#cheap hotels in Australia Sydney

[austarliahotelbooking]

Discover the ultimate tips for finding cheap hotels in Australia, from Sydney to Melbourne. Learn about the best time to book your dream hotel and master the art of hassle-free hotel reservations Down Under. Unlock amazing deals and plan your perfect Australian getaway today!

[myrtaceaae]

I really love the I Love Coburg account on Instagram, literally all it does is do little videos about businesses on Sydney Rd, Coburg, but it's so 🥺🥺🥺

[thestalwartheart]

bonds.

This was based off a prompt given to me by @eragonsaphira forever ago. All you really need to know is that in Australia and New Zealand, we have an underwear brand called Bonds. You can see where this is going. Rated E. Read here or on AO3.

Bond’s thumb trails over Q’s lower back. Not satisfied with interrupting Q’s routine at work, he seems intent on bringing chaos to Q’s domestic routine as well. That single touch has all the intent of distracting Q from getting his early-morning load of washing done.

“Is there a reason,” Bond purrs, voice still husky from sleep, “that you’re parading around with my name on your pants?”

“What? Your name isn’t—“ Q puts down his laundry basket and looks down at the waistband of his briefs. “Oh.”

“Yes, oh. Recent purchase?”

“No. I got them years ago when I was in Australia with—” Q stops, remembering he really shouldn’t be letting slip about any past beaus high-up in Britain’s intelligence community. Also, he has no urge to encounter Bond’s distinctively green-eyed side, though he suspects that particular boat has already sailed. “Never mind. I was in Sydney.”

“With who?” Something else seems to dawn on Bond, and he narrows his eyes. “I thought you were afraid of flying.”

“Ah, yes. Well, I wasn’t at the time, and the airline lost my luggage, so I bought some clothes. I happened to quite like these, so I kept them.”

“Who were you with, Q?”

“No one important. Though I suppose you aren’t in the mood to leave a man some secrets.”

Bond hums, pressing his mouth to Q’s ear. “You seem to have quite a few of them.”

There’s no real reproach to it. Bond’s hands are still playing at the waistband of his pants with intent. All the same, Q readies himself to part with a few facts about about his past. As casual as this little arrangement is, Q isn’t about to give Bond a reason not to trust him.

“I was there with an ex-boyfriend. And I’m not afraid of flying. I never went to Macau because I’m not a bloody errand boy. M didn’t take kindly to being reminded.”

“Moneypenny is hardly an errand girl.”

“True. I imagine she had other reasons for turning up in your hotel room,” remarks Q loftily. “I had someone from Q Branch ready to go when she intervened.”

Bond smiles, amused. “Jealous, were you?”

“Sorry to tell you, but I was seeing someone at the time.” Q hopes that comes across as casual enough for Bond to move past it swiftly, but his hopes are shot through when Bond's gaze sharpens.

“More ex-boyfriends.”

“Wonders never cease. And on the subject of exes, you’re not allowed to give me any flack at all.”

Bond ignores that in favour of rubbing the cotton of the briefs between his fingers. As he does, his thumb works over and over a sensitive spot on Q’s hip. Q has no doubt he’s doing it on purpose. Bond knows enough about Q’s body these days to play it like a violin.

“They’re cheap,” Bond tuts, snapping at the waist.

Q rolls his eyes. “They’re serviceable. Come to think of it, I believe you’ve been described that way too.”

“Fine things can be serviceable. If they have my name on them, they ought to be better quality.”

“It’s not actually your name. You do see that, don’t you? Or is your eyesight going in your ripe old age?”

Bond smacks Q’s arse rather hard for that, and Q tries very hard not to let out the noise that gathers in his throat.

“I’m willing to forgive the lack of apostrophe,” decides Bond. “I like seeing my name on you.”

“Evidently. You’ve never spanked me before.”

“I should have. You’re a terror.”

“Shall I lie on my front and think of England then? Perhaps you’d like me to call you Da—”

He gets another swat against the other cheek for that, then, with an impatience that signals he’s finished with games for the morning, Bond plasters himself to Q’s back, wrapping his arms around Q’s waist. He’s still warm from bed, and it sends a delicious shiver through Q that only gets stronger as Bond plays lightly with one of his nipples.

“I’d rather you be quiet and come to bed," whispers Bond, "where you’re going to keep those on and ride me until your thighs are shaking and I have to hold you up.”

That sounds like the best use of an hour or two Q has ever heard in his life, but in the interests of annoying Bond even more—something else he considers another excellent use of time— he sighs, pretending to be vexed in spite of the contrary evidence in his pants.

“That sounds like a lot of work for a Sunday.”

“Since when have you been afraid of a bit of weekend work? Get upstairs.”

Q doesn’t budge, though he has plans to soon. Instead, he turns around and leans in to whisper in Bond’s ear.

“You know, they came in a pack of five, and I bought more than one. This isn’t the first time I’ve paraded around with your name on my arse.”

Bond groans and pulls Q into a hot and demanding kiss. It lasts an age, which is not nearly long enough. For all the joy Q gets out of their bickering, he’d be happy never to speak again if it meant Bond would kiss him like this all day, with his searing tongue and skilled lips, and teeth that ever only bite as hard as Q wants them to.

When the break apart, Q is still in the mood to tease. “In fact, if I remember correctly, I was wearing them the day we met, which I considered a very funny joke at the time. And after I handed over that gun, I thought it would be even more fun if, without arousing suspicion, of course—”

“Christ, Q.”

“—we paid a visit to the men’s bathroom so you could find out where my loyalties really lay.”

“You can't be serious. I looked like a wreck,” says Bond, incredulous. He seems a bit overcome.

“I have a great fondness for wrecks. Perhaps that explains why I’m finding this caveman act so…” Q hums, content. Quite seriously, he admits, “I was yours from the start, you know. You’ve never had to worry about that.”

Bond tugs him in for another kiss. Mercifully, there are no more words after that for a very long time.

[robotslenderman]

Cultural Quirks:

You're expected to chill on the left and overtake on the right, except when you're not, but the rules about when you do and don't are (socially) strict. Do not overtake someone on the left when you're driving. Do not stand on the left side of the escalator.

Australians will stand in the middle of the walkway having a family reunion and you're expected to just deal with it. In the UK, if a parent sees their child standing in a direction you happen to be looking at, they will full on crash tackle their offspring and drag them away, apologising the entire time. Here it is perfectly socially acceptable to stop just in front of someone standing in the way and, instead of going around them, frown at them until they move. I have been on both ends of this and I fucking love it.

Having said that Australian drivers will stop if you sneeze near a crossing but so far in London it's been a bit of a coin toss, pedestrians and drivers are very much every person for themselves. With those insane streets it's no surprise.

I haven't had a good shower since I got here bc the water pressure on every shower I've used has been lousy. But one was an old building and another was a cheap closet hotel room so as far as I know this isn't the norm. Also the hard water is murdering my skin.

I don't know if Brits hate vegetables or if Australians love them but there's a lot of meals here with little to no vegies at all. They just straight up sell rolls with meat on them and no salad.

"Huh, this mince pie has sugar on it. Maybe it does something to the flavour, I'd like to tr - WHAT THE FUCK WHY IS THERE JAM IN THIS???"

Constantly forgetting crossings generally don’t make noise here and getting tripped up because I was distracted by my phone.

Having said all that, London zebra crossings are a lot more obvious because the ones I’ve seen so far all have these flashing yellow lights. Makes it easy in the dark.

When I was on a bus tour the tour guide pointed out a building he said was “brand new.” It was made of solid brick. In Sydney our building standards are garbage and bricks aren’t cheap enough so you don’t see them in anything built this century. Remember that video of the dude sending his hand through the wall to pick up a drink? Yeah.

My window has double glazing and I was so happy I took a picture.

A lot of what I thought was my mother's social anxiety turned out to be just her being British.

Was wondering why so many people were triggering security alarms in Oxford St. That’s how I discovered some crossings do, in fact, make noise. They sound EXACTLY like the anti shoplifter alarms at home.

There are SO MANY FLATCAPS TO BUY. I wanted one but the shopkeeper was weird bc my vagina means I'm assigned no flatcaps at birth. So I didn't get it. But I did get other cool hats! London is superior to Australia in hat related matters.

Pret-a-Manger is still stalking me but I accept their offerings of sustenance so I have come to tolerate their existence.

