Chapter 1870

Karina definitely wasn’t the type to wait for someone to serve her food. While some might enjoy that kind of pampering, she wasn’t one of them.
She ate quickly, clearly starving, but even in her haste, she maintained an air of composure. From an outsider’s perspective, she and Wilfred looked like they had been cut from the same refined mold. As Karina finished her meal and prepared to set down her utensils, Wilfred reached over with a napkin and gently dabbed at the corner of her mouth. “You’ve got a little something there,” he said casually. Karina froze.
She stared at him, wide-eyed and still, her lashes fluttering rapidly in shock. Wilfred, focused on the task, seemed oblivious at first. But her gaze had a weight to it, an intensity that couldn’t be ignored, and his eyes finally met hers. In that brief, charged moment, Karina felt her heart leap into her throat.
Flustered, she broke the stare and quickly lowered her head, placing a hand over her chest as if that could calm the erratic beating of her heart. “I… I’m still feeling a bit unwell. Could you return the tray for me?”
Wilfred didn’t press her. He rose and took the tray away, giving Karina a much-needed moment to breathe.
Once alone, she leaned back in her seat, trying to regain her composure. Had he done that on purpose? Or was it just her imagination running wild?
*
The plane landed at nine in the evening, and the first order of business was checking into their hotel.
Thankfully, Wilfred had already taken care of the booking, arranging everything ahead of time. To Karina’s relief, her room was next to Yvette’s.
Yvette was delighted. “This is perfect! It’ll be so easy for me to drop by your room if I need to.”
Karina managed a smile, though her emotions were more complicated. On one hand, she felt relieved to be next to a familiar face. On the other, there was a faint, inexplicable sense of disappointment she couldn’t quite place. After settling into her room, Karina started unpacking her things-only to realize she hadn’t packed any undergarments
She stared at her suitcase, dumbfounded.
What now? Should she try to buy some? But it was so late, and the local stores were probably closed. Plus, ordering anything here wasn’t as convenient as back home
QUMS
Karina frowned, racking her brain for a solution. Then it hit her-Yvette might have extras!
Grabbing her robe, she quickly headed next door and knocked.
It took a moment, but Yvette finally answered, looking surprised to see her. “You’re here already? I was planning to drop by after my shower!”
Karina hesitated for a second before saying, “Actually, I need a favor… Can I come in?”
Though puzzled, Yvette stepped aside to let her in.
Moments later, Yvette was doubled over with laughter, practically crying. “You forgot to pack that? Oh my God how does that even
happen?”
Karina flushed, half embarrassed and half exasperated. “Alright, alright, can you help me or not?”
Wiping away tears of amusement,
Yvette nodded. “I’ve got some
extras, don’t worry. I’ll lend you a set,
but you’ll need to go shopping
tomorrow. One set isn’t going to cut it.”
Relieved, Karina thanked her. “I’ll definitely go tomorrow. Thanks for saving me tonight.”
Yvette handed her a brand-new set, and Karina returned to her room feeling much better.
Back in her room, Karina turned on the hot water for a shower.
It was only then she realized her size was quite different from Yvette’s.