The Secret Arrangement

by Danielle Greyson

  The hotel was just 5 minutes walking from Laura’s work, but she never had the chance to see the hotel in the inside and tonight she had the opportunity to get to know what it was like staying in a luxury hotel for the first time in her life.

  As soon as they reached the hotel, the doorman opened the door to Laura, and then another one opened the main door to get into the hotel. Laura was fascinated with the hotel, it was pure glamour, sober colors in a combination of gray, brown, glass and crystal, straight lines, stylish and contemporary. When they finally reached the spacious suite, it was a room that was three times larger without any effort then Laura's flat. Inside the colors were the same as the main entrance, with the same line of decoration, velvety sofas, they were cute and looked comfortable. Laura watched attentive the bedside tables, finding them with a very interesting design, they looked like a small exquisite drum.

  Making herself comfortable to ease the pressure from her shoulders, she poured some champagne, while Ali disappeared into the next room, leaving her alone. She undressed going straight to the bathroom taking a relaxing bubble bath.

  She always had the desire having a relationship to enjoy life on another level and having the unique experience from a wealthy world, if she couldn’t do it by herself. Being always her deepest desire benefiting from things she always dreamt of.

  Laura knew she needed to do some sacrifices, and she knew what they would be. But she didn’t care, if she could have everything she always wanted, it was okay.

  She was just waiting to give herself to the right man, the man who deserved to appreciate her company; she wanted to connect with him and have everything he was able to give her.

  And that's why tonight she was going to give to a stranger, aware that most people couldn’t fulfill their goals and were only able to criticize her, if they know what she was about to do for money. But she always thought differently from her friends and that’s why she never shared her goals with them.

  She always thought - If I have to be unhappy, I prefer to cry in inside a Lamborghini.

  She was always the opinion, people who say that money does not bring happiness, are always people who don’t have any money.

  When she heard this from her friends, she would shake her head in disagreement and thinking to herself - How can you say something without having ever experienced, you live day-a-day of a ridiculous income, that can’t even pay for a decent vacation, because all the money goes to the house, food, school, medicine and clothes…and what's left in the end of life? You only hope for a miserable pension –

  She was never able to agree with them and thought whenever they tried to dissuade that money was not good to anyone, Laura would only believe in it when a billionaire told in her eyes that money doesn’t bring happiness.

  Tonight was a night of changes, a night that would finally bring her everything she wanted. She knew it.

  When Ali returned from the living room, she was already in bed with the duvet pulled up to her neck; he looked up at her and laughed.

  "What are you laughing?" Laura asks him suspiciously.

  "Shyness still makes you a prettiest girl" said smiling on the way to have his shirt unbuttoned, he puts the watch on the table beside, next to Laura, she looked at the watch and she asked if she could touch it.

  "Sure"

  She took the watch and looked at it carefully: "It's beautiful, I had never seen such a piece of art" she said handing to him.

  "If you saw another watch like this one, it would be a problem" he said with a laugh. She looked confused at him, he explained

  "This watch is unique in the world, is a Patek Phillipe, cost me around £2,000,000. I love buying watches as investments "He told her while putting the watch inside the safe.

  "Wow" was the only sound that Laura could say, when she learnt the price of the watch.

  "What is your nationality?" Asked Laura knowing that everyone was from anywhere but London.

  "I know you might not believe it, but I was born in London, but my family is from Iran. I know what you're thinking, all my family is Muslim, but I don’t usually practice the religion, only a few bits here and there nothing out of the ordinary"

  He smiled at her, pleased to give a simple and quick explanation. He couldn’t tell her what was his real intention, not now, only when he knew she was ready.

  He came close to her without a word looking into her eyes, sat at the edge of the bed, his hand touches gently her face, neck and uncovers her body slowly, kissing her, enjoying every second of it.

  The chemistry between them, after they spent the first night together, was definitely there, sealing the "business" with real pleasure of being together.

  The next morning Laura called early to the store where she used to work saying that he could not go to work because she was ill and felt feverish.

  While Laura was at the phone Ali sent breakfast to the suite. Today was a special day and she wanted to enjoy all the perks that Ali could give her, she was not missing work because she loved working in the store, no, she was missing work because Ali was her ticket to get out of there for good.

  Breakfast arrived with the finest delicacies that one could imagine. Laura saw for the first time in her life, the finest breakfast with fresh croissants and other pastries, toast, coffee and fresh squeezed orange juice, meats and cheeses, fruits and much more. Laura looked amazed at that breakfast table; she saw food for nearly a week.

  In Ali’s company she ate willingly, they spoke cheerfully and more relaxed with each other. Ali told her the plans for the next weeks, letting her know if she wanted to travel, she could to him. It didn’t matter where he was. Excited she said she would love to travel to him and every time he would her next to him just needed to call and she would be there for him, sealing the deal with a kiss.

  It was 9 am already and Ali needed to go to the airport, he needed to travel to Bahrain on business. But before leaving left precise instructions at the reception that Laura could get everything she wanted and that she could go to the magnificent hotel's spa, hairdresser. She could even stay for lunch if she wished. Everything was on him.

