The following day, Benjamin woke up unusually early. This was the day he would finally have a long conversation with Megyn—a moment of truth about his life, his past, and his aspirations before leaving for the city the next day and then flying out to London.
They had agreed to return to Hotel Sunset to spend more time together. Their plans included a visit to the Gazelle park in the morning and an afternoon of swimming.
Megyn had informed her parents that she'd be out the whole day and might return home around nine in the evening. Her parents listened intently. As much as they wanted to keep her close, they also understood the need to give her space.
"My child, remember—freedom comes with responsibility," her father said with a firm but gentle tone. "You're still a student, okay?"
Megyn was surprised that he didn't launch into one of his hour-long lectures about life and responsibility, like he usually did whenever she left for campus.
Benjamin parked the hatchback at the Maringo residence at exactly quarter past eight. Megyn was already ready and waiting.
She informed Amanda that Benjamin had arrived, and Amanda, excited to see him, hurried out to meet them.
"Take good care of her, Benjamin," Amanda said, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"No doubt. I'll bring her back safely," Benjamin assured her.
"I trust you. But know this—you'll answer to me personally if you hurt her, even just a little," she said bluntly.
"Amanda. Trust me."
Megyn smiled, amused at how protective Amanda had become—just like her parents.
After saying goodbye, the couple walked to the car hand in hand, Amanda standing at the doorway, smiling as she watched them leave.
The drive was peaceful, soft classical music playing in the background. Megyn soon dozed off, and Benjamin let her sleep. He knew she was tired—he had kept her awake for most of the night, needing her attention when he couldn't sleep.
They'd talked for a while before he finally drifted off. Megyn, however, hadn't fallen back asleep until the early hours of the morning.
"Gazelle, wake up," Benjamin said gently.
Megyn opened her eyes and stretched.
" Hotel Sunset …" she murmured, still half-asleep. "Benjie, can I sleep just a little while longer?" She yawned. "Oh, how I miss my bed!"
Benjamin chuckled at her sleepy antics. He reached out, held her by the waist, and helped her out of the car. Taking her hand, he led her toward the hotel building.
"Come, Princess. I'll show you a good place to sleep."
He guided her through the back entrance, which had a private elevator. Benjamin had the keys. The lift ascended straight to the top floor. At the terminal end, they stopped before a sturdy iron gate. Benjamin retrieved a bunch of keys, unlocked it, and opened the door to a spacious, immaculate living room that smelled fresh and inviting.
He led her to one of the bedrooms. "Now you can rest, Princess. I'll be in the library—opposite side of the living room—once you wake up."
"Thanks, Benjie. This bed looks delicious," she said with a smile.
"Delicious?" he repeated, grinning.
While Megyn slept, Benjamin immersed himself in the library, losing track of time. There was much to do in so little time. Dr. Lucia had asked him to organize and file important documents if he found a spare moment—and this was it.
A knock interrupted his work. When he opened the door, Toby stood there, saluting playfully.
"Toby, man, what are you doing here?" Benjamin laughed.
"May I come in, Sir?"
"You spotted me already, huh? I thought I was being discreet," Benjamin said.
"I called the doctor to ask if she could sign an urgent cheque, and she told me you were here. So... here I am."
They both sat, Benjamin reviewing the cheque against the invoice. It was due that day. Dr. Lucia called just then, confirming that Benjamin could sign it. The cheque was made out to Ringo Fish Factory.
"Ringo Fish Factory?" Benjamin asked, eyebrows raised.
"Yes, the best in town—both whole and processed fish. You seriously don't know James Maringo, the owner?" Toby asked, astonished. "One of Randi's most successful businessmen!"
Benjamin signed the cheque without hesitation.
As Toby prepared to leave, Benjamin asked him to arrange lunch for two.
"Your Princess is here?" Toby asked with a knowing smile.
"Don't ask too many questions, my man. Just get me today's special."
Toby, always adamant about personally serving Benjamin, returned thirty minutes later, pushing a food trolley. He set the table and left. The aroma was mouthwatering. But Benjamin wouldn't eat without Megyn.
He returned to the office, turned on the stereo, and settled in with a book. It was just past noon. If Megyn wasn't awake by 12:20, he'd gently wake her.
As the song Princess played, Megyn stirred. The clock read a quarter past noon. She recognized the room and smiled. She had slept like a baby and felt refreshed—but very hungry. She yawned loudly just as Benjamin knocked on the door.
"I'll freshen up and join you," she called out. "But I swear, I would eat you if you came in right now! So keep off."
"I wish you knew, Princess!" Benjamin replied, laughing heartily as he walked back.
Megyn jumped into the shower and freshened up quickly. Even without a change of clothes, she looked effortlessly stunning when she entered the dining room.
Lunch was a delightful spread: chicken stew, vegetable salad, rice, and roasted potatoes. The food was amazing, but so was the company.
As they ate lunch, they agreed to postpone the visit to the Gazelle park. Benjamin was always thrilled by gazelles. Everytime he came to hotel sunset, he made sure he visited the place - two kilometres from the hotel. However Megyn had to sleep and so they'll have to postpone their morning activity.
Though she had countless questions on her mind, Megyn decided to wait. They still had time to talk, though.
There would be time—soon—for the answers.