LET'S GET MARRIED

Chapter Four - Welcome To Hawaii

As I settled into my plush seat in the first class cabin, I couldn't help but feel a sense of luxury and relaxation wash over me. The flight attendant offered me a glass of fine champagne, and I accepted, taking a sip as I gazed out the window at the clouds below.

Just as I was starting to relax, a voice interrupted my reverie. "Mind if I join you, fraulein?" a deep, smooth voice with a thick German accent asked.

I turned to see a tall, handsome man with piercing blue eyes smiling at me. He looked familiar, but I couldn't quite place him.

"Not at all," I replied, gesturing to the empty seat beside me.

As we introduced ourselves, I learned that his name was Ryker, and he was a "successful entrepreneur" with a string of startups under his belt.

"I haff built a business empire, ja?" he said, his German accent thick and rich. "I am a self-made millionaire, fraulein."

I listened politely as he regaled me with stories of his business ventures, but I couldn't help but feel a sense of skepticism. There was something about him that didn't quite add up.

As the flight attendants began their safety demonstrations, Ryker leaned in closer, his voice taking on a flirtatious tone. "So, vat do you do, fraulein?" he asked, his eyes locked on mine.

I smiled sweetly, pulling out my business card from my purse. "I'm the CEO of Couper Industries," I said, handing him the card.

Ryker's eyes widened as he took in the information on the card. His smile faltered, and he looked at me with a newfound respect.

"Ach, du bist eine sehr erfolgreiche Frau," he said, his German accent thick with surprise. "I did not realize vat a big deal you are."

I raised an eyebrow, amused by his sudden change in demeanor. "Yes, well, I'm a bit of a big deal," I said, smiling wryly.

Ryker nodded, looking chastened. "I apologize if I came on too strong earlier. I did not realize vat I vas dealing vith."

I laughed, feeling a sense of satisfaction. "No need to apologize, Ryker. But maybe next time, you should do your research before trying to impress someone."

Ryker smiled, looking relieved. "I vill definitely keep that in mind, fraulein. It vas nice meeting you."

As the plane continued on its journey, I settled back into my seat, feeling a sense of satisfaction and amusement at the encounter with Ryker.

I stepped off the plane in Honolulu, the warm tropical air enveloped me, instantly easing my tension. I had mixed feelings about this trip, but the breathtaking scenery and Dad's enthusiasm had won me over.

"Welcome to Hawaii, honey!" Dad exclaimed, embracing me with a warm hug at the airport. "I'm so glad you're here."

I smiled, feeling a little guilty for my initial reluctance. "Thanks, Dad. It's beautiful."

We drove to a luxurious resort, where I was greeted with a refreshing Mai Tai and a stunning ocean view. The tranquil atmosphere began to melt my defenses.

"Your room is ready," Dad said, handing me a key. "Take some time to relax. Our guest, Alexander Thompson will be joining us for dinner tonight."

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of Alexander's name. I couldn't deny the flutter in my chest.

After settling into my room, I spent the afternoon exploring the resort, snorkeling, and soaking up the sun. As the sun began to set, I prepared for dinner, choosing an expensive stunning red dress that made me feel confident.

𝘿𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙧 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝘼𝙡𝙚𝙭𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙨𝙤𝙣

As I entered the restaurant, Dad smiled proudly. "Right on time, love."

Alexander stood up, his piercing blue eyes locking onto mine. "Britney, it's an absolute pleasure."

His charming smile and chiseled features took my breath away. I felt like I was staring into Dustin's eyes all over again.

"Alexander, thanks for joining us," Dad said, beaming.

As we sat down, Alexander effortlessly charmed dad with stories of his philanthropic work and entrepreneurial ventures. I found myself laughing and engaging, feeling an unexpected slight connection.

"Britney, I hear you're quite the business tycoon and also the CEO of the Aurora industry," Alexander said, his eyes sparkling with interest.

I tried to smile, surprised by his genuine curiosity. "Just trying to make a difference, I suppose."

The evening flew by, filled with lively conversation and warm laughter. As the night drew to a close, Alexander walked me back to my room.

"Thanks for tonight, Britney," he said, his voice low and smooth. "I'm really enjoying getting to know you."

I smiled, feeling a little bit uncomfortable. "Likewise, Alexander."

As he leaned in to kiss my cheek, I caught the faint scent of his cologne, sending shivers down my spine.

Alexander's lips brushed against my cheek and I felt a stupid flutter in my chest. But suddenly, my stomach churned, and I excused myself.

"Sorry, Alexander, I need to... um... powder my nose," I said, trying to sound elegant despite my urgent need.

Alexander smiled understandingly. "Of course, Britney. I'll take my leave." As I entered my room

I hurried to the restroom, my heels clicking on the marble floor. Just as I entered the stall, the lights flickered and went off.

"Great timing," I muttered to myself.

I fumbled in my clutch for my phone to use as a flashlight but realized I had left it at the table.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of the bathroom stall, navigating through the darkness.

As I reached the door and took two steps out, I collided with a familiar figure.

"Whoa, sorry about that," a deep voice said, steadying me.

My heart sank as I recognized the voice.

Darkness had seemed to amplify our awkward silence.

Immediately the darkness was suddenly illuminated by the resort's emergency generators. I blinked, taking in the scene.

That was when I saw him.
𝙈𝙮 𝙀𝙭 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧,
𝘿𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣.

"Dustin?" I called out his name slowly

"Ww...what are you doing here?" I asked, trying to sound casual despite my racing heart and trying to keep my tome even while muttering words.

"I could ask you the same," Dustin replied, his tone so casual.

"I asked first Idiot" I said.

"You haven't changed, have you?" He said with a hint of amusement as he shakes his head in disappointment. "Well, Just a break from work, hoping the island tranquility would help me clear my mind.

I bristled at his tone. "What's that supposed to mean by I haven't changed?"

"Still as fiery as ever," Dustin said, his gaze roaming over me.

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks, but before I could respond, Dustin continued.

"So, what brings you to Hawaii?"

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Just a family vacation."

Dustin raised an eyebrow. "With who?"

"Just my dad and I"

(𝑁𝑂𝑇𝐸...)
"𝐴𝑐ℎ, 𝑑𝑢 𝑏𝑖𝑠𝑡 𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑠𝑒ℎ𝑟 𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑜𝑙𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑒 𝐹𝑟𝑎𝑢"
𝐼𝑠 𝑎 𝐺𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝑝ℎ𝑟𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛𝑠
"𝐴ℎ, 𝑦𝑜𝑢'𝑟𝑒 𝑎 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑠𝑢𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑤𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛"