ASHES OF DEVOTION

Denial

"What's your plan now Dinnie, Mia asked, concern evident in her voice.

"I don't....." She was cut off by the ringing of the bell.

”That must be room service. She told Mia," Let me go get it."

She adjusted her robe and wiped away her red-rimmed eyes brewing with tears.

She opened the door to reveal the young-looking lad with bags in both hands.

"Delivery for you Ma'am," he said, handing over the bags.

"Thank you, I have no cash on me right now. I owe you a tip" she announced.

"It's fine ma'am, are you okay though? You look like you've been crying. "

"Oh, UHM I'm fine. Something got into my eyes earlier. You can go now. She excused him.

"Mia, are you still there? She spoke on the phone while locking the door.

"Yeah, I am what did you order?," Mia inquired.

"I didn't pick up anything when I stormed out of the house angrily, so I ordered some clothes" her reply echoed through the spacious room as she walked towards the refrigerator in the kitchen.

"Oh, so you were saying something about your plan", Mia pushed, wanting to help.

"Yeah, I'm heading back home tomorrow. I love him, but I don't think I can continue like this anymore. It's glaring and clear to me now that he won't change. She responded tautly. Pulling out a mixed-flavor ice cream, she placed it on the kitchen island, opened it, and took a large scoop out of it.

"I hear no divorce in your plan, Ondine. Are you sure you know what you're doing? Do you still see yourself with him?? Mia probed gently.

"Divorce has crossed my mind, Mimi, and I don't know, I guess that's the only option if I truly want to move on". She sighed and responded sadly.

She continued to fill Mia in on everything that happened, and they talked extensively until sleep came to claim her wearied body.

The next morning arrived with a soft, golden glow seeping through the curtains of the penthouse bedroom. Ondine stirred in her sleep, gradually awakening to the new day. The events of the previous evening still lingered in her mind, but the morning brought with it a sense of acceptance.

She stretched beneath the soft sheets, feeling the warmth of the sun on her skin. A light breeze flowed through the open window, carrying with it the sounds of the awakening city below.

As she rose from her bed, she couldn't help but wonder how her life would come to be.

With a determined yet cautious spirit, she made her way to the penthouse's spacious kitchen and made herself coffee.The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, a comforting and familiar aroma. Ondine poured herself a cup and took a sip, finding solace in the simple routine of her morning ritual.

As she stood by the window, gazing at the city that had seen their relationship through highs and lows, she resolved to face the day ahead with an open heart. The sound of her phone ringing lured her movement back to the rumpled sheet she stood up from with the cup of coffee in hands. She grabbed her phone and the caller ID instantly changed her somewhat chipper mood. She swiped the call to end it and hissed in annoyance. She settled on the bench in front of the window and placed her phone on the window ledge. She cradled her cup of coffee in both hand seething silently. Angry thoughts churned in her mind as her phone continued to ring persistently. "How dare he call me? What's wrong with him? I gave him space to continue his promiscuous ways, and he still won't let me go," she fumed silently.

The calls from him seemed never-ending, and she couldn't stand it any longer. With determination, she blocked his number, putting an end to the relentless intrusion.

Turning away from her phone, Ondine marched toward the room's landline. She dialed the receptionist without hesitation, her frustration evident in her voice.

"Send up my breakfast and plane ticket now," she commanded firmly, her patience worn thin.

"What would you like for breakfast, ma'am?" The receptionist inquired,

Ondine's anger still simmered, "Tortilla de patatas, a bowl of fruit, and a cup of juice." she replied with her order.

The receptionist acknowledged her request, "Noted, ma'am. We'll send it up right away."

She hung up the landline, feeling a brief sense of relief. As she waited for her breakfast, she decided to take a quick shower to wash away the frustration that had clouded her mood once again and brush her teeth.

Ondine changed into a comfortable two-piece skirt and a crop top ensemble from the previous night. Whoever picked it out had an astute sense of fashion. She thought. With a quick glance in the mirror, she grabbed her curling iron and styled her hair, adding soft curls that framed her face. A touch of light makeup enhanced her features, giving her a fresh and natural look.

As she finished her quick beauty routine, a soft dingdong sound echoed through her penthouse. Breakfast had arrived. Ondine eagerly opened the door to collect the cart, along with her plane ticket.

"Thank you," she said with a polite nod to the attendant before shutting the door. She made her way to the kitchen counter, where she placed her breakfast and started digging in. The tortilla de patatas, bowl of fruit, and juice provided a comforting start to the day.

With a little time to spare before her departure, she decided to scroll through her i********: feed. However, what she stumbled upon was expected. Numerous headlines and pictures of a brawl between billionaire Caius Volkov and Mark Johnson filled her feed. Questions like "Why?" and "Will Mark Johnson Sue?" buzzed around the stories.

Ondine sighed, not entirely surprised by the scandalous twist in the narrative. The media outlets had seized the opportunity to twist the story into a sensationalized scandal: "Ondine de Mendoza (Volkov) Caught Cheating with Mark Johnson in a Bar." "Billionaire Brawl: Caius Volkov and Mark Johnson show Down!"