I didn’t expect the gathering to be held in such a unique way. The hotel had many guests. When we occasionally bump into some colleagues, we would greet each other and continue enjoying our separate activities.
Felling slightly lazy, I found a seat in the main hall and sat down.
“Is there anyone sitting here?”
I was startled by the voice. I turned to take a look and what greeted my sight was a familiar face, but I could not recall who exactly he was.
He was one meter eighty-five in height with a slender figure and a cool exterior.
Seeing that I was staring at him blankly, he raised his brows and asked, “So is it occupied?”
My senses returned, and I shook my head. “Nope!”
He took a seat beside me while holding a cup of coke.
I could not help myself but took a few glances. It felt weird yet normal at the same time.
He saw me looking and asked, “Do you want one?”
I shook my head in embarrassment and replied, “No, thank you.”
Bright neon lights shone throughout the place. Logically speaking, people would usually drink either a glass of hard liquor or a cocktail in such an environment. As such, I found it weird that the man was drinking coke.
That being said, it was probably normal since the place caters to people of all ages, from kids to adults. Even without such beverages, the place had a lively atmosphere with its neon lighting and upbeat songs.
Live music sounded through the main hall. The main singer stood on stage and was ready to sing a folksong that conveys the yearning of one’s hometown.
The sad music was filled with so much emotion that I found myself engrossed in it.
The man beside me stood up and left, only to return a few minutes later.
He placed a cup of juice beside me. I stared at him with a blank expression as I was slightly surprised by his thoughtful action.
He chuckled lightly and said, “You’re welcome.”
I started to recall his identity. He was the man that stood in front of Grandma’s tombstone. Once again, I fell into a trance.
After a short pause, I asked, “Have we met before?”
He raised his brows and questioned, “Do you know me?”
“No.” I shook my head.
“Well, then we don’t know each other,” he chuckled lightly.
I was taken aback by his casual response, so I thought for a moment and asked again, “No, I meant if we have actually met before this.”
Meeting and knowing someone were two different things.
He chuckled lightly. “Since we don’t know each other, it could only mean we have never met before.”
I was speechless. Snapping back to my senses, I uttered, “Just because we don’t know each other doesn’t mean that we have not seen each other before.”
The coldness exuding from him was impenetrable, even with my persistent questions.
He then said, “Since we’ve met before, let’s get to know each other then!”
“I’m Scarlett Stovall!” I put my hand forward and introduced myself.
He smiled slightly and shook my hand. “I’m Armond Murphy!”
Armond Murphy?
I did not put much thought into it.
Seemingly gotten bored of the music, he asked, “There’s a swimming pool and a hot spring on the first level. Shall we go together?”
I was a little taken aback and looked down at the hotel’s set of clothes that I was wearing. “I don’t think I can.”
He laughed at my response. “Don’t worry. They have swimsuits at that level.”
“Since we’re here, we should have as much fun as we can. Let’s not waste the trip.”
I let out a soft chuckle. I was filled with doubts but decided to play along. “Let’s go then!”
As I stood up, two colleagues passed by, so I waved at them.
I was not familiar with the hotel, so he led the way. Once we stepped out of the lift, we headed straight for the hot spring.
It was an indoor hot spring. I scanned through the swimsuits at the entrance and subconsciously lifted my gaze at him.
He chuckled and said, “Wait for me!” He headed to the gents changing room after.
About five minutes later, he came out with a black paper bag. He looked at me and said, “Try it on.”
I took over the bag and was shocked to see that it was a swimsuit. “This…”
“Try it on and see if it fits!”
I headed into the changing room to change into it.
It was a three-piece swimsuit. If I don’t wear the smock, it would be a little too revealing.
On the other hand, if I wear it, I’ll look demurer. That sounded good to me.
I walked out of the changing room. Armond was waiting at the resting area and froze when he saw me.
“It suits you very well.”
“Thank you!” That was the first time I wore a blue swimsuit and I thought it looked pretty decent.
He smiled and inquired, “Do you know how to swim?”
I shook my head. Previously at K City, Ashton brought me to the pool at the villa to play a few times. However, I was basically holding onto the edge of the pool every time. It was still okay as the pool was around five feet deep.
I would need some time to adjust for me to swim independently without any aid.
“I don’t mind being your coach for the day!” he offered while holding out his hands toward me.
