Owned By The Playboy Billionaire

02: Lost Expectations

ELARA’S POV

"Love, our flight home is early tomorrow morning, just in time for our 10th anniversary when I arrive in Aberdeen," Ryder cheerfully greeted me on that video call. They have already extended their stay for an additional 5 days beyond their original departure date.

"That's good to hear. I thought you were going to break our agreement," I playfully remarked to him.

"When have I ever broken my promise to you?" he replied.

"Ryder, let's go; we're wasting time. His mother urged him, "I need to go check out a jewelry store here that my friends have recommended."

"Just a moment, Mom, I'm still talking to Elara," Ryder protested while his phone's camera was still facing him.

"That can wait until later, but is that more important than me? You'll see each other again when you return to Aberdeen; this is a rare opportunity in Madrid." I heard his mom chide him.

"Love, we're just going to visit what Mommy mentioned, then I'll call you again," he said, bidding me farewell. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at what he said. But I don't think he noticed what I did. "We're leaving for now, love. Bye!" he said again before quickly ending the video call.

It was already nine in the evening and I didn't know what time it was in Madrid, so I didn't bother waiting for him and just went to sleep. My phone was in silent mode, so if he called again, he wouldn't disturb my sleep.

I didn't care what he would say to me tomorrow when I woke up. What mattered was that I somehow made him feel my displeasure. I was tired of our situation.

When I woke up the next day, I wasn't wrong about him calling me multiple times and sending numerous messages. I was about to call him back, but he was currently offline, so I just read his messages instead.

"I know you're upset with me, love. Anyway, I reserved a room at the Penninsula Hotel; that's where we'll go straight from the airport. Just go there, and let's celebrate our 10th anniversary there. The reservation was under my name, Ryder Hayes Saunders, around 7 p.m. Please wait for me," he said in that message to me. Despite my lingering bad mood all night, it quickly vanished because of his effort for our 10th anniversary.

And because it's our tenth year, I also decided to prepare myself because I wanted to give myself to him, as I had nothing else to give. I've cherished that for so long, not just out of respect and care for him, but also because his mom never gave us the chance to have our own time.

I packed my things for the hotel, and by 6 p.m., I had a ride to the Peninsula Hotel. So by exactly 7 p.m. that evening, I was already there. Ryder was already on his flight back to Aberdeen, so I didn't bother contacting him anymore.

"Yes, Miss, how may I help you?" the receptionist politely asked me as I approached her.

"I have a room reservation under the name of Mr. Ryder Hayes Saunders," I replied, and to her surprise, she gave me a once-over from head to toe.

"Ah, so you're the one, Mr. River mentioned; please wait," she said, which puzzled me, but instead of dwelling on it, I just shrugged it off. "It's in room 1609; here's the key card." She handed me the card, which was my pass to enter the hotel premises and room. I wasn't surprised, because I knew the Peninsula Hotel was a 5-star hotel.

"Thank you, Miss," I replied before heading to the elevator to ascend to the suite Ryder had reserved for us.

The room's beauty struck me when I arrived there. It was undeniable that the suite was expensive, because even the items were clearly not something you could easily buy anywhere. The sight of a table with wine on top made me smile.

I decided to explore the whole room. The lovely city view was there as soon as I pulled back the curtain, and it was plain to see through the full-length glass panel window. Then I also went to the suite's bathroom and was amazed to find a jacuzzi inside. There was also a large curtain on the side, so I decided to pull it aside. I was surprised to find that there was also a glass panel window at the back, which provided a full view of Aberdeen.

Wow! I didn't expect him to prepare for our anniversary like this. I smiled to myself.

I decided to take a bath first. I grabbed the red lingerie because I was really determined to give myself to him that night. After I showered, I heard my cellphone ring.

I furrowed my eyebrows because it was an overseas call, and I knew it was Ryder, so I quickly answered it. Even though I didn't feel good about that call.

"Hello, love?" I could hear the concern in his voice. I was also nervous because it was an overseas call, and he wasn't in the country at the time.

"Yes, love?" I forced myself to say something to him, even though I had a feeling about what he was going to say.

"Love, I'm sorry. Mom booked our flight at a late hour, so I won't make it. With almost 17 hours of travel time, we may arrive in Aberdeen tomorrow, maybe around 10 p.m. I'm sorry, love," he said, continuing to apologize for what happened.

"It's okay, love; just take care on the flight," I said with a hoarse voice. "Bye!" I quickly said goodbye to him and ended the call.

I couldn't help but feel even worse about him. I didn't ask for anything because his time was enough for me.

I couldn't help but look at myself in the full-length mirror. I regretted the preparation I made. I couldn't help but cry out of frustration. And then my eyes caught the bottle of alcohol on the table.

I quickly approached it and opened it; without hesitation, I took a quick swig. I winced at the bitterness I tasted on my first gulp because it was the first time I tasted such a strong drink, but I didn't pay attention to it because I felt the heaviness in my chest. Even though it almost burned my throat, I didn't care.

I was only a few sips in, but it seemed like I couldn't handle it anymore. I walked to bed and sat there, staring at the city view. I was starting to feel dizzy, but I still tried to gulp down the bottle of alcohol I was holding. But after only a few more sips, I put it down because I couldn't handle the taste and bitterness anymore. I slowly placed the bottle of alcohol on the floor, then laid it down because the room was starting to spin.