Tulip's Destiny

XIV - Breakfast First

To her surprise the cottage wasn't as small as she thought it would be. They all silently walked over a narrow hallway leading to two doors facing each other. Along the way, Raine couldn't help but notice the nordic and floral accents here and there— from the rose wallpaper, carnation tapestries and remarkably tulip paintings gracing the walls complementarity.

"You know it's a good thing I'm not allergic to flowers, sir." Raine laughed, pointing out his distinct taste for the interior. "That's what I told her. But she simply couldn't stop with just the rose wallpaper and made the house a whole garden. All that's missing now are butterflies." Papa replied humorously, turning the knob to a room.

"Papa, thank you for your warm welcome and comfortable accommodations." Mikhail interrupted politely, flipping switches on the wall. "My boy! Why so formal are we? You should learn a thing or two with Raine." Papa remarked, patting Mikhail's back before taking a step back to the door. Mikhail just gave him a faint chuckle as he turned to look back at Raine now sitting on the bed.

"This is amazing!" Raine shrieked, grabbing Mikhail to the bed to sit with her. "This is a flax sateen blend." She expressed, as she held his hand rubbing against the sheets carefully. "And?" Mikhail asked, interestingly watching her eyes burn with passion.

"And you call yourself an effective businessman! You don't even know your blankets." Papa chuckled. "What do blankets have to do with sales?" Mikhail asked obliviously, crossing his arms sternly.

"Come on, Mikey! You're a hotel tycoon! Surely you're involved somehow with such details like these." Raine began, gracing her fingers across the beige duvet cover. "Of course you'll agree that besides the main infrastructure details inside and outside of your hotels along with quality service you're selling out. You also need to consider quality materials for your guests."

"Which reminds me, if you don't mind..."

"No, go ahead please."

"Considering Rotterdam and most of your branches are in extremely cold weather, I think... No, I'm certain that percale may not be the perfect blanket choice for your beddings."

"Why do you think so?"

"Raine's right, percale sheets are primarily made of cotton..."

"Think of a crisp button-up blouse. Although they're widely used in typical hotel suites because of its signature tight weave that's naturally longer lasting. But, they're not as comfortable..."

"That's why I think flax sateen blend would be WAY better! Firstly, flax has highly breathable material. Yes, almost like the percale BUT!" Raine countered before Mikhail even said anything.

"That's where the sateen blend comes in. Ultimately, sateen materials are warmer and a bit heavier, also known for their lustrous features, the silky feeling per se'. While they're not really for everyone especially those who sleep hot since they're not as breathable like the percale. The flax sateen blend provides the best in both worlds, because of its breathable, light, cool and warm touch. It provides three times more air circulation allowing moisture to escape easily, resulting in a cooling duvet yet warming embrace almost..."

"Like yours." Raine continued, looking back at his most mesmerizing and warm gaze she couldn't help but get lost into. "But then again, this was just my personal taste. It might not be true to others plus these things are the least of your concern."

Both men looked at her with such admiration before they both chuckled in harmony. " Of course it is of my concern!" Mikhail said with a sweet tone, holding her hands into his. "I never really thought of those things, but I guess you're right. And to be true, I haven't even slept in one of our rooms. I really appreciate your honest feedback."