"Miss Palermo?"
Someone called out to me. And because of this, I returned to my senses. I looked up and saw the steward approaching me. He then handed me a silver envelope containing some forms and documents, and while I checked the contents, the steward explained further.
"Kindly fill out this form, Miss. This is for your safety insurance during your stay in the country. You can review it in your suite to better understand the coverage before you sign the documents."
"Oh, thank you." I was, to be honest, confused. But I concealed my bewilderment.
Indeed, it surprised me that such a thing exists. Nonetheless, it was to my advantage. Literally, I wouldn't know what danger befalls me while I stroll the city, especially when I am alone. Hence, my safety was crucial.
"I will show you the way to your suite, Miss Palermo."
"Okay, thank you." I nodded, trailing him behind.
The steward ushered me toward the elevator lobby. We were waiting for the elevator when it opened at the corner. Then several gentlemen emerged from the inside.
'It's him!'
It was the man from earlier, and Attorney Dillion Javier was tailing him. I wonder if that man was Dillion's boss. It also caught my curiosity about the other men following suit. They were also wearing expensive business coats, which made them all look like models of the brand's clothing.
Honestly, they were all good-looking men. Even their companions, who appeared as their assistants, were well-suited and handsome.
No wonder I've noticed a lot of women dressing up like they were offering their bodies to the gods. They must be on a hunt for a wealthy husband or a rich boyfriend to live a luxurious life. Knowing this, the hotel was where the elites could only afford to stay.
This is the other side of high society. Gold diggers are working hard to snatch someone's husband. This is why having a rich boyfriend can actually lead to heartbreak. Either he was a playboy — women lined up to be his next girlfriend and side chicks.
Indeed, I could not stomach this kind of system because I was too conservative to think about such things. However, I love gossip once in a while, though!
So I listened to the women waiting for the elevator like me. They mentioned the new CEO of this hotel and a few names that were known in the business world. But since I am unfamiliar with those commerce tycoons, I wondered which one among those men they were talking about.
Anyway, I am not interested in knowing those tycoons whatsoever…. It's better to mind my own business and take this opportunity to enjoy an extended vacation, and look forward to it happily.
Soon after, the elevator finally arrived. I stepped inside and stood in the corner. I breathed a sigh of relief when we came to my floor. Those women were too noisy on our trip!
They laughed loudly as they criticized some celebrities currently staying in the hotel. There was one as well, who scrutinized me maliciously, scanning me from my head down to my shoes.
But I ignored her even after she whispered something to her friends, and they laughed out loud.
They have the nerve to judge someone when they are more disgusting than I am.
"This way, Miss Palermo." I heard the butler speak. I nodded and followed him. He brought me to the Presidential Suite, and upon entering, I gasped in awe. Everything is grand and extravagant!
This is definitely like walking into a dream!
Indeed, staying here for a day will cost a lifetime's salary. There is no way I could afford one when they don't have an economy room!
'Camilla, you should check this out!' I could not stop mumbling as my gaze wandered through the entire suite. The suite was two stories and was too spacious. Although I know Camilla has been to many places and stayed in different hotels, I want to share my joy, as she was there during my tough days.
"Miss Palermo? Please, don't hesitate to call the front desk if you need anything. You can also look for me anytime."
"Oh, thank you—" I glanced at the steward's nameplate. "Jim, thank you very much."
"You're very welcome, Miss. It was a pleasure serving you. By the way, I already brought your luggage to the room on the right side." Jim told me that he had bowed in courtesy, then walked toward the door and vanished from my sight.
I heave a sigh of relief. Finally, I can loosen up a little and stop holding my breath. After I scanned the entire first floor, I moved to the second floor, and I could not stop praising this hotel suite.
Jim mentioned he put my luggage away in the room on the right side. Thus, I pushed the door open and walked toward the bed. I dropped my body, and it gave me a shock.
"Oh!"
