11: Mrs. Santos

LILLIAN

In my lifetime, I have been to quite a number of hotels and stayed in quite a number of suites but I have never and mean never seen a hotel suite as grand and luxurious as the one I had just entered.

It's almost twice the size of the apartment I had in Chicago and my apartment was pretty big, if I do say so myself. I mean, it was an apartment my father had to pull a lot of strings to get for me.

The room was elegantly decorated in a style that mixed traditional Greek elements with modern comfort. Floor-to-ceiling windows gave stunning views of the Aegean Sea, its crystal clear shimmering blue waters stretching out under the bright Mediterranean sun.

The living area was cozy yet luxurious, with soft, comfortable furniture and beautiful marble surfaces catching the sunlight. Thoughtful details like art books stacked neatly and a vase of fragrant local flowers added a personal touch to the space, making it feel welcoming and sophisticated.

Wow!

I took the turn that led to the bedroom, and was immediately impressed by the serene atmosphere and tasteful design that met my eyes. There was a large bed covered with soft, definitely high quality sheets that promised a good night sleep with the sound of the waves crashing as a gentle background music.

Everything looked good… really good.

It looked exactly the way I’d have liked it to be. And that’s so ironic because I didn’t even have a say in this trip, not to talk of planning how our suite would look like.

“Mrs Santos, are you pleased with the suite?” The concierge asked me with a bright smile, which I returned with one of my own. But just as I was about to tell her that I loved it, she continued speaking. “Mr Santos was very specific with the details on how to design it. He said these are the things you’d love.”

And just like that, my smile wiped off.

Of course, he did this. Why am I even surprised?

Knowing the kind of malicious, cruel person he was, I should have known this was something he could definitely do to taunt me, to make it clear to me in every way that my old life is gone and there was no way I would ever be able to get back to it.

He knew me like the back of his hand.

“Mrs. Santos,” the concierge called for my attention and I turned to her, forcing a smile. “Is the suite to your liking? If there is anything you don’t like, we easily get rid of it and replace—”

“It’s fine,” I cut her off. “And yes, I am pleased. Very pleased.” I said the last two words between gritted teeth, but the concierge didn’t get a whiff of my annoyance.

“That's wonderful!” She beamed and proceeded to continue blabbing about how comfortable our stay here would be and more things I definitely wasn't listening to.

We entered the bathroom and she continued to blabber about how magnificent it was. I mean, I get why she was blabbering. The bathroom was like a private spa, with a deep bathtub overlooking the sea.

It was magnificent indeed.

But I needed peace and quiet.

“You know what, I think I can take it from here.” I said to the woman.

“Alright, would you like me to have anything brought up while you're here?”

Yes, an annulment.

“Nothing,” I answered, sighting the complimentary champagne on one of the stools. “I think I’ll be fine with the champagne.”

“Perfect,” she smiled. “But if there is anything you need, just press the intercom right there and we’ll be right with you.”

And with that she left, leaving me alone in the suite.

I popped down on the plush couch and ran my hand through my hair, feeling a mix of relief and exhaustion wash over me.

At least Xavier wasn't here.

I let out a deep sigh, trying to process the events of the past few days. The luxurious suite, with its marble floors and crystal chandeliers, seemed to create an atmosphere of bliss, an ironic backdrop for the situation I was in which was anything but blissful.

I couldn't believe how low Xavier was willing to go, just to prove a point.

Just as I was starting to feel overwhelmed, I heard a soft knock at the door. I knew for a fact that it wasn’t Xavier because he wouldn’t knock.

“Your luggage ma’am,” a gentle voice called out. I got up to open the door, revealing the young lady and two other men with mine and Xavier’s suitcases.

“Bring them in,” I stepped aside for them to bring everything in, watching as they carried all of it into the master’s bedroom before emerging again.

“Anything else, ma'am?” The young lady asked.

“No—actually, yes. When will Xav- sorry, my husband be back?” My stomach churned as I said that word.

“I have no idea ma'am. Mr Santos never mentioned where he went or when he would be returning ma'am but he said to make sure your every request is attended to.” She answered and I exhaled.

Of course.

“You can leave,”

I dismissed her with a wave of my hand and she left, leaving me alone yet again in the suite. Then I strolled over to the stool where a bottle of chilled champagne waited in an ice bucket. Pouring myself a glass, I sipped the bubbly liquid, relishing its crisp taste.

In all honesty, I think I’m content with the fact that Xavier was away. I mean, I can enjoy all this space all to myself. I smirked to myself, thinking how nice it was to have the entire suite at my disposal without him hovering around like a fucking guard dog.

Carrying the bottle and glass into the bathroom, I placed them beside the deep bathtub and turned on the tap watching the warm water filling the tub.

I quickly stripped myself of my clothes and sank into the warm, fragrant bubbles. Leaning back against the tub, I closed my eyes and sighed with satisfaction, feeling the tension leave my body.

In that moment of serene solitude, I realized I didn’t need Xavier to enjoy this luxury.

He could go jump off a skyscraper for all I care.