The Independent Women
(The next morning at the lobby.)
Receptionist
Miss Ryane, you have two reservations, Rooms 1069 and 1070. This is to confirmed the process for check-out of both rooms?
Receptionist
Okay, Miss. We will process the checked-out. Please wait for awhile.
(While waiting, Ryane called Hae-Jin.)
Ryane
📞 Hai! Shall we meet at the restaurant near the beach?
Hae-Jin
📞 Okay. Where are you?
Hae-Jin
📞 Did you processed the check-out already??
Hae-Jin
📞 Wait for me. I’ll be there in a few minutes.
(Ryane noticed something at the main entrance of the hotel.)
(Hae-Jin listens to the conversation...)
Ryane
What’s wrong in there? What’s the commotion in front?
Receptionist
There’s a rumor that a Korean Actor has visited the hotel, Ma’am.
Receptionist
Yes. But we can’t even confirmed who that person is.
Ryane
Are you sure?? Why??
Receptionist
It’s just a rumor.
(Smiles)
(The receptionist have come into her senses while checking the person’s details.)
Ryane
(Smiling)
Why are you looking at me like that?
Receptionist
Nothing, Ma’am.
(The receptionist’s thought of assumptions.
“She booked two rooms under her name. Mostly of the bookings made were either good for 2 pax, 1 room or for a family room. Her bookings were all executive suites. It was just yesterday that she processed three presidential suite rooms check-outs but they were all middle-aged man. There’s a chance that it could be her companion. The details under these bookings were all made under her name.”)
(On the other hand, Ryane immediately ended the call and sent SMS to Hae-Jin.)
Ryane
✉ Did you hear that?
Hae-Jin
✉ Yes. Uhm, what should I do?
Ryane
✉ I advise you not to take the stairs. Go directly to the parking area. There’s a lot of people out here. I’ll ask Sir Dan to fetch you at the parking area.
Hae-Jin
✉ Okay. I’ll do that.
(Ryane is still on her phone.)
Ryane
✉ Settle my friend in the car. He's on his way to the parking area. After that come to the reception and act as my companion. And use the elevator. Act as if you come from room 1069.
Chauffeur Dan
✉ Yes, Ma’am.
(Ryane calling someone. And she deliberately speaks louder than usual in order grab the receptionist's attention and to divert her assumptions.)
Ryane
📞 Hai! Are you done?
Chauffeur Dan
📞 Yes, Ma’am. I’ll be there.
Ryane
📞 Okay. I'll be waiting.
Ryane
Good morning, Sir Dan!😊 How's your sleep?
Chauffeur Dan
Good morning, Ma’am. It's great!
("Chauffeur Dan! What a great acting skills. 👏👏👏")
Ryane
The checked-out has been requested. Let’s wait for the confirmation.
Chauffeur Dan
How about yours, Ma’am?
Ryane
Don’t worry. Mine has been in the queue too.
Chauffeur Dan
Okay, Ma’am. Can I wait for you outside?
Ryane
Okay. 😊 I'll be there once done.
Receptionist
Miss Ryane, everything is done. Thank you for staying at Mendoza Hotel.
(Ryane’s thought. "You can’t outsmart me. You sneaky receptionist. I wont allow you to know everything.😈😈")
(Ryane approaching Chauffeur Dan.)
Ryane
Sir Dan, please get the car. I’ll be waiting over there.
Ryane
✉ Cover yourself inside the car.
Chauffeur Dan
Sir, if I may ask, why are you hiding?
Hae-Jin
I’ll explain it to you later, Sir Dan.
Chauffeur Dan
(Still confused)
Okay, Sir. Thank you.
Ryane
Wooh! That was so close! Thank you Sir Dan.
Chauffeur Dan
Please don't mind me asking of what is happening, Ma’am?
Ryane
You’ll know once were out.
(On the way to the Satellite Office)
Ryane
Sir Dan, let me introduce him to you properly. He is Park Hae-Jin. He is part of the entertainment industry from Korea. An actor.
Chauffeur Dan
(Buffering)
Okay? And?
Ryane
(Giggles)
Searched for it on the internet.
Hae-Jin
How did they knew I was there?
Ryane
Look at your social media.
Hae-Jin
On it. Wait.
(Still browsing)
It’s just a vague information.
Ryane
Really? That's a relief.
Then let’s have brunch together.
Chauffeur Dan
Shall we take the usual Ma’am?
Ryane
No. It’s too crowded. Please bring us somewhere quiet.
Chauffeur Dan
Okay, Ma’am.
Hae-Jin
Thank you so much for protecting me, Ryane.
Ryane
It is my greatest honor, Sir.