  Spending her first luxury morning, she went to the spa, did massages, skin treatments, got her hair done and because it was lunch time, she took the opportunity to get to know the restaurant.

  Enjoying every minute of this opportunity and she went for it, crossing the hotel reception, through the mirrored oval bar that gave a sophisticated and beautiful appearance. Going down a rounded wooden stairs, with metal handrail and horizontal slats silver, each one with a point of light.

  Although the menu was a delight after another, Laura opted only for a salad with grilled chicken breast, after all, now she had a reason to stay elegant.

  She didn’t notice that her boss saw her when she left the hotel, Laura was taken by surprise when he stand front of her and confronted her because she hadn’t gone to work. She didn’t know what to say and started feeling frustrated because she never missed work and was not use to it. And when she opted to do it for the first time, she got caught. Her boss was so angry at her, he said Laura right there at the street, she should stop by his accountants to pick up her last payment, she would no longer work for him.

  Arrived home, she sat comfortably on the sofa, opened the bag and pulled out the money, looked at it thoughtful, opened it from the transparent bag and laid the notes on the small table next to the couch starring at the notes.

  There is was £ 20,000 in cash, this was the amount she used to earn during an entire year, when she used to work in the store and Ali gave it to her, only to enjoy Laura’s company, just for one night.

  Knowing for sure, Ali was the door to the world she always aimed for, was now very real, she was a sugar baby with everything it would come from it, the good and bad and the price she needed to pay, was not so high after all, as she loved be with him. If there was one thing that Laura wanted, was to stay focused on her goals, she didn’t had any plans to fall in love or getting mar
ry with Ali.

  Of course Laura wanted to get married one day, but she wanted to be in love with a successful guy, about same age and not her father’s age, as Ali was. She just felt, Ali was not the man she dreamt to marry, he was old, Muslim, and although he was attractive for his age, she aimed someone more her age. Ali was just the start of a successful and rich life, the life she always wanted.

  Although Laura was feeling a little bit guilty for losing her the job so prematurely, she knew Ali would contact her again shortly. She just needed to be patient.

  Still sitting looking at the money, entangled in her thoughts she was now confused. Having enough money to spend in everything she wanted, was always what she wanted, but now the money was in front of her and she couldn’t stop thinking how difficult life was and now out of work, she could not afford to spend all the money, she had to be clever and calculate more than ever.

  She decided she should take the rest of the afternoon to do some shopping, but only with a very small part of the money, half of the money would go immediately to the bank and the rest she would leave at home in a small safe she had for emergencies.

  It had passed three days and Ali gave no news, not even a message. Laura began to wondering, but she thought Ali didn’t have time to plan time to be together again. She didn’t want to contact him, because she didn’t want to look to eager to see him again, much less give the impression as a neurotic woman after him and after his money.

  She spend days at home, she went for walks in the city, spending her in museums, trying to learn more, and she spent a lot of time on the Internet trying to figure out what she could do professionally, something that could give her the freedom to travel at any time and work wherever she was, making her own schedule.

  She knew how to get access to Ali and other men like him if he didn’t contact her, but she was willing to do something for her, she didn’t want to depend completely in a man, she had to be smarter than that.

  Inviting for dinner a group of friends, to help her spend time, they didn’t lose time and asked her directly if she had arranged an enchanted prince, she smiled at them saying she had met a very interesting man, he was an Arab billionaire, omitting the part of the financial arrangement. As soon she said Ali was a billionaire, her friends didn’t lose any time and said as soon he had her in bed, was the only thing he would want from her, he would disappear forever, because rich people only date and marry other wealthy people. Leaving Laura thinking about that for a moment, but she had the feeling, that wasn’t true, she knew deep down Ali would contact her again.

  That’s why she would never introduce Ali to her friends and family, they don’t understand, they would never understand her choices. Laura changed the subject, it was always the same thing with all around her, she was tired of her friends, and she wanted new friends, because these ones take every opportunity to show all their contempt to wealthy people.

  But Laura knew deep down her friends were only envious of successful people and someone who has access to all the best that money can buy.

  Chapter 3

  Over one week passed by and Laura began to get apprehensive if Ali would ever reach her again, she wondered if she should go back to the website to meet another man that could provide the same experience as Ali.

  But when she thought Ali had forgotten her, surprisingly Laura received a call; he apologizes for his silence, but was traveling incessantly for business. He would be for four days in Dubai and asked her if she wanted to spend the time which was possible during the 4 days with him, because in between he had several business meetings.

  Taking a deep and silent breath to hear from Ali again and proven once again her friends were wrong, Laura was genuinely glad to hear from Ali and when she heard his invitation she accepted immediately.

  Ali was pleased to know that Laura was very easy going, that’s what he was looking for, someone who was always there for him, when he needed.

  He ended the call saying he would send later an email with details. It took a few hours for Laura to receive the longed email. When she opens it, smiled satisfied, she would finally have some real excitement in her life and live the life she always wanted. As she was reading, Ali explained in the email that she should go in the next day to the city airport, and make herself announced in the private jet area, for his private jet for Dubai. At the Dubai airport she had a driver waiting for her to take her to the Burj al-Arab, which was the hotel where Ali was staying.

