The Royal Contract

But she did not doubt that it was him she had caught in her peripheral vision.

But what was he doing there, and why did he leave in such a hurry?

“Is there a problem, Ria?” Jay asked her, probably noticing her abrupt movement. Then, he followed her gaze, but he would only see the empty hallway.

During the short course of their meal, she had learned a few things about him. While she also shared a few things about herself. She had discovered that it was not hard to talk to him.

He seemed to be a sweet and loving husband to his late wife and a good and responsible father to his adorable daughter. He showed her a picture of his family while she showed him some pictures of his son.

“No, I just remembered something. But it was nice to meet you, Jay.” She could not share with him what she thought she saw. It could have been just a figment of her imagination.

But, yes, she had agreed to be friends with him, calling him by his name if it was just them. Still, she found it slightly awkward to hear his name coming from her lips.

“Remember, if you think of taking your son on a long, relaxing vacation, I need you to call me.” He handed her a card. “I am sure my daughter will love to meet him.”

.....

She could not help but wonder if he had ever used his daughter to pick up girls for a date. But she doubted. She believed a man like him, handsome, wealthy, intelligent, and successful, could pick up girls with a snap of a finger.

However, finding a woman that would accept his daughter and act as her mother would probably be difficult. It was the same issue she had with her situation. She knew that she would find it hard to look for a man who would be a father to his son.

“I will. Thanks again for the delicious lunch.” Then, she bid her farewell, not knowing if she would see him again.

Although she thought of bringing her son to a place like this, it was still a silly dream. Making it come true was another challenge she had to overcome in the future.

Then, he escorted her to the elevators and waved goodbye as the doors closed. She pushed her hands down on her side when she was left alone in the tiny confinement.

She spent the rest of the day inside her room, just relaxing in the tub and watching a movie afterward. When the afternoon came, she noticed the paper bag again lying on the floor.

“What to do with you?” She picked it up and pulled the garment out of its confinement.

Truthfully, she was bored. She did not know how to have fun without Edison around. Now, she wondered what else she could do to pass the time. Then, her eyes fixated on the soft material in her hands.

“Try it on.” She could hear her subconscious mind egging her to put the swimsuit on. “Why not!” She uttered, finally giving in to her curiosity. It had been a long time since she wore something similar to this.

She grabbed the flimsy material and wore it on her body. Then, she stood in front of the mirror, checking her reflection on the glassy side. She stared at her belly, remembering that it used to be fat.

It took her a while to regain her figure. It was not the same before she had Edison, but it was still sexy. Truthfully, she added a few pounds of flesh in the right areas, making her petite body transform into a curvy shape.

“Not bad.” She nodded in approval, seeing that she still looked presentable in this decent suit. But compared to her old pair, this was a lot nicer. But why would it not be when she paid a handsome price for it?

“Now, why don’t you go downstairs and check out their swimming pool.” She dared herself as she stared into her eyes.

Since she learned about her pregnancy and then having Edison, she never had time for the things she wanted to do. Her life had only revolved around him.

Maybe today was the only time she could have ‘me time.’ Maybe, it was time she took advantage of it because it might never happen again. She grabbed a robe that was neatly placed on the edge of her bed and put it on. It was now or never.

She marched outside her room and into the elevator with a new purpose. She would go swimming, sunbathing in the retreating sun, and then swim again a bit more.

As soon as she reached the pool area, a man greeted her and ushered her into a vacant lounge chair. Then, he asked if she had any specific orders.

“I will have fresh orange juice.” She ordered from the hotel staff, lingering in the poolside, waiting to assist their guests.

Then, she made herself comfortable, removing her robe and laying down on the chair, facing the sky. She could still catch a few sunrays before it finally hid behind the mountains.

Would it be nice to have some tan to show her son, her few friends, and some workmates? She could not wait as she relaxed on the chair and closed her eyes. She wished to imagine her son playing by her side.

But as her thoughts flew, so was her imagination as she pictured him in swimming trunks, showing off his masculine body. Although she had not seen his naked chest before, she knew what it could look like, remembering how it felt underneath her fingertips.

Then, was that sweat dripping from his body, trickling down on her skin? She believed her imagination was becoming wilder and wilder as her dreams became more daring.

But then again, she abruptly opened her eyes, realizing that the water was not a dream. “Would you like to join me for a swim?” A man stood by the side of her chair, smiling at her.