Chapter 91 This is Your Life Now
Lena hadn't imagined that this contract wedding would take her to so many countries. She sat in the VIP cabin, Sophie and Margarete flanking her on either side.
As the clouds drifted past the window, her mind wandered back to Ethan's words earlier that morning: "See you when I return." She paused, staring out at the endless sky. What had he meant by that? Was she reading too much into a simple statement, or had there been something unspoken hidden beneath his usual calm? Shaking the thought away, she tried to focus on the present.
The flight from Melbourne to Paris was long, almost twenty-two hours in total, with a brief stopover to refuel. Her phone had been on airplane mode since takeoff, leaving her thoughts unbroken, unconnected to the outside world. The hours slipped by in a quiet rhythm of clouds and soft conversation with Sophie and Margarete, the journey both exhausting and strangely peaceful.
The plane finally touched down in Paris, and Lena felt a flutter of anticipation. Even from the airport, the city seemed to hum with life, streets alive with cars, bicycles, and pedestrians moving in an elegant, almost effortless rhythm.
As soon as the VIP cabin door opened, attendants and staff were already waiting. Several uniformed aides stepped forward to help with their luggage, while a sleek black car idled nearby, its chauffeur poised and attentive. Every detail, from the smooth handling of their belongings to the seamless transition from plane to vehicle, reminded Lena that she and her companions traveled differently from everyone else.
"Welcome to Paris," Margarete said with a smile, adjusting Lena's coat as an attendant handed her luggage. "I hope you're ready for a few days of luxury, and maybe a little adventure."
Lena smiled, feeling the weight of the long flight begin to lift. She glanced at Sophie, who seemed as excited as ever, before letting her eyes wander over the streets beyond the airport. The thought of exploring this new city, even briefly, brought a quiet thrill.
Yet, beneath the excitement, Ethan's words echoed again: "See you when I return." The memory of his voice, calm and composed as ever, lingered at the edge of her mind, mingling with the crisp Parisian air in a way that made her chest tighten ever so slightly.
Just then, Lena reached into her bag and pulled out her phone. Unlocking it, and putting on her data, she saw multiple messages from Ethan, all sent in rapid succession.
"Have you landed yet?"
"Text me as soon as you're on the ground!"
"Are you okay?"
Lena couldn't help but smile faintly, imagining how desperate he must have been to send so many messages. It was as if he feared the world might try to sweep her away the moment she stepped off the plane.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she typed back a short reply, letting him know they had landed safely. Even from hundreds of miles away, Ethan's presence was undeniable, lingering in her thoughts.
Sophie and Margarete flanked her, straightening coats and smoothing hair, as the group made their way toward a row of gleaming black cars waiting just off the tarmac. The chauffeurs stood at attention, doors open, ready to whisk them away without a single wasted motion.
Even the airport staff seemed to notice their presence, stepping aside with polite smiles as the Sinclairs moved through, their arrival effortless and smooth.
Sliding into the soft leather seat, Lena let out a small laugh at the ease of it all. Sophie and Margarete settled in beside her, and the engine purred quietly beneath them. The convoy glided along the runway and onto the city streets.
Outside, Paris stretched out in all its charm, historic buildings, sunlit streets, and café terraces spilling color and life onto the sidewalks. Lena leaned back, letting herself enjoy the scene, the smooth hum of the car, and the simple thrill of being somewhere so beautiful.
The convoy pulled up to the hotel, and Lena couldn't help but let out a small laugh. The building was huge, stretching wide and tall, with cream-colored walls that shimmered in the Parisian sun. Marble steps led up to massive glass doors, and polished brass handles caught the light as attendants in crisp uniforms waited, perfectly in place, ready to help with luggage.
Stepping out of the car, Lena's eyes roamed the entrance. The hotel felt like it belonged in a movie, grand, elegant, and somehow cozy at the same time. The lobby opened up before them, floors gleaming, chandeliers sparkling, soft music floating through the air, and fresh flowers arranged so perfectly they looked almost magical.
They were welcomed effortlessly. Margarete knew the hotel well, this was her favorite place to stay whenever she came to Paris, and the staff treated them with warm familiarity. Reservations had already been made, keys were ready, and luggage was whisked away by attentive porters before Lena could even think about lifting a finger.
When they entered the suite, Lena's jaw nearly dropped. The space was enormous, so big it could easily be mistaken for a stylish apartment. Sunlight poured through floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating a living area with soft couches, a small dining nook, and a bedroom so spacious it felt like a room of its own. Even a little kitchenette gleamed in one corner, though it seemed more decorative than practical.
The sleeping arrangements were just as impressive. There were two large double beds arranged side by side, each with crisp white linens and plush pillows, while a smaller daybed sat tucked near the window, draped with a soft throw and a few decorative cushions, perfect for Sophie or Margarete. The space between the beds was wide enough to feel open, not crowded, and a small seating area near the foot of the beds added to the airy, apartment-like feel.
Lena spun in delight, laughing softly. "This... this is insane! It's like an apartment!"
Lena wandered slowly through the suite, letting her fingers brush along the smooth surfaces as she took it all in. Every corner seemed to hold some little detail of elegance, polished floors that gleamed under the sunlight, soft rugs that invited her to step lightly, and furniture arranged so perfectly it felt effortless.
Sophie grinned beside her, clearly enjoying Lena's awe, while Margarete's composed smile hinted at mild amusement. Lena flopped onto one of the couches with a happy sigh.
"I still can't get over it," she murmured. "Everything's so smooth, so effortless... it's like his world just glides along, and you're caught in it."
Sophie and Margarete couldn't help but laugh softly at Lena's little display of awe, shaking their heads as they helped settle her into the suite. "Welcome to your life now," Sophie teased, "you might as well get used to it."
Lena smiled lightly, but she knew better. No matter how smooth, how luxurious, or how effortless this world seemed, she couldn't truly get used to it. In just a short while, her and Ethan's contract would be over, and reality, her real life would come rushing back in.
The maids moved gracefully around the room, unpacking their things with quiet precision. Lena watched them for a moment, letting the soft rustle of silk and the gentle clink of polished surfaces fill the air.