep my wallet closed."
They both laughed together, and Emily gave Matthew a gentle push as they left the apartment.
When they reached the elevator, she looked at him with an amused expression. "So, have you thought about what you're going to do with all that free time?"
Matthew shrugged, feigning a mysterious expression. "Maybe I'll start surfing... Or maybe try that rock climbing you've been talking about."
Emily looked at him, surprised. "Really? I don't think I can imagine you surfing."
He laughed. "Well, let's see. Maybe this trip will inspire me to try new things?"
Emily smiled as the elevator slowly descended to the ground floor. "And you know this is our first trip as a couple, right? No work, no commitments. Just the two of us."
Matthew held her hand, his gaze softening. "Yeah, and I couldn't be happier. I promise we'll make every second count."
When they left the building and got in the car, the driver started the engine and they headed to the airport. On the way, Emily stared out the window, looking thoughtful.
Matthew noticed her distant look and squeezed her hand lightly. "Thinking about something?"
She sighed, still staring at the rapidly passing landscape. "It's just... I never thought I'd be able to relax like this, you know? I feel like I'm finally where I'm supposed to be."
He gently pulled her closer, placing a kiss on her forehead. "And that's exactly where you're supposed to be. And so am I."
The rest of the trip to the airport was marked by laughter and whispered promises.
Arriving at the airport, Matthew and Emily were greeted by a team of Lancaster Corp employees, who promptly led them down an exclusive path to the runway where the family's private plane was already waiting, gleaming in the morning light.
The jet was a luxurious model, with brown leather details and wood trim, carefully designed to ensure maximum comfort and privacy. Emily, who had already traveled in first class planes, was impressed by the sophistication of that exclusive space. She let out an admiring sigh as she climbed the stairs, holding Matthew's hand.
"Wow, Matt, that's amazing!" She commented, while he smiled, pleased with her reaction.
"Yeah, I admit they really went all out. My parents love to travel in comfort, and my grandmother insisted on every detail," he replied, leading her to the soft leather seats, next to a large window that revealed a privileged view of the sky.
Inside, the cabin was spacious, decorated in soft tones, with a dining table and an elegant bar stocked with fine spirits. A flight attendant, already familiar with Matthew's preferences, approached to offer them each a drink while they were still on the ground. Emily chose a fresh orange juice, while Matthew opted for a sparkling water.
"Ready to leave it all behind and enjoy these days off?" he asked, his eyes shining with discreet excitement.
Emily nodded, and they toasted, smiling. "To our well-deserved rest," she said, leaning back in her seat and relaxing as she watched the scenery outside.
Shortly afterward, the plane began to taxi down the runway, and soon they were in the air, climbing gently toward the sky. The view of the city behind them was beautiful, and Emily felt her heart race with excitement. The thought of Paris, the romantic ambiance, and the sense of freedom took over her, and she squeezed Matthew's hand with a wide smile.
During the flight, they enjoyed the exquisite in-flight service: carefully selected fine dishes, with a seafood starter and a perfectly seasoned meat main course, accompanied by a rare French wine. Emily savored each bite, amazed by the experience, while Matthew watched her lovingly.
"I never get tired of seeing you like this, Emily. Happy, light... You deserve it," he murmured, leaning in to kiss her softly.
She closed her eyes for a moment, absorbing the moment. "Thank you, Matt... Really. These are going to be unforgettable days."
After a few hours of flying, the pilot informed them that they were approaching Paris, and they could see the city of lights stretching out on the horizon. When they landed, a limousine was already waiting to take them to their reserved hotel, one of the most exclusive in the city, with a splendid view of the Eiffel Tower.
"Paris, here we come!" Emily exclaimed with a light laugh, while Matthew smiled, holding her hand.