It's weird. The cold is a lot colder here, and far more biting, but also weirdly pleasant. At home, though, the cold just seeps into your bones and sits with you all day. I've had British expats tell me they felt far colder in Aus than the UK and I get it now. Cold is temporary here in the UK because everything is heated, and it's SO cold it's actually invigorating. At home... it's just cold. Inside is as cold as outside. You can cool down but in winter you can't warm up. At work everyone sits with heaters under their desks going full blast but the room stays cold. It's not as cold as the UK and yet somehow it's worse. In the UK the cold doesn't have a chance to seep in. In Australia you can't get it out. The cold isn't as cold but it's so much stronger.

I see why people prefer cold now, it's because they genuinely don't *get* cold, because they're moving from heated building to heated building so they carry heat with them always and by the time it fades they're somewhere warm again. That doesn't happen in Sydney.

I've always felt like a mutant bc at home I always turned the heating right up, like I'm a cold blooded lizard, but they actually do that here too so now I'm convinced my lizardry is from the British side of my family.

[travelingfevah]

Top 10 best places in Australia - Travel Destinations #travelaustralia #...

Welcome to the top 10 best places in Australia! Explore the iconic landmarks of Sydney, from the Sydney Opera House to the Harbour Bridge, then dive into the vibrant underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Experience the natural wonders of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, the stunning coastline of the Great Ocean Road, and the lush rainforests of the Daintree. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Australia has it all.

Thanks for watching, don't forget to subscribe and hit the bell to stay updated when we're putting out new content for you. You can download your FREE Guide: "The Budget Traveler's Handbook" and get cheap flights, cheap hotels, cheap destinations, cheap car rentals, cheap traveler insurance at: https://TravelingFevah.com

[plasticfangtastic]

finally booked my hotel for my next Sydney trip.

I did blow up my budget for the event considering is only 2 nights but perks of all of this being last minute, i still dont get the point of JYP announcing concerts in australia like a month before they happen so barely any time to save and try to get cheap ass deals but then again the concert is close to easter long weekend so it was gonna be hard to get cheap anything.

either way I can't wait to see Itzy in Sydney!!

[lsundarinfo]

Exploring Australia’s Winter Wonders

As winter rolls around, Australia dons a different charm, offering travelers unique experiences amidst its diverse landscapes. From vibrant cities to serene countryside and breathtaking mountains, Australia beckons adventurers to explore its wonders. However, before embarking on your journey, thorough preparation is key.

Preparation Before Visiting Australia:

First and foremost, ensure you have the necessary travel documents. To visit Australia, you'll need a valid passport and an appropriate visa. Depending on your nationality, you may apply for a tourist visa online through the official Australian government website. Research the specific requirements and allow ample time for processing.

Places to Visit in Australia:

Winter in Australia opens up a myriad of destinations. Start with the iconic Sydney Opera House and the stunning Sydney Harbour Bridge. Explore Melbourne's vibrant laneways and cultural hotspots, or venture to the laid-back charm of Brisbane. For nature enthusiasts, Tasmania offers rugged landscapes and unique wildlife encounters.

Exploring Small Towns and Countryside:

Discover the soul of Australia in its small towns and countryside. Visit charming locales like Daylesford in Victoria or the picturesque Hunter Valley in New South Wales. Experience the warmth of rural hospitality and immerse yourself in local culture.

Mountain Escapes:

Escape to the mountains for a winter wonderland experience. Explore the snow-capped peaks of the Australian Alps or the scenic beauty of the Blue Mountains. Prepare for biking adventures and mountain trails that offer unparalleled vistas and adrenaline-pumping experiences.

Traveling: Personal Vehicle vs. Public Transport:

While public transport is convenient in major cities, having a personal vehicle allows flexibility to explore remote areas. Consider renting a car or camper van to traverse the vast Australian landscapes comfortably.

Accommodation: Couchsurfing and Cheap Hotels:

For budget-conscious travelers, options like Couchsurfing and budget hotels abound. Plan in advance and explore online platforms for affordable accommodation choices that suit your preferences and budget.

Renting Vehicles and Bikes:

Tourists can easily rent vehicles or bikes from reputable rental agencies across Australia. Ensure you have the necessary documentation, including an International Driving Permit (IDP) or International Driving License (IDL) from your home country. Familiarize yourself with Australian traffic rules and regulations before hitting the road.

Tracking and Solo Camping:

Australia offers abundant opportunities for tracking and solo camping. Explore the vastness of the Outback or trek through national parks like Kakadu or the Grampians. Embrace the serenity of nature and camp under the starlit skies for a truly immersive experience.

Desert Adventures:

Experience the thrill of a desert safari in iconic destinations like the Simpson Desert or the vast expanses of the Nullarbor Plain. Join guided tours or embark on self-drive adventures to witness the stark beauty of Australia's arid landscapes.

International Driving Australia Online:

To apply for an International Driving Permit Australia (IDP) for Australia, consult your country's relevant authorities. Typically, the process involves submitting an application along with required documentation. Ensure your IDP is valid for the duration of your stay in Australia to avoid any inconvenience.

In conclusion, winter in Australia promises unforgettable experiences for travelers willing to explore its diverse terrain and cultural richness. With proper preparation, an adventurous spirit, and respect for nature and local customs, your journey through the Land Down Under will leave lasting memories of awe and wonder.

[carasel]

FROM SYDNEY TO THE GREAT OUTDOORS: CARASEL’S FAVOURITE GETAWAYS PT 1

While we love Sydney, there’s nothing that beats a road trip out of town.

At Carasel we understand that backyard wanderlust and have come up with a list of a few of our favourite places to escape to for a weekend. Make it a cheap getaway by hiring a towbar and hitching a caravan to the back of your ride.

The Scarborough Hotel, Scarborough

Just over an hour’s drive from Sydney

There isn’t anyone who’s spent a considerable amount of time in Sydney that could say that there’s a shortage of pubs in this fine city. However, if you’re willing to have a little bit of an adventure before a pint, a day trip to the Scarborough Hotel is a great way to sample some of the country’s finest watering holes outside of the city. Perfectly placed on the idyllic Illawarra coastline, the Scarborough’s beer garden shows you the best of what the South Coast is capable of. The building itself was founded in 1886 with the name Scarborough meaning ‘fort on the rock’ – apt for the scenic location. The Scarborough Hotel is definitely worth the day trip – come early to get the most out of everything Scarborough has to offer, grab a meal and a pint, sit back, relax.

The Scarborough Hotel 282 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Scarborough, NSW (02) 4267 5444 thescarboroughhotel.com.au

Jenolan Caves, Blue Mountains

Two hours and forty minutes drive from Sydney

The 11 caves that make up Jenolan have been dubbed Australia’s most spectacular caves, and it’s not hard to see why. Situated in the Blue Mountains, these caves are amongst the oldest in the world, featuring underground rivers and limestone formations. The award-winning tours will show you these and tell you much more – including a few Dreamtime creation tales.

While most go to the Blue Mountains to see that one lookout and walk those tracks, there’s much more to the mountains than what’s shown on the outside.

Jenolan Caves 4655 Jenolan Caves Rd, Jenolan Caves, Blue Mountains jenolancaves.org.au

Stay tuned for Part 2 in this series! In the meantime, you may be interested in checking out our post for how to choose a camping trailer for your next trip away! http://www.carasel.com.au/blog/from-sydney-to-the-great-outdoors-how-to-choose-a-camping-trailer/

This blog was posted in Towbars and tagged in Towbar, Towbars, towing

[temp-check]

Tuesday's temperature check (2-14)

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! Wouldn’t a nice vacation to Sydney, Australia really hit the spot. How about a really cheap flight to Sydney? It had been New Yorker Kingsley Burnett's lifelong dream to visit Sydney, Australia. When he finally booked a ticket, it was far less expensive than he expected. He was thrilled. When he landed and realized he had booked a ticket to Sidney, Montana, he was less thrilled. The flight was, quote, "shorter than I expected." "I knew I was in trouble when I looked out the window, and I saw a mountain covered in snow." His plane landed in Billings, Montana, where a smaller aircraft was waiting to take him to Sidney. An American Airlines ticketing agent at the Billings airport stepped in to help, Shelli Mann wrote on Facebook on January 28. Mann is the general manager of the Boothill Inn, where Burnett stayed the night after his flight mix-up. Mann said in the Facebook post that she was driving Burnett to the airport from the hotel when he started telling her the story of his ordeal. By this point, he was laughing about the whole thing, she said. “He told me that he was taking the vacation of his dreams … he wanted to see kangaroos and he was catching a cruise ship out of Sydney, Australia,” she wrote. “Problem is, he booked his ticket to Sidney, Montana. Imagine his horror when he got off the plane in Montana and realized his mistake.” The airport code for Sydney, Montanna is SDY, the code for Sydney, Australia is SYD. I guess the departure gate in New York for Sydney is confusing. Kingsley flew home to New York and rescheduled his Australia trip for June. No word on whether anyone told him our summer is their winter. The lesson here is check the destination, not the price. And if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

No vacation plans for me!