  Laura read the email twice and confirmed to Ali she would be ready the next day, to meet him in Dubai.

  Waking up excited about the trip, she packed her suitcase in a flash while she couldn’t stop thinking about the new experience she was going to have; she couldn’t help being excited to Ali again. She was certain that Ali will take her only to the best places in Dubai, without forgetting the financial part. She was curious to know how much he would give her this time for entire four days.

  Upon arriving at the airport she went directly to the private jet area, and before she set foot on the first step of the small plane the flight attendant handles Laura a huge and beautiful bouquet of red roses with a card from Ali wishing a good trip. She loved the attention Ali could give to her when he had the time; she felt she was treated like a princess.

  Inside the plane the treatment was not less like royalty, a real dream for Laura, she was literally in heaven.

  Neither could she imagine what was about to come and what she was going to live.

  During the flight Laura toke the opportunity to read everything about Dubai, curiosities and a brief history of the city, which she surprisingly discovered was a very recent city. Laura had the opportunity to appreciate a delicious meal as if she was in a Michelin star restaurant, drank champagne, seen movies that felt like it, she surfed on the Internet. A wonderful trip without the stress of having to carry suitcases, waiting in queues for check-in, it was just so easy going traveling this way and Laura was really pleased.

  As soon as the plane landed there were people taking care once again all Laura’s luggage, and with a car at her disposal to drive her out the VIP area in a Rolls Royce.

  She never had the pleasure sitting in a Rolls Royce in her life, it was so soft and comfortable, and it was impressive.

  With the temperature literally scalding, the air conditioning car was turned on maximum and Laura was grateful to have fresh water and champagne available in the car.

  Upon arrival at the hotel Burj Al-Arab, Laura entered the lobby and for her surprise she had four employees of the hotel waiting for her, one handed her with tweezers a small wrapped wet towel to wash hands. Laura thanked, a second employee handled bottle of fresh colony and drops a little bit in Laura’s hands. The following employee offered her a tray with dates and Laura took a date and finally the fourth and final employee offered her a small glass with mint tea.

  After this unexpected and welcomed reception, Laura checked-in and was directed by the concierge to the suite where Ali was in.

  Walking along the hotel, Laura was amazed with the lobby, with water dancing springs, while headed for the elevators next to the lobby, she took escalators and in the middle from bottom to the top of the escalators was a huge source of water falls.

  The whole atmosphere was wonderful and swanky, where exquisite golden prevailed, accompanied with other vibrant colors like red or blue depending on the areas. The floor was marble as some walls, gold leaf railings.

  Finally Laura managed to get inside the suite, it was huge with two floors all in gold and blue shades, but for huge disappointment Ali was not there and the suite was empty. Waiting for her was only strawberries involved in chocolate in a silver cup, a bottle of crystal champagne and in the next room there was a huge bouquet of red roses with a card:

  "Please forgive me, for not being there waiting for you.

  Let’s meet for dinner in one of my favorite restaurants in Dubai.

  Inside the closet you will find a dress, shoes and a clutch, I hope you
will like it.

  Love, Ali”

  Laura looked disappointed at the flowers, they look so beautiful. Went back to the other room and toke the silver plate with the strawberries, she could not resist temptation of tasting one. Going up to the room, she opens the closet and saw a beautiful long mermaid dress in emerald green and designer sandals. She looked at the shoes and remembered: Only the shoes he bought her were in the value of the entire month of her income when she used to work in the store, and now she won the effortlessly.

  As there were still 5 hours to dinnertime, Laura took a relaxing bath in the most opulent bathroom she’d ever seen with all Hermes toiletries. Then she napped for an hour and then called for a hairdresser to the room to get her hair, manicure and her nails done. She was almost finished make-up and still in robe when Ali entered the room, Laura looked at him and they greeted enthusiastically with a long kiss and a hug.

  "How nice to see you again. I'm so glad you came last minute, it means a lot to me."

  "I loved the invitation, with you everything is a unique experience and I absolutely love it" said Laura with sincerity and enthusiasm, like an excited child telling a novelty. Ali laughed happy to be able to provide those experiences to Laura and he intended to continue to do so.

  "My dear you haven’t seen anything yet, stay with me, and if get along, you will have many unique experiences, believe in me"

  Hugging her at the same time, he added: "We have to hurry up, I booked the restaurant and we need to be there in 30 minutes"

  "Where are we going?"

  "We are not going anywhere really, we will go to one of the restaurants in the hotel"

  Prepared, they went down in the elevator to the restaurant hand in hand. Laura loved that Ali treated her with kindness and like a real girlfriend and felt grateful that he did not treat her as a business.

  As soon as Laura entered in the restaurant, she stopped, forcing Ali to stop as well. With and astonished face going with her eyes all over the restaurant, Ali looked at her and smiled hilarious and thought how she was always so enthusiastic about everything, he loved that she appreciate everything he had done so far to her.