~Chapter I~

Hotel Metropole,

Monte Carlo, Monaco

"Cheers for the four bitches of San Ildefonso." Gab, let out a squeak at the end.

"who would've thought we'd enjoy this kind of luxurious getaway?" Emalia chimes.

Divina who is sitting beside Gab grabs a chardonnay and poured some wine in it as she boasts, "Of course, we're one hella, lucky bitches!"

Looking at them swooning and living upbeat at the moment made me feel ecstatic. I feel like I'm missing the fun as I stand a few distances away from them unpacking my luggage. I knew we will have a long week to enjoy the extravagant country of Monaco and there is no need to hurry everything.

"Hey, Thalia, could you stop that for a while. You are missing the fun here." Emalia finally eyed on me.

Gab walks forward and pressed his fat ass on the couch I'm sitting in, "we only have five days of heaven girl, you should finish that right away or you gonna be left behind from the best of your life." he utters.

I grin at him, as I toss on his face the red lingerie I accidentally tucked inside my luggage.

Later that noon my friends and I went for a walkathon spree at the busy street of Monte Carlo. our eyes were full with fascination that we couldn't even hold ourselves, everything is too picturesque, that we've taken pictures to most of these Belle Epoque buildings in Monaco.

"I heard most of the people living here are billionaires," Divina commented as we sat for our coffee break near the port.

"Well your informant is not telling lies girl, what do we expect from a tax-free country of Monaco? people can save much and still their economy doesn't feel any pressure." Gab answered back.

I'm not the usual type to meddle in such a topic, I have the least interest in finance, politics, or anything that doesn't bother me much. I want to explore Monaco and these gals are just too tired to go further.

"You know, I think I need to go back to the store we walk past a while ago, I forgot to buy something from that store. I'll just meet you all later at the hotel." I told them as I pick up my purse and head my way out.

"You sure you won't get lost?" Emalia ask.

I raised my phone and with a smile on my face, I told her, "Everything can be googled these days. Even the brand of your undies, Virgin." and then I left.

My feet brought me back to a fragrance store. I was really fascinated by the free demonstration I shortly witnessed a while back. I thought, perhaps I could start this business when I get back to San Ildefonso.

A woman wearing a maroon apron approached me, "You are the lady a while ago."

"Yes. I really came back to see you. You see, I really am interested in making my own fragrance. I mean if you will, of course. I would like to learn the basics since I'm planning to make one for my husband for our anniversary. I'm Thalia by the way" I said reaching my hand. I had to lie and I am surprised that eventually, the woman buys it without further question.

"You can call me Mrs. Landers. Come, follow me," she answers with her hand gesturing the lead.

I didn't expect her to be so generous enough to teach me how. but well, I followed her inside the next door behind the tall cabinet stand and there hides her mini laboratory or if I'm right about how it is called.

"How long have you been making fragrances?" I asked as my eyes wandered on the different test tubes and glass bottles containing variants of colored liquids.

"Ever since I met my husband," she answered with a smile. so I guess I really hit a mark with my excuse.

"Your husband must be loving to you very much."

"Well, he used to be." She keeps the talk as her hand was also arranging the dried leaves away from the working table.

"I'm sorry--"

Mrs. landers hand me over a clean apron and said, "He joined the creator ten years ago and still here I am making his fragrances up till this day." yet I suddenly felt a short glimpse of emptiness in those answer.

"You are very promising. I wish I could make something for my husband too, something he will surely cherish forever." I lied again while wearing the apron. I'm starting to quiver from this shinanigan but here goes whatever.

"Well, I could teach you this special fragrance. I know my husband will be happy that someone else is making the same thought for her husband." She happily announced in front of me, handing me a piece of paper with some measurements and ingredients I'm likely familiar with.

I don't deserve to be flattered but her words are just too overwhelming. I had to endure the conscience and accept it politely. A moment later, she began giving me intricate instructions, she even taught me the accurate measurements and fermentation for the oils and dried flowers. I am so amused at how considerate she is.

Time went swiftly that I nearly forgot it's almost time for dinner. I promised to meet my friends at the hotel lounge before we go out for dinner.

I arrive five minutes earlier yet I can already see the grumpy look on their faces.

"you are late!" Divina said crossing her arm in front of me while.

"Let's go before our meal cools," I answer instead.

Giving out a reason would only complicate things further. I had to just drag them to move rather than to keep talking about it.

***

Hotel Metropole,

Monte Carlo, Monaco

The following morning, I told my friends that I will be moving with a different itinerary that left their Jaws sank open.

"But we are all supposed to go to Larvotto Beach today?" Emalia said, pouting.

Gab and Divina look at me as if it was a lie. I had to explain to them that I had other things to do and I'll just follow them after an hour which persuaded them.

