Chapter 33: Destination

MR. RIPLEY is in his study room when one of the maids enters with his coffee and the morning newspaper. He asks the maid to call his daughter, and soon she arrives. “What’s with the early meeting?” She asks as she sits on the cushioned chair in front of him.

He closed the newspaper he was holding, folded it and lay it on the table. He glances at her and says in a commanding tone, “You’re getting married in 20 days. I’ve decided that it's better to do a small destination wedding event. You’re going to Turkey a week from now to do a prenup photo shoot with Thomas, and you’ll stay there till you get married.” He smiles at her while stirring his coffee.

He was waiting for her to throw temper tantrums, but to his dismay she didn't. Instead, she stared at him with an indifferent gaze devoid of emotion and said, ”You never fail to surprise me.” She lowered her head and simply walked away.

He felt heartbroken that to this day she did not yield, beg or negotiate. “Why did I make her too strong?” He asked himself.

After walking out of her father’s study room, she took out her phone and, with a trembling hand, texted Blade.

9:20:09 AM - Eastside later?

After sending the message, she stared at her phone waiting for his response. Seconds, minutes, then hours went by and nothing. Still nothing. She sighs deeply and soon the voices inside her head start whispering.

“He did not respond”

“He must be asleep.”

“I think so too.”

“He mentioned last time that he'd be out on a business trip and would return by Saturday afternoon.”

“He must still be tired.”

“Happy to know that we all agreed for once,” she said to the voices.

She sat in her bed thinking what to do next, then she called Luci and told him about her father’s plan. He points out that his father hasn't told his family yet about the sudden change in the wedding venue. Hearing this, she felt something was not right. She then bid him goodbye and called another phone number.

By 12:30 PM, Blade woke up and saw her text.

(9:20:09 AM) Sieve: Eastside later?

Contemplating if he'll go or not as he is still exhausted from yesterday's event and will go on another business trip tomorrow afternoon. He glanced at the small box on his bedside table, then smiled faintly, and sent a response.

*

She had just disconnected the call and her face was red with anger. She was about to smash the mirror in front of her in a rage. When she suddenly heard her 2nd phone’s notification,

(12:34:03 PM) Blade: See you at 8 PM.

She calms herself and opens her cabinet to look for the perfect dress she could wear as it might be the last time she will see him.

*

*

She arrived early at the Eastside hotel; she then texted him the room number.

(7:02:45 PM) Sieve: I’m in executive suite #3

Blade, at that time, was taking a shower after he finished. He was surprised that she was already there and she booked an executive suite.

He’s supposed to wear casual clothing, but since she booked an executive suite, he figures he needs to dress up. He opened his cabinet and took out his black suit and tie. He soon drove to her location. He arrived at the Eastside Hotel around 7:40:23 PM. He was about to knock on the door, but he noticed the door was a jar.

He pushes it open and sees that the light in the room is dim, and the floor is covered with petals of red roses. He can also hear classical music playing. As he walks further in the room, he sees a her wearing a deep red V-neck backless crisscross gown sitting in front of a table with candlelight.

He grins and thinks to himself, “She did this for me?”

She saw him and gestured for him to sit on the other side. He grins and sits in front of her and says, “You look lovely!”

"You don’t look bad yourself," she replies with a smile on her lips that did not reach her eyes. He can sense that there’s something bothering her, and he then asks with concern in his voice, “Are you okay?”

She wanted to say yes, but her mouth betrayed her and blurted, “This might be the last time that I’m going to see you!” Her face was full of sorrow.

The atmosphere became awkward really fast. He touched the back of his neck then opened the wine that was chilling on the bucket of ice.

“Then it’s time for us to drink our hearts out.” He says to her while pouring the wine into her glass.

“Is this the reason why the room was set up like this?” He added.

“No, someone booked this room for newly-weds, but they canceled at the last minute. I told them I'd take the room, and no need to remove the flowers.” She explains.

He stared at her intently and was about to frown in disappointment. When suddenly he heard her giggle. Then she says, "That was a lie, I personally decorate it like this."

He blushed but she did not notice it.

They drank the whole bottle and ate the charcuterie that came with the wine, then opened different liquors in the executive suite bar. She sighs deeply then starts to tell what her father told her earlier. He patted her back and asked her to dance.

"I want to accompany you before you leave for Turkey, but I can't. I have another business trip tomorrow afternoon and will return next week." He says while they dance cheek to cheek.

“It’s fine. You've done enough.” She says with a frown on her face. "This means this is the last night I’ll have with him. I wish this night would never end,” she thought to herself.

She then leaned for a kiss, he kissed her back. After they kissed, they stared at each other, the ambiance became steamy. The next moment, their clothes were scattered on the floor.

After he removes her dress, he sees that she’s wearing erotic lingerie underneath.

“Aren’t you naughty?” He says to her. He then removes his tie and uses it to bind her hands and place them above her head. He pins her down on the bed and kisses her passionately, his hands moving all over her body, and they do not stop until they become breathless.

Both of their bodies are burning in passion, thinking that this is the last night they have. They want to savor each other all night long.