Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

Chapter 382

Rose stood at the hotel entrance, clutching her suitcase. Amidst the flurry of activity, she could not help

but marvel at the Winterland Hotel’s concept of harmonizing its design with the elements of the wind.

The hotel fronted the sea, a lone structure braving the wind. Before it sprawled a stretch of golden

beach, far from the urban clamor. It was as if stepping into this serene expanse could soothe even the

most agitated heart.

However, for Rose’s disposition, it was quite the opposite. Calmness eluded her, she was engulfed by

excitement and delight, her inner world resonating with the joyous commotion.

The suites encompassed nine diverse styles – a standalone sea-view villa, a line of six-story

guesthouses, and even translucent sunrooms….

Frank truly understood her preferences. This place was her heaven, evoking a desire to roll on the

ground in pure elation.

Edward stood by, observing the unhidden joy on her face. He courteously inquired, “Which section are

you staying in?”

Rose’s gaze flitted among the varying rooms, and she lamented, saying, “I would love to experience all

of them, but time is limited. I’m unsure which type my brother reserved for me. I’ll inquire at the

reception.”

Ilotel reservations were made by Frank using Rose’s ID and phone number. As such, verifying at the

front desk would be

effortless.

Eventually, Rose discovered Frank had booked a villa for her. His generosity knew no bounds.

Coincidentally. Edward, who stood close behind, was also assigned to the villa area. Rose assumed he

wanted to accompany her to her quarters, so she waved him off graciously, saying, “No need, I can

manage on my own. You can proceed to your lodgings”

Edward adjusted his glasses, a touch of resignation in his gesture, took a breath, and answered, “I’m

staying at the villa as well.

“Ah, what a coincidence! Very well, let’s proceed together then,” she replied.

Edward remained silent but he nodded in agreement. Today he had spoken more than usual.

Rose contemplated, “What an unexpected turn same flight, same hotel, even the identical room type.

Should I tell Sherri

about this?”

Among her peers, Rose was quite the conversationalist. Having just finished unpacking, she leaned

against the reception. counter and conversed fluently in English, asking, “Excuse me, I’d like to inquire

about the attractions. Where do most visitors head first? Could you provide a recommendation?”

The reception staff were partial to good looks and were naturally inclined to assist the polite and

charming young woman. Their pleasant exchange persisted.

After a chat of over ten minutes with the receptionist and armed with newfound insights, Rose sprung

back to her room. primed for her initial destination.

Nearby the elevator, Edward engaged in a phone conversation. He spoke, “Take care during these

days. I’ll be back within a couple of days”

The call was from Kyle. Edward had messaged him during the flight, informing him of his trip to attend

the opening ceremony. Subsequently, he turned off his phone.

Having tracked the flight, Kyle surmised that Edward had already reached the hotel and called, saying,

“You mentioned that only the gifts would arrive. So, why are you and the gifts both at Artroyland now?”

Edward’s gaze, obscured behind his lenses, was inscrutable, as deep as the ocean. He calmly replied,

“Attending the ceremony in person shows our sincerity.”

Oblivious to Rose’s presence, Kyle assumed authenticity and inquired skeptically. “You have not moved

on yet, right? Are you trying to seek respite?”

“Do I appear that fragile? Run the company adeptly, and I’ll bring back a gift for you upon my return,”

Edward responded. With that, he concluded the call, leaving no avenue for Kyle to continue. A brief

respite would not be detrimental.

Sherri had effusively described the picturesque scenery here, and considering her sister had secured

flight tickets and lodging, he accepted her kindness and could not refuse her offer.

Besides, the sun was shining brightly, and the weather was warm.

Clearing her throat and altering her tone, she stationed herself at the door, pressing the doorbell. “Good

mon Would you be interested in some breakfaŭt” she asked.

The latch cla ked, and the door cased open

Clad in pajamas, Frank stood in the doorway, gazing at the girl outside with evident astonishment. After

a brief moment of bewilderment, he gently extended his hand to touch her head as he asked. “Didn’t I

mention I would come to pick you

Ava had already crossed into the room, her voice tender as she explained. “I brought breakfast for you.

Since you are in Sapphire City. I thought I would extend my hospitality”

It was already 10 oclock in the morning. Frank had been awake for a while, yet fearing Ava might be

resting in the morning, he had not called her. He had not anticipated her independent appearance,

bearing breakfast at that

It was a pleasant surprise.

With a self-assured posture, Ava exuded the aura of one thoroughly at ease. And indeed, she was in

her element. This was the Turner family’s hotel. So, wasn’t this her domam

Following her words, she turned her attention to him. Then on tiptoe, she enveloped his neck,

bestowing a kiss upon his lips, and said, “A good morning and good nig

kiss

Frank chuckled, a warmth infusing a specific chamber of his heart. What if I have not brushed my

teeth?” he asked

“I don’t mind. I love you regardless of your state, Ava responded

Sweet words flowed from the girl, flirtation taking root in the early morning. She remained blissfully

unaware, her countenance innocent as if she had not committed any such act. Clearing his throat.

Frank inquared. “Have you had your

meal?”

Seating her on the bed’s edge, he could not resist placing a kiss on her forehead. Anchoring his hands

upon her shoulders, Ava inclined her head, eyes alight with affection, to peer at him.

Tve already eaten. You should eat. This time, I’ll watch you eat,” Ava replied. Before, he always

watched her eat, and she understood he only are when she left some unfinished.

It was rare for Ava to extend her caring gestures toward him. As such, Frank readily accepted and

relished the meal. Irrespective of its taste, he had to feign enjoyment. He plied his utensils onto the

breakfast plate, and Ava ambled over in dainty strides, squatting beside him. Brimming with

expectation, her gaze lifted towards him as she asked. Is it good?”

