Fayedge Hot Spring Hotel – The Next Day
Nestled halfway up the mountain, the Fayedge Hot Spring Hotel was the epitome of serenity. On one side, a bustling public hot spring park welcomed general visitors with its charm, while the other side offered an exclusive retreat.
Here, five private courtyards housed standalone villas, each with its own secluded hot spring. Guests could soak in steaming pools without ever leaving the comfort of their rooms—a haven for those seeking peace and luxury.
Elizabeth and her friends were staying in one of these exclusive villas.
By the time Elizabeth and Elijah arrived, Albin and Camille were already waiting at the villa entrance, their anticipation evident in their pacing.
As soon as Elizabeth stepped out of the car, Camille stormed over, her lips in a pout that could rival a child denied candy. “I didn’t bring a swimsuit when I left Orkset! I thought I could buy one here, but the ones in the lobby? Ugh! They’re so gaudy and flashy—honestly, I’d rather hole up in the villa and play games than be caught dead wearing one of those!”
Oliver was already unloading bags from the trunk. Elizabeth grabbed a few and handed them to Camille with a knowing smile. “Oliver came prepared. These are all new swimsuits and toiletries—take your pick.”
Camille peeked inside one of the bags, her eyes lighting up like sparklers. “Oh my goodness, these are this year’s latest styles!” She hugged the bag like it was a treasure chest. “You’re the best, darling! I’m going to change right now!”
Before Elizabeth could say another word, Camille had already darted inside, her excitement trailing behind her.
“Women can be so particular,” Albin said with a helpless shrug, watching Camille disappear. Then he turned to Elijah. “Hey, Elijah, did you bring extra swim trunks? Mind if I borrow a pair?”
Elijah’s cold gaze flicked to Albin, as sharp as a winter wind. Without a word, he grabbed a bag from Oliver and tossed it into Albin’s arms before striding into the villa,
his silence louder than any rebuke.
Albin blinked, momentarily stunned.
“What’s his deal? Did I step on his tail or something?” he muttered to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth gave a nonchalant shrug, her tone as light as a breeze. “Oh, don’t mind him—he’s just in one of his moods.”
She followed Elijah inside, leaving Albin standing there scratching his head.
He turned to Oliver, searching for answers, but Oliver merely adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and said in a measured tone, “Mr. James, hot springs are more of a couple’s activity.”
Albin scratched his head harder. “But isn’t it boring with just two people in such a big hot spring? It’s way more fun with a group—chatting, playing cards, you know?”
Oliver sighed inwardly, “Bless his heart, he’s as sharp as a marble.”
Without replying, he picked up the remaining bags and carried them inside.
Albin stood there for a moment, feeling like the odd man out. “Why’s everyone in such a rush?” he grumbled, trailing after them.
Once inside, the group wasted no time changing into their swimwear. Elijah and Albin were the first to reappear in the living room, clad in robes over their trunks.
Minutes later, Elizabeth and Camille emerged, also wrapped in robes, their hair pinned up.
Albin, who had been nursing a half-smoked cigarette, stubbed it out and stood up. “Finally! You two took so long to change!”
Camille shot him a glare sharp enough to cut glass. “If you don’t have anything nice to say, maybe zip it.”
Oliver had stayed behind in the villa to catch up on work, leaving the remaining four to head out to the courtyard.
Fayedge’s private hot springs weren’t just luxurious—they were downright decadent. One courtyard boasted seven or eight pools, each offering a unique experience: wine baths, herbal soaks, milk baths, and more.
Camille grabbed Elizabeth’s hand and dragged her toward the wine pool, her enthusiasm bubbling over. “Let’s start with this one!”
Elijah and Albin followed, loosening the belts of their robes.
As they shed the layers, both men revealed sculpted physiques—broad shoulders tapering to narrow waists, with abs so defined a master sculptor could have carved them.
Camille’s eyes drifted to Elijah’s swim trunks, and she nudged Elizabeth with a sly grin. “Girl, you hit the jackpot!”
Albin caught the implication and hastily adjusted his own swim trunks, looking affronted. “Hey, I’m not too shabby myself, okay? These trunks are just too loose—they don’t do me justice!”
Hearing this, Elijah cast a sidelong glance at Elizabeth, who, to his irritation, was actually looking at Albin.
His reaction was immediate. Without a word, he kicked Albin straight into the pool.
The splash was spectacular, and Albin resurfaced moments later, spluttering and wiping water from his face. He opened his eyes just as Camille and Elizabeth were slipping off their robes.
Camille had chosen a purple bikini that complemented her headband perfectly. Normally known for her sultry charm, the swimsuit gave her an unexpected air of innocence, a captivating mix of sweetness and seduction.
Albin was momentarily dumbstruck. But when he turned back, his gaze followed Elijah’s and landed on Elizabeth.
Elizabeth wore a white one-piece with daring cutouts at the waist and back, overlaid with a sheer cover that hinted at just enough to make hearts race. Her long, elegant legs were fully exposed, the scars from the fire now faint and almost ethereal, giving her an aura of resilience and beauty.
