Kari rushed to the airport, only to find Ronald had been waiting for over two hours. As she approached, looking like she'd run a marathon, Ronald stood up and steadied her, "Didn't I tell you to take it easy? What's the rush?" "Why on earth would you come all the way to Maplewood?" Kari huffed, out of breath.
Wasn't he busy enough with his work back in Capital City?
Yet, he had to make a trip to Maplewood.
Ronald pulled out a handkerchief and gently wiped the sweat off her forehead, his expression calm, "Maplewood's got its charms, thought I'd come and unwind a bit."
When Willa found out Ronald had a thing for Kari, she went all out trying to play matchmaker.
Kari was well aware of Ronald's feelings, but she'd always seen him as a brother figure. The thought of anything more made her recoil.
Yet, Ronald always kept a careful distance, and their interactions had grown increasingly charged, making it impossible for Kari to keep seeing him as just a brother.
But she couldn't shake off the image she'd had of him for over two decades.
She'd finally made it to Maplewood for some relaxation, and now Ronald was here too.
Ronald, in his haste, still looked sharp in his suit, giving off an even more intense vibe.
Kari, taking the handkerchief, wiped her own sweat, "Why didn't I hear about this 'unwinding' plan earlier?"
If she had known, she would've arranged for someone else to come to Maplewood.
Ronald could see through her, feeling a bit down. He'd been by Kari's side for the better part of the last six months, with Kari playing oblivious. He couldn't bring himself to push too hard. "Kari, you know why I'm here in Maplewood," Ronald spoke softly.
Kari's hand froze, and her cheeks flushed.
Before Ronald could continue, she balled up the handkerchief, "It's getting late, I should take you to the hotel."
Ronald chuckled lightly.
Kari's flustered reaction was proof enough that she wasn't entirely indifferent to his feelings. "Alright."
Upon arriving at the hotel, they discovered the suites were all booked.
Given Ronald's high standards after years of luxury, he wasn't about to settle for less.
Kari, knowing his pickiness, offered, "Why don't you stay in my room? I can book another one."
She wasn't fussy.
"How many bedrooms does the suite have?" Ronald saw his opening.
"Three."
"Let's share, then." Ronald handed his ID to the receptionist, sorting out the check-in, while his assistant took his luggage to the room.
Kari was about to book another room but Ronald stopped her.
"Don't worry, I won't do anything. The suite's big enough," Ronald reassured her, then played his trump card, "It would be a waste otherwise, and you wouldn't want your mom to find out, right?" They were staying at the best hotel in Maplewood, where even the most basic room was pricey.
Having faced hardships, Kari valued every penny.
"Fine, then."
A shadow of satisfaction crossed Ronald's eyes, "Let's head to the room. I'll take a shower, and then we can go out for dinner."
Noticing the dark circles under Ronald's eyes, Kari guessed he'd been up all night, "Did you come to Maplewood because you were worried about me?"
As they reached the elevator, Ronald pressed the button and responded lightly, "Your mom's worried too, asked me to look after you."
Kari pursed her lips.
Her mom had no idea about her trip; Ronald was clearly making excuses!
Thinking Kari was upset about his uninvited presence, Ronald offered a compromise. If she truly didn't want him around, he was willing to leave.
"If you really mind, I can head back to Capital City tomorrow-"
"Maplewood does have a lot of sights. Since we're here, let's enjoy it," Kari cut in, watching the elevator numbers climb. "I've got about three days off."
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