Chapter 19: Brazilian Escapade

84 7 0
                                        


Chapter 19: Brazilian Escapade

As the first light of dawn broke, casting a warm, golden glow over the city, I felt a surge of excitement. Today was the day I was trading the towering skyscrapers of New York for the vibrant, pulsating heart of Brazil. The thrill of reuniting with my best friends and the electric atmosphere of the Rio carnival was just hours away. Catching a cab to the airport, I felt a bubbling anticipation mixed with a sense of freedom.

The airport was a hive of activity, people from all walks of life crossing paths, each with their own story. Waiting at the gate, my thoughts inevitably drifted to Luke. The memory of our almost-kiss, his breath whispering against my skin, sent shivers down my spine. But before I could spiral down that rabbit hole, the announcement of my flight jolted me back to the present.

The flight was a blur, a mix of restless anticipation and reflective silence. When the plane finally touched down in Brazil, I stepped into a whirl of colors and sounds, the vibrant energy of the country washing over me like a wave. I couldn't help but notice the admiring glances from locals, sparking a thought of a holiday fling. But then Luke's intense gaze flashed in my mind, dousing that fleeting desire. "Damn, why does it always circle back to him?" I muttered under my breath.

A cab ride later, I was at the hotel, greeted by the ecstatic faces of Sophia and Sarah. Their welcoming embrace was like coming home. "Emily, you look... different," Sophia observed with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Spill it. What's been going on?"

We headed to my room, our chatter filling the air with excitement and laughter. I shared the rollercoaster of emotions and encounters with Luke, their reactions a mix of shock, laughter, and sisterly empathy.

"You and Luke? And an umbrella?" Sarah barely got the words out between fits of laughter.

"Yeah, yeah, have your laugh," I said, trying to hide a smile. Their infectious laughter lightened my heart, a stark contrast to the emotional whirlwind I'd been in.

As our laughter faded, Sophia's expression turned determined. "This vacation is about you, Em. We're going to have the time of our lives."

Our first day was spent lounging by the pool, the Brazilian sun warming our skin, the cool water lapping at our feet, and glasses of caipirinha in hand. It was the perfect start to what promised to be an unforgettable vacation.

Night fell, and we planned Ashley's wedding, basking in the joy and love that seemed to permeate the air. We parted for the night with promises of an adventure-filled morning.

Lying in bed, I reflected on the day. Brazil, with its infectious joy, was exactly what I needed. It was an opportunity to heal and rediscover myself, away from the chaos of my life in New York. The rhythm of samba and the strength of my friendships promised new beginnings. Drifting off to sleep, I felt a sense of peace, the excitement for the days ahead, a gentle lullaby.

BILLIONAIRE'S UNINTENDED BRIDEWhere stories live. Discover now