Reality Does Hurt

"Hello, Miss Palermo. Welcome to the Empire Dragon Hotel!" The butler greeted me with a smile when I got out of the Limo.

"Thank you," I returned a smile, showing gratitude for his hospitality. I am pleased with how well they trained their staff. So I am happy they were friendly to the guests, even someone like me.

Aside from being professional, their hospitality is on top, too. So far, it was what I noticed, and it's good news. The chauffeur and butler warmly approached me. So, I wondered whether the entire staff was the same as well. I am crossing my fingers.

Well, I don't need to guess.

The staff was well-briefed about everyone who was coming. How well-informed was the butler that I was the passenger in this Limo if they weren't?

I know I was thinking like a country bumpkin, but I am glad I wouldn't have a hard time introducing myself to any staff that I am a guest in this hotel.

Why am I too concerned about this and blabbing out my thoughts?

Well… Compared to most of their guests, I was obviously the poorest. If this vacation is not free, then there is no way I could set foot in this majestic ten-star hotel.

'Alright.' I bit my lip and breathed out to calm my nerves. I turned around and waited for my luggage, but Jerry urged me to go in first and head to the Receptionist for formalities.

"The steward will bring your stuff in your suite, Miss Palermo."

"Oh. Thank you, Jerry." I turned around and walked to the entrance. I was only a meter away from the door when I had a glimpse of my favorite foreign actress exiting at the door on my left. All of a sudden, my inner soul squealed.

'Should I approach her?' I was pondering what to do next.

'No, you can't. Stop acting like you are a country bumpkin, darling.'

Voices were arguing inside my head; thus, I'd forgotten I was blocking the entrance door.

"Don't just stand there!"

An irritated icy voice spoke behind me that almost sent my soul into outer space. Stunned, I remained frozen on the floor.

"Please, Miss… Don't block the door."

Then a polite tone filled my ears. His voice resounds like music to me and is familiar. Thus, I forcibly dragged my foot and turned around with a smile to apologize. However, a dark and sharp gaze met my eyes. I gulped hard to borrow some strength to stand still on the floor.

I pursed my lips and smiled awkwardly. I tried to ignore him, but his stony stare sent a chilly sensation through my nerves. He even scanned me from my head down to my flat shoes, and I saw the disgust glowering in his eyes.

Clenching both hands on my sides into a ball, I stepped to the side. I forget to apologize as words disappear from my tongue. All I did was lower my head and let them walk past me, and it was too late when a realization struck me.

Why did I let him intimidate me? I am timid but not a pushover!

"That man is arrogant!" I muttered under my breath after I realized he had discriminated against my pride as a countryside girl when he scrutinized me that way.

"Are you okay, Miss Palermo?" the butler inquired me. I turned my head and looked at him, then nodded my head. I guessed he witnessed the scene, and this made me feel embarrassed.

"Yeah. I'm fine. It was my fault anyway."

I admitted I was to blame because I became distracted after I saw my favorite actress.

And if people would tell me she was just an actress, I would snap at them because that actress is not just someone else but a great one!

She was already over forty, but her beauty is timeless, and I admire how she maintained her figure after she gave birth several times.

Sigh. The privilege of having a wealthy husband. Anyway, although she was very high maintenance, she could afford anything without relying on her husband.

Sometimes, I imagine being in their shoes. I know I am not alone in dreaming of being financially secure with my hard-earned money. However, I was only at a centimeter-level compared to them, which is at a tower-level height.

Having this comparison, I closed my eyes and let out the ample air from my lungs. Anger is surging in my chest as I recall the incident.

The guy looked at me like he was slapping me with the reality that I was ignorant of this place. If it weren't for Attorney Dillion Javier, my day would completely ruin.

He was undoubtedly a nice guy. Of course, he was hot too! Many have said he looks harmless, but he actually was fearsome inside the court.

'It's great that he was here too!' I mused as I had some things I wanted to talk to him about.

Thinking of this encounter, the beat in my heart went wild. I need to pull myself together and stop fangirling over him. 'Calmed down!' I reached for my chest and heaved a long sigh.

'Alright! Here I come!'

I held my head high as I bravely stepped inside the hotel. Then I swore to myself. I will prove to that guy and any other guy I will cross paths with during this vacation that I am not just a countryside girl, but I could also mingle with this high society!

I hid inside my comfort zone for a long time already.

However, reality does hurt.

I was sitting quietly in the lounge chair. With keenness in my gaze, I watched the guests come in and out of the hotel.

It was too easy to recognize whether they were from High Society or the guests were well-known public figures when the men were clad in super-expensive business suits, and the women were not only dressing up elegantly. But many of them, wearing flashy skimpy clothes, ramping back and forth in front of me.

This is the massive gap between a socialite like them and a countryside girl like me. I was only wearing a plain T-shirt and jeans paired with black shoes.

Indeed, I was the ugly duckling walking in a room filled with beautiful peacocks. Hence, I could not help but purse my lips with a sad smile.