The Honeymoon
1017 Words
"I need my separate bedroom. The main bedroom I slept in last night would be fine, but if you want to arrange for me to stay in another room, that's okay too. Also, I won't inquire about your private life, but as a matter of basic respect, you can't bring other women home. That wouldn't be good for the Hayes family's reputation either. Lastly, regarding my father's resort, I hope the financial issues can be resolved quickly."
Olivia stated calmly.
Ethan hadn't expected that this woman – Olivia – had a beautiful face and a clear mind.
He thought for a moment and added, "Your conditions are acceptable, but I have one addition. I usually sleep in my suite, but if guests stay over, we'll need to share the master bedroom."
"Oh, one more thing," Ethan emphasized as he left. "To deepen our understanding of each other, my parents have arranged a honeymoon for us. We leave for the Maldives tomorrow for two weeks. I trust you can be ready?"
Without waiting for a response, he strode out of the kitchen, leaving Olivia alone.
As Olivia sat in a lounge chair in the garden handling emails in the afternoon, her phone rang. It was her best friend, Sophia.
"Woo! Congratulations, Mrs. Hayes!" Sophia's excited voice came through. "How does it feel to be a married woman? I heard you married into the local real estate tycoon family, right?"
Olivia didn't know how to respond for a moment. She had always shared everything with Sophia, but the true nature of this marriage was nothing to be happy about.
"Sophia," her voice was heavy, "it's all just for show."
Over the next half hour, Olivia poured out the whole story – the arranged marriage, Ethan's philandering ways, and the contract she was forced to agree to.
"Oh, darling," Sophia finally spoke, her voice full of sympathy. "I'm so sorry. This is... terrible. I don't even know how to comfort you. Do you have the courage to keep going? You've always been an exceptional woman, but I never imagined you'd encounter such a ridiculous situation."
Olivia sighed. "I have no choice, baby. My father and mother are depending on this marriage. And I'm just a tool put forward to resolve the family crisis. And... the next two weeks of honeymoon, being alone with him, I'm sure it will be extremely awkward."
"Listen to me, dear Olivia Bennett," Sophia said firmly. "You're strong and resilient. You've always been able to face and overcome difficulties alone. You haven't enjoyed a vacation for a long time. Why not use this time to give yourself a break, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and treat yourself well? Who knows? Maybe you'll have a relaxing time on this journey!"
Olivia felt relief, the corners of her mouth turning up slightly. "Thank you, Sophie. You always appear just when I need you the most."
Olivia and Ethan boarded a private jet bound for the Maldives the next day. Ethan ordered the servants to load several large suitcases onto the plane, leaving Olivia wondering why a man would need so much luggage for a trip.
Ethan focused mostly on work on his laptop during the flight, barely acknowledging Olivia. This was precisely what she had expected.
As they landed at the pristine island resort, Olivia couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement despite the unfamiliarity with Ethan. The crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches of the island were breathtakingly beautiful.
Olivia was once again surprised as they were led to their overwater villa by the butler. The luxurious villa seemed to have stepped out of a travel magazine—a spacious deck with a private infinity pool, floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic ocean views, and an interior that perfectly blended modern comfort with tropical charm.
"Hmm, this villa is decent enough," Ethan commented casually, accustomed to such luxury since childhood. "I have a few calls to make. Feel free to do as you please for a while."
After entering the room, Olivia opened her luggage. Although Ethan's attitude towards her was cold, she wouldn't let it dampen her spirits. Changing into a beautiful swimsuit, she took off her high heels and walked barefoot on the white sand beach. She swam freely in the sea, then lay on a lounger, basking in the sunlight. She indulged in the afternoon tea served by the butler, thoroughly enjoying everything.
She and Ethan maintained only a superficial marriage; he didn't overly restrict her freedom. Thinking about this, she felt that this marriage did have its benefits.
After sunset, Olivia, tired from playing on the beach, prepared to return to the villa for a shower. As she entered the house, she heard Ethan's voice, followed by a woman's laughter.
A stunning beauty was sitting on Ethan's lap. The woman was scantily clad, her long, bronze legs wrapped around Ethan's waist, her golden hair shimmering in the fading sunlight. If Olivia hadn't walked in, the woman would likely have removed her dress.
"Ethan Hayes, you sly dog," the woman playfully slapped Ethan's arm, seemingly unfazed by Olivia's arrival. "I can't believe you got married. When did this happen?"
Ethan chuckled, bringing his face close to Veronica's chest. "You know how it is, Veronica. Family obligations and all that."
Veronica's eyes narrowed slightly. "So, this is your beautiful new bride?"
Ethan's expression barely perceptibly stiffened. "Ah, Olivia. You're here. This is Veronica, an old... friend."
Veronica's gaze swept over Olivia, taking in her wind-tousled hair and sand-covered swimsuit. Her lips curled into a smirk. "So you're the lucky girl who caught Ethan Hayes. How... quaint."
Feeling uncomfortable, Olivia was about to respond when Ethan cut in, "Veronica and I were just catching up. The room is yours to use. We're heading to the resort bar for a drink. Don't wait up for dinner."
Ethan placed his hand on Veronica's lower back without further comment and guided her out.
Olivia watched their retreating figures, feeling furious. But remembering that Ethan had already exposed her to such disgusting behavior on their wedding day, she quickly regained her composure.
- Writer
