The Resort

By M J Hardy

When three women win a holiday in a Facebook competition, they think it's by chance.
It's not.
When one woman accompanies her husband on business, she thinks she'll return with him.
She won't.

Welcome to the resort where nothing is as it seems.

On the outside, it's heaven on earth. A dreamy romantic getaway, with pristine sandy beaches, glorious sunshine, and glamorous accommodation.
The perfect lover's hideaway with uninterrupted views over a freshwater lagoon.
Nothing to do but enjoy the ultimate pamper experience on a ridiculously dreamy holiday of a lifetime.
Perfect.

That's what they think.
Past actions have consequences and Karma's about to strike. Who will survive the week and who won't leave at all?

• Language: English
• Publisher: M J Hardy
• Release date: Sep 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223099383

Book preview

THE RESORT

When three women win a holiday in a Facebook competition, they think it’s by chance.

It’s not.

When one woman accompanies her husband on business, she thinks she’ll return with him.

She won’t.

Welcome to the resort where nothing is as it seems.

On the outside, it’s heaven on earth. A dreamy romantic getaway, with pristine sandy beaches, glorious sunshine, and glamorous accommodation.

The perfect lover’s hideaway with uninterrupted views over a freshwater lagoon.

Nothing to do but enjoy the ultimate pamper experience on a ridiculously dreamy holiday of a lifetime.

That’s what they think.

Who will survive the week and who won’t leave at all?

QUOTE

You will never understand the damage you did to someone until the same thing is done to you. That’s why I’m here.

Karma

CHAPTER 1

KIM

I’ve always loved the airport. I associate it with happy memories, holidays, relaxation, sun and exotic places. Most of all, I associate it with spending time with Jack. Lots of lovely time with my husband, who never seems to have that much of it at home.

Kim, hurry up, a couple just pushed in and I’m about to blow a fuse.

Dragging my wheelie case behind me, I up my pace because as usual Jack’s on a mission. He is always uptight at this stage of the journey, so I don’t give it much thought. Once we’re on the plane, he will relax, but I know he won’t until then.

As we wait, I check out the other passengers and my heart lurches when I see a family a few steps ahead of us. A beautiful baby who can’t be more than a few weeks old is being rocked by her doting father, who looks so proud it brings a smile to my face. The fact the baby is dressed head to toe in pink gives her sex away and I look with envy as the mother holds the hand of another pretty girl, who must be around 4 years old.

Perfect.

I stare at them, unable to drag my eyes away from a scene that I wish was mine so hard it hurts. I want a family like that. A contented husband, proud of his girls. The way he gazes at his baby with pride and the way his wife looks at him and smiles, her gaze full of love and happiness.

Bloody hell, I hope they’re not anywhere near us. The last thing we need is a crying baby all the way, that would be just my luck.

Jack sounds annoyed and his frown and shiver of displeasure reminds me we are poles apart in what we want from life. I don’t even answer him and just stare hungrily at a scene I want more than anything and as the line shifts, I feel the sharp pain of a suitcase being shoved in my back.

I’m sorry. I turn quickly and see a woman looking apologetic.

I just smile and turn away as Jack hisses, We’ll be lucky to get there at all at this rate. Did you remember to book the lounge, I need a stiff gin and tonic after this debacle?

Yes.

He nods and turns his attention back to the slowest line in history and I glance across at the first-class check-in desk and wish we were in a position to travel that way.

The woman that stands studying her perfectly manicured nails, looks as if she just left the spa. Long blonde hair curled in those large waves that appear to be all the rage, make her look as if she just stepped out of the hairdresser’s chair. She is wearing a beautiful pale blue trouser suit with a white silk camisole under the jacket, clutching a Chanel handbag as her husband loads the belt with their Louis Vuitton luggage. I feel a pang of envy as I look at a woman I wish I could be and just pray that her husband is old and ugly.

As he turns and smiles at the glamorous woman, my heart skips a beat. He is utterly gorgeous. Dressed in a smart jacket and chinos, he looks as if he’s just stepped out of Heat magazine. His hair is dark and well styled and he looks to be around his mid-forties. I watch with interest as he slips an arm around the woman’s waist possessively, and as he whispers in her ear, she nods and looks around with an air of boredom.

Hurry up Kim, for god’s sake what’s the matter with you today?

Jack’s voice tears my attention away from the couple and I follow him to the nearest available check-in desk.

As always, he removes the plastic wallet from his man bag and hands over the necessary paperwork, preparing to charm the woman who smiles at him coyly. Yes, Jack is a good-looking man himself, and when he wants to be, he can charm the honey from a bee.

Any chance of an upgrade?

He stares at the woman with a mischievous wink and she blushes prettily. I’ll just check, sir.

