A switch incident (2)

Loud music blasted inside a certain black car when the driver suddenly turned it down to answer a call.

"How's it?" a smooth baritone voice questioned.

"Perfect, boss. No one suspected a thing; I'm off to go get her now," the driver responded seriously.

"Good. Make sure no one finds out, and I know your movements aren't being monitored, yes?"

"Confirmed, boss, I might be old, but I do my duties well," the driver responded confidently.

"Very well then, I'll leave the rest to you."

After ending the call, the driver kept his phone causally before turning on the music to the loudest once more as the seductive sax of careless whispers filled the car.

***

Despite the generous treatment by the hotel, Elara still couldn't help but be tense. The more she waited, the more her nerves got strung tight, and everything became more and more suspicious by the second.

Why was she the only guest in the hotel, and why was she being treated so well? Being treated generously wasn't too outlandish, but the staff were too polite.

Almost like they were taking care of the boss's wife rather than some random employee. Elara didn't once consider Terrence's involvement as this whole trip wasn't something the CEO should be concerned with.

It was below him, and other delegates were responsible for handling it.

The good thing was that they were snacks; the bad thing was that she was being cautious, so she had them packaged and stuffed into her bag instead.

Minutes turned to hours, and for a while, Elara considered calling 911 if things got dragged on, but just then, a familiar figure walked into the hotel.

The figure spotted her, and as they approached, Elara exclaimed with widened eyes, "Merlin?!"

***

Elara was led into the black car, and as they drove off, she couldn't help but bombard Merlin with questions despite her efforts to not appear rude.

Merlin didn't mind at all. He reduced the sound of his music to better answer her questions and also not to inconvenience her.

"You're telling me Terry had all this planned out?" Elara blurted out in fascination.

"Yes miss." So quickly scold him for being wrong.

However, Elara completely subverted his expectations, "Why didn't he tell me? I could have come up with a better less complicated way!"

Merlin: .... Did you perhaps misspeak? You meant to scold him, right?

"Sir must have assumed you wouldn't want to," Merlin replied despite his surprise.

"Why wouldn't I want to spend time with Terry? It's an honor, actually," Elara spoke further, stunning Merlin.

He was right, Miss Elara was truly his undoing!

Curious, he asked, "Miss Elara do you like Sir Terrence?"

"Definitely," Elara replied matter-of-factly.

"As lovers?"

"Of course not. It's impossible for someone like me. He's but a friend close to my heart," Elara explained.

Glancing at the lady from her reflection who spoke with clear eyes that showed her sincerity, Merlin thought that his boss's love life was doomed.

He finally found someone he liked who liked him back… As a friend. What a pitiful fella.

Even worse was how clueless the lady was at this romance stuff, she did stuff innocently with no ulterior motive like it was the norm. He could already imagine how the vacation would end up.

He once thought Elara was his undoing but he couldn't be more wrong. The woman was his boss's undoing.

All he could do was shake his head internally in pity for a certain blonde male.

***

The ride was about a two-hour ride, and soon they arrived near their destination. They arrived at a landscape of towering trees and dense foliage. The resort entrance was marked by a distinct banner that blended seamlessly into the environment.

The driveway led through a forest of trees, the only sound being the rustling of leaves and chirping of colorful birds which Elara admired calmly. As they drove further in, the resort's main building was finally seen, its elegant yet natural touch blending easily within the forest.

Elara was led into the resort to the main building where Terrence was, as Merlin, who was surprisingly chatty, introduced the resort's facilities to her.

If the villa had made it known to Elara how rich Terrence was, this resort nailed it.

As soon as they reached the entrance, the door opened automatically on sensing them, and standing calmly within was a tall figure.

"T—" Elara called out but was cut off by the man pulling her into a warm embrace.

Elara smiled, snaking her hands around Terrence's waist as she returned the hug. Before Elara could say another word, she felt her world spin; in one sudden motion, Terrence swung her over his shoulder, leaving her giggling.

Merlin watched as the duo left with Elara waving at him with a shy smile and felt a small smile adorn his face.

Although a certain blonde male was trying to control his excitement, his years of serving him made it easy for him to see through.

He felt happy for his boss because, despite their disparity in status, he saw him as a son, and whenever he was happy, he was also glad.

***

"So I'll stay throughout the month?" Elara questioned as Terrence led her through the building.

Downstairs had the lobby, lounge, dining room, private bar, library and study, fireplace, spa, fitness studio, and kitchen.

Upstairs had a master room with a private balcony, which was Terrence's room, guest rooms, a private office, and an entertainment room.

After showing Elara around, Terrence decided to leave to have her get comfortable with her room.

Her room was simple yet luxurious but even more endearing was the scenic view that could be seen from the window.

Towering trees whose leaves could be seen due to the room being upstairs and the pretty birds she had glanced at before could be seen now perched among various trees.

There was a wardrobe in the room that had lots of clothes within, which Elara didn't need since she had her luggage, but scouring through some of the clothes, she decided she'd try some of them anyway.

A telephone lay beside the edge of her bed for making any demands she wanted and she couldn't help but wonder if she was doing something wrong enjoying such luxury.

With Terra and her two other friends, it just seemed so natural, but maybe her uneasiness came from the fact that despite her chemistry with Terrence, it was undeniable that their friendship was still new.

Elara sighed while lying on top of the soft bed, enjoying the feeling it gave. One month. She couldn't help but ponder lightly how things would pan out during this period.

She couldn't tell but what she did know was that spending that time with a loved one was worth it.