Chapter 8 – Touchdown in Luxury
The golden rays of morning sunlight spilled through the jet's sleek windows, gently brushing across my face. I opened my eyes slowly, adjusting to the soft glow that reflected on the cabin's glossy interior. Outside, the sky blushed in pinks and orange — a perfect Scottish sunrise. I leaned against the window, letting the view fill my soul. Even the sky felt expensive from this seat.
The jet began its descent, and I felt a soft tug in my chest — part excitement, part nerves. The tires kissed the runway with a smooth landing, barely a bump. We had arrived.
Outside, a fleet of luxury cars waited by the private airfield. The engines hummed like a quiet promise. As the jet doors opened, the air kissed my skin — crisp and cool, with a faint scent of pine.
I stepped into one of the sleek black cars, letting the leather seat hug my body as the driver closed the door behind me. I pulled out my phone and texted Elana quickly:
> We've arrived, babe. Can you imagine Aiden actually came with us? Like… why.
I locked my phone and sighed, turning my gaze to the passing landscape. Hills rolled into the distance, green and vast, kissed by light mist. Old stone walls lined the road like ancient guards. It was beautiful. Quiet. Expensive.
The cars finally pulled up in front of the most lavish, breathtaking, and ridiculously luxurious hotel I had ever seen. The kind of place that looked like royalty lived there — or billionaires played their little power games behind closed velvet doors.
My door opened, and the driver extended his hand with a charming smile. The sunlight caught his suit, making the fine charcoal fabric shimmer subtly.
> Damn. Who gave the staff permission to look this good?
"This place is... incredible," I said under my breath.
"Mr. Vale and Mr. Aiden will be arriving shortly, Miss," the driver said, his voice smooth like expensive whiskey. That smile of his? Dangerous.
I nodded and smiled back. "Thank you."
We approached the grand entrance, towering glass and marble glistening in the light. Before I could get too comfortable admiring him, he called for a hotel staff member to escort me to my suite.
> Okay… rude. I wasn't done staring at your face, sir.
The staff member led me down a golden-lit hallway and into a private elevator. We rode up in silence, the kind of silence that dripped with wealth.
When I opened the door to my suite, I gasped. White. Marble. Gold. Floor-to-ceiling windows. Luxury had a smell — and it welcomed me like royalty.
My luggage was already waiting. Everything in this room whispered, "You're that girl."
I walked into the bathroom, stripping off my travel clothes. I filled the tub with warm water, sprinkling in rose petals from the crystal bowl beside it. I slid in slowly, the heat soaking into my bones, and let out a soft sigh. My muscles relaxed, and for a few moments, I felt the weight of the world melt away.
After the bath, I pampered myself with my full skin routine — soft oils, moisturizers, and a little lip gloss for the mirror. Then, I slipped into one of my favorite chic outfits: silk trousers and a soft pink top that hugged my waist like a whisper. Hair laid. Energy calm. Face glowing.
A staff member arrived with a tray of freshly made pancakes, berries, and whipped cream. The smell alone was heavenly. I took a bite and nearly moaned — soft, warm, and perfect.
I sat by the massive window, the morning view stretching across the misty hills and glittering rooftops below. It felt like a dream.
Then came a soft knock on the door.
"Come in," I said, straightening my top as I stood.
A woman entered, graceful and smiling, her sky-blue eyes shining as the sunlight poured in behind her. She wore a sleek beige uniform and carried a gold-trimmed folder.
"Good morning, Miss," she said warmly. "I'm here to welcome you officially, and to share the details of tomorrow's event."
I returned her smile. "Good morning. Thank you so much."
She handed me a small business card. "The event will begin tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. sharp. If you have any questions, or need anything, please don't hesitate to contact me directly."
"I'll call if anything comes up."
She gave me another sweet smile, then paused for a moment as her eyes swept over my outfit. "That pink top fits you just right, Miss. You look beautiful."
> Awwwn.
"Thank you," I replied with a soft laugh, a little flattered.
She gave a polite nod. "I'll leave you to your morning now. Have a lovely stay."
As the door closed behind her, my phone lit up again — a message from Elana.
> OMG GIRL. He actually came with y'all? Don't stress about him. Just enjoy your trip, okay? You're the star. Always.
I smiled to myself and typed back quickly:
> Of course, love. I'm here to shine.
I opened my camera, posed by the window with the soft morning light behind me, and captured a few beautiful shots of the view, my outfit, and my peace. Everything about this trip felt like it was about to change something in my life — I could feel it in my skin.
> And whatever this summit brings… I'm ready.