CLAIRE (TEN)

The surprise location was quite far from the resort. The drive took us about thirty minutes. This time I was sure that the surprise was something fancy. Raviel was dressed in a black suit, complete with a tie, and looked absolutely dashing. He always looks handsome no matter what he wears, but the aura he exuded tonight made him appear far more captivating than usual.

“I almost got caught when I was going to the lobby. Mom suddenly came out of her suite, looking for you in a panic.”

“I already told her that I was preparing something for her.”

“She was happy as hell. Why did you choose a surprise place far from the resort?”

“Because your mom has been to all the places around the resort. I wanted something different for the surprise this time. Isn’t this place nice?”

I swept my gaze across the open space around me. This place was like a country club with a very large garden and flowers growing beautifully in various spots. I’m sure the flowers were taken care of with care like a mother taking care of her babies. They were planted in special spots with special planting media.

“What is this place?”

“Garden bar. It belongs to one of my colleagues.”

“I thought Hawaii was all beaches and there wouldn’t be a place like this.”

“Ten years ago, this place was nothing but a barren mound of land. My colleague saw the potential of this place and tried to develop it into something beautiful and of high business value. At first, he was ridiculed for his idea of ​​a garden bar because everyone knows the land here is barren and cannot grow any plants. But we live in an era where things can be created easily if you are willing to put in a little effort and fund your idea. So yeah, with the help of some investors, he managed to create this place.”

“Are you one of the investors?”

“I was one of the few who saw the potential of this place. And look, my intuition was right. This place has grown rapidly in the past five years.”

“Yeah, this place is beautiful.”

I wasn't lying. This place was really beautiful. Who would have thought that the hills with green grass were man-made. I mean the hills were real, but the soil used as the foundation was brought in from another place, then formed into very green grassy hills. Wow, it was amazing. The money they spent must have been no joke.

“How much do guests spend on drinks here?”

“It depends on the drinks they order. But the cheapest is fifty bucks.”

“Fifty? Cheapest? Then I won’t ask how much the most expensive is.”

“Cheap or expensive, it depends on your perception, Claire. For them fifty bucks is very cheap because they can make more than that every day.”

“Yeah, rich people are different from people like me. I would think twice about buying a fifty bucks drink.”

“Tonight everything is free. Order whatever you like.”

I looked at Raviel with a frown.

“You brought me here as part of your surprise plan, right?”

“Of course. Look at those people over there.”

I looked back and saw people in formal attire starting to arrive at the place.

“Who are they?”

“My business colleagues. I actually have a special team handling this surprise.”

“Tsk, you lied to me, huh?” I punched his shoulder lightly.

I already had a feeling that Raviel didn’t actually need my help like I thought I would. I thought he would need my help setting the table or blowing up balloons or arranging flowers in vases. Huh, that was ridiculous. A rich guy like Raviel would never throw a party that simple.

“I didn’t want to wear you out, Claire. I want you to have a good time tonight,” he said, stroking my cheek.

My heart was pounding wildly. I couldn't control it whenever I was near Raviel.

"Are we going to shout surprise at my mother when she comes?"

"No. I will cover her eyes with this handkerchief when she arrives and lead her here.”

“Perfect. When will my mother come?”

Raviel glanced at the gold watch on his wrist.

Dammit!

I’ve never been this concerned about his wealth. I thought his wealth was just normal. But this was definitely beyond normal. Raviel must have a lot of businesses to support his glamorous life. Could the internet café business give him all the wealth he has shown to my mother and me all this time?

“The party starts at seven. Thirty more minutes. I hope your mother is done with her makeup and is on her way here.”

I nodded slowly.

“What should I do now?”

I didn’t know any of these people, and they didn’t seem to want to know me either. I felt like a stranger in a strange place. And I didn’t like that.

“Want to go around with me? I’ll introduce you to some of my business partners.”

Raviel held out his hand to me. I stared at him for a few seconds before taking it. His hand was so warm. I wanted him to hold my hand forever.

“By the way, I haven’t told you that you look beautiful tonight.”

“Really? I’m trying not to disappoint you.”

“That white dress suits you. You look elegant, but not cheap.”

“Luckily, I brought this white dress in my suitcase.”

Raviel took me to greet a lovely couple. They smiled broadly at us. I tightened my grip on Raviel's hand as nervousness consumed me.

“Evening. Welcome to my party, Mr. Armstrong.”

“Mr. Marshal. Thank you for having me and my wife to your and your wife’s anniversary party.”

The man suddenly turned to me and smiled.

“Happy anniversary to you, Mrs. Marshal. We wish you all the best.”

“May God bless you with good health. You look so young and beautiful, Mrs. Marshal.”

“Umm… Sorry, I think there’s a misunderstanding here,” I said with a faint, awkward smile, looking up at Raviel.

“I’m not his wife.”