novelraw Chapter 74 -Spa Day
Chapter 74 -Spa Day
Jake's POV
I groaned inwardly as Mercy practically dragged me into the spa. “Come on, Jake, it’ll be fun,” she insisted.
" I don't understand.Why do I owe you any obedience,little sister? Are you handing over your inheritance?" Mercy giggled and frowned at the same time. " I didn't know you were such a sucker for money. No doubt you are my mother's son. " Her enthusiasm was unwavering despite my reluctance. " And here I am trying to give you something that no money can buy. "
After spending time at the art gallery, I thought we were done for the day, but no, my sister had other plans. “Mercy, this really isn’t my thing,” I protested, but she shot me a look that brokered no argument as we stood at the entrance.Resigned, I followed her inside, feeling out of place among the plush surroundings and soothing scents.
The receptionist greeted us warmly, and soon enough, I was handed a robe and slippers. “See you later,” Mercy said with a wink before disappearing into her own treatment room.I changed into the robe, feeling utterly ridiculous, and was led to a treatment room for a mud mask. As I lay there, the therapist applied the thick, cool mask to my face. I tried to relax, but my mind kept wandering.
The tranquil environment made it impossible not to think about Lea. Her face kept flashing in my mind, and I couldn’t help but wonder how she was doing. I missed her more than I cared to admit, and moments like these only magnified that emptiness.That was the reason I never kept my mind empty. I always needed to be preoccupied.Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse, I was told there was a mix-up, and I needed to pass through another room to get to my next treatment. “Great,” I muttered under my breath as I was led to a door.
I walked into the adjoining room and nearly tripped over the edge of a massage table. Stumbling, I glanced over to see another person, also covered in a mud mask, lying there. They stifled a giggle, and I felt a flush of embarrassment creep up my neck. My embarrassment prevented me from looking up at the person properly,even though that giggle felt very familiar, somehow. Or maybe I was just imagining things again.
Giving a polite nod, I hurried through the room, trying to ignore how ridiculous we both must have looked.As I passed by, my robe caught on the table, and I nearly face-planted on the floor. I managed to regain my balance and quickly exited the room, but not before hearing a soft chuckle behind me. Once the door closed, I allowed myself a small smile. Maybe this spa day wasn’t all bad.
After my treatments, which lasted for more than some hours, I sat in the relaxation lounge, sipping on some infused water. The ambiance was calming, with soft melodies and the sound of a waterfall nearby. I closed my eyes, trying to embrace the tranquility.I finished my drink in no time and needed a refill but there was nobody within sight. So I decided to get it by myself.
Suddenly, I noticed a shadow on the other side of the translucent glass window next to me. I looked up, and through the blurry partition, I saw a figure standing still. For a moment, we both hesitated, unable to see each other clearly but feeling each other’s presence.
My heart raced unexpectedly.The figure moved away, and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. I shook my head, trying to dispel the unsettling feeling. It was just a coincidence, I told myself. " Sir, can I get you anything? " My attendant tapped me on the shoulder. She was back but I didn't even notice. " Yeah! I just needed a refill! " I said going back to the waterfall, sitting and staring at it. " Coming right away, sir. Is there anything else that you might need? "
The hell I needed. I needed what no one could give me.
The door to the lounge opened, and Mercy walked in, looking refreshed and glowing. “Well, don’t you look relaxed?” she teased, taking a seat next to me. “Yeah, something like that,” I replied, trying to muster a smile.
She studied me for a moment, her playful demeanor softening. “You’re thinking about her, aren’t you?”I sighed, a little taken aback but not bothering to deny it. “I can’t help it, Mercy. She’s always on my mind.” Mercy reached out and squeezed my hand. “Maybe it’s time to do something about it. It's been three years. You can’t keep torturing yourself like this.”
“I know,” I admitted. “But it’s complicated. Everything between us is so tangled up.I can't let go. I don't want to. I want to hold on. But I can't. There’s so much that’s happened. So much left unsaid.”
“Then say it,” she urged. “What’s stopping you from reaching out to her, from making things right?” She sighed and leaned back in her chair. “Brother, life is too short to be ruled by fear. You’ve already lost so much time. Don’t waste any more of it.”