She looks down and Jack leans on the counter, dipping his head a little closer and I can almost hear her deep breathing from where I’m standing. I know why he’s doing it; he’s always using his charm to grab a freebie. The best table in the restaurant, an extra serving of food, the best seat in the theatre, always the best of everything he can blag for free.

We only have one seat in premium economy. I’m sorry, sir, the flight is almost full.

He nods. I’ll take it.

She looks past him to me and I see a flash of irritation in her eyes as I just smile with embarrassment.

May I ask if you, or your wife will be taking the premium seat?

Me, of course, I work on the flight. Kim just watches the entertainment and reads trashy magazines.

Thank you, sir.

Jack turns to me and looks pleased. You don’t mind, do you darling? I’ve got a ton of work I need to get through and if I get it done on the plane, it will free up my time at the resort.

It’s fine.

I turn away and wonder for the umpteenth time about my husband. I know he’s selfish, inconsiderate and impatient, but somehow I still manage to love him despite his flaws. Just a smile and the odd hint of affection makes me forgive him, and I still count myself lucky that we met and married within six months of meeting. That was ten years ago and largely I’ve been happy except for his slightly wandering eye and the fact we still don’t have children.

As we head towards the security line, I feel a sinking feeling inside. Maybe I should use this time wisely. Wait for him to be in a good mood and broach the subject of adoption. It’s obvious there’s something wrong somewhere down the line because according to all the tests I’ve had, the problem doesn’t lie with me. The trouble is, Jack refuses to get tested, telling me he doesn’t have a problem and it must lie with me.

My heart sinks when we reach another line and Jack growls angrily. Great, another long wait. I blame you for this, Kim, if you had booked us fast track check-in, we would be nursing a gin by now, not waiting in line with the rest of the peasants. Honestly, you should shape up and pre-plan a lot more, just saying.

He stares moodily at his Apple watch, and I hate the fact I bite my tongue to avoid a scene. Then again, I’m used to that and wonder when I became so weak. I never used to be this person. I was always prepared to stand up and speak my mind when required, but over the years Jack has eroded any self-confidence I had and it’s just easier to stay silent. Maybe it’s because the older I get, the more I fear him leaving me. I don’t earn much as a hairdresser and Jack has always brought in the lion’s share and thinking of struggling on my own is not a pleasant thought, so I just push aside any doubts and carry on as if I’m happy.

But I’m not.

In fact, I am so unhappy I feel as if something has got to give and I’m fearful of that because I don’t like change and never have, so maybe this holiday is just what we need to work out the finer details because it’s make or break time for Jack and Kim and if I’m sure of anything, it’s that Jack hasn’t got a clue about that.

CHAPTER 2

KIM

Hiding a smile, I follow a furious Jack to the airport lounge in dire need of a gin and tonic. I found it mildly amusing when he was stopped and searched and half of his possessions were confiscated. He couldn’t even blame me because he was insistent on packing his own bag and obviously didn’t think the half litre bottle of gin, expensive aftershave and Swiss army knife would be a problem. The fact he argued with the security guard almost got him arrested and as he strides in front of me, I struggle not to laugh.

As we power through the crowds in duty free, I notice the elegant woman perusing the expensive perfumes. I expect they got fast-tracked through security because she has quite a selection of designer pleasures in her basket to brighten her day. Her partner is patiently holding it as she contemplates another purchase and he waits patiently as if he is happy to run around after her while she spends a small fortune.

The only thing that interrupts Jack in his pursuit of alcohol, is a display of expensive watches and as he falters, my heart sinks because Jack thinks nothing of charging an expensive watch to his credit card to ‘cheer himself up’ and then we spend the rest of the year paying for it.

I know better than to argue and as he decides on yet another one, I wander off to study the make-up and decide on a nail varnish that catches my eye.

Finally, we make it to the lounge and as Jack takes a deep slug of his drink, he finally raises a smile.

Well, I needed that.

Yes, it’s always stressful travelling. Never mind, at least you have a decent seat and can relax now.

He nods and looks apologetic. I’m sorry about the upgrade, you don’t mind, do you? It’s just that I have a ton of work to get through and I can’t concentrate with screaming children distracting me.

It’s fine, I’ll probably sleep, anyway.

He smiles and looks relieved. So, tell me about this resort, I still can’t believe this is happening at all. Are you sure it’s all free? I would hate to get there and discover you made your usual mistake of not reading the small print.

Pushing away the sharp reply I really want to answer him with, I smile. Yes, it’s all free and I still can’t believe we won. I’ve entered shed loads of those Facebook competitions and never actually won before. I always thought they were scams but apparently not.

Well, I’m not complaining. One week all-inclusive at the Lotus Lake Resort and Spa is just what the doctor ordered. What do you know of the place?

Not a lot, really. I googled it and apparently its new. It hasn’t officially opened to the public yet and we are the guinea pigs, as they say. It’s why they ran the competition. To test out the facilities, all expenses paid in return for our