CHAPTER 5: Charming Young Men

Scatlett's POV

Leaving Aria for this tour was harder than other times. Maybe it was because of the context and added stress of Raphael going out of his way to get Aria's custody. I wasn't sure. I just felt worse after leaving home for the airport.

Our first tour destination was Switzerland. My group had expanded to seven, including me. The plans were already made and no changes would be accepted at such short notice. And hence, I waited patiently for my group to rendezvous at the airport lounge. We were flying business class. My group was well off this time.

I understood why the fatty manager wanted me to take this trip so desperately.

As I was daydreaming about my performance guaranteeing me the promotion and how I'd get to choose destinations, hotels, and details myself, a stranger tapped my shoulder.

"Hello!" She introduced herself. I stood up.

"Alexandra and Rixon. Nice to meet ya!" The cheerful girl said, her bubblegum-scented breath hitting my face. I shook her extended hand and sat back down. That wasn't appropriate since I was to build rapport with them. But I wasn't in the mood at all.

"So everyone, it's nice to finally meet you. I'm Scarlett Redmond, your tour guide for this wonderful tour to Europe. Rest assured, I shall ensure your needs are my priority." I said, robotically repeating the words I've said hundreds of times before.

The group seemed impressed by my professionalism. I expected it to go smoother.

Just as we were about to board and I was distributing the tickets, my chest had gotten warm.

"Ms Scarlett?" Alexandra was waiting for her ticket. I was searching my purse for her ticket.

"Y-Yes. One second." I was requested to step out of the line which I did so embarrassingly. Alexandra was starting to lose patience and most importantly, her trust in me. Her tour guide. Our adventure didn't even start!

"There!" I checked another compartment of my purse and found her ticket. By that time, the queue had already ended.

"I'm sorry...just a lot of things on my head. I'm worried about my daughter, Aria." I confessed, stepping into the line. Alexandra was pissed but her elite boyfriend took it upon himself to assure me.

"We all have something to worry about, Ms Scarlett. Let's have fun on this trip. We are going to enter a whole new world. New perspective. Let's celebrate! 'Cause it's almost Christmas!" Rixon cheered for me. I took a deep breath and exhaled sharply.

"Yes! New perspective and Christmas!" I repeated and amused him. Alexandra didn't quite like that.

Way to go already, Scarlett.

The promotion is slowly slipping further away from me like a mirage and it's going to be totally my fault.

I noticed the two attractive young men, my group members acting like best friends and hitting each other on their heads. Coincidentally, when we entered the aircraft, they took a seat on either side of my center seat.

Two hot men, my clients, were stuck next to me for the next thirteen hours.

It was going to be a long, amazing trip. I could tell.

When I woke up after the night travel and some landing turbulence, I panicked when all the passengers left except for maybe two strangers behind.

Business class - though spatial and perfect for travel - lacked amenities like waking up dazed-out passengers on landing!

"Holy shit!" I was rushing down the aircraft and entering the bus to get to the gates when I bumped into a tall man. I didn't even dare look up and apologized profusely.

The handsome stranger with a silky, sexy voice chuckled. I blushed, feeling hot out of nowhere.

Was I that deprived of sex and attention!?

I wore the sunglasses and guided my tourist group to the hotel. Doing a quick headcount, I smiled and clapped my hands to get their attention.

"I've allotted room numbers already and if there's anything I can do to assist your stay here at Jammers and Jam, ring me up or just knock on 404. Schedules are intimated through our group chat. See you at two for lunch!" I beamed and walked away.

Obviously, I didn't attend the complimentary lunch. I was busy talking to Aria who had just woken up.

"Good morning, my angel!~" I cooed, trying to contain myself. Dad was holding the camera to my cute, sleepy princess who reached to hold the phone by herself.

"When are you coming back?" She asked. I chuckled softly.

"It hasn't even been a day, baby. You keep doing great in your tests at school and momma will surprise you next week!" I chirped. Slumber flew out of the window for my daughter as she started jumping on the bed.

"Yay! I will work hard, momma! I love you!" She said.

"I love you too, Aria." Saying, I let Aria cut the call.

Just then, my lawyer messaged me as I stared at the awful notification. My body went numb. My head never felt so drained and empty of thoughts.

I read the words from her message over and over,

[Andrea Lawyer: Raphael's claim seems to have leverage over yours now, Scarlett. He's got a better job and earns well. Unfortunately, there was no hard proof to prove his affair during your marriage. So that's ruled out. I'm sorry Scarlett. But it seems like cards are playing better for Raphael than you.]

The shocking, direct approach of my lawyer never failed to surprise me. I felt a shiver run down my spine.

'Couldn't prove his affair...'

Those words haunted me.

However, I was too tired to deal with it. I was almost set to avoid it for the time being

So I let slumber take over me and was knocked out for four hours straight.

I woke up with my cheek and jaw covered in drool at eight in the night. I cursed at myself.

Our group chat was filled with messages from my clients, asking what they could do in the city meanwhile. Today was supposed to be a rest day for jet lag. That was a neat save. I quickly apologized and sprung out of the cozy, luxurious bed.

Getting ready at the speed of record time, I rushed downstairs to the hotel bar. I wanted to get wasted. I was sure I was going to get wasted.

I gestured to the bartender for two martinis. One for getting tipsy and the other one to get myself to misbehave. Raphael's words struck my mind just then.

'Lonely whore' was what he's been calling me lately.

Who cared what he called me? I made it all the way from my city despite the turmoil. I'm here to have fun!

A fine-tuning of guitar struck by a melodious man garnered attention. I turned to look over the man on the stage, surrounded by women. I raised an eyebrow. He was my client.

Dylan Killenslaw, if I wasn't wrong. I smirked. Good for him that he was a singer of a sort. Oh, how under the rock was I not to know Dylan Killenslaw?

Turning the other way, my eyes fell on the other brother, chatting up a sexy bar lady. His vivid smile swooned her as he ran his slender fingers up her thigh. I scoffed with a smile. His name was Ryder. Young men these days couldn't pass a day without blowing off some steam. Good for him though!

I was here to loosen up and I'd go back to my room after unwinding.

Just when I was switching to my 'misbehave martini', Dylan, the singer brother took a seat next to me.

I almost gasped looking at him up close.

He was the one I bumped into on the bus this morning.