Stay safe! Tom

[mwcowan]

Returned, A Good Normal

Chapter 3: Bangkok, Baby!

I got that backwards, it should be Baby, Bangkok! Though far away from the Philippines, the biggest event of this trip, and of many trips, happened last week – with the birth of Lachlan Rex Cowan-Harris. Georgia and I are finally grandparents! A bouncing boy at 9 lbs. 11 oz., Lachlan is the son of my son Danny and his partner Ben, with no small amount of help from surrogate mom Kaila. Here are the boys enjoying a sunny day at Crissy Field.

Although Danny and Ben live in Sydney, Australia, they wanted Lachlan to be born in the U.S. and were luckily able to connect with Kaila in Sacramento, where Lachlan was born. We’d expected Lachlan on the 17th as Kaila was scheduled to be induced that day, but a baby boom in the maternity ward caused a one-day delay. Throughout the day we were keeping up with progress though a WhatsApp group that Danny and Ben set up. As the big event was getting close we happened to be visiting the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand, Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which is part of Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang (the Grand Palace) in Bangkok. We thought it would be appropriate to ask Buddha to help Lachlan enter this world in health and peace, and right when we got out of the temple we got the good news! Maybe that simple prayer had something to do with it. You never know, but it can’t hurt.

So why were we sitting in a temple in Bangok, or even in Thailand, in the first place? Side-stepping Philippine immigration laws. Normally when we travel to the Philippines, Georgia and I come together, and I receive a one-year spousal visa. This time, if you remember, Georgia came over right after Thanksgiving but I didn’t come until just before Christmas. Entering on my own I can only get a 30-day tourist visa. It’s easy enough to have that extended by going to the immigration department in Manila and filling out the necessary paperwork. Or, we could just leave the country and come back. Which one sounds like more fun? Since Bangkok was already on our to-do list, and airfares were cheap, off we went.

Totally unplanned though, was that our friends Noel and Michelle had set up a vacation in Bangkok, starting earlier but extending through the dates we'd be there, to celebrate Noel’s daughter’s 30th birthday. Though we had different plans for our visits, we decided we'd hook up at least one evening for dinner and drinks. Well, we did hook up, but not as we’d expected. The day before we left, Georgia got a call from Michelle, telling us that Noel was in the ICU there. Noel has a chronic medical condition that unfortunately flared up badly and put him in the hospital. We arrived in Bangkok the next evening, checked into our hotel, and immediately got into a taxi for the hospital. Thankfully Noel was much better, out of the ICU and into a regular room. But since we’d planned to have dinner and drinks, Michelle still took us out. To a 7-11 for beers and snacks, but it counts!

With Noel doing better, Georgia and I stuck with our plans for the next day, hiring a guide and driver to show us the best of Bangkok in one day. We started by touring the Grand Palace, a 60-acre compound which has been the home of Thailand’s King since Rama I in the late 1700’s. Every King since then (the current King is Rama X) has made his mark on the beautiful temples, shrines, residences, and grounds. It really defies description, to me every bit as overwhelming as I felt touring Angkor Wat a few years ago. Nearly every inch of every structure and statue is decorated with a mosaic of semi-precious stones, or inlaid mother-of-pearl, or covered in gold leaf. Disney’s most creative minds couldn’t come up with this.

The King's actual Palace. Nice digs!

Finishing up with the Palace in the early afternoon we were famished. Our guide was pleased when we let her know we preferred street food over restaurants. Bangkok, all of Thailand's cities actually, is famous for inexpensive and delicious street food. She led us to an area not too far from the Palace where we browsed many choices – we lunched on Pad Thai and a few more great dishes whose names I can’t remember.

After lunch we drove to Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan (luckily for tourists they shorten the name to Wat Pho), or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. This is the third-largest reclining Buddha in the world, at 46 meters (151') long. Yes, it’s fully covered with gold leaf, except for the bottoms of it’s feet which are inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

The bottom of the Buddha's feet. Yes, it's sideways because he's laying on his side.

Since it was the day before the Chinese New Year weekend, we had to go to Chinatown! This was pretty crazy as you’d expect, with everyone and every store and stall getting ready for the weekend.

The food market was enormous, with endless varieties of both ingredients and prepared dishes. Not much that I could recognize though.

After Chinatown our guide was nice enough to drive us by the hospital so we could check on Noel; happily he was in the process of being released. No partying for him though, so we went back on tour. By now, it was getting towards dinnertime, so we went to Talat Phlu a night market with literally hundreds of food vendors.

We wandered around, sampled a few things. The fried dumplings below, with a soft rice flour center and crunchy garlic and chive crust were delicious! Georgia wants to learn how to make these. I hope she succeeds!

Dinner was from another vendor, with tables nearby where we could sit. Delicious again, although I don’t remember any of the Thai names for the dishes. My favorite was a spicy dish of sauteed morning glory (which I'm familiar with as kangkong in the Philippines) which grows on the river’s edge. Here we are with our guide Moo, and our driver Egg. Just like in the Philippines, everyone here goes by a nickname, which in Thailand is good since we’d never be able to pronounce their real names.

[A note about the dress - it was a hot & humid day, even though mid-winter. However, the temples, shrines, etc. we visited require respectful dress to enter, meaning no shorts, bare shoulders, etc. Our clothing felt completely stuck to us by the end of the day!]

The next day we were on our own, and engaged in the second most popular activity in Bangkok, shopping! At least Georgia did, and I tagged along. Georgia wanted to go to an area where they specialize in local woodcraft as décor, utensils, furniture, etc. We took a free water taxi from our hotel (located right beside the Chao Phraya River which winds through Bangkok) to a Bangkok SkyTrain station, and took the train. Inexpensive and easily manageable.

We found our way to the indoor/outdoor mall, which indeed had the items we were looking for, and a whole lot more! We’ve been looking for accent chairs for our living room and found some we really liked. Unfortunately they were already fairly expensive, and then we looked into having them shipped from Thailand to the Philippines… let’s just say this is currently on hold until we can resolve the shipping issue.

We finally made our way back to the hotel, and enjoyed a nice riverside dinner. After breakfast the next morning, it was off to the airport and back to Manila, where I got my 1-year visa. Mission accomplished!

[traveldealsnowworld]

Travel Deals Now offers cheap flights & discounted Hotels in the entire world. If you are looking for cheap flights on your vacations, just  visit our website and get the opportunities.

[zionsmithalpha-blog]

Image Source: Hotel Stellar Article Source: Tripbaseblog

Fed up of paying through the roof for hotels? Check out these 62 industry tips guaranteed to save you money on your next trip!

[tres-spades-hotel]

I am not sure you are taking requests or not, but I got this idea and I really wished you could write something for it, 'about Eisuke falling in love with his secretary and make it a bit dramatic'. I know it may be a lot to ask but all your written works have been so beautiful, I just had to ask you. No problem if you couldn't do it :).

Hi there! I’m so glad you sent a request! Yes my requests are open, I only just realised that I haven’t put it anywhere on my blog that they are open... oops! Anyway, I’ve never written a secretary story before so this was definitely a challenge, thanks to @flatsuke and @leoamber66 for helping me find a solid plot to use. And thanks to @lin-ful for just being amazing! This story is 8000+ words so that’s why it took some time to get this to you. I hope this is what you wanted, if not I hope you at least appreciate the time and effort I took to writing this. Enjoy!

Keep Me By Your Side

They say patience is a fool’s game. Waiting for love will weigh your heart down heavily like an anchor in the ocean. But saying ‘I love you’ to Eisuke Ichinomiya will get you nowhere fast. What does he know about love? Kindness? Happiness?

He was young when he was made CEO of the Ichinomiya Group. He was even younger when he lost his mother to the scythe of death, when he lost his sister to a different, better, whole, and lovable family. When he lost his father to the mist of uncertainty. What could a man filled with emptiness from a traumatic childhood, know about love?

He’s arrogant but he’s suave. A businessman through and through. Ruthless and cunning. Intelligent and sarcastic. Sweet-toothed with hidden compassion. A passionate hater of peas. A wonderful smile when he is genuine. And believe me, I have only ever seen this smile once in my whole career.

He never gets drunk and he spends more time at his auctions than with women. No woman other than me has stayed longer than a night at his penthouse. No other woman knows that Eisuke prefers warm weather to cold. No other woman knows how he likes his coffee: sweet using three sugar cubes and milk. I still remember the first time I made him coffee.

‘It’s adequate.’

‘Really?!’

‘Do it again. It needs more milk.’

‘Okay!’

