Chapitre 7: Work

As I dry myself off, my eyes follow the handsome blonde man walking back to his side of the suite. He's undeniably attractive, and I can't help but notice it. Still, men aren't part of my life's plan anymore. After the hellish marriage I endured, I've resolved to steer clear of romantic entanglements. The idea of dying alone doesn't frighten me; it's almost a comforting thought. I might consider having a child one day, but that would be through a donor, without the complications a relationship brings.

James, my ex-husband, was handsome too, though he didn't quite measure up to this man's allure. But appearances are deceiving, and I've learned my lesson the hard way. No amount of good looks can compensate for the pain and disillusionment I experienced with James.

Pushing these thoughts aside, I head to my room to change. The day isn't over, and I have work to do. Focused and determined, I remind myself of my priorities.

I sit in my office, staring intently at the 3D display from my hologlyph, pondering how to make everything work. The resort is hanging by a thread, and it's only thanks to our VIP customer that we've managed to buy some more time. Adjusting our prices isn't an option—lowering them would lead to overbooking and a shortage of amenities. On the other hand, raising them would deter guests entirely, especially given our remote location and the astronomical transport fees for food and supplies.

The resort has a capacity for 100 guests, yet we currently host only three families, two couples, and our solitary VIP. The disparity between potential and actual occupancy gnaws at me. My head throbs with the weight of the stress. On top of everything, there are pressing repairs that can't be ignored.

With a heavy sigh, I acknowledge that today is going to be another long and challenging day. I open the accounting tab on my display and watch in dismay as the graphs illustrate a grim picture, with profits dwindling and expenses escalating. The numbers plummet downward, mirroring my sinking spirits.

I lean back in my chair, rubbing my temples in an attempt to alleviate the mounting headache. The path ahead seems daunting, but giving up isn't an option. I need to find a way to balance the books and ensure the resort's survival, despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

I stand up from my desk, feeling the weariness in every muscle as I stretch. Stepping over to the window of my office, I'm greeted by the breathtaking sight of Aurelia's three large moons casting a serene glow over the resort below.

Leaving the paperwork behind, I make my way through the corridors to my suite. As I enter, I spot Mr. Handsome Blonde lounging by the shared pool, a member of the staff delivering his meal to the table nearby.

"Leona," he calls out, waving me over.

I approach him with a polite smile. "Zack, hey," I greet him casually.

"It's Zane, actually," he corrects me with a chuckle, his voice sending a faint thrill through me. His striking looks are undeniable, but I quickly suppress any flicker of emotion that tries to take root.

"Oh my, I apologize," I say sincerely, feeling a twinge of embarrassment.

"Don't worry about it, join me," Zane replies, motioning towards the spread of food in front of him.

"I really shouldn't," I hesitate, but then my stomach growls audibly, betraying my hunger. I had been holed up in the office all day, and it was starting to show.

Zane raises an eyebrow teasingly. "I guess I can't argue with that," I concede with a faint smile, taking a seat on the foldable chair he's made space for.

As I settle in beside him, I can't help but notice how good he smells, a subtle mix of a masculine cologne and the faint aroma of the food before us.

"That's better," Zane remarks, lifting the metal lid covering our meal. The dish is prepared by our veteran chef, who has been a stalwart presence here for over 50 years. The thought of his eventual retirement looms with apprehension in my mind.

Dinner unfolds into a surprisingly pleasant affair, filled with light conversation and companionship that I realize I've been craving more than I cared to admit. It's a stark reminder of how solitary my days have become, and the simple act of sharing a meal with someone feels unexpectedly comforting.

Zane's easy charm and engaging banter gradually ease the tension I've carried from work. Despite my initial reservations, I find myself enjoying his company, the conversation flowing effortlessly between us. For a brief moment, amidst the tranquility of Aurelia's moons casting their gentle light, I allow myself to feel content.

After dinner, the staff swiftly arrives to clear the table, signaling the end of our meal together. Feeling a mixture of awkwardness and a strange warmth from our shared time, I begin to stand to leave. Before I can move away, though, Zane's large, warm hands gently grasp my wrist.

"Keep me company," he requests softly, his eyes meeting mine with a pleading yet playful expression.

I hesitate for a moment, unsure how to respond to his unexpected invitation. "Please, Leona," he adds, his tone coaxing.

His sincerity and the hint of vulnerability in his voice soften my resolve. With a small nod, I acquiesce and sink back into my seat. Zane stands up, retrieving a nearby chair and pulling it over to sit opposite me, maintaining a respectful distance.

"Wouldn't want me crowding your personal space and all," he remarks lightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

I roll my eyes playfully at his comment, feeling a genuine smile form in response. Despite my initial reservations about getting too close, there's a comfortable ease in Zane's presence that I find surprisingly reassuring. As we settle into a more relaxed conversation, the moonlit ambiance of Aurelia's moons outside adds a touch of magic to the moment.