"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We've begun our final descent into Paradise Island. At this time, please return to your seats and fasten your seatbelts.
Make sure your seat backs are in the upright position, your tray tables are stowed, and all carry-on items are securely placed either in the overhead compartments or completely under the seat in front of you.
We'll be landing in approximately twenty minutes. The weather in Paradise Island is warm and sunny, with a temperature of twenty-eight degrees Celsius—that's eighty-two degrees Fahrenheit.
On behalf of Flying Horse Airlines and the entire crew, I'd like to thank you for flying with us today. We hope you enjoy your stay."
Woken by the announcement, Jasmine peeled off her silk eye mask and pushed it up onto her head, blinking against the dim cabin lights as her eyes adjusted.
With a long exhale, she stretched her arms above her head until her shoulders popped and her joints cracked in protest.
Five hours cooped up in a seat had left her stiff and drained, and even that short nap hadn't been enough to fully shake the exhaustion.
Reaching for the small bottle on her tray, she unscrewed the cap and took a slow sip of water, letting the coolness soothe her throat.
Then, with deliberate movements, she followed the captain's instructions—sliding her tray table back into place, straightening her seat, and checking that her carry-on was secure.
She leaned back against the headrest with a small sigh, resigned to the final stretch.
---
Thirty-five minutes later, Jasmine was already off the plane, weaving through the airport's sleek corridors as she made her way toward baggage claim.
The building buzzed with activity: travelers dragging suitcases, families calling to one another, and the crisp voice of the announcer echoing over the speakers with reminders and flight updates.
Just as she approached the carousel, her phone vibrated in her bag. Fishing it out, she glanced at the screen.
The name flashing across it made her lips curl in the faintest trace of a smile—Rhea. Of course.
She swiped to answer.
"I thought I told you to call me the moment you landed," Rhea's voice rang through, sharp but familiar.
Jasmine arched a brow, lowering her voice with mock irritation. "Don't you have anything better to do? Or have you been staring at the clock, waiting for my plane to touch down so you could pounce the second I stepped off?"
"Mhm. Something like that," Rhea replied smoothly, utterly unbothered.
Jasmine rolled her eyes but softened her tone. "Is everything alright at the company?"
"That's exactly why I called," Rhea countered quickly, before Jasmine could press further.
"I wanted to tell you to forget about anything concerning work. Girl, do me a favor—this is your month, for God's sake. For once in your life, try to relax. Have some quality time for yourself. Stop thinking about studies, stop thinking about the company, and just enjoy your vacation. Can you do that for me, please?"
"You with your nagging again, you're so annoying," Jasmine muttered, adjusting the strap of her handbag on her shoulder.
"I didn't even ask for this. This stupid vacation is just a waste of time while there are far more important things to do."
"You've been doing your so-called 'important things' your whole life," Rhea snapped back, exasperation clear in her voice.
"I really can't believe you. Do you even know how many people would kill just to spend a week on Paradise Island? Meanwhile, we had to drag you there against your will."
Jasmine smirked despite herself. "Alright, alright. Then can you do something for me, Madame?" she asked, drawing out her words in a playful tone, already feigning innocence.
"Don't even think about it," Rhea cut in instantly.
"No laptops, no files, no company calls—nothing. I'm not sending you a thing. You're staying on Paradise Island for an entire month without sticking your nose into work. And if you so much as ask me about the company again, I swear I'll block you."
"You're so heartless, girl. So how am I supposed to survive a month here with nothing to keep me busy? It'll be boring," Jasmine said with a light laugh, though she knew Rhea meant every word.
"That's exactly why we sent you there. You need to find something else to occupy you apart from work. Something fun. You're a human being, for goodness' sake—not a robot," Rhea kept nagging.
The carousel clattered to life, and Jasmine's attention shifted to the stream of luggage gliding past.
She balanced the phone between her ear and shoulder, half-listening as Rhea continued to lecture her about balance, fun, and all the other things Jasmine had long dismissed.
Finally, her suitcase appeared, its familiar black gleam catching her eye.
With one hand she pulled it out, the other still holding the phone as Rhea's voice ran on.
"Okay, fine. Just make sure you call me again once you've reached the hotel," Rhea said firmly, as if issuing a final command.
"As if I'll have anything else to do," Jasmine muttered under her breath before ending the call with a faint smile tugging at her lips.
Outside, the air was warmer, brighter, carrying the salty tang of the sea.
Waiting in neat rows were the polished vehicles arranged by the luxury vacation service for Paradise Island.
Without hesitation, Jasmine slipped into one, the driver already aware of her destination.
As the car pulled away from the curb, the city began to unfurl before her, sunlight bouncing off glass facades and swaying palm trees lining the wide boulevard.
Jasmine leaned back against the leather seat, silent now, letting the reality of her month-long escape sink in.
---
The car rolled smoothly to a halt at the grand entrance of the hotel.
The driver stepped out swiftly, circling around to open the door for Jasmine.
She descended gracefully, adjusting her coat against the warm island breeze.
The driver retrieved her suitcase from the trunk, handed it to her with a respectful nod, and then drove away, leaving her standing before the towering structure.
Jasmine lifted her gaze, and for the first time since landing, she felt a flicker of awe.
The hotel was massive—its façade a blend of polished stone and sleek glass that caught the sunlight and reflected it like a jewel.
Above the arching entrance, the name Grand Victoria Hotel gleamed in bold golden letters, impossible to miss.
The building carried an air of authority and elegance, not overly ornate, but commanding with its sheer scale and pristine design.
It was the kind of place that needed no introduction.
After taking in the sight for a moment, Jasmine drew a quiet breath and walked toward the entrance.
The glass doors parted automatically, welcoming her inside.
The lobby struck her instantly. It was wide, polished to a shine, and dominated by a grand chandelier suspended from the high ceiling, its crystals scattering light in gentle patterns across the marble floor.
The atmosphere inside was lively but not overwhelming. A few couples sat comfortably on velvet couches, speaking in low tones.
Families laughed together, children darting between the seats in playful bursts of energy.
Everything carried a soft hum of warmth, the kind of environment that instantly assured visitors they had arrived somewhere special.
Jasmine's heels clicked softly against the floor as she made her way to the reception desk.
Behind it stood a young brunette receptionist, her hair neatly tied back, her uniform sharp and perfectly fitted.
She greeted Jasmine with a bright, professional smile.
"Good afternoon. Welcome to the Grand Victoria Hotel. May I please have your ID?"
Jasmine handed it over, watching as the woman typed quickly into her system. Within moments, the check-in was complete.
The receptionist slid a sleek room card across the counter and informed her which floor she would find her suite.
"Welcome to Paradise Island, Miss. And welcome to the Grand Victoria Hotel. We truly hope you'll enjoy your stay."
Jasmine took the card, her fingers brushing against its smooth surface.
"Thank you so much. I hope I will," she replied, her tone calm yet carrying a faint note of curiosity.
She then headed for the elevator, bound for her room.