(Teasing him)
Hae-Jin
Stop calling me “Sir".
(In Hae-Jin’s mind.
"Stop it Ryane! If Dan is not around, I already kissed those lips of yours.")
Hae-Jin
Let's take a photo together?
Ryane
Will you allow me have one?
Hae-Jin
Of course! And you’re allowed to post it.
Ryane
I’m not courting my own death, you know.
(Laughing)
Hae-Jin
Then let me protect you.
(Total silence between the two while staring each other.)
Hae-Jin
I am not.
(Smiling)
Chauffeur Dan
Ma’am, let me check this restaurant.
Chauffeur Dan
But... Okay, Ma’am.
Chauffeur Dan
This is the first time I saw Ma’am Ryane smiled genuinely to a man.
Chauffeur Dan
Ma’am Ryane, don’t usually show her delicate side. She’s often strict or sometimes bossy. But this is the first time I saw her smile like that.
Hae-Jin
I’m relieved by those words, Sir Dan. She's so special, isn't she?
Chauffeur Dan
Really really special, indeed. That’s one of the many reasons why everyone treasured her. Her past was not even a hindrance of what she is today. A strong independent woman.
Chauffeur Dan
She may be strong outside but she’s so fragile inside. I admire her the most.
(Hae-Jin’s reaction was a total silence from the words he heard from Ryane’s colleague.
“What’s in her past? What is it?? I want to know everything!”)
Ryane
Come! Let’s have brunch. Wear some jacket. Others might recognize you.
Ryane
So obedient.
(Giggles)
Chauffeur Dan
Ma’am, I’ll be staying here.
Ryane
No. You should come with us. Okay?
Ryane
There’s no but for me Sir Dan. Let’s have brunch together. Okay?
Hae-Jin
Okay. Let’s go.
(Walks forward and grabs Ryane's waist and Dan's shoulder.)
(Ryane’s reaction towards Hae-Jin actions was priceless.
"When was the last time I helped a stranger and see how happy that person is?"
"That stranger from the airport is here with me. Seeing him being so happy like this is one of a kind. It's as if he’s living his life to the fullest. I’m glad his enjoying his stay here. I think we can't do it once were back in Korea.")
Ryane
Hae-Jin, if it’s fine with you, can we drop by at our satellite office? I have to deliver something for everyone there.
Ryane
Thank you. Let me call somebody.
(Hae-Jin silently watched her while she’s on the phone.)
Ryane
📞 Hai, Ms. Jane. How are you?
On the other line
📞 Hai Miss! Are you going to visit us today?
Ryane
📞 Yes. Director and President told me to drop something for you guys. What do you want eat?
On the other line
📞 Oh! You’re so generous Miss Ryane. I’ll order everything on your behalf. Is it okay?
Ryane
📞 You know me so well. I’ll have to trouble you then.
On the other line
📞 No worries. See you later.
On the other line
📞 Good day! This is Rembrandt Hotel. How may I help you?
Ryane
📞 Hai, good morning. I’d like to talk to Miss Sharmagne, please.
On the other line
📞 May I know who’s on the line, please?
Ryane
📞 Please tell her Yan Uy.
On the other line
📞 Please wait while I connect you to the Managers’ office.
On the other line
📞 Hello, Yanyan! This is Sharmagne, how can I help you?
Ryane
📞 Hello bestie!
(Giggles)
On the other line
📞 Yanyan! You should have called me through my personal number.
Ryane
📞 I’m so sorry. I just wanted to tease you though. 😁😁
On the other line
📞 Anything Yanyan?
Ryane
📞 Yeah. Please book me two rooms under my name. The usual.
On the other line
📞 You’ll be staying here not less than 12 hours again?
Ryane
📞 (Giggles)
I’m so sorry. Work.
On the other line
📞 You know what? You really need to go on a date. You’re not getting any younger.
Ryane
📞 Talk to the moon! Alright. See you tonight.
Ryane
📞 Oh! Before I end this call, please book a private room for me at the molt. Thank you darling.
On the other line
📞 (Sigh)
Alright. Alright. I’ll be off tonight I can’t accompany you, but I’ll prepare everything for you.
Ryane
📞 Thank you so much darling. Mwah. Bye-bye.
On the other line
📞 Mwah. Enjoy your stay.. Bye-bye..
(Hae-Jin’s emotion was irritated because of her conversation. "Damn! Why is Ryane calling this Sharmagne darling? Is she into girls? It can’t be, right? I really hope not.")
(Ryane visited the office while Hae-Jin stays in the car. He shows and explained his status to Chauffeur Dan and he gladly agreed to keep it confidential.)
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