Chapter two

"Let's get a divorce."

Hearing the strangest words from her husband, Elena's eyes widened, her gaze fixed on him.

Did she hear him right? A divorce?

Her heartbeat picking up in an unsteady rhythm, uncertainty settling in, she forced a smile. "It's not funny, stop this joke, Alan."

Upstairs was their luggage packed, set luggage a vacation for their wedding anniversary. Elena took hours getting ready at Alan's command.

What's with this strange joke?

"It's not a joke, Elena...My lawyer will be in touch soon."

Elena's head jerked up, a slight movement, almost invisible. She turned, her feet carrying her upstairs, it was as if her body had disconnected from her mind.

She grabbed her luggage with swift efficiency and headed downstairs.

Her footsteps echoed through the silence, a solitary march towards the door and then she was gone leaving behind only the faintest whisper of her presence.

Elena's feet moved swiftly, carrying her away from the house. She didn't look back. Ahead, she saw a yellow cab, its roof glowing like a beacon.

Elena raised her hand, palm open. The taxi slowed down, its lights flashing. The driver looked at her and nodded. Elena dropped her hand and stepped forward, ready to get in.

She opened the door, the creak of the hinge echoing through the stillness. The driver's eyes met hers in the rearview mirror. The driver's hand pulled the handle, the trunk lid yawned open. Elena lifted her suitcase, dropping it into the dark space and shutting down the trunk.

Elena slid into the back seat."The Keystone Hotel, please, "her voice barely above a whisper.

The driver's nod was a slight movement, his eyes already back on the road.

Five minutes later, the taxi pulled up to a hotel entrance, its wheels stopped turning, the engine slowing Elena's eyes fixed on the gleaming glass doors of the hotel. She pushed open the taxi door and dropped a little cash for the driver. The trunk lid opened and she took her suitcase.

Elena's hand grasped the cool metal handle, pulling the door wide open with a soft creak. Her feet carried her across the entrance, into the welcoming embrace of the lobby's air-conditioned air.

The door swung shut behind her, its gentle thud a small sound on her arrival. The receptionist's eyes lit up as Elena approached the desk. A warm smile spread across her face.

"Welcome to Keystone Hotel, ma." her voice was friendly and inviting.

Elena leaned in, her eyes scanning the receptionist's face."What options do I have ?"She asked her voice low and curious.

The receptionist's fingers danced across the keyboard, her eyes scanning the screen before looking up with a smile. "We have our standard rooms, our deluxe rooms with a city view, and our VIP suite with a private balcony."

Elena's eyebrows arched, her interest sparked by the mention of the VIP suite.

"I will take the VIP suite."

Elena reached into her handbag, her fingers closing around the cool metal of her credit card. She slid it across the counter, her eyes locked on the receptionist's efficient hands as she processed the payment.

"That will be $5000 please"her eyes scanning the screen before nodding with a smile.

Chunk-chunk

The machine emitted a soft beep as the transaction was approved.

The receptionist handed Elena the key card with a smile.

"Enjoy your stay ma'am "her eyes flashing to the female attendant standing close to her. The attendant stepped forward her eyes locked on Elena as she pointed towards the elevator.

"This way ma'am "

Elena followed her. As they approached the elevator, the doors slid open with a soft whoosh. The attendant stepped aside, and Elena entered, her eyes adjusting to the mirrored interior.

Suddenly, a tall figure slipped in beside her with a suitcase and a coffee drink, his arm brushing against hers. Another average figure slipped in too and the doors closed. They stood together in silence, the only sound the soft hum of the elevator.

The average figure's gaze locked onto the suitcase carried by the tall figure, his hand reaching out to claim it. But his attention was split. In that moment of distraction, his elbow jabbed back, connecting with the cup. The man's reflexes were quick but not quick enough. The coffee spilt, a dark arc splashing across Elena's gown mere inches from her breast.

With a swift motion, the tall man shrugged off his suit jacket. He stepped closer, his eyes locked onto the stain spreading across Elena's without a word, he draped the jacket over her shoulders, making it invisible for the coffee dark blotch to be seen. His fingers brushed against her skin as he adjusted the fit, his gaze never leaving hers.

The two continued to gaze at themselves before a noise from the average figure brought them back to reality.

"I am sorry for the mess" his voice soft and tender.

"Um, it's nothing ."

He extended his hand, his eyes locked on hers."Ethan "he said his voice low and Elena's hand slipped into his, her palm grazed by his fingers as they shook.

"Elena," she replied. Their hands lingered for a moment.

"Sorry once again for the mess up, it wasn't his intention to do that."Ethan pointed at the other man.

"I am sorry ma'am." the average man bowed.

"No worries, I am fine."

"Elena, can I make it up to you?"Ethan's eyes crinkled at the corners.

Elena stared at him without blinking.

"Dinner, maybe?"Ethan asked, his eyes hopeful.

Elena's lips pressed together, her head leaning slightly."I don't know, Ethan..."

"Come on," he coaxed, his smile persuasive."I promise to make it worth your while."

Elena's eyebrows raised, her eyes doubtful ."I'm not sure that's a good idea."

Ethan's expression turned sheepish.

Elena's resistance slowly melted, her face softening."Fine "she relented a small smile playing on her lips."But just dinner."

The elevator door slid open with a soft hiss. Elena stepped out, her hand extended, holding out the suit."Here you go."

Ethan's eyes lit up as he took the suit from her, his fingers brushing against hers."Thanks, Elena, this is my card. Call me when you are ready."

Elena smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners."Just be more careful next time," she teased, stepping past him into the hallway.

Ethan watched her go, his gaze lingering on her retreating figure before he turned to head in the opposite direction with his secretary.

"Boss, it seems you are interested in her, never seen you so anxious to have dinner with a lady."

Ethan's smile was adorable."Let's just say I remember more than I let on."