As his gaze met hers, Frank discerned her eagerness. With one hand free, he tenderly cradled the

back of her head lowering his lips to hers. Their tongues brushed, a trace of breakfast lingering on their

palates. A mischievous smirk played upon Frank’s lips as he questioned. ‘Is it delicious?”

Ava’s face blushed instantly. She shielded her face with both hands, then rose and nestled beside him,

buried in his chest. He. in turn, indulged her, ensconcing an arm about her waist while using the other

to continue his meal.

A muffled, bashful sound emanated from Ava as she replied. “It’s not half bad”

Franks hands hesitated briefly Hastening his consumption, he entertained the thought that prolonging

this scene might undermine his self-restraint She seemed set on teasing him.

He could not guaranter upholding his boundaries in suse proximity. Matters could escalate quickly

Within three or so bites, his breakfast was devoured Parting Ava, who was nestled within his embrace,

he suggested. Let’s

The person cradled within his arms raised her gaze and playfully nipped his chin. Frank’s posture

tensed and he said, Don’t get mischievous Where would you like to go? Shall we perhaps go jet skiing

or target shooting?”

They had engaged in rock climbing the day prior, followed by a bout of shopping Today. Frank intended

to catch up on

other ar

Suddenly. Ava felt a reluctance to head out for her, wherever Frank was, it equated to a splendid spot.

Even if they remained confined to the room, it would still be perfection Silently lying within his embrace,

immersed in a book. constituted a beautiful memory

Emboldened by her musings, she articulated her sentiment, asking. “What if I prefer staying in? I wish

to stay here with you. You can join me for a computer game session.

Frank mused inwardly. “Dors this girl know what she is saying? A whole day together might propel

matters into a complicated realm. Joseph might show up to get me if we stay at the hotel’

Ava’s thoughts were simple. Since Frank had made the long journey to Saphire City, the notion of

whisking her away for

Yri. Frank

from Ava fear of his own restraint

erspective differed. He ha

He

ng out seemed the wisest and most suitable action

the intent

or uninter

al provocationi

Ava, ast her gaze upward, comprehending his apprehension from his visage before probing. Don’t you

want to spend a serene and quiet time with me’ I crave a space exclusive to us both. It may be fun to

head outside. But it is and we do not get to spend alone time together”

Her wish was for a world restricted to just the two of them, a simple desire for them to spend time

together alone

kuzzling into his chest. Ava constantly tilted her tiny head back she spoke with genuine earnestness

Frank found it difficult to refuse her request. A touch of helplessness flickered withm his deep, ink-black

eyes. Initially, he had planned an adventurous day for them. However, it occurred that the girl soug a

serene day in Sapphire Hotel

Though their gazes converged for no more than three seconds, in the end, he relented Frank replied,

“Alright, I’ll go brush

my teeth”

Ava pulled herself from his embrace, a hint of puzzlement on her countenance. “Didn’t you brush

before eating” she

asked

Frank affirmed, saying, “I did” He was wary that she might desire a later kiss, prompting his second

round of brushing

Ava, innocent and unassuming, assumed Frank s meticulous hygiene habits were the cause and paid it

little mind. But a thought of Rose crossed her mind, and she inquired, Frank, is Rose in Artrovland

today? Is she alone?”

Frank’s mouth agleam with foam, managed a simple “Hmm” Most likely, Rose had arrived. After rinsing

his mouth, he called to Ava, who was sitting outside, saying. You can check her social media posts”

Rose was notorious for sharing every detail on her social platforms. Frank had considered blocking her

due to her oversharing tendency

Acting on his suggestion. Ava fetched her phone and accessed Rose’s profile. She selected the social

media posts, and at selfie of Rose on a vintage streci could be seen. Adorning her wrist was a white

jasmine bracelet intertwined with a pale green ribbon. It emanated charm, evoking a sense of spring

Rose had added a caption beneath the image. “Beauty that costs less than 2 dollars is an enigma not

grasped by all. Destiny befalls the fortunate, while the others remain void of fate. Where are you, my

fated one?”

Touched by the message. Ava handed her phone to Frank, who had just emerged from the toilet with a

tissue still in hand. She said. “Rose has arrived, and it appears that she is having a great time”

While holding Ava’s hand. Frank glanced at her mobile phone. his expression bearing a touch of

bafflement. He thought. “Where are you, my fated one? Is she being serious right now?”

Genuinely irked, he grabbed his phone and typed a message to Rose. [Have your fun but do not ruffle

any feathers, or 1 would not let it slide |

As he was about to type another message, it dawned on him that he could no longer send messages to

her

Frank was at a loss for words. The rascal blocked him after using his funds to travel.

a shock if Rose were not by his side Serene days were an elusive concept

ther phone down on the bed id played some music. Retrieving a book from the table’s comer, she sat

on the carpet wherever her fancy took her Sunlight enveloped her casting her as the day’s centerpiece.

Stirred by the sight, Frank strode over, tugging his pants slightly, and sented beside her Ava leaned

against his slightly bent leg, engrossed in her reading. Meanwhile, he skimmed through his phone

It was a peaceful

The ambiance resonated as genuinely wonderful, tranquil, and comforting to Ava Accustomed to

bustling surroundings, she savored these moments of solinade shared with Frank Cherishing them, she

refrained from inquiring about his departure lest it bring forth disappointment.

As time waned, divulging his intended departure date would satisfy her. For the present, she was

resolved to seize these precious hours, moments belonging solely to the two of them.

Immersed in his thoughts, Frank found at difficult to concentrate Using one hand to grace her unfurled

hair, his fingertips sank into its tender strands. A surge of unagmation surged within ham. Proposing an

outing momentarily appealed to him, yet the girl’s decision was equally compelling