I remember when he told me about his life. I remember his touch when he wiped away dewy tears. Telling me that it was a long time ago. That he just wants the truth. Closure.

That’s why, as his secretary, I have to be there for him. Because Mr Ichinomiya, founder, and owner of the Tres Spades Hotels around the globe, the mastermind behind the black market auctions and my boss, has brought me down to my knees…

In love.

I am in love with Eisuke Ichinomiya.

I want to shout it out to the world.

Scream it at the top of my lungs as if his name is my breath.

But I can’t.

Because I am only his secretary.

*

‘Here’s your schedule for today. After lunch, you have a meeting with a potential investor for the new Tres Spades Restaurants. He wants to propose different menus and VIP arrangements plus staff requirements for the restaurant in Sydney, Australia.’ I hand Eisuke his tablet and a folder filled with paperwork.

‘Hm. And the auctions?’

‘All set. Baba is still looking for the specific item that you requested but we have plenty of other materials to sell tonight. Soryu has sent the invitations and Mamoru will get back to you about the increasing police activity here lately. And Ota… well he’s being Ota.’

‘Pfft, of course he is.’ Eisuke looks up at me.

‘And Luke?’

‘He nearly fondled my collarbones… again. But he is ready to proceed with the surgery this week.’

Eisuke narrows his eyes at me.

‘Tell Luke to come see me before then. And you know better than to visit Luke immediately after a surgery.’

I rub the back of my head nervously.

‘Well, you told me to see him right away so… I was just following orders.’ Eisuke sighs in response.

‘Oh! And Luke told me to tell you that he needs another x-ray of your collarbones.’

‘Why? I already gave him one a few months ago.’ The annoyance is written all over his features.

‘Because he left it in the other clinic in New York. Luke doesn’t have an x-ray here in Tokyo.’

He unconsciously pouts at his laptop screen.

‘Isn’t one enough?’

‘Apparently not…’ It takes everything in me not to stroke his head to comfort him.

‘What about your collarbones?’

‘When we got back, while you were still in London, Luke did a medical examination on me so he got an x-ray of mine.’

‘Remind me to ban him from using the x-ray machine.’ I reply with a giggle instead of words.

‘Vivian.’ He says with urgency.

I salute military style.

‘Yes sir!’

‘… You would make a clumsy soldier.’

‘Hey!’

‘If there’s nothing else, get me coffee and leave.’

I bow and attend to my duties. After giving Eisuke his coffee, I head down to the lobby to find Mr Kenzaki. The lobby is busy as always with staff running around attending to the whims of the guests. New guests checking in and old guests leaving satisfied by their stay. The Tres Spades never disappoints.

I spot Mr Kenzaki by the reception. I catch his eye and he walks towards me by the penthouse elevator.

‘Ah Vivian, is there something you need?’

‘Yes, the Boss will need the conference room after lunch. We will need it for a few hours.’

‘Of course, I will have it set up. Do you need the projector?’

I think for a moment.

‘I’m not entirely sure but set it up anyway. Better to have it on and not use it, than need it when it’s off.’

He smiles warmly at me.

‘I understand. I am glad to see that you have become a capable and worthy secretary to Mr Ichinomiya.’ I blush at his teasing words.

‘Thank you. But we both know that Boss would choose you over me any day of the week.’

‘Haha, I’m not quite sure he is that attached.’ I highly doubt that actually, but I don’t tell him that.

‘The guest is Mr Lance and he will be arriving in a few hours. Make sure the lobby is prepared. Boss and I will come down to greet him.’

‘Very well. Make sure to take breaks every now and again Vivian.’

‘Yes, I will.’ Mr Kenzaki has always been obedient and thoughtful. I admire his dedication to Eisuke and the others plus he was a huge help to me when I first started working at the Tres Spades. He’s almost like an uncle or a grandfather (I’m sorry Mr Kenzaki! I promise you’re still young!) to me and the others.

I return to the elevator, swipe my key card, press no. 51 and watch the metal doors close. Turning around, I watch the outside world grow smaller and smaller as the elevator pulls up. There was a time when I was bewildered by the sheer size of this hotel. Over 50 floors of suites and boutiques and shops and the auctions all bundled into one.

Funnily enough, I worked with Eisuke’s adopted father, Akira Ichinomiya before I came to work for Eisuke. Akira took me in when I was first starting out in business and he taught me the ropes. He introduced me to Eisuke a little after Akira retired and, although he retired, he still worked within the Ichinomiya Group to make things a little easier for Eisuke. We met a few times over the years before Akira decided to send me to Japan to work for Eisuke as his secretary instead. I was more than miffed to hear of his decision without consulting me, especially since we had gotten so close with each other. I lost my grandfather when I was young so Akira ended up filling in that void.

Akira assured me that Eisuke would teach me more about how the Ichinomiya Group runs and I couldn’t say more. With my salary increased and bags packed, I got into the private jet and waited to see my new boss.

Looking back, I think I put up a bit too much of a fuss because Eisuke became a wonderful teacher, and a great friend. He listened to me and my problems even though he never needed to.

‘I have to make sure that my employees are at their best. Physically and mentally. Hearing your small problems is nothing to the value you are as my secretary.’

His words back then bring a whole new meaning to me now. I hope he means them in the way that I think they mean. That he cares about me.

A vibration courses through me as my pager goes off. I pluck it out of my belt and answer it.

‘Hello?’

‘Vivian! Where are you? Come to the penthouse! I have something to show you!’ Baba’s excited voice reminds me of a child but I wait to see what he has in store.

*

‘Ta da!’ Baba’s jazz hands do nothing to appease the sight.

A large statue of Venus towers over us all as we gape at it.

‘How did you get it in here?’ I ask, bewildered.

‘That’s a secret.’

‘Did you break it in half?’ Ota asks next.

‘No! This is priceless!’

‘Then how did you bring it into the lounge?’ Soryu says.

‘That is also a secret!’

‘He used the helicopter and the window.’ Mamoru mumbles from the couch.

‘Oooooohhhhhh’ Ota and I say at the same time. Baba pouts in response.

‘Mamo! Don’t go giving away my secrets!’

‘That’s not my job. That’s Ayase‘s job.’

‘This isn’t what I asked for Baba.’ Eisuke glares at him after inspecting the statue.

‘Ah yes, well. The item belongs to a Mr Jason Taylor Lance. I believe his father is coming to the hotel today.’

‘He is.’ I say.

‘Fine, I’ll get it from him instead.’

‘What is this thing you’re looking for anyway Eisuke?’ Ota asks.

‘It’s a collection of gems found at a temple in Egypt. Rumours of the gems suggest that a whole manner of good things will happen to those who possess them. I figured they would go for a very high price at the auctions.’ Eisuke smirks.

‘They were unearthed a few years ago and have found their way to Japan.’ Eisuke explains. Baba sighs.

‘Well I need more time to find the exact location.’

‘Fine.’

‘Ota can you appraise the statue for me?’

‘Okay.’ He goes back to his room while I prepare coffee and tea. When he comes back, he puts on white rubber gloves and uses a magnifying glass around the statue. I check my emails, replying to some and deleting others when Ota quips:

‘It’s fake.’

‘WHAT! Are you sure!?’

‘Yeah. It was created with cheap materials. An amateur’s work.’ He says it in such a matter-of-fact tone that I don’t comprehend it for a moment.

‘You would never know just looking at it.’

‘Yeah but if you sell it then the person buying it would most likely be an art collector and they appraise everything.’ He sits down and takes out his phone.

‘Unlucky Baba. Just like your sex life.’

‘Hey!’

‘Baba take that thing out.’ Eisuke orders.

‘Alright, alright. Sor help me out.’

‘Why me?’ Soryu and Baba heave the statue out of the penthouse.

*

Eisuke and I have lunch and then we venture out to the lobby. Just as we exit the elevator, Mr Lance enters the hotel. He is a big man wearing a white suit and a silver chain around his neck. His bald head shines in the glow of the lights and I can hear his shoes squeak against the marbled floor. He spots us and smiles.

‘Mr Lance, I am glad you could make it.’ Eisuke plasters on his signature business smile, holds his hand out for a shake and I bow from beside him.

‘Eisuke, please call me Connor. If we are going to be business partners, we should at least start with first names.’ He wraps both Eisuke and I in a bear hug and I nearly gag from the heavy cologne smell. Mr Lance is overly-friendly and I can already tell that this meeting is going to be a long one.

When he lets us go, Eisuke straightens his suit.

‘Please follow me to the conference room.’ Eisuke walks away while I turn to Mr Lance.

‘Shall I carry your briefcase for you, sir?’ I ask politely.

