“Whenever I’m with him something inside starts to burning
And I’m filled with desire
Could it be the devil in me or is this the way love’s supposed to be?”
-Linda Ronstadt
Singapore – 8 September 2001
It had been only six weeks since he left, but Camilla had missed him. She didn’t think that his absence would be so heartfelt. She was always busy at work and thought that would keep her mind occupied, but she soon learned that work alone was not enough.
Not that they were even a couple, and they certainly didn’t live together. On her insistence, they had kept their affair a secret lest it affect how others treated them at work. One and a half years later, they were still both officially available.
Eighteen months of sneaking around and turning down the advances of others. Both constantly refusing the attempts at matchmaking by office meddlers. Never able to be seen in public together and never able to go on a date.
Though intimacy had been more than adequate, it had been about more than sex. He consistently impressed Camilla with his inventive abilities. She thought that seeing him was like constantly being on a third date. Every time, it felt wonderful and new.
Perhaps that was why their relationship hadn’t gotten dull or routine. Not being a couple, they had not yet had time to grow too accustomed to or take each other for granted. And he still felt the need to push the boundaries of their sex lives.
When her aeroplane touched down at the airport, Camilla collected her bags and made her way to the taxi stand. The humidity hit her like a wet towel the second she stepped out of the terminal. It was early spring back home, but the heat here was more than just a seasonal difference. It was with relief that she climbed into the back of the air-conditioned and clean taxi moments later.
Giving the driver the address, Camilla sat back and watched the city reveal itself. Not knowing what to expect, its modernity and apparent cleanliness pleasantly surprised her. Modern skyscrapers and freeways carved themselves a place in the tropical cityscape, yet appeared entirely natural.
As the rainforest gave way to the city centre, Camilla was no less impressed by the harmony with which the concrete and glass had integrated into the landscape. It was as though someone had built a city, then planted a garden around it.
When she finally arrived at her destination, the contrast with what she saw earlier could not have been starker. A white wedding cake of a building, the hotel almost stood in defiance of time and modernity. It radiated regal elegance and old-world appeal while retaining a special ambience and charm.
A doorman resplendent in a gold tasselled, white uniform topped by a turban opened her door. Camilla followed him inside to escape the heat. The interior was just as impressive as the forecourt. White marble and dark teak fittings framed the entire lobby, while stunning, golden chandeliers floated above the soaring ceilings.
Her check-in was swift and, as the receptionist handed her a key, he motioned her to follow the bellboy to the room. Glancing at her watch, Camilla said, “Take my bags to the room, please. Can you direct me to the Long Bar?”
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