Chapter Thirty-Three

Olivia lay spreadeagled on the bed, exhausted. Her stomach growled, and although it was past dinnertime, she didn’t have the strength to move her arms enough to call room service, much less to get out of bed and go to the restaurant on the ground floor.

Today had been one of the most tiring days of her life. Extremely fun, if she wanted to be honest with herself, but still exhausting. She had enjoyed talking to all the clients, and as the time went by, she had found herself becoming more confident in expressing her own ideas about how clients could use KimCorp’s services to gain more out of their investment. Martha was really pleased with her and kept praising her for helping her seal deals with new clients. Even Owen congratulated her plenty of times during the day.

Up until her meeting with Mr. Jackson, that is. After that, Owen’s demeanor changed, and the pleasant atmosphere in their booth became pregnant with seething anger. Of course, Owen wouldn’t jeopardize the company’s image or his with a public display of emotions, but Olivia could tell what he was feeling by his curt replies every time she tried to talk to him. It all added to the stress she was already feeling the entire day.

She was glad the conference didn’t last long after that and extremely grateful that Martha had booked them a hotel only a few meters away from the conference grounds. The last thing she needed was to have to walk around the meandering paths of this part of the city to find their hotel. When she and Martha left the conference, Owen didn’t follow, saying he had other plans. On the way, however, Martha informed her that she had booked a room for him as well at their hotel.

Olivia rubbed her belly. At some point, she would have to leave the bed in search of something nourishing, but right now, all she could think of was Mr. Jackson and Owen. It was obvious that the two men had some sort of rivalry going on between them. Owen had warned her about how difficult a client Mr. Jackson was, after all. Though Olivia found him to be the exact opposite. John was very pleasant and interested in what she had to say, and he even surprised her when he offered her an open opportunity to work for him if she ever needed “a change of scenery,” as he called it. At that moment, she had felt proud of herself that someone was recognizing her skills and was willing to make her a part of their company, but after explaining to Owen why John had handed her his business card, it was evident she was going to become the source of contention between the two men.

This was certainly not how she had imagined this weekend would go. She and Owen were supposed to be talking and solving their problems, not adding new issues to their list. She let out an exasperated sigh. “This is pointless,” she said to herself. Thinking about it was only adding tension to her already weary body. She was in desperate need of relaxation. She slowly lifted herself off the bed and headed to the bathroom. As she stood in the middle of the tiny room staring at the shower, she remembered the receptionist telling her that there was a hot tub at the back that all guests were welcome to use. She decided that the hot jets pounding her body was exactly what she needed right now to help her unwind. She grabbed the bath robe from the rack and went back to the bedroom.

She unzipped her suitcase and fumbled around until she spotted her pink bikini. Martha had told her to pack a swimsuit as there was usually a pool party at the end of the conference. Weirdly enough, she hadn’t spotted a pool at the conference venue, but who knew what Martha had in mind. Maybe she meant the pool at the hotel they were staying at now. It made her wonder if Martha was planning to invite their clients here at the end of the weekend. Even so, tonight, she could still enjoy some relaxing time in the hot tub. Swimwear in hand, she left the room in search of the hot tub.

The hotel spa complex was small but tasteful, decorated in clean wood paneling. Sandalwood and steam overpowered the background scent of chlorine. Olivia flashed her room keycard at the teen on the reception desk and followed directions from there.

Olivia had the changing rooms to herself. She quickly changed into her bikini and put on her robe, tying the belt as tight as it could go. She wasn’t shy about her figure, but she wasn’t going to risk putting her body on display on the hotel’s corridors either.

A pale wood-paneled door led from the changing rooms to a short corridor. The mingled woody and metallic scents of steam intensified. Olivia found the door to the sauna before discovering her way to the small pool. Here, wood panels gave way to mosaic tiles. Olivia walked around the pool, heading for the hot tub on its low stepped plinth, tucked in the far corner.

She removed her bath robe and gingerly stepped into the hot tub, testing the temperature of the water. Finding it to her liking, she quickly immersed into the water. Immediately, she felt her sore and tense muscles relax, and she sighed in relief.

She rested her head at the edge of the tub and looked up at the night sky. Stars twinkled above her, urging her to find her lucky one. What wish could it fulfill for her? What did she want most in her life right now?

Her responsible mind told her she wished Jude would get better and have a brilliant future ahead of him. Her stupid heart that she ought to stop listening, especially after how annoyed his attitude today made her feel, told her it was Owen she wanted most in her life. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her rollercoaster life the past few years was utterly exhausting. Moments like this, when she could be all by herself enjoying the stillness of the night, were so precious. She hoped no other guest would show up tonight. She could really use some ‘me’ time. If only she had thought to bring a glass of red wine with her. Then, the sensation of absolute relaxation would be complete.

Alas, her moment of pure bliss wasn’t to last long. She heard the annoying sound of flip flops echoing on the tiled floor. Obviously, the person approaching was going to use the hot tub as well. It was large enough for multiple people. She only hoped whoever was coming didn’t want someone to talk to. Because clearly she wasn’t feeling like it tonight.

The clinking sound of glass made her open her eyes. Owen was standing by the hot tub, a bottle of red wine in one hand and two glasses in the other.

“Owen! What are you doing here?”

“May I join you?” he said with a smile. He placed the bottle and glasses down and removed his bath robe.

Olivia couldn’t help but admiring his well-sculpted body. Her heart beat faster as thoughts of touching his naked skin involuntary filled her mind. She shook her head trying to erase the memories evoked.

“Is that a no then? I can go if you want to be left alone.”

“No, no, stay,” Olivia said quickly. “It’s fine.”

Owen lowered himself in the water, his gaze never leaving Olivia’s.

Oh boy, Olivia thought. If she was hoping for a relaxing night, she was surely not getting one now. That look was nothing but a promise of trouble.