‘Of course, please.’ He looks at me for a moment. During my time as Eisuke’s secretary, I have met many individuals who have looked at me in inappropriate ways but Eisuke is always there to make it clear my place by his side. Still, I always stand my ground. Even now, as Mr Lance studies my face when he suddenly gestures to the case on the floor and follows Eisuke.

I’m not sure what that look was on his face but something tells me that this meeting will twist horribly.

*

‘Of course the staff will be perfect in their presentation but I believe that…’

Mr Lance, despite his ‘we-should-use-first-names’ greeting, is actually quite the businessman. He and Eisuke have been discussing the chain of Tres Spade restaurants and how to profit the most without hindering their guest’s experience.

‘The Tres Spades always delivers in high quality standards. Our guests and what they desire are our top priority.’

‘I have no doubt. Reviews of your hotels are 100% which I completely agree with. But if we could…’

Although, they are at a stale-mate right now. Neither is willing to backdown which is making me nervous. Mr Lance is more insistent on getting his way and so is Eisuke.

‘Sir?’ I finally pipe up from my corner in the room.

‘Hm?’ Eisuke looks at me.

‘May I suggest something?’

‘I hope you do not mind.’ Eisuke says to the man opposite him.

‘Please, a second opinion is always valuable.’ Mr Lance says, nodding in my direction.

‘Well, I suggest that the guests are given a form to personally write down any changes they want or need to the menus. This way, waiters will be more efficient obtaining orders and will limit any commotion that may arise.’

‘Paper forms will get lost or damaged very quickly in a kitchen.’ Eisuke says.

‘Hm, electronic tablets? With the entire menu and a writing stylus or Bluetooth keyboard to use.’

‘The keyboard would be too bulky on a table for guests.’

‘Why not use both? Paper and technology alike. Reservations will need specifications on which apparition the guests would like to use. Spontaneous guests first arriving will be asked immediately before seating if they require the keyboard or stylus.’ Mr Lance suggests.

‘That would be agreeable for me.’ Eisuke says.

‘I also.’ Mr Lance responds.

I breath a quiet sigh of relief. Mr Lance looks at me again before turning to Eisuke.

‘Before I sign this contract, I would like to add something to this.’

‘Such as?’

‘You see, I have a son, who I assume is the same age as your secretary?’

I glance at Eisuke briefly before saying hesitantly, ‘I am 28 years old, sir.’

‘Ah perfect! I have a son who could use a woman like you by his side.’ At those words, both Eisuke and I look at each other. He glares at Mr Lance who does not seem to notice.

‘You are an impeccable woman. In just a few hours, I have seen your beauty, your perfect manners and now your incredible intelligence as a woman working in the business sector of society. I believe you would be a wonderful wife to my son and an even better daughter-in-law to my wife and I.’

‘What are you suggesting, Mr Lance?’ Eisuke could be a snake he spat out those words so viciously.

Mr Lance does not break eye contact with Eisuke. Actually, it seems as if he is not intimidated at all by Eisuke, which, despite his words, is impressive.

‘I will sign this contract. Only if your secretary agrees to marry my son.’

‘That is outrageous, as if I would agree to such a thing.’

‘I am not asking you, Mr Ichinomiya. I am asking her.’

There is so much tension in the air that I can see it. Literally. So if I don’t agree, Mr Lance will walk out of the project. But if I do… While there are other investors, Mr Lance has a large influence on the economy, just as much as Eisuke does. He’s too important to deny.

Maybe I should convince him to sign without the marriage?

‘If I may, Mr Lance, I am hardly worthy of being part of your family. I have no wealth which you would consider rich, neither do I have many connections or the reputation to be married into your family. The public and the media would, quite frankly, have a field day about this marriage which could result in backlash on your family and mine. Please, reconsider this.’ I think half way through, my reasoning became a plea.

‘My secretary has never met your son and neither have I. She has worked for me and my company for years. Her well-being is my responsibility.’

Mr Lance thinks over our arguments calmly, as if he has done this a hundred times to other employers and their employees.

‘Very well. Why don’t I have my son stay at the hotel for a week? They can get to know each other and when she agrees to the marriage, then I will sign the contract. Until then,’ he pushes the folder away, ‘I will not sign. This is final.’

He gets up, leaving his business card, and walks out whistling to himself.

*   (EISUKE’S POV)                                  

‘That bastard really believes that he can have whatever he wants just because I need him to invest in the project.’

‘Did he really ask you for Vivian’s hand in marriage?’

‘To his son?’

‘…..’ I don’t answer, I only glare at Baba and Ota who hide behind Vivian and Soryu.

Mr Lance has attempted something that I have never seen in my whole career. A marriage proposal during a business deal? Mixing his personal life with his work is extremely amateur for a man who has been in business for over 30 years.

‘That man’s head must have a few screws loose.’ Mamoru says in an exasperated tone.

‘So what did you say Vivian?’ Ota asks.

‘Well, I tried to tell him that I wouldn’t be a good match for his family but he wouldn’t listen to us. His son is going to be staying in the hotel and I have to attend to him.’ She says, clutching her tablet to her chest.

‘Eisuke, what is he planning?’ Soryu is right to be suspicious. Even I believe that there is something amiss here.

‘Soryu, Mamoru, find out everything you can about this man and the Lancer’s Group.’

‘Lancer’s Group?’

‘Mr Lance’s last name turned into-‘

‘A joke.’ Mamoru finishes her sentence. ‘What do you want to know?’

‘Criminal records, illegal activity, anything. Baba see if you can find something in their estates. I want to know what they have in their possession.’

‘Uh, okay Boss…’

‘Ota I want to know what the public think about the Lance family.’

‘Sure.’

I get up from the couch and head to the stairs leading to my penthouse suite.

‘Eisuke, what about the auctions tonight?’

‘The IVC and the auctions will continue as usual. Vivian, coffee.’ I say before turning around and ascending the stairs. I hear Vivian’s high heels against the floor as she rushes to me.

As soon as I get inside, I sit at my office desk and begin researching. If the Lancer Group is as influential as the Ichinomiya Group, they will have more than a few skeletons in their closets. The smell of coffee fills the room as she makes my daily beverage. For a second, I suddenly imagine Vivian making coffee for someone else. Mr Jason Taylor Lance. With his hands on her hips and his lips at her neck, attempting to distract her from leaving. It disgusts me that another man besides me would have Vivian by his side.

I feel myself get up from my chair and wander to Vivian quickly. She pours milk and three sugar cubes into the mug. Her waist feels small in my hands. The hair on her head smells like argan oil. Vivian is actually a small woman, her head is just below my shoulders with high heels on. Her long dark hair is straight with a braided crown around the back of her head. She wears a black suit and a purple blouse plus I notice the thin platinum band around her right ring finger that I gave her when we first met.

I hear her gasp at my touch and she turns around in my arms. Her eyes are wide open with her eyebrows raised.

‘Eisuke?’

Eisuke. She usually says my name when we’re alone. When she’s in work mode, she calls me Boss, like Baba unfortunately, but I still remember how casually she said it the first time.

‘Eisuke, you’ve been working for hours. Take a break for a few minutes, please? What will I do if you faint from exhaustion?’

My hands cup her chubby face. Her trembling fingers hold onto my hands. The only man I see reflecting in her eyes, is me.

I can’t imagine being without Vivian.

Wait. What am I thinking? Or rather what am I doing?!

I let go of her face and turn to leave the room. Her short arms suddenly wrap around my waist as she desperately holds on.

‘Eisuke, I don’t want to leave you.’ Her whisper is enough for me.

But why do I care so much for her? Have I become attached to this woman? This woman who Akira introduced to me? The same shy, bubbly personality who has stuck by my side for more years than I can count? No one has survived as my secretary or assistant ever but Vivian has held on.

What am I feeling inside? This warmth in my chest?

*

The next day, we prepare for Mr Lance’s son’s appearance at the hotel. Jason Taylor is a famous model and fashion designer who is also known for his… drunk antics.

‘Soryu, make sure your men keep an eye on Taylor and Vivian while they are together. If he dares to make a move on her, I want them to intercept immediately.’

Soryu, sitting in the chair opposite my desk, rubs his head and sighs with exasperation.

‘Eisuke, my men are mobsters, not bodyguards.’

‘Soryu.’

‘I know, I know. I care about her too you know, we all do. She’s the only woman willing to stick by you and your peculiarities.’

‘….’

‘My men will watch out for her and will keep me and you updated on their activities.’

‘Good. Have you found anything incriminating?’

‘There is something. Apparently, the Lance’s have a secret operation in Brazil. It might be money laundering.’