I made it to the store shortly after fifteen minutes. Surprisingly, the store's light is still dim and it appears like no one is inside. Not so long when I notice Mrs. landers sitting on a stool near the window, she is just staring something from afar.

Looking by her face, perhaps she is worried about something. I tap her shoulder and that's the only time she realizes I was already in the shop. "I'm sorry, have you been standing there for too long?" She asked, her smile painted on those nearly saggy but graceful face once more.

"Not really. I'm just here to let you check something. I had this redone in my room last night without my husband noticing." I lied while trying to lay down the few materials I have. I had her the spray bottle containing the scent I just played mixing last night at the hotel, shortly after everyone's asleep.

She took the bottle from me and sprayed at the palm of my hand. She waived it below her nose and inhaled it with both eyes closed. Is this how a pro smell fragrance.

"Are you supposed to be on a vacation with your husband?" She asked wondering as she stood beside me.

"Well, it's technically not a vacation--" I had to think of a good reason or else I'm doomed, "--more like a business trip. My husband is a businessman and this is just one of his out of the country trips."

Mrs. Lander's lips are partly parted, somewhat like she is still waiting for additional answers but sadly I couldn't provide anymore.

"I see. It must be hard for you to take your husband away from his business for a while." She told me, giving more emphasis on the 'business' thing.

I just smiled at her. Not that I am ashamed but rather, I could no longer think of other reasons to tell her. Thankfully, she did not ask me further.

She smelled the fragrance on her hand once more and finally, her eyes glanced back at me again. "Excelente." she mused.

"Pardon?" I asked, wondering why her reactions are like that. Did she just praise me or what?

"You have an exceptional sense of smell. I have never smelled such scent in my whole years." Mrs. Landers said in bizarre expression, her eyes widened with much delight.

"Are you serious? I thought I messed up." I answered back with a lot of confusion, as to how I manage to make her revert such verdict when I'm just a complete novice. And yet, Mrs. Landers just smiled at me with approval.

I head my way to get a clean apron and spot a notice of closure posted on the shop's bulletin board. My eyes widened with sadness when I saw that it's this Shop that's nearing its closure for lapses of rental fees.

"I'm sorry, you shouldn't have seen this." Mrs. Landers said after snatching the paper from me.

"Mrs. Landers, is there anything I can help you with?"

She moves her head in refusal, "There is no need, my dear. I don't want to burden you with my own dilemma besides, the store will close if it's already her time." she said, yet I can feel from her tune that she doesn't want the store to go. I can see that now why she was just looking from the window as if looking from something far away her reach.

There's a sadness I could not help but feel. I lied to her and took advantage of her kindness and yet she still receive such bad luck. If there is anything I could do to at least save her shop from closure.

True as they say, help comes to those who are genuine and generous to others. I just wish I am the real wife of a rich businessman who can save her shop. but I'm just an opportunist tourist taking advantage of her generosity.

I am supposed to follow her at the laboratory when I noticed another posting on her bulletin board, it's an auction at a masquerade ball.

An idea flashes inside my head which pushes my feet to quickly move to where Mrs. landers is, "I think I have a plan to help you."

Mrs. Landers look at me in full wonder. while her forehead created four fine lines out of confusion, I then handed her the flyer about the auction, "If you really think this fragrance I made is exceptional, perhaps we can put it on auction. All the proceeds would be more than enough to cover up the lapsed building rent,"

"But this scent is for your husband, right?" she worries.

I smiled back at her to assure that it's fine, "I can still create a new one for him." I then answered.

Looking at her expression, Mrs. Landers couldn't help but cry. And with a quick glance from the flyer, she abruptly hugged me and at that moment, "I don't know how shall I repay you." she said as her voice began to tremble due to the tears flowing out from her brown eyes.

"Think of it as nothing, Mrs. Landers," I assured once more.

She wipes off the tears from her eyes soon after hugging me. "this auction has an after-party masquerade ball, this flyer comes with two passes for the ball, it was supposed to be for me and my late husband but I'm giving this for you and your husband to attend. I wish to meet him at the auction and tell him as well about your generosity." She suddenly said, placing the passes on my left palm.

"Err..." words suddenly got lost from my mouth.

"Is there something wrong? I believe your husband would probably enjoy socialization nights. A lot of Elite and powerful people, some businessmen like your husband, could be there." She keeps the encouragement going, thinking I might refuse the invitation.

"well--" I am cut to what I am supposed to say when she insisted, "I can't wait to meet your fortunate husband, Thalia. And thank you so much for doing this." she gracefully reminded me once more. Her hands freed mine and she headed towards the cupboard containing fancy empty perfume bottles.

I'm screwed. This whole auction idea brought me to my own grave. Where the hell shall I get a husband to bring at the auction and masquerade ball?

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