I nodded in understanding. “There’s even an invitation card?” I was surprised.
“Yes,” he replied and walked back to his desk. “The company has already paid in full, so y’all can directly head in for some fun! It’s a hot spring hotel, where the services are all-inclusive. Just head into wherever you want!”
My first thought was that the place sounded luxurious.
After giving me the card, Savini was prepared to leave.
I suddenly recalled that I wanted to apply for leave for the next few days. I called out, “Savini, I need to take leave for the next few days. Please help to approve them.”
He turned his head and furrowed his brows. “Are you heading to K City?”
I nodded. “I need to settle some things.”
“Missing your kid?”
“Kind of.” I realized he was too chatty, so I did not elaborate on my replies.
“Oh, we can go together, then. I’m heading there too in a few days.”
Just when I was about to reject his offer, he interrupted, “Alright, hurry now, you need to pack your stuff and head to the hotel!”
I fell silent as he already turned to leave. I glanced at the clock and saw that it was time to get off work.
Then, I glanced at the invitation card. Since I promised Savini, I had to go even if I did not want to. So, I packed my stuff and grabbed a cab there.
I met two other female colleagues at the hotel entrance and chatted a little.
We retrieved our number cards, and the front desk staff informed us politely, “Kindly change into the clothes and shoes that are provided.”
I was taken aback. Has the service in hotels always been so thoughtful?
Seeing my reaction, the ladies, who had been there before, explained, “This is a hot spring hotel, where the guests are here for leisure instead of accommodation.”
I followed them into the changing room. After changing, I headed up to the game area. It was exactly like what the ladies had described.
The game area, entertainment plaza, and dining area were all at the third level.
I originally thought that it was a normal gathering, where everyone would sit together over food and drinks.
I didn’t expect the gathering to be held in such a unique way. The hotel had many guests. When we occasionally bump into some colleagues, we would greet each other and continue enjoying our separate activities.
Felling slightly lazy, I found a seat in the main hall and sat down.
“Is there anyone sitting here?”
I was startled by the voice. I turned to take a look and what greeted my sight was a familiar face, but I could not recall who exactly he was.
He was one meter eighty-five in height with a slender figure and a cool exterior.
Seeing that I was staring at him blankly, he raised his brows and asked, “So is it occupied?”
My senses returned, and I shook my head. “Nope!”
He took a seat beside me while holding a cup of coke.
I could not help myself but took a few glances. It felt weird yet normal at the same time.
He saw me looking and asked, “Do you want one?”
I shook my head in embarrassment and replied, “No, thank you.”
Bright neon lights shone throughout the place. Logically speaking, people would usually drink either a glass of hard liquor or a cocktail in such an environment. As such, I found it weird that the man was drinking coke.
That being said, it was probably normal since the place caters to people of all ages, from kids to adults. Even without such beverages, the place had a lively atmosphere with its neon lighting and upbeat songs.
Live music sounded through the main hall. The main singer stood on stage and was ready to sing a folksong that conveys the yearning of one’s hometown.
The sad music was filled with so much emotion that I found myself engrossed in it.
The man beside me stood up and left, only to return a few minutes later.
He placed a cup of juice beside me. I stared at him with a blank expression as I was slightly surprised by his thoughtful action.
He chuckled lightly and said, “You’re welcome.”
I started to recall his identity. He was the man that stood in front of Grandma’s tombstone. Once again, I fell into a trance.
After a short pause, I asked, “Have we met before?”
He raised his brows and questioned, “Do you know me?”
“No.” I shook my head.
“Well, then we don’t know each other,” he chuckled lightly.
I was taken aback by his casual response, so I thought for a moment and asked again, “No, I meant if we have actually met before this.”
Meeting and knowing someone were two different things.
He chuckled lightly. “Since we don’t know each other, it could only mean we have never met before.”
I was speechless. Snapping back to my senses, I uttered, “Just because we don’t know each other doesn’t mean that we have not seen each other before.”
The coldness exuding from him was impenetrable, even with my persistent questions.
He then said, “Since we’ve met before, let’s get to know each other then!”
“I’m Sienna Stanhope!” I put my hand forward and introduced myself.
He smiled slightly and shook my hand. “I’m Armond Murphy!”
Armond Murphy?
I did not put much thought into it.
Seemingly gotten bored of the music, he asked, “There’s a swimming pool and a hot spring on the first level. Shall we go together?”
I was a little taken aback and looked down at the hotel’s set of clothes that I was wearing. “I don’t think I can.”
He laughed at my response. “Don’t worry. They have swimsuits at that level.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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