“I’m divorcing you” Joseph, my husband said. He took something out of his briefcase and threw it at me. I picked it up and look at it. It was the divorce papers and all it needs is y signature. I look at him and he didn’t even show any grief, sympathy, nor pity. I took a one more look at the document before taking a pen out and signing it.

I handed the document to him and he smirked. I know why he wanted to proceed with the divorce so easily, so that he and his mistress can finally be together. Being the daughter of a high end company, he made sure to secure the bag by impregnating her, while I work my ass off to ear a minimum wage.

“Don’t worry Clare, you’ll receive a fifty grand compensation for our divorce.” I didn’t wanna listen to anything else he wanted to say. I took my bags and left that house. I didn’t even thing of the money I spend on that house. All the bills, all the other things are all in my shoulder, but now that I’m free from him, I don’t have to shoulder anything anymore.

I went to my friend Jess’s house. “Thank you for letting me stay here for a few days.” I said to her as I settle in their guest room. “ No worries. I'm actually glad that you’re finally free from that bastard of a husband of yours. I told you there was something wrong with him. He was flirting with one of your bridesmaid during your wedding”

“Yeah and I was an idiot to think he was honest and loyal” I let out a sigh and lay down on the bed. Lucas, Jess’s husband walked in carrying three wine glass and a bottle of red wine. He poured us some and I drank it in one go. “Calm down, there’s still more here” the three of us laugh. I miss the taste of red wine. I haven’t tasted this for a long time, because of all the work I have.

“So what are your plans now?” Lucas asked. I stare blankly for a while before answering. “I’m gonna go to the city hall to finally finish the divorce and take the money that was compensated to me and probably…go on a vacation” Jess clap at what I said that made me chuckle, even Lucas clapped with her. “That’s what I like to hear! My girl is going on a vacation. Go! Fly! Be free!” that made me laugh.

A vacation is what I truly need, after everything, I deserve to relax and just have fun. “So, have you thought of a place?” Jess asked. I started to think of a place good for some relaxation and just having to breath. “I always wanted to go to Italy, maybe that’s where I should go” after saying that Jess’s eyes lit up.

“I knew you were gonna pick that. Can we come with you? Don’t worry we won’t bother you. We’ll have our own vacation” I smile and nod at her. “Of course the two of you can come. But you’ll have to pay for it though” they nodded excitedly. The two of them stared talking about the vacation in Italy. Seeing them both be happy with each other, I asked myself what was wrong with me for Joseph to do what he did. After a while of talking we started planning our trip to Italy, and Jess was true to her words because the places I wanted to go was the opposite of   where they were going.

A few more discussion and we all turn in. Jess said her good night and so did I. I look outside and saw the peaceful night street of this simple town that they live in, unlike the city where everything is noisy and bright from all the lights that was turned on. It was so peaceful here but I cannot stay here. Italy will be my escape from everything.

Settling a divorce is not as easy as it seems. So many things to do and what’s the most tiring is that Joseph’s new incoming wife was with him, being clingy and proud that she stole him. Yeah, good luck living with someone who doesn’t even know how to wash his own laundry, not that he’ll need it thinking of how rich he will become after marrying her.

“All the paper work is done. Ms. Clare Montreal and Mr. Joseph Smith, your marriage is now invalid” the lawyer said. We then signed another document before it officially finish. I receive the compensation and was about to leave the city hall when Monica, Joseph’s baby mama stopped me. “What is it?” I asked. Her ten kilogram make up can be seen up close that you’ll think that you can just peel it off her face. “I’m sorry for taking Joseph away from you. It’s not my fault that you’re cheap and poor and…not as beautiful and sexy as me” she then gave me a fake smile.

“What’s going on here? You’re not giving Monica a hard time right?” Joseph ask defending this bitch in front of me. “Don’t worry darling, I was just saying thank you to her for signing the divorce papers and for giving you to me” she smiled and started flirting with him. It made me feel so cringe and disgusted.

“If there’s nothing else, then I’m gonna go now” I turn around about to leave when Joseph spoke “You should really change that attitude of yours. Its like talking to a rock all the time” I roll my eyes and went to call for a taxi to take me to the mall. I need to buy some stuff before our trip to Italy. I never got to buy anything for myself since I always worry about the bills on the house, but this time all I have to think about is myself.

It took me about three hours to finish shopping for what I need. I bought some few dresses, some shoes, skin care, make up and many more. We plan to stay at Italy for a week so I need a lot of stuff. I grab a cab and told Jess’s address, when I arrive the two of them were cooking together, being such a lovely couple. They didn’t notice my arrival and I didn’t wanna bother them so I just went to my room and started preparing for the trip.

