Not So Cinderella Story - Part 5
When Curiosity Unlocks Trouble
“Fine! Just be careful in Bali. Accidents happen, you know!” He hung up.
Ana threw her phone on the bed and started packing - shoving clothes into the suitcase as if they were all at fault. A knock on the door interrupted her rage. She exhaled with irritation and opened the door.
“Hey Ana. I wanted to see you before we leave, may I come in?” Ryan stood there with a smile and a coconut in each hand.
“What a surprise Ryan, yeah come on in.” Ana rushed to the bed to put away the scattered lingerie inside the suitcase.
“I could not resist these fresh cold babies.” He handed her a greenish ball with a straw. “Cheers! To new beginnings!”
His brown eyes, crinkled from a smile, looked at Ana with such tenderness and sparks at the same time.
"Cheers." Ana took a sip, looking him straight in the eyes—just like the Germans do, who say if you toast without eye contact, you get seven years of bad sex.
"Yummy, it’s delicious. Thank you." She placed the coconut on the table and cleared a pile of clothes off the chair. "Sorry about the mess—I'm in the middle of packing. By the way, how are you flying to San Francisco?"
"I’ve got a flight with a layover in Dubai." Ryan watched her moving around the room. Ana’s sun-kissed body in short shorts and a crop top looked absolutely irresistible.
“Then we might be on the same flight, I am also flying via Dubai.” She sat down across from him, finishing her coconut. His hand slid up her leg, she did not push it away.
Ryan kissed her and lifted her into his arms. Her slender legs wrapped tightly around his torso.
They held each other in an embrace just like they had near the temple. In total silence, broken by passionate breathing and kisses.
Ten days of spiritual asceticism left their mark —raw, human lust now filled the room.
Ana was already tearing Ryan’s clothes off, bursting with laughter at her own jokes.
“If we had ice, like in Top Gun, it would’ve sizzled on my stomach like on a frying pan!” She giggled, while Ryan's lips were wandering around her stomach.
“Oh baby, I knew you were hot—but keep this up and I’ll have to call the fire department.” He dropped his voice like an action hero, burying his hands in her soft short hair.
Happiness showed up when no one was looking. Everything happened so simply, so effortlessly. Two grown-ups, whispering and laughing like kids—lost in their own little world.
As if enchanted, Ryan’s hand caressed Ana’s body, receiving kisses in return.
“It might sound like a crazy idea, but what if we extended layoff in Dubai for a couple more days?” Ana propped herself up on one elbow, carefully watching Ryan’s reaction.
“Your wish is my command, m’lady. I think that’s a crazy cool idea.”
He kissed her on the forehead and pulled her closer.
“There’s this quiet hotel on the beach—Royal Mirage. I’ve always wanted to go there,” she said, tracing soft twirls on his chest with her finger.
“Hmm... Royal Mirage—I just hope it’s the kind of place that serves champagne for breakfast, not an empty sandpit.” He gently patted her on the butt.
“I think we need to get packing. Otherwise we will miss our early morning flight.” Ana pushed him off the bed and kissed.
They might have looked like honeymooners to other passangers- illuminating real connection, which could be seen in little details: how they communicated, their body language.
They were as excited as children, gazing at the exquisite metropolis from a bird’s-eye view. Extraordinary residential districts unfolded across the sea, forming elegant patterns on the water.
The hot, dry air hit them in the face the moment they stepped off the plane and onto the sun-baked tarmac.
The couple made their way to the airport entrance, observing the staff in flowing white kanduras and elegant black abayas. Dubai International Airport is famous for its high-tech equipment. They passed through immigration in no time—only their luggage remained to be claimed.
After collecting their luggage, Ana and Ryan headed toward the exit—but just as they passed the scanner, they were stopped by security.
A tanned, bearded bodybuilder style officer asked them to step aside for additional screening and open the suitcases.
The man in the blue uniform began rummaging through Ryan’s bag, pulling out each piece of clothing one by one.
As he tugged out another pair of jeans, a small clear plastic bag with white powder inside slipped from the pocket and fell on the floor.
“Did you pack your bag?” The officer asked, holding the small bag between two fingers like it might explode.
“Yes, I did pack my bag. I have no idea what it is!” Ryan answered. His face turned red from tension.
“Where did you fly in from?” The officer looked straight at Ryan.
“Bali.”
“Is this your first time visiting the country? What’s the purpose of your visit?”
“Yes, it’s my first time visiting the UAE. I have an extended layoff before my flight to San Francisco”.
Ryan looked at Ana, his eyes filled with desperation and confusion.
Tears streamed down Ana’s face. Ugly puzzle pieces fell into place. She stepped forward, trying to defend Ryan.
“Sir, It’s not his! He’s been set up! Please listen to me.” Ana came closer to the officer.
“Madame, please take your suitcase and proceed to the exit!” Another officer in white kandoora started to escort her towards the exit.
“Ryan! I will get you out, I promise!” She cried out through tears. “You have been set up, Ryan!”
As the sliding doors shut behind her, she stepped into a wave of noise, heat, and bustle—tourists, families, drivers all blending into one chaotic welcome.
The desert hot air hit her face. And then she saw an Indian driver in a white crisp shirt holding a sign — “Royal Mirage – Ana & Ryan.”
To be continued…