I let out a surprised cry after it buried my body in the bed. The mattress was too soft for me, and the sheets, pillows, and everything felt too smooth on my skin as well.
At this moment, I forgot my ladylike manners. I also tried the nearby sofa, which was as fluffy as the bed. This felt like I was living like a princess!
Ugh! I take back my words! I was thinking of going home as soon as possible, just a while ago. But now? Instantaneously, it changed my mind. I want to live here forever! 'Please don't wake me up if this is a dream!'
'Ah... I will take these chances to live like a princess for a week! It is free, so why not? There is nothing wrong with enjoying this moment. Right?'
These past couple of years have been a nightmare for me. It's not a bad idea if I...
When the doorbell rang in my suite, it interrupted my recollection of the past. I glanced at my old wristwatch. I realized it was lunchtime already. I almost forgot to have a meal then.
"The door!" I jump out of bed and run to the stairs. It took me a while before I reached the door. I peeped at the peephole. I noticed another butler standing outside with a food cart. Then I remembered that Jim had asked me before he left whether I would like my lunch to be sent over, and I replied, 'Yes.' So I hurried to open the door, letting the hotel staff enter my suite.
"Hello, Miss Palermo. My name is Dennis, your assigned butler."
"Oh. Is it necessary to have more butlers? I already had Jim…."
"Jim will take care of other matters, Miss. As for me, you can summon me if you need room services such as cleaning, laundry, and your meal."
"I see… But is it supposed to be a female to—" I paused halfway, smiled, and stopped inquiring further. Who knows if every hotel had a unique service, which I have no idea about, to be honest.
I was watching the butler push the food cart into the kitchen. Soon, Dennis brought out the food and arranged it on the dining table. His movements were smooth and delicate. I bite my lower lip when the aroma from the dishes lingers in my nostrils. Suddenly, my stomach growled, and I swallowed from hunger.
"Have a seat, Miss." Dennis pulled a chair for me. I thanked him, then sat down.
"Thank you."
Dennis poured some crystal water into an empty glass on my upper right. Then he also filled the golden wine glass with champagne.
'Are they planning to get me drunk in the middle of the day?' I had this thought after I drank two glasses of red wine on my way to the hotel.
I was about to dig in when I noticed Dennis had only walked to the side and stood upright.
"Umm…" I am hesitant to query if he would remain standing there the entire time I had lunch.
"Do you need more dishes, Miss? Please, don't hesitate to tell me if you prefer another dish."
"Oh. No, everything is perfect. But…" I bite my lower lip. I'm not sure how to put it. "Well… I am fine alone. I can serve myself if I need something. There is a kitchen and pantry filled with sweet delicacies. So..."
I saw the reluctance in Dennis' eyes. But since it was my request, he was bound to obey it.
"Alright, Miss. If you need anything else, please feel free to request either Jim or me. Then... Please enjoy the food."
"I will, thank you! They look absolutely delicious." I complimented the food before Dennis bowed and left.
Thank goodness, and I am alone again. Looking at the dishes before me, I pinch a portion and put it in my mouth. Munching on the food, they tasted heavenly!
I've tried many cuisines, but I have never eaten this tasty food in my whole life. Not to mention having a meal in a Michelin restaurant.
Even though I have a one-year course in culinary, this one is unquestionably top-class. I also attempt to learn how to bake some pastry. It is where I meet Karen. After we received our certificate, she proposed that we open a pastry shop, and I agreed.
Since I live near several famous tourist spots in my town, we rented a coffee shop in the central area. However, it was Karen who was all alone baking our displays. Truth be told, I rarely help.
Our small coffee shop offered cakes, pastries, and a few desserts, and all of our customers praised it, returning many times to enjoy a coffee while taking in the majestic lake and mountains across from our store.
'Gosh! Why am I crying so suddenly?' I touched my eyes and dried the tears I didn't know were already escaping my eyes.
Why did I become emotional so suddenly eating these dishes? Did I also miss my simple life? These pastries could make me miss my hometown.