‘Hm, have your men take it. If it is money laundering, the evidence will move the scales in my favour.’ We share a knowing look when Baba’s loud voice booms outside the office door.

‘Boss! He’s here! Come on out!’ I sigh and stand up.

‘Looks like His Highness is in your territory.’

‘We’ll see how long he can stay on his pedestal.’

Vivian meets us in the penthouse lounge. I gave her the morning off to mentally prepare herself for the work that she will have to do. She wears a different outfit that she wears for work which makes me feel better inside.

‘Hey Vivian, why are you wearing that?’ Ota asks. She looks down at her suit then to me.

‘Because I’m still working.’

‘But he’s going to be your fiancé, shouldn’t you greet him looking a little sexier or something appealing?’

‘If you’re so desperate for a fiancée, why don’t you go greet him?’ I spit out at Ota who frowns at me.

‘Baba, Eisuke’s being mean!’

‘You kind of deserved it Ota.’ Baba says.

‘Damn I’m tired. Can we get going now?’ Mamoru yawns.

‘Slacker.’ I hear Soryu mutter under his breath.

‘What you say!?’

‘That’s enough. Vivian.’ I turn to leave and hear Vivian follow. The others grumble along to see who has made an enemy out of me.

*

Just as the elevator doors open, we hear loud noises and women screaming. In the centre of all attention is JT Lance, a known critic, womaniser, drunkard and an exceptional model and designer. He was already at the top when he was born, but we’ll see how far down to the bottom he falls when I’m done with him.

He seems to be signing autographs on paper and magazines and on women’s bodies as well. Arms, hands, necks, chest, he’ll put his name anywhere. A typical celebrity. He wears a golden chain similar to his father and an open shirt revealing his body.

The lobby quietens down as I step out.

‘Oh, it’s the King!’

‘The King?’

‘Eisuke Ichinomiya?!’

The staff try to handle the guests as much as they can while I stride over to the man receiving his room key.

‘Mr Jason Taylor? It’s a pleasure to meet you.’ I smile at him and shake his hand.

‘Eisuke Ichinomiya, the pleasure is all mine! My dad says good things about you.’

‘Does he now?’ I highly doubt that considering our last encounter.

‘It’s a bit too crowded here to talk. Please follow me to the VIP lounge.’

‘Lead the way.’

In the lounge, JT sits making small talk with Ota and Baba while a female staff member serves drinks. I see her blush as JT winks at her from his spot on the couch.

‘Do you have any tips on how to attract women?’

‘Baba has trouble keeping a woman’s attention for more than a second.’ Ota quips.

‘Haha, the first thing a woman sees in a man is his fashion sense. And yours… is a little less than average.’

‘What?!’

‘You look a tomato with a head, hands and feet. You need to look more manly and dignified.’ He waves his arms around, looking a buffoon. Baba frowns, lost in thoughts.

‘I assume you wear that red… thing daily. Red is a passionate colour and bold to be worn in broad day light. But too much passion turns women off quicker than a light switch. A man should wear blues or purples, like Ota and Eisuke or that scary looking man over there.’ He points to Soryu whose face doesn’t change or move in the slightest.

‘… Um, even that man over there in the grey suit is more manly than you.’ He indicates at Mamoru who smokes at the window.

‘Hmmm, so I need to change my suit? But I love this suit…’ Baba mumbles to himself helplessly as Ota falls over laughing.

I feel Vivian fidget beside me as she gleans the man attempting to take her away from me. JT changes his focus to Vivian.

‘So, this woman is the secretary my dad told me about? What is your name? You are  certainly a beautiful gem among the dirt. Have you tried modelling? I’m sure my designs would look stunning on you.’ His insult generates a glare but, like his father, he does not notice.

‘My name is Vivian Grier and I am certain that I am just an average looking woman, sir.’

‘Oh please, you would look divine! And call me JT, it would be plain weird if my future wife calls me so formally.’ I feel my eye twitch at his casual words.

‘She is not your wife yet.’

‘That will be her decision, will it not?’

The tension increases with each passing moment as we size each other up. But Vivian cuts it like a sword slashing in the air.

‘Um, JT why don’t I show you around the hotel? Then you can relax in your suite. I still have work to do unfortunately but we can have dinner tonight in the restaurant if you would like.’ Her suggestion does nothing to quell the fiery rage that is slowly growing inside me.

His smile sickens me to my core.

‘I would be delighted to have that. Ota why don’t you come as well, we can discuss some new designs I’ve created.’

‘Sure. Don’t worry, the old man beside me won’t be coming along.’

‘Hey!’ Baba shouts out as usual. The four of them leave but not before Vivian pats my shoulder and says,

‘I’ll back in the penthouse in a bit, try not to exhaust yourself too much before I arrive.' She smirks and winks at me before rushing to the others.

*

‘You’re going to do what!?’ The words I didn’t want to hear leave Vivian’s mouth so simply that I shout at her in front of the others in the lounge. She flinches but continues.

‘JT is going to check out of the hotel tomorrow, and I will go with him. I’m going to agree to the marriage and stay with his family at their mansion.’

I can only glare at her, trying to dispel the unshakable resolve in her eyes. But she doesn’t look away nor does she back down.

‘Why?’

‘You and I both know that there is something not quite right here. They’re hiding a corpse underneath all that fame and money and I’m going to find out what.’

‘…..’

‘I know you have been investigating. I’m sure you’ll find the evidence we need but do it before the wedding. I…. One day, I want it to be you and me at the alter Eisuke. Truly.’

My eyes widen. Is she confessing to me? Now?

‘Soryu? Can I take Ryosuke and Samejima with me? For protection and friends to accompany me?’

‘Of course, they will protect with their lives Vivian.’ He takes his phone out and leaves to prepare his puppy and shark.

Vivian turns to me.

‘Eisuke, if I find anything then I will send it to you. And I promise I’ll come back. Come back to you.’

Vivian stands in front of me as the strong woman I know she is. She’s doing what needs to be done.

‘Money laundering.’

‘Huh?’

‘We have evidence that the Lance family is money laundering. Find me something related to it or something else I can use.’ I say. We look at each other for a moment then she smiles at me.

‘Okay.’

‘Good luck Vivian. We’ll be here if you need us.’ Baba pats her shoulder.

‘Don’t get yourself killed.’ Ota says from the couch.

‘Kid, don’t go doing anything stupid now.’ Mamoru puffs on his cigarette.

‘Thank you guys. Don’t worry, I’ll be careful.’ She smiles and bows to us before turning around.

‘And Eisuke?’

‘What?’

‘On JT’s phone, I saw a message. It said… the body is ready to be disposed.’

‘A body?’

‘Mamoru get on this.’

‘Murder, huh?’

‘Well, he gives lousy advice on fashion anyway.’ Baba says.

‘He was right about your fashion sense though.’ Ota retorts.

‘Kid, send me that message as soon as you can.’

‘I’ll try.’ Vivian’s heels stride out of the lounge. Strong and confident, she leaves with my heart.

*

The engagement is called on TV. Mr Lance announces the engagement and we watch as Vivian and JT exchange rings.

‘Such a tacky ring.’ I mumble to myself.

‘Hey, what’s that silver ring on her other finger?’ Ota points to the monitor.

‘Boss, didn’t you give that to her a few years ago?’

‘Obviously. I have more class than he does in style.’ I smirk. So even on TV, she continues to belong to me.

‘Eisuke, Inui and Samejima have dropped Vivian off at the hotel. She’ll be here in a few minutes.’

‘Good.’ My fingers hover over the pager’s call button. It has been confirmed that the wedding will take place tomorrow. JT has booked the ballroom for a party and invited me to attend.

‘So they recorded this and sent it to the media everywhere huh?’ Ota asks.

‘Yes. It’s hard to believe that it’s been 2 weeks since Vivian left us.’

‘She hasn’t left us. As if Eisuke would let the kid go, not with her skills.’ Mamoru, who for once is not asleep, teases me.

‘You’re not snoozing, has the station finally fired you?’ Soryu retorts.

‘Stop it. You all are too noisy.’ I order before Mamoru can fight back.

‘How are the preparations for JT’s party tonight?’

‘Going as well as I can hope. I’ve called the media here to capture JT’s antics on screen.’

‘Seriously? Does he know?’

‘Even if he does he’s not shy to the camera. Everyone knows his drunk habits. I’ve ordered for security to be ready to take action against him if he tries something.’

‘Ota, Mamoru and I will be there as well so you can count on us Boss!’ Baba says with as much enthusiasm as a balloon.

‘Why do I have to be there?!’

‘Because the alcohol is for free. I won’t have to buy you any tonight.’

‘Fine. I guess I’ll go.’ Mamoru grumbles to himself by the window.

