Chapter 5

The attendants moved gracefully between the pools, carrying trays of different kind of drinks for the guests.

When Jimmy asked for his third glass of ice water, I finally caved. "If you’re really uncomfortable, just go. Play your game. I’ll stay here and relax myself."

"Seriously, Lilith? Oh, love you, babe!" He practically leaped out of the water, barely drying off before grabbing his phone and texting his coworkers to meet him.

I should’ve been upset. Disappointed, at the very least. But this time, I couldn’t even blame him. He simply wasn’t the type of man who enjoyed these things.

Still, a part of me had hoped—foolishly—that this trip might rekindle something. That he would look at me the way he used to. That he would want me again.

But now, sitting here alone, I finally noticed something was off. My swimsuit felt… tight.

I looked down, realizing with mild horror that in my rush, I had bought the wrong size. It was a little too snug, and now that I was paying attention, my chest felt constricted, as if being pushed up unnaturally.

My cleavage was practically spilling over, emphasized by the plunging cut of the swimsuit. The fabric pressed against my curves, making them look rounder, fuller—almost indecently so.

Great. And this was the only swimsuit I had packed.

I sighed, trying to ignore the discomfort, and let the lavender scent soothe me.

Just as I closed my eyes to fully relax, I felt something warm brush against my ear.

A breath?

Startled, I turned sharply—only to come face to face with a large, sleek-furred dog.

My heart pounded. It was the same dog Jimmy and I had seen on our way to dinner last night.

He stared at me, his deep brown eyes unwavering. Then he lowered his head slightly and—oh god—his warm, damp nose nudged against my ear again, sending a shiver down my spine.

I gasped. A small, breathy sound escaped my lips.

The dog stilled, his gaze locked onto me.

I felt a strange sense of unease but brushed it off. It’s just a dog.

Self-consciously, I adjusted my swimsuit, tugging at the neckline to ease the tightness. I wasn’t paying attention.

I didn’t realize what I had done.

The small motion had loosened the fabric just enough.

And now, the dog was staring directly at my exposed pink nipples.

A low, guttural noise rumbled from his throat. Then, in a flash, he turned and leaped away.

"What…?" I blinked, caught between confusion and embarrassment. Had he… reacted? No, that was ridiculous. It was just a dog.

Still, I frowned, watching as he disappeared into the trees. "Is he lost? Does he have an owner?"

Shaking my head, I stood and made my way to the next hot spring—the rose-infused pool.

The rest of the morning passed in leisurely solitude.

By noon, I was craving a break. "Okay, I need something to eat," I murmured, stretching as I stepped out of the fragrant pool.

Following the winding stone path, I came across a charming little bar that served an elegant breakfast menu and drinks throughout the day.

I ordered a simple English breakfast and some Swiss cheese fondue, savoring the rich flavors as I ate.

Then, a waiter approached with a polite smile. "Madam, would you like something to drink? All alcoholic beverages are complimentary for resort guests."

My eyes lit up. Free drinks?

"Champagne, please. Thank you."

The crisp bubbles danced on my tongue, bringing a giddy lightness to my mood. Before I knew it, I had downed three glasses.

I prided myself on my alcohol tolerance, but in my carefree indulgence, I forgot a crucial rule—

Never drink too much before soaking in a hot spring.

Because when I stood up, the world swayed. A dizzy spell hit me like a crashing wave.

And then—

Everything went dark.