Chapter 4

Chapter 4: FRESH START

As soon as we got off the plane, the first thing I noticed was the intense heat in Columbia. It enveloped me like a warm cover, stifling yet strangely rejuvenating, almost like a new beginning. A fresh start. Next to me, **Reese** appeared perfectly assembled, her shades protecting her eyes from the glaring sun as we headed towards the parked vehicle.

The journey from the airport was fast, with the city flashing by in a whirl of bright buildings and energetic activity. Columbia was distinct from New York, being more vibrant and chaotic in its own manner. Before too much time had passed, the vehicle arrived at a large gate, which gradually opened to unveil a mansion.

"Is this your residence?" I inquired, with my mouth almost agape.

Reese smiled, obviously delighting in my response. "Yes, come on in to my small piece of heaven." She gave a quick wink. "Alright, perhaps not as small."

The mansion took your breath away. An expansive property with luxurious gardens and towering palm trees. It had a pristine, white outer appearance with expansive windows and balconies that had a view of the city. It felt as if it came straight from a dream.

"Do you reside here?" I inquired, still attempting to comprehend everything.

"Of course I'm a chef, don't you remember?" Reese playfully nudged while speaking. "I have some very upscale clients as my employers, and they compensate me generously."

I shook my head in astonishment. "You never mentioned that you resided in a location such as this.”

Reese gave a shrug. "I didn't want to blow it out of proportion." But now that you're here, feel free to make this place your home for however long you require.

House. The term seemed unfamiliar but soothing. Perhaps I can begin afresh at this point, as Reese recommended. Possibly this location has the power to mend what was damaged within me.

The remainder of the morning was dedicated to unpacking and settling in, but before long, Reese received a message on their phone. She looked at it quickly and let out a groan.

"What is that?" Sitting on the edge of the opulent bed she had provided, I inquired.

"It originates from my organization." "I have to report on an event," she stated, her voice reflecting a combination of irritation and obligation. "They are expecting my presence at a meeting later today." I was hoping we could just relax today.

I made a frowning expression. Is it not possible for you to rearrange or make alternative plans? I'm saying, we just arrived.

"I desire to do so, but it's quite significant." She breathed out heavily while running her fingers through her hair. I have a meeting with a significant individual. However, accompany me. "It will only be a brief meeting, and then we can return to unwinding.”

I didn't want to go to a business meeting, but I also didn't want to be alone in a new city. I nodded unwillingly. "Okay, I will accompany you."

"Fantastic," Reese remarked, bringing her hands together in applause. "It will end quickly without you realizing."

The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

The hotel we arrived at for the meeting left me amazed as soon as we saw it. The **Hotel de Luxe** outshone the mansion in terms of glamour. An impressive structure, gleaming under the afternoon sunlight, adorned with towering marble columns and fountains at the entrance.

In the interior, the lobby was equally luxurious. Chandeliers dangled from above, illuminating everything with a golden radiance. High-end customers strolled about, filling the air with their laughter and conversations as they moved from one lounge to another. In my casual attire, I felt extremely awkward as Reese confidently strode ahead of me.

"Alright, I have to go to the bathroom quickly," she said, while looking at me. "Remain in this place and do not stray."

I nodded, attempting to hold back a grin. "I'm not a kid, Reese."

She playfully joked, "Yes, yes." "I will return in a minute."

Upon her disappearance down the hallway, I began to experience some anxiety. I was uncertain about what I should do with myself. I took a few steps, observing the luxurious surroundings and attempting to fit in with the wealthy ambiance, but eventually, I grew tired.

I observed a narrow corridor branching off from the main entrance and chose to explore it. Perhaps it would provide me with an activity to pass the time.

The more I walked, the more silence surrounded me. This part of the hotel was quiet, with the sounds from the main lobby becoming distant. The atmosphere seemed colder, with a sense of increased privacy. I took a turn and entered a room that appeared entirely distinct from the other areas of the hotel. Velvet chairs plushly lined the walls, creating an almost intimate atmosphere with the soft lighting.

Only when I heard a voice did I understand that I was not by myself.

"**Pardon me, ma'am,**" a low voice interjected, bringing me back from my daydreams. I spun around rapidly, feeling my heart jump up to my throat.

A man stood a couple of feet apart, tall, with broad shoulders, and wearing a flawless black suit. He filled the room with his presence, and his intense gaze on me made me shiver. His jawline was strong, his dark hair styled perfectly, and his eyes... his eyes resembled molten steel.

"What are you doing here?" he inquired, his tone not unfriendly, but firm enough to indicate I was in an unauthorized area of the hotel.

"I—um—I apologize, I wasn't aware that this was a prohibited zone," I stuttered, moving back. I was simply anticipating the arrival of my friend.

He lifted his eyebrow in a manner that showed his lack of being impressed. "This section is restricted to VIPs exclusively."

"I apologize," I muttered, feeling my face flush with shame. "I was unaware."

He briefly paused to observe me, his expression becoming slightly softer. "After a brief moment, he expressed that everything was okay." "Just make sure to watch where you roam."

I quickly nodded, anxious to escape the uncomfortable situation. However, when I tried to walk away, I was compelled to halt. Perhaps it was his gaze directed at me, or perhaps it was the unusual tension surrounding us. I looked back at him, experiencing a sudden surge of curiosity.

"Are you employed at this place?" I inquired, caught off guard by my own curiosity.

A slight grin pulled at the edge of his mouth. "Something along those lines."

Before I could utter another word, **Reese** suddenly appeared, her eyes widened as she saw me.

Hey Chelsea! "Here you are!" she exclaimed, swiftly taking hold of my arm. “Apologies, sir, she entered this place unintentionally. We are leaving now.

The man nodded, keeping his eyes on me as Reese led me back down the hallway.

After we had gotten sufficiently far, Reese breathed a sigh of relief. "What were you up to behind me?" she inquired, a blend of worry and humor in her tone. "This section was reserved for VIPs!"

"I was unaware!" I murmured in response, still feeling unsettled from the interaction. "And who was that man?" "He appeared... significant."

Reese nodded in disagreement. "I have no clue, but you were fortunate that he wasn't angry." "Let's continue to remain in our designated areas from now on, alright?"

I agreed with a nod, yet my thoughts continued to speed through my mind. There was a certain quality about that man that I couldn't fully express.

Leaving the hotel, I realized I was thinking about him excessively.