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VICTORIA REDISCOVERS HIMSELF

Victoria walked through the resort, exploring every corner with the freedom she didn't have the first time. She recalled how she had been limited to doing only what her husband desired, spending her days by the pool and in the room, while Damien supposedly attended business meetings that she now knew were rendezvous with his lover.

"This time, things will be different. I will make choices that satisfy me."

Taking a deep breath, Victoria decided to enjoy the resort as she had always wanted. She went to the sauna and surrendered herself to the relaxing heat, feeling the toxins of the past being released through every pore of her skin.

"Oh, how good it is to have time to myself."

After the sauna, Victoria visited the resort's masseuse, surrendering herself to the skilled touch that almost made her fall asleep with relaxation. Victoria sighed and said, "This is divine... I almost forget about all the problems."

Feeling rejuvenated, Victoria noticed a nearby beauty salon and decided to treat herself to a full day of spa treatments. Upon entering, she was greeted with warm smiles from the salon staff. The esthetician welcomed her enthusiastically, saying, "Welcome, Mrs. Ashford! We are honored to have you here with us."

"Thank you! Today, I decided to have a day just for myself."

She spent hours being pampered with facial treatments, a manicure, a pedicure, and an exquisite hairstyle. The esthetician exclaimed admirably, "You look radiant! The result is marvelous."

"You've done an incredible job! I feel renewed," Victoria thanked them.

Next, Victoria visited a boutique within the resort. There, she found a flowing dress in a stunning moss green color that seemed to reflect her new outlook on life. She tried it on and admired her reflection in the mirror, feeling refreshed and powerful.

"Time flew by!" she said, realizing that evening had arrived. Victoria made her way to the resort reception and decided to inquire about Damien's condition.

"Excuse me, my husband is suffering from sunstroke. I would like to request a doctor to come to our room, if possible."

"Certainly, Mrs. Ashford! We will send a doctor right away. We hope he recovers quickly," the receptionist promptly responded.

"Thank you," Victoria calmly expressed her gratitude. "But there's no rush. Take as much time as necessary."

Victoria stepped away from the reception, feeling empowered, savoring every moment of control she now had over the situation.


Victoria entered the lively resort bar, feeling confident and radiant in her new moss-green dress, and spotted an empty table. She settled in and was promptly attended to by the waiter.

"Good evening, madam. What would you like to order?"

"A refreshing drink, please. Surprise me with your suggestion of the day," Victoria replied, offering her best smile.

While waiting for her order, Victoria let herself be immersed in the bar's lively atmosphere, with the hired band playing cheerful and contagious music.

"Here's your drink, madam. Enjoy!" the waiter said before leaving.

She picked up her drink and let herself be carried away by the melody, savoring every note while observing other guests dancing and having fun.

"A beautiful woman like you shouldn't be sitting alone," Ethan said as he approached Victoria's table.

He was wearing a white tunic that gracefully fell over his shoulders, paired with beige pants that accentuated his physique, and holding a bottle of beer. Victoria's eyes widened, and her mouth slightly opened as she looked him up and down, unable to look away. She admired the way the fabric of his pants moved, softly outlining a certain "bulge" with his confident stride. Victoria's heart started beating faster, feeling drawn to Ethan in a way she had never experienced before. Perhaps it was the effect of the mysterious drink, as her thoughts became a blur while she got lost in his beauty.

Ethan stood in front of Victoria, who tried to regain control of herself, closing her mouth and straightening her posture. She smiled shyly upon meeting him.

"Good evening, Ethan," she managed to say without stuttering.

"Good evening, Victoria. It seems that fate has brought us face to face again."

"Good evening, Ethan," Victoria repeated. She took a sip of her drink quickly and then continued, "What are you doing here?"

"I came to enjoy the best spot in the resort," Ethan replied, looking around. "Where's Damien tonight? I don't see him around."

"Damien stayed in the room. He's not feeling very well," Victoria replied, playing with her hair.

"Ah, I see. Well, I bet you'll say you're returning to your room and prefer to be by his side, but..."

"Ethan," Victoria interrupted her husband's rival, "I believe he's in good hands now. So, I can allow myself to enjoy some time for myself."

Ethan approached even closer, showing interest in sharing Victoria's company.

"Well, if you don't mind, may I join you?"

"Sure, make yourself comfortable," Victoria replied with a smile. She then noticed Ethan briefly tilting his head back behind the blonde woman's body and then returning his gaze, landing his eyes on the generous neckline of her dress. "What's wrong?"

"You look stunning tonight, Victoria. This moss green dress enhances your beauty remarkably."

"Thank you, Ethan. You know how to compliment a woman," Victoria commented, biting her lip, unable to resist asking, "But why do men always feel the need to be so chivalrous? Or rather, why are you always so chivalrous?"

Ethan chuckled and lifted his cold beer, tilting his head back, allowing the drink to flow down his throat, while Victoria watched him with a look full of desire and excitement.

The way he held the bottle, his lips touching the rim, the slight trace of moisture left on his mouth, it all stirred Victoria's senses. She felt aroused by the simple image of a confident man enjoying the simple pleasure of a refreshing drink.

Victoria couldn't look away. Her eyes roamed Ethan's body, fixating on his tempting lips. She felt a wave of heat coursing through her body, her heart beating faster in response to the excitement building within her.

Ethan noticed Victoria's intense gaze on him and smirked, knowing the effect he was having on her. He brought the bottle to his lips again, this time lightly brushing them with his tongue before taking a sip. The action sent a shiver down Victoria's spine.

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