After I finish, I went down and saw them preparing the food. Jess saw me and was shocked “When did you arrived?” she asked. I chuckle at her reaction. “When the two of you were being lovey dovey in the kitchen” she gave me an embarrassed smile and I just shake my head. We started eating lunch and talked about the trip.

“So where will you be staying? I mean we’re on different location. We’re in Venice and you’re in Rome” Lucas asked.

“Well, I already booked a hotel room in Anantara Palazo hotel” both of them were shock after what I said. “You booked a hotel room in Anantara?” Jess’s voice was rising as she said that. “Yeah” I smiled.

“Gurl! You are going all out for this vacation” that made me blush. “Since it’s Italy, might as well make it as the ultimate vacation, so I’m not even gonna think about the money that I will spend since I know I saved enough plus the compensation that was given to me” Jess look at me with a proud smile and so does Lucas.

“Oh my gosh, I feel like a proud parent right now” Jess wipe her eyes. as if tears were falling from it.  Lucas was also looking proudly at me. The two of them were with me since high school days, they’ve become my the brother and sister that I never had.

My parents died when I was twelve years old leaving me with my aunt. She has no children so she treated me with such care, after graduating high school, my aunt was hospitalized for three years and before I graduate college, she was able to attend my graduation before she sleep forever.

Now, I only have the two of them. “But! Make sure you update us on your trip, put us in your emergency contact, and always turn your location on, alright?” I chuckled at her. Her big sister energy was acting up again. “Yes Jess don’t worry I’ll make sure to update the both of you” we continue talking and remembering the plans we made to make sure that everything will go as plan.

After lunch, I went to my room and open my laptop to make sure that everything was done for tomorrow. We made sure to fly at Monday then leave on a Sunday to really make sure it’s one week. Everything looks fine, the hotel have confirm my booking and send me an email. I let out a sigh. I cannot wait for this vacation.

The next day, we woke up early to go to the airport. Once we’re checked, we boarded the plan and relax. We are just economy class yet thank god I got the window seat. It’s fun at first since you’ll see the outside but as time pass all you’ll see is clouds. The stewardess started the demo for the safety in case an accident happen, which I pray will not happen.

After the demo, they’ve told us to fasten our seat belt and to turn off all devices or put it in airplane mode. I just put mine in airplane mode, since I love listening to music as I travel. The plane finally took off and I didn’t waste time and fell asleep. It’s an eight hour flight so I’ll make the most of it and just sleep.

I was woken up by Jess. She told me that it’s time for dinner, not lunch but dinner. I was asleep the whole time. I didn’t even know I was that tired. “How was your sleep?” Jess asked as she eats her food. “Good, but my body says otherwise” I can feel each part of my body aching. I ate the food that was served to us and look outside and saw how beautiful the night was.

A few more hours has passed, they announce that we’re arriving soon. I look outside and saw the beautiful landscape of Italy. I smiled, I finally got to arrive at my most dreamed destination. I fasten my seat belt and wait for the plan to land. The landing wasn’t that smooth but we arrived safely and that’s all I care about.

We left the plane and went to get our baggage. I have one suitcase and one back pack. “Well, this is where we depart. Update us, call us if something happens, take care of your belongings, always make sure you have everything, your phone, wallet, money” I nod at her.

“Don’t worry Jess, I’ll call you guys as soon as I arrived at the hotel” I smiled at her and said my goodbye. We both took a different cab. I gave the driver the name of the hotel and he immediately know where it is. I look outside the cab and saw the buildings of Italy.

I took some pictures and videos. I checked my phone and saw some of the pictured or Joseph and me. I didn’t hesitate in deleting it along with his contact number. I’m in Italy, there’s nothing that can stop me from having fun on this vacation. I look at my list and smiled. Tomorrow is gonna be so much fun.

I finally arrived at the hotel, I went to the lobby to get my room key. “Good evening ma’am” she greeted me.

I smiled at her “Good evening, reservation for Montreal” she smiled and checked her computer “I see you right here. Let me just check the information. You booked a solo room for seven days, this day being the first day. Is that correct?”

“Yep that’s correct”

“Okay. Let me just finish all the information” after a few seconds of typing on her computer, she finally gave me my key

“This is your room key, room  number 105, and here is the list of our services, since you also paid for exclusive experience in our hotel, including the spa, the bar, the restaurant and other services. Enjoy your stay”

“Thank you” I took the key and the list. I was reading the list when someone bump into me causing me to drop my bag. “Mi dispiace” The man helped me pick my bag and left immediately.

