The cottage wasn’t extravagant, but it exuded simplicity and elegance, pleasing to the eyes with its modern design. The resort had done a good job. I couldn’t wait to officially relax in this place.
Sitting on the sofa, I gazed out of the open window and caught sight of the sea, glistening under the sun. The waves were gentle, perfect for a night swim, I thought.
Moving into the bedroom, I found a spacious white king-sized bed. I smirked; I liked it. Without a second thought, I laid down on the soft mattress and, unknowingly, drifted off into darkness.
When I woke up, it was already dark outside. I yawned and stretched, reaching for my phone when it rang. Initially mistaking it for my alarm, I ignored it. But as it continued to ring, I realized it wasn’t just an alarm.
Grabbing my phone near the headboard, I answered without checking the caller ID. “Hello,” I said.
The voice on the other end huffed. “Where are you now, Azora?”
It was Simmy’s annoying voice. I rolled my eyes. I didn’t understand why just hearing Simmy made me irritated; it was like a reflex that caught me off guard.
“Why do you care?”
“Come home!” she demanded. I could sense her frustration. “Come home tonight. Understand?”
I huffed. “What if I don’t? It’s not like I haven’t done it before.”
“Dad is furious. He wants you to come home.”
“I’m not going.”
“Azora! Don’t test me!”
I smirked and then sneered. “I’m not coming home,” I said, then hung up.
Laying back on the bed, I stared at the dark ceiling. I blinked; it was already nighttime. Right, I had planned to go night swimming.
I got up, switched on the lights, and walked over to the wooden cabinet where I found a robe hanging inside. Satisfied, I changed into suitable clothes.
After a while, I left the cottage. The pathway along the shore was illuminated by light posts, providing enough light to walk safely. I glanced over at Anya’s red cottage; its lights were on. The neighboring cottage was lit as well. I wondered if she had already eaten dinner. Then I remembered the receptionist had mentioned they deliver meals to our cottages three times a day. I shrugged and continued walking along the shore.
The waves were a bit high that night. I questioned whether I should still go for a night swim with the tide coming in and the waves crashing against the rocks.
Standing at the shore, I gazed out into the vast darkness ahead of me. There were small twinkling lights in the distance; boats and ships, I assumed. I breathed in the evening breeze.
Considering the tide and waves, I decided against night swimming in the sea. Maybe it was better to use the resort’s pool. I smiled at the thought.
So, I headed towards the pool. Unsure of the route since I was still new and hadn’t explored the entire place, I recalled seeing posters in the reception area about two pools-one for adults and one for children.
In such a large resort, I couldn’t think of a better place for swimming pools, being right beside the sea. I decided to walk back to the reception area.
From a distance, I could see the reception area illuminated in the darkness. When I arrived, a man approached me. “Miss,” he greeted, leading me to the receptionist.
It wasn’t Sofia, but the receptionist had a gentle smile. “Good evening, Ma’am. How can I help you?”
I smiled back. “Where is your adult swimming pool?”
The receptionist gestured to the man who had approached me earlier. “Please follow me, Ma’am.”
I nodded and followed the man quietly. We arrived at a secluded area, hidden from view by ornamental plants that lined the perimeter of the pool. From my estimation, the swimming pool was only three meters away from the sea. It was so close, yet I hadn’t noticed the swimming pool area before.
“Enjoy, Ma’am,” the staff member said, excusing himself.
I looked around the pool; it was clean and had a blue hue, illuminated by the underwater lights. I smiled and removed my robe.
Underneath, I wore a simple silk body-hugging robe and shorts. I didn’t want to attract gossip with a more revealing swimsuit, especially with so many guests around.
I placed my robe by the poolside and dove in. Smiling, I allowed myself to float in the middle of the pool.
The water was refreshing. Despite feeling a chill above the water, my body warmed up once submerged. I let myself sink deeper, enjoying the sensation.
Unbeknownst to me, I remained still for almost an hour, eyes closed, soaking in the water’s comfort. That’s exactly what I needed at that moment-the water easing away my week-long stress.
Suddenly, I heard a splash. I opened my eyes and turned towards the direction of the sound. Had someone else jumped into the pool?
Before I could think further, strong hands gripped me underwater and pulled me down. I yelped in surprise, but my cry was muffled as I was dragged deeper underwater.
I kicked my feet, but the grip didn’t loosen. Panic surged through me, and I struggled harder against the hold, desperate for air.
Just as I was about to run out of breath, the hands pulled me upwards. Soon, my head broke the surface of the water. I panted, my strength waning.
A man emerged in front of me from the water and pulled me close to him. My head rested on his shoulder as I gasped for air. I hadn’t even realized he was holding and embracing me underwater.