Wrong Honeymoon, New Love

Chapter 2: Bali

Bali was meant to witness her love story with Eric. Adiva looked at the ticket with longing; today, she should have been on a honeymoon trip with her husband. Unfortunately, her wedding had been canceled because Eric, her fiancé, had cheated on her with Atika, her stepsister, and chosen Atika over her.

That afternoon, he arrived alone in Bali and planned to spend her time going on all the trips she had planned with Eric. Adiva hoped she could heal her wounds and rebuild her heart to recover from her heartbreak.

Upon arriving at Bali's Airport, Adiva decided to head to Beach, where she enjoyed the sunset while having dinner at a seafood restaurant. Several couples were seen enjoying their meals with smiles. Their faces were lit up with happiness, unlike hers, as she could only gaze at the ocean and think deeply.

After finishing her meal, Adiva immediately headed to the hotel using a ride-sharing service. A few minutes later, she arrived at the hotel, her steps feeling very heavy as she entered the beautiful building where she and Eric were supposed to spend their happy night. Tears fell unbidden from Adiva's eyes as she walked down the corridor of the luxurious hotel to her room. The receptionist found it odd because Adiva had arrived alone, and earlier, sunglasses had rested elegantly on her sharp nose. At that moment, only her hoarse voice could be heard, which also sounded very faint.

A hotel staff member escorted Adiva to her room, and she followed the staff to the third floor. They took the elevator, and soon they arrived in front of the room. The hotel staff invited Adiva to enter. The staff then placed the suitcase in the room and quickly excused themselves. Adiva closed the door and looked around. The room she had booked with Eric was a special honeymoon suite, and on the bright red bed, there were rose petals shaped like a heart, and there was also a "Happy Wedding" greeting. Adiva found herself tearing up again. She then stepped into the bathroom and saw that it looked romantic with scattered rose petals on the floor and in the bathtub. The fragrant scent created a romantic atmosphere, especially with the presence of aromatherapy candles, adding to the intimate ambiance.

"I don't know, Sir Eric, whether I should be grateful that you didn't come to our wedding and I finally found out about your betrayal, or if you came and we ended up getting married. If I had become your wife and found out you betrayed me with Atika, my stepsister, what would my life be like, Sir?" said Adiva, shedding her tears.

Adiva took off the sunglasses she had been wearing and wiped her tears with her fingers. Today was supposed to be a happy day because she could enjoy a romantic night with her husband, but the wedding did not happen, and in the end, she chose to spend the night in this hotel alone.

Adiva stepped towards the balcony door and opened it. She saw the pool area bustling with a hotel cafe nearby. The beautiful view did not amaze her because she felt numb, but once again, it only highlighted her loneliness.

Adiva turned her head to the side when she heard someone speaking Japanese and assumed the handsome man on the balcony next to hers might be a Japanese tourist. Especially at the end of the year like this, many tourists usually come to Bali for vacation. Adiva was struck by the man's appearance; his handsome, clean face looked well-groomed. The man had a sharp nose, sensual lips, and eyes that met Adiva's with a piercing gaze. His strong jaw looked so impressive with an arrogant and cold expression, making Adiva swallow hard and quickly look away. The tall, strong figure stepped back into his room, allowing Adiva to sigh in relief. Luckily, the man went inside quickly, and she didn't have to assess or admire him further despite his very handsome physique.

Adiva glanced back at the view below and felt drawn to the café by the pool for a refreshing drink. She went into her room, closed the balcony door, quickly grabbed her bag, and immediately left. Adiva strolled, promising herself to be strong when she returned from Bali. She had to be able to face her stepmother and also Atika, her stepsister, who had had an affair with her fiancé. There would be no more relaxing, beautiful days once she returned. Adiva recalled her father's hurtful words; instead of supporting her, he had scolded her for embarrassing the family.

Adiva stepped into the elevator and headed to the ground floor. Bali at night was still bustling, especially at this luxurious hotel with its many upscale amenities. The hotel boasted a spa, beauty salon, sports facilities, music, a café, and even a fine dining restaurant. When the elevator doors opened, Adiva stepped out and headed to the café by the pool. The sound of music could be heard, and several visitors were enjoying the night romantically, with some even embracing while soaking in the pool.

"Wow, for the first time, I feel free and unburdened by the usual pressures," said Adiva, stretching her arms and smiling because she felt liberated. She felt a little relieved, and slowly her heart warmed seeing the atmosphere that night.

Adiva had always adhered to her father's rules, which imposed a strict curfew, for the reason of not wanting Adiva to become wild like his ex-wife, who was Adiva's mother. Adiva always followed her father's rules and tried hard not to disappoint him, even though she had always felt disappointed and hurt by her father's and stepmother's attitudes. But her fiancé's betrayal and her disappointment with her father and the rest of her family made her conclude that she had to be brave enough to seek her happiness. Adiva approached the bartender and requested a drink, and tonight she wanted to try to forget and hoped tomorrow would be a new beginning for her.

"Hi," said Adiva.

"Is there anything I can help you with, pretty lady?" asked the man, who was a hotel employee working as a bartender.

"I'm thirsty; I need something refreshing and soothing," said Adiva, making the bartender smile.

"Okay," he said. He quickly mixed a drink and handed it to Adiva. Adiva took a sip and coughed, but quickly finished the drink.

"Another!" Adiva demanded.

The bartender quickly made the drink again and handed another glass to Adiva. She felt a sense of happiness from the alcohol she had consumed earlier. She then asked for more and more, until she started to feel dizzy, but she felt free. Adiva started singing and babbling, then vented her anger. Of course, Adiva's behavior attracted several men to her, but when some of them tried to approach her, Adiva immediately shook her head.

"No, you... You and you, don't try to bother me," said Adiva, standing unsteadily.

Adiva realized she needed to leave immediately; otherwise, she would be harassed by more men. She managed to walk despite her head spinning. Three men tried to approach Adiva, hoping to take advantage of the beautiful woman that night. Adiva quickly pushed one of the men who tried to grab her hand.

"Don't come near me!" Adiva shouted, catching the attention of two employees who realized she needed help.

"Can we help you with anything?" asked one of the employees.

"I'm just trying to take my wife to her room," said one of the three men who had bad intentions towards Adiva.

"No, I don't know him, and I'm not married. My wedding was canceled, and I'm still single," said Adiva, making the employees realize the intentions of the three men towards her.

"Sorry, gentlemen, we will escort this lady to her room!" said the employee, causing them to finally give up and leave Adiva and the hotel staff.

The hotel staff escorted Adiva to her room after she told them her room number. They entered the elevator and headed to the floor where Adiva's room was located. The elevator doors opened, and Adiva exited the elevator with the employee who was escorting her.

"Thank you, sir, I can get to my room on my own, you don't need to escort me, I'm an adult," said Adiva, her face flushed from intoxication.

"Alright, miss, I'll take my leave!" he said, stepping back into the elevator.

Adiva saw the back of a tall, strong man, which reminded her of the jerk who had betrayed her. Her face was now clearly showing anger, and she wanted to take it out on the man in front of her.