Queena was happy too. As she was about to follow, she spotted a cluster of vendors selling fruit and snacks. “Natty, wait up!” she called out. “There are a bunch of food stalls over there. I’m going to buy some things.”
Natalie jogged back to her side.
“They have snacks?”
Queena pointed to the nearby stalls, her eyes wide with excitement. “Let’s go, let’s go! We can get some roasted nuts, some corn on the cob, and some seasonal fruit. Look at how delicious those peaches look! And they have cherries! Oh my god, I love places like this. This resort is amazing.”
Queena dragged her suitcase over, and the two of them bought a pile of snacks before finally heading inside.
After checking in, they dropped their things off in their pre-booked rooms, changed their clothes, and headed for the hot springs.
The water was flowing, channeled into pools sectioned off by smooth river stones, with a thin layer of steam rising from the surface. They had chosen the most expensive option, a private area with its own secluded pool. A small table and a wastebasket were set up nearby for their snacks and fruit.
A few large, lush trees grew beside the pool, their leaves creating a dappled canopy. Sunlight filtered through, reflecting off the water in shimmering patterns.
As soon as Natalie sank into the warm water, she felt her entire body relax.
“Wow, Queena, this is pure bliss. I feel so much lighter already.”
Seeing her friend so happy, Queena felt relieved. Natalie was a resilient person, but it seemed her love life was destined for turmoil.
She sat down next to Natalie and looked her in the eye. “Natalie, call me crazy, but I’m getting a strong ‘he’s being played’ vibe from your Mr. Mistake.”
Natalie scoffed. “He’s just Joanna’s backup plan, pretending to be some tragic, devoted hero. Why would I warn him? Joanna is the love of his life; he can’t live without her.”


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