I looked at him but only saw his back. His voice was the perfect deep voice and he also smelled so good. Italian men are truly different.

I rode the elevator, thank god that the lady wrote the floor where my room is so I won’t get lost. When I saw the number written on the door, I placed the card on the scanner and it opened.

I opened the door and saw the inside. It was simple yet scream luxury. It was beautiful. I went to the balcony and saw the beautiful view. “I’m gonna have so much fun here”

Getting my things outside my suitcase was tiring. Thank god the closet was just next to the bed so I lay down after. I took my phone and updated Jess that I already arrived at the hotel and settled in. She then sent me a picture of both of them enjoying some wine.

The jet lag is getting to me so I wash up and change my clothes before going to sleep.

Clare woke up the next day feeling refreshed. She took a bath and wore plain khaki colored pants, white long sleeve polo, and simple heels, she also tied her hair in a ponytail.

She puts on her make up and took a picture before leaving the room and going to the restaurant to eat breakfast. Since she purchase an exclusive experience, all the food she will eat in the hotel, will be free.

She ordered a simple breakfast and a salad, she always make sure she have healthy foods when she eats to balance the nutrients. The food arrived and it looked good, when she took the first bite.

She was glad she purchased an exclusive, the food tasted so good, she had to close her eyes to feel the goodness of it.

After having breakfast, she went to her first destination the one and only Colosseum. A large amphitheater. She took photos and videos. She was so amazed by how it was made, that even now it’s still standing despite the many things that happen inside the Colosseum from before.

She saw a tour guide that was explaining things to tourists. She went there and listened to her talk “The Colosseum is one of the greatest feats of Roman architecture ever built. It is the largest Roman amphitheater in the world and despite suffering multiple fires, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. The Colosseum was built from an estimated 100,000 cubic meters of travertine stone, plus a similar measure of Roman cement, bricks, and tuff blocks-” the lady kept talking about the Colosseum, how it’s built, how happened to it and many more.

She was listening so carefully. Clare has a liking in history, she finds it fascinating that there is still infrastructure standing in today’s era despite being hundred or even thousand of years old.

She went to look around some more before going to some other places. Even though she has a whole list on where to go, she just went and looked around the places nearby. Even small shops were aesthetically beautiful. There are also some people who were really kind that helped her point to a certain place she wanted to go.

“Sei bellissima” she keeps getting the same compliment specially from old people she sees. She knows that it means ‘you’re beautiful', She studied Italian the most back in college, therefore she can speak Italian fluently.

After a full day of just walking, looking around and taking pictures, she decided to take a break and went back to the hotel, and once again she took the opportunity to go to the restaurant and order some delicious food.

She looked at the photos and posted some of them on her Instagram. She continued eating and noticed that the bar section of the restaurant was finally open.

She went to the bar after finishing her food. It’s been a long time since I last drank alcohol, she thought to herself and ordered a simple tequila sunrise to just taste the bitterness but not enough to get her drunk.

She was enjoying herself when a man walked beside her and ordered a drink for himself. “Posso aiutarla?” his deep voice brought her back to reality. She didn’t even notice that she was staring at him. “I’m sorry” she took a sip at her drink while thinking of how stupid she must have looked.

“You understand Italian?” the man asked her, she looked at him and nod. “I studied it back at college” the look on his face shows that he was impressed by her. That made her smile. “You staying at this hotel?” he asked.

“Yes, you?” he took a drink and looked at her. “I just have some business here” She looked at him more carefully. He was wearing a black long sleeve polo, the two buttons on top were unbutton, partnered with black pants, and a silver watch that looks very expensive.

“How long are you staying here?” his voice was deep but enough to make it seem comfortable to hear.

“I have five days left. I’m here for vacation”

“Just by yourself?” he seems confused. She nod at him and it made him even more confused. “Well, I’m here with my friend and her husband, but they’re in Venice” he smirked in amusement. “Don’t you know the rules of travelers in Italy?”

“What rules?” he approached her and whispered, “Never travel alone in Italy” his whisper sent shivers down her spine. She was trying to calm herself. His voice was such a turn on, especially when his also handsome.

His jawline was well defined, pink lips, his beard was the perfect touch to make him the definition of ‘handsome’ and he’s also Italian.

“By the way, I’m Alejandro Genovese” even his name sounds so handsome. “Clare Montreal, nice to meet you” they shake their hands with a smile. They continue talking to each other, not minding the people around them.