‘Hook, line, and sinker. Point 1 to Baba.’ He tips his ridiculous hat and winks at Mamoru who pretends to gag on his cigarette.

‘Sir?’ Kenzaki enters the lounge with the woman I’ve been expecting to see since she left.

‘Miss Vivian has returned.’ His smile tells me that he has been missing Vivian as much as the rest of us.

‘Hey everyo-‘

‘VIVIAN!’

‘THANK GOD!’

‘GET US COFFEE PLEASE!’

Vivian jumps behind Kenzaki as the three men throw themselves at her. It is true that we’ve been miserable without her coffee. We have been living off of room service and Soryu’s tea.

‘I can’t believe you guys really missed me that much. I was gone for 2 weeks!’ She hands out the mugs and I sniff the coffee. It smells wonderful and for once, everyone is quiet in the lounge.

‘Would you like some Mr Kenzaki?’ Vivian asks.

‘No thank you, you can make me some another time. I have some work to do so I will leave you to it.’ He strokes her head like a father and leaves.

‘Vivian, upstairs.’ Still holding my mug and picking up Vivian’s bag, I climb the stairs with her in tow.

We sit beside each other when she looks up and smiles before taking out her tablet.

‘Even though I’ve been away, I’m still your secretary Eisuke. I’ve responded to all your emails and contacted everyone involved with the project. Mr Lance is going to sign the contract tomorrow after the wedding and-‘

‘Are you okay?’ I ask.

‘Hm, what?’

‘Did he do anything to you?’

‘No, not really. Despite the engagement, he hasn’t touched me. I thought he was seeing other women since he keeps going in and out of the mansion but I think it’s something else.’

‘Yes, the coordinates Soryu’s puppy sent is an office. It’s filled with counterfeit money.’ Vivian, Inui and Samejima were able to gain the site of Mr Lance’s operations from JT’s car’s automatic navigation system. The Ice Dragons stormed the place with Soryu and found over $200 million in cash.

‘What do you think it’s for?’

‘It could for a number of things Vivian. People have a way of finding things to buy when they millions to spare. Be it an object or a person.’

‘Did Mamoru find out about… the body?’

‘We’re still looking into it, but I have a hunch.’

‘Which is?’

‘You’ll see.’

‘No fair!’ Vivian pouts at me and I pinch her cheeks.

‘Oww!’ She says it in a more playful tone, letting me know that she’s happy.

‘You’ve gotten thinner since you left.’

‘I guess I was lonely without you Eisuke.’ She takes my hands and wraps my arms around her.

‘I missed you, so much.’ She hugs me tight, listening to my rapid heartbeat.

‘How have you been Eisuke?’

‘Fine. It’s not as if I need you by my side all the time.’ Who am I kidding? Her giggles tell me that she doesn’t believe my lies either.

‘But you will always miss my coffee right?’ Her teasing words make me chuckle.

‘Your coffee has done wonders for me. Even if you didn’t stay as my secretary, I would have made you the penthouse maid.’

‘Haha, I’m sure you would have.’ She raises her head and looks up at me through her long lashes. When did she become so beautiful?

‘Eisuke…’ When did her voice become so enticing when she says my name? And what would she sound like at night, beneath me with her head thrown back in pure bliss?

But before my lips can touch her skin…

‘Boss! Are you ready?’

‘Damn it, that thief always has awful timing.’ I grumble as we untangle our limbs from each other.

‘Don’t worry Eisuke. I’ll still be here when you get back.’ She takes my face into her hands and leaves a kiss on my forehead.

‘You know I will always be here.’ We lean our heads against each other, savouring the feelings that we hold dear. I’ve never felt love for a woman before. It’s not a bad feeling though.

*   (VIVIAN’S POV)

I change into my casual clothing and go downstairs to find not only Soryu with Ryosuke and Samejima, but also Luke in the lounge. The TV has been set up for us to watch the party on mute.

‘Hey you guys.’ I sit on the couch next to Luke and see Eisuke, Ota, Baba, and Mamoru at the party, mostly drinking at the bar.

‘Hey princess.’ Ryosuke waves. Samejima and Soryu both give me a nod.

‘Hello Sexy Bones.’ I smile at Luke.

‘Why aren’t you down there Soryu?’ I ask.

‘Too many women.’

‘Oh I see.’ Soryu hates women with a passion. Eisuke was surprised when Soryu said he didn’t mind me being here. Apparently, I’m not the type of women he hates.

‘Where’s JT?’ I ask, trying to spot him on the monitors.

‘Over there, speaking to one of the politicians.’ Luke points to the far corner. For a while we wait and see what happens. Eisuke speaks to various celebrities, all with that sly smile on his face, while Mamoru drinks at the bar. Baba and Ota flirt with the other women at the party.

It all seems pretty calm when I see JT suddenly throw a glass of champagne at a wall.

‘Uh oh.’

‘What the!?’

‘He’s drunk.’ Luke observes.

JT seems to shouting at a staff member. One whom I know as my friend, Sakiko.

‘He’s going to hit her!’ I shout. JT’s large fist is balled up in the air, ready to hit its target when Eisuke grabs his arm and pins it back. He forces JT to the ground and Mamoru cuffs his wrists.

‘Oh thank god!’ I sigh with relief as Sakiko is attended to by the other staff members. Eisuke seems to be addressing the guests as Mamoru and security push JT off the premises.

‘The media will love this.’ I say.

‘Eisuke knew this would happen, that’s why he called them in the first place.’ Soryu says, turning his attention to clean his gun.

‘Mr Ichinomiya looked so cool! Just like you sir!’ Ryosuke says, looking at Soryu with admiration.

‘Indeed, Eisuke’s collarbones looked splendid.’ Luke smiles and Ryosuke gives me a look of bewilderment. I laugh despite the situation we just witnessed.

‘Eisuke did look really cool out there.’

‘Maybe you should make him the new Ice Dragon’s leader.’ Luke says.

‘No.’ Both Luke and I burst out laughing with Samejima trying to hide his smile and Ryosuke looking even more bewildered.

When Eisuke came back to the penthouse, I said good night to the others and followed him upstairs to his bedroom. I hugged him tightly as soon as we entered him room.

‘I saw on the monitors. Thank you for saving Sakiko.’ I nuzzle my face into his chest.

‘Hm.’ I feel the slight vibration course through his body.

‘Eisuke?’

‘What?’

‘Seeing JT be so… violent… made me think. Do you think sacrificing my freedom, despite knowing his flaws, despite knowing that there is always the possibility that he could become violent with me, that he could hurt me and cause me pain and trauma that I might never recover from, if marriage is about accepting the faults of the partner you love, should I accept his flaws no matter how abusive he could be?’

‘No. Because even the slightest possibility could destroy more than just your body, but your heart too. People like JT are not worth more than the dirt under our shoes.’

Suddenly, Eisuke dips down and hooks his arm under my knees.

‘Ah! Eisuke!’ Wrapping my arms tightly around his neck, Eisuke throws me onto the bed and leans over me.

‘You’re still here though.’

‘I am.’

‘Are you going to leave?’ I look into his chocolate brown eyes. I can see my reflection in them so clearly. I feel my love for him bubbling up inside me.

‘Only if you force me to.’

‘Pfft, as if that would ever happen.’ His kiss is sweeter than any candy. It melts me at my core completely. That night, our hearts finally connect with one another. The moment that I have always wanted has been fulfilled. And before I pass out, I hear,

‘I promise, tomorrow, you will walk out as my woman. I will save you.’

*

Standing at the church doors, I breath in and out. Clutching a bouquet of hydrangeas, I think about last night. Eisuke promised that he would save me.

‘Go to the wedding tomorrow. I will be there and stop this madness.’

Akira comes up and turns me to face him.

‘Do not worry Vivian. Eisuke will give you a wedding surprise you won’t soon forget.’ His smile warms my heart. I asked him to come from London to walk me down the aisle. With my parents gone since I was a child, Akira is the closest thing I have to a father.

‘I know he will. I just hope he hurries up.’ I say. Akira holds out his elbow and my left hand gently clutches his suit. We hear the music begin and the large doors creak open.

With thousands of eyes on me, I look straight ahead just as Eisuke would. Ignore all the stares and look straight forward always no matter what. Cameras and flashes and whispers fill the room as I see JT smirk my way. The wedding dress wasn’t my choice. It was designed by JT and Ota together but it still isn’t the dress I imagined I would wear to my wedding. It’s a backless, pearl white lace dress with a ring of diamonds at my waist. My hair is in a loose bun and a thin hair band with small flowers rests atop my head. The dress trails at the back slightly and I feel it drag the fake flowers those sitting on the benches throw at us. In the corner of my eye, I see the bidders who wave at me. I smile inwardly, knowing that I’m in safe hands.

We finally make it to the priest and JT presses a light kiss to my hand. I gag inside as Akira leaves me to sit down.

The priest begins to speak the formalities and my mind drifts away. Eisuke said he would save me. So where is he? I’ve hoped for years that Eisuke would love me the way that I love him and now that I finally have it, we’ve become entangled in this mess.

‘If there is anyone who would object to this couple’s union, speak now or forever hold your peace.’

The doors behind us creak open once more. Everyone turns to see the silhouette of the man I love the most in this world.

‘I object.’

Eisuke walks forward as gasps and whispers fill the room. All cameras pointed at the King of Spades.

‘JT Lance has no business marrying her.’ He nods to the priest who takes out a remote and presses a button. A projector rises near the back of the church and a picture of a woman appears.

‘Oh that’s Miss Freya Opaline.’ Opaline was a great gem collector who mysteriously died when she tripped and fell into glass which pierced her heart.

‘Miss Opaline was not killed by what we believed was an accident.’ Eisuke’s strong voice echoes in the church.

‘JT and Opaline were both after the same set of gems that were unearthed in Egypt. Opaline got to them first so JT attempted to bribe her for them. When that didn’t work, he killed her and took the gems for himself.’ Moans and groans of the shocked public begin to rise.

‘The next few slides have secret messages between Mr Jason Taylor Lance and his associates who covered up the murder. Let’s also not forget about Mr Lance, who has been making counterfeit money for nearly a decade.’

‘Damn it.’ I hear JT whisper in defeat.

‘If there is anybody else who would like to object…’ As if on cue, Baba and Ota shout out.

‘I object!’ Everyone follows suit and I back away. Suddenly, Mamoru and the police walk in, arresting JT and Mr Lance. Before JT is taken away, I waltz up to him where he is handcuffed. I smile and throw the bouquet at his feet. The sound a slap resonates inside the building, rendering everyone silent. JT stares dumbfounded. Suddenly, I hear cheers for my performance and the police take JT away.

Eisuke comes up to me and I kiss him. I hear many screams and see white flashes behind my closed eyelids but I don’t care. He did it all and I helped him.

‘I love you Eisuke.’

‘I love you Vivian.’ He smiles genuinely and I fall in love again. We lean our foreheads together, knowing our love for each other is true.

*

‘It was nice of Mrs Lance to sign the contract on behalf of her ex-husband.’ I say.

‘Yes. Now that Miss Felicia is taking over, their business might finally have a chance of being good.’

‘But not as good as the Ichinomiya Group. Right?’ I laugh.

‘Obviously.’ Eisuke smirks at me when we hear a crack.

‘Okay, I think I got it.’ Ota says. The large statue of Venus stands before us once again… in pieces.

‘I guess you finally did something right for once Baba.’ Mamoru says.

‘Yeah! Wait what?!’

‘We were lucky that this was the statue that Miss Felicia was talking about. Who would have thought that Opaline and Felicia were such good childhood friends that Opaline gave the gems to her?’

The gems were never with Opaline to begin with. She sent them to JT’s mother as a way to rekindle their love for each other. Unfortunately, JT killed Opaline before she and Felicia could run away and start life anew. After her death, Felicia hid the gems inside the statue made by an amateur to prevent anyone from taking them.

‘The gems were the beginning of so much sorrow. Whatever stories there are, those gems hold nothing but pain.’

‘It’s a tragic love story but I think Felicia will be happy knowing that she has her own business to run and that her lover’s murderers are in prison.’

‘What I can’t believe is that Mr Lance wanted Vivian in order to blackmail you into selling the counterfeit money at the auctions.’

‘A stupid idea by a coward.’

‘Guys, I think I found it.’ Ota pulls out a golden box from the statue’s chest.

‘Is that it?’

‘Must be.’

‘Open it Eisuke!’

He takes the box and uses the key Felicia gave Eisuke. Inside is one gem, not multiple like the stories. A large diamond the size of a fist sparkles in the light.

‘Now this, will fetch a very good price.’ Eisuke smirks.

*

‘$20 million! $50 million! $100 million! Do I have any more bids?’

‘It’s going up.’

‘Of course it is.’

‘$150 million! $200 million!’

‘Wow.’

‘Honestly, these people are far too desperate for something good to happen to ‘em. As if a diamond can bring good fortune.’ Mamoru says.

‘$300 million! Any more!’

The diamond sits on a pedestal on top of a purple velvet cushion. I hug Eisuke’s arm and snuggle into his side as I feel him kiss the top of my head.

‘$500 million! Sold!’

[travelingfevah]

Top 10 best places in Australia - Travel Destinations #traveldestination...

Welcome to the top 10 best places in Australia! Explore the iconic landmarks of Sydney, from the Sydney Opera House to the Harbour Bridge, then dive into the vibrant underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. 

Experience the natural wonders of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, the stunning coastline of the Great Ocean Road, and the lush rainforests of the Daintree. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Australia has it all.

Thanks for watching, don't forget to subscribe and hit the bell to stay updated when we're putting out new content for you. You can download your FREE Guide: "The Budget Traveler's Handbook" and get cheap flights, cheap hotels, cheap destinations, cheap car rentals, cheap traveler insurance at: https://TravelingFevah.com 

[eflyto]

Book Cheap hotels in Adelaide at lowest guaranteed price from Travoline.com save upto 25% on hotel bookings.

[lsundarinfo]

Explore the Land Down Under: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Australia

Australia, known for its breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and vibrant cities, is a dream destination for travelers around the world. From the iconic Sydney Opera House to the stunning Great Barrier Reef, Australia offers a diverse range of experiences. In this comprehensive travel guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to make your trip to Australia unforgettable.

Preparation Before Visiting Australia

Before embarking on your Australian adventure, there are a few important things to consider. First and foremost, ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. It's also advisable to purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover unforeseen events.

How to Get a Visa and Other Required Documents

Most travelers to Australia need a visa, and fortunately, the process is relatively straightforward. You can apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) online, making it convenient and quick. Make sure to check the latest visa requirements and fees on the official Australian government website before applying.

Places to Visit in Australia

Australia boasts a plethora of attractions. Sydney's iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge are must-see landmarks. Explore Melbourne's vibrant arts scene and coffee culture. Head to the Great Barrier Reef for world-class snorkeling and diving, or venture into the rugged Outback to witness the awe-inspiring Uluru (Ayers Rock). Don't forget the pristine beaches of the Whitsundays and the ancient rainforests of the Daintree.

Places to Visit in Small Towns

While the big cities offer a lot, don't overlook Australia's charming small towns. Visit Byron Bay for its laid-back vibe, Surfers Paradise for its golden beaches, and Port Douglas for its boutique shops and fine dining. Small towns like Alice Springs and Broome offer unique Outback experiences and indigenous cultural encounters.

Personal Vehicle vs. Public Transport

The choice between personal vehicle and public transport largely depends on your itinerary. If you plan to explore major cities, public transport is efficient and cost-effective. However, for exploring remote areas and small towns, renting a vehicle is ideal. Australia offers well-maintained road networks and scenic routes for road trips.

Booking Accommodation: Couch Surfing and Cheap Hotels

For budget-conscious travelers, Couchsurfing is a fantastic option to connect with locals and find free accommodation. Alternatively, you can book affordable hotels through websites like Booking.com or Hostelworld. Don't forget to check for reviews and ratings to ensure a comfortable stay.

Renting a Vehicle as a Tourist

Renting a vehicle in Australia as a tourist is hassle-free. International travelers can easily rent cars from reputable agencies at major airports and city centers. Ensure you have a valid driver's license and familiarize yourself with Australian road rules, as they may differ from your home country.

Top Picks for Trekking and Solo Camping

Australia offers some of the world's most scenic trekking and camping opportunities. Explore the stunning landscapes of the Blue Mountains, hike through the ancient Kakadu National Park, or challenge yourself with the Overland Track in Tasmania. Remember to obtain any necessary permits and follow Leave No Trace principles for responsible camping.

Applying for an International Driving License in India for Australia

To drive legally in Australia as an Indian tourist, you'll need an International Driving Permit Australia (IDP). Apply for an IDP through your local Regional Transport Office (RTO) in India before your trip. Ensure that you carry your Indian driver's license and IDP while driving in Australia to avoid any legal issues.

Australia offers an adventure like no other. Whether you're exploring its bustling cities, rugged Outback, or pristine wilderness, this vast and diverse country promises an unforgettable experience. With proper preparation, you'll be ready to embark on your Australian journey, creating memories that will last a lifetime.