ASHES OF DEVOTION

Emotional Breakdown

She drove like a mad woman down the expressway on her way to the hotel. It was a miracle she didn't get in an accident as her vision was blurry with tears all through the drive. She pulled over into El Finesse hotel parking lot and took a deep breath, trying to bring her emotions under control. "I am Ondine de Mendoza, only daughter of Alfred de Mendoza, business tycoon and CEO of Pear Technology compose yourself, enough has happened in public, and it would be some kind of fairytale if tonight's ordeal didn't leak to the press. You might as well look great on the front cover and not like this woman you see in the mirror " she reminded herself of who she was.

She took another steadying breath and wiped away the tears on her face. She did a light makeup and adjusted herself, nodding in readiment she stepped out of the car and headed towards the entrance of the car, her short heels clicking elegantly on the surface. The guards pulled pork the door as she approached to which she gave a nod of acknowledgment in their direction. The interior was still as stunning as usual. She walked to the receptionist to book a room.

"Hello, ma'am. How may I help you today", the receptionist asked professionally.

"I'll book the penthouse please" she replied politely.

"Right away ma'am," the receptionist said while typing away on her computer,

"How long will you be staying?"

"Just for tonight, I need you to book me a flight to Madrid for tomorrow morning. Can you do that" she queried.

"Yes ma'am I can do that, here's the key card Jay will accompany you, the receptionist responded cheerily.

"That won't be necessary, I can find my way there thanks for your service".

She grabbed the key card. Without a second thought, she made her way towards the elevator. As if it was waiting for her arrival, the doors opened just as she approached it, revealing a group of people exiting. She quickly stepped inside and pressed the button marked with a "P". The doors slid shut behind her, enveloping her in a sense of calmness and solitude. Leaning back against the cool metal walls, she let out a deep sigh and closed her eyes, allowing herself to rest for just a moment before reaching her final destination.

As the elevator door chimed open, she was jolted out of her unconscious trance. She stepped out, feeling a sense of sagginess wash over her as she swiped her key card and pushed open the door. Before anything, she needed a shower, ice cream and her best friend.

Ondine stood in the opulent penthouse bathroom, her eyes fixed on the floor-to-ceiling window that offered a breathtaking view of the city's sparkling lights. It was a sight that had often brought her peace, but tonight, her mind was a turbulent sea of emotions.

She glanced at her reflection in the oversized mirror. Her eyes were tired and red, a stark contrast to her usually composed self. The evening's events had unfolded so unexpectedly, leaving her emotionally drained.

With a heavy sigh, she began to undress. The soft rustling of her clothes seemed to echo in the hushed ambiance of the bathroom. She carefully removed her jewelry, one piece at a time, placing them gently on the bathroom counter. Her dress slipped off her shoulders and pooled around her ankle.

As she took off her clothes, she couldn't help but replay the moments that led to her standing alone in this bathroom and she wished she could erase them as easily as she discarded her attire.

Finally, she reached for a plush, white towel and wrapped it around herself. Its softness offered a comforting embrace as she stepped toward the glass-enclosed shower. The chrome fixtures gleamed in the ambient light, and the spacious shower space beckoned.

Turning the faucet, Ondine adjusted the water temperature to her liking. The warm water cascading from the rainfall showerhead felt like a soothing symphony, the gentle pitter-patter against her skin a welcome distraction. She closed her eyes, allowing the steamy mist to envelop her.

Each droplet of water seemed to carry away a fragment of the evening's tension. She stood there, in the calming cocoon of the shower, savoring the simple act of cleansing.

The rhythmic sound of water hitting the tiles and the gentle steam filling the bathroom created a tranquil atmosphere. In this moment, she allowed herself to let go of the chaos and confusion, if only for a little while. After a soothing shower, she stepped out of the bathroom, her skin tingling from the warmth of the water and the soft embrace of the bathrobe. The bathroom's marble tiles felt cool beneath her feet as she moved into the spacious penthouse bedroom.

"Damn, I didn't take any of my things with me, I have nothing to change into" she complained

"Huh", she walked towards the landline to dial a room service

"Hello, is this room service"? She spoke on the phone

"Yes, it is ma how may we be of help to you this night" the other person on the line replied courteously.

"I need a pair of pajamas for tonight and a comfortable two-piece in size eight as soon as possible" Ondine asked, her voice soft.

"Right away ma'am, it will be delivered to you in twenty minutes max" the voice replied.

"Alright," she ended the call.

She walked towards the fancy one-sitter sofa where she had dumped her purse and phone. She picked up her phone to dial her best friend Mia. She really needed her words of wisdom and reassurance right now.

She settled into the plush, king-sized bed, its soft pillows and silky sheets providing a luxurious cocoon. As she lay there, the phone rang waiting for Mia to pick up.

"Hey, b***h"Mia's voice cheerily passed through the speaker.

"Hi, Mimi, how are you? She started slowly.

"I'm good. What's up with you, you sound different."

Leave it to Mia to pick up any subtle change in her attitude and emotion.

"I caught Caius in my matrimonial bed with Emily, his secretary, and he beat up Mark at his bar, that's what's up" she responded Cooly

"Wait, what!!! The!!!! f**k!!!!, He didn't!!!. Mia gasped deeply.

"Yes, what the f**k", Ondine nodded in agreement.

"Damn, when did this happened and why didn't you call me sooner? I would have flown in just to beat his ass up girl!! The audacity of it all. Mia replied, her voice holding a hint of anger.

"It happened today, Mia. I caught him after coming back from my visit to Dad. Today has just been so hectic for me, Mia (and..... She broke down). I'm hurt, angry, and sorry for myself. My heart feels like it will explode any moment from now."

"The scene just keeps replaying on a loop in my memories, he f****d her on the same bed we slept and made love in, and I feel so stupid for taking him back after catching him cheating all those previous years."

"I don't know why this hurt tenfold more than the first time I found him out, and I still love him so much, Mia "

"Even now, I want him to walk in any moment to apologize and come back to me. I know that sounds pathetic, but I just really love him so much Mia, we've been married five years you know I just......"

"Shhhh, oh my poor baby girl, Mia cut her off midway rant. I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry you don't deserve any of this, that asshole!! If I lay my eyes on him, she threatened, I'll punch his front teeth out. No you aren't pathetic either Dinnie, it's understandable you love him. I know that you do, and I'm sorry he treated you like that. Mia offered her comforting warmth even with the distance.

"Shhhh, oh my poor baby girl, Mia cut her off midway rant. I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry you don't deserve any of this, that asshole!! If I lay my eyes on him, she threatened I'll punch his front teeth out, no you aren't pathetic either Dinnie, it's understandable you love him. I know that you do, and I'm sorry he treated you like that, Mia offered her comforting warmth even with the distance.