The week of adventure finally came. Eva & Èdouard had prepared their luggage for the trip and were making their way to the airport.
"How do you feel?" He asked, searching her face for any trace of doubt.
"I feel…wonderful!" She began, "This is a new experience for me, so I have to admit that I am kinda nervous, you know."
"You'll get used to this life…you're just a semester away, Eva." He said, caressing on her fingers.
In no longer than an hour later, they got on the plane…taking off to a whole new start of something new…
…
As the plane began its descent into New York, she pressed her face to the window, feeling both anxious and relieved. The towering buildings, and the dazzling lights of the city appeared beneath her like a living painting. It was a lot more breathtaking than she'd imagined it would be— "chaotic and alive" just as she had heard.
Èdouard, who sat beside her, smiled as he watched her stare in wonder.
"Wait until you see it up close," He said with a chuckle.
She turned to him, smiling still…
"I can't believe we're actually here! It feels like a dream."
"It'll feel even more real once we step out onto those busy streets." He assured her. "But let's get settled in first."
The plane alighted smoothly, and soon enough, they made their way through the busy airport. After a short drive, they arrived at their hotel. She had been looking forward to resting after the long flight, but when they approached the receptionist, things took an unexpected turn…
"Reservations for Èdouard Alexandre and Eva Beckhams please." He said politely, as he presented his passport.
The receptionist typed for a moment, scanning the screen. Then, she looked up, wearing an awkward frown...
"I'm sorry, sir, but it seems the reservation was made for one person only."
Eva felt disappointed. It appeared as though things were already going wrong on arrival. Èdouard on the other hand felt annoyed, but he remained composed.
"There must be a mistake somewhere," he said calmly, "I booked two rooms."
The receptionist quickly went over the system one more time, but it was the same thing.
"I'm sorry , sir, but the reservation we have here is for a standard room—only one guest."
He became visibly upset, but before he could say anything, a man in a suit approached them at the desk. He looked at the screen, then back at Èdouard, immediately recognizing him.
"Excuse me, sir," the man said, in a respectful tone, "Did you say Èdouard Alexandre?"
He nodded, with confusion written on his face.
"My deepest apologies for the mix-up," the man said, straightening his tie. "It appears there has been a misunderstanding. Let me personally check the details."
He leaned over to look at the screen and was surprised at what he saw.
"Mr. Alexandre, I'm so sorry. There's been a mistake with the reservation system. The rooms are in the Presidential Suite on the top floor. Please, allow me to make this right immediately."
Eva's eyes widened in shock.
Presidential Suite?
She turned to him, completely stunned. She had known him as charming, mysterious, and fun, but this? This was a side of him she had no idea existed.
He gave an embarrassed smile as the manager continued to apologize endlessly, making arrangements to escort them to the suite. She was too astonished to say anything. The pieces were starting to fall into place— his refined taste, the way he carried himself, the quiet confidence.
But this? A billionaire?
"Please, this way." the manager said, leading them toward the private elevator that would take them directly to the top floor.
As soon as the elevator doors closed, and they were alone, Eva could no longer contain her hysteria…
"Èdouard! You're a billionaire? Why didn't you tell me?" She asked in disbelief.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"I see you've figured it out." He began, feeling a bit disappointed, "I didn't want it to define how you saw me," he admitted. "When we met in Paris, it was… easy. You treated me like a normal guy, and I liked that. I didn't want my status, or the idea of my wealth, to complicate things."
She leaned back against the elevator wall, still processing what she'd heard.
"But why didn't you at least mention it?"
"I should have," He admitted, his gaze meeting hers. "I just didn't know how. I mean, how do you even bring up such a thing without seeming cocky or something?... By the time I thought about telling you, we were already caught up in… everything else."
She couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head.
"Well, this is… wow. I mean, I don't know what I expected, but definitely not this."
He smiled shyly.
"Does this change anything?"
She looked at him.
"No, it doesn't." she said honestly. "But I wish you had told me. I wouldn't have treated you any differently."
"I know," he said, stepping closer. "That's why I'm glad I'm with you."
The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open, revealing the grand Presidential Suite. The view of the New York skyline appeared in front of them, and for a moment, all of her questions faded away.
First, she went to her room, while Èdouard went to his— directly opposite.
Eva's room was undoubtedly beautiful, and luxurious-looking beyond anything she had ever seen. But all she could think about was the adventure they were about to begin…
…
The next morning, after a restful night, they embarked on their first adventure for the day.
Day one started with a classic stroll through Central Park. They rented bikes, laughing as they raced each other around the paths, and stopped to watch street performers who captivated the crowds with music and acrobatics displays.
From there, they headed to the iconic Empire State Building. As they stood at the observation deck, the whole city seemed to look endlessly under them, with the glittering lights and lively streets.
"Do you ever get used to this?" she asked, leaning against his shoulder.
"Never!" he replied, smiling as he held her close to him. "That's the magic of New York."
After the day's fun was over, they returned to the hotel. They laughed and talked about the day and the silly things they did together. To wrap the night up, they had some deserts, watched a movie, before retiring to their individual beds…
…
On day two, they made plans for art and history.
"Five of the fewer than thirty-five known paintings by Johannes Vermeer were owned by the Museum by 1979. The Met's 2,500 European paintings rank among the world's finest collections of their kind. The most extensive collection of American paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts in the world is currently housed in the American Wing." The museum guide enlightened them, as they walked around, learning interesting facts about the place.
They spent hours wandering through the halls of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where Èdouard impressed her with his knowledge of paintings and sculptures. They talked about their favorite pieces, shared stories, and got lost in the art together. She loved how thoughtful and passionate he was, even in the quiet moments.
Afterward, they took a boat ride to the Statue of Liberty. She felt a thrill seeing the iconic figure up close— the symbol of freedom high above the water. They took pictures, laughed at each other's goofy poses, and immersed themselves in the history of the place.
…
By day three, they got ready for something more thrilling. They spent the afternoon in Brooklyn, exploring the trendy streets, visiting small cafés, and walking along the Brooklyn Bridge, where they ate ice cream and watched the sun set behind the skyline. It felt like a scene from a movie— the kind of moment one would hold onto forever.
That evening, they returned to their suites, and they were exhausted but happy. They sat on the couch, planning their trip back home.
"So," Èdouard began, looking at her with a teasing smile. "What do you say to our next adventure? Switzerland, my home?"
She stopped to look at him. Still in disbelief
"Switzerland? I thought we were supposed to go home after New York?"
"Yes, we were, until I realized how much I'd love for you to see where I grew up. The mountains, the lakes… It's beautiful. And I want to share it with you."
Eva's heart skipped a beat.
"That sounds, uhm… incredible!" she said, feeling elated. "So, when do we leave?"
"In two days," he said, "But first, let's enjoy one more day in New York."
She nodded in agreement.
She began to feel a little nervous about seeing his family. As spontaneous as the trip was, and as willing as she felt to go…she couldn't help but wonder what awaited back in Switzerland.
Will his family like me? Will Benjamin approve of this? Is this even the right thing to do?
She pondered these thoughts deeply, seeking answers she couldn't give herself.
Exhausted and unsure, she went to sleep…hoping her guardian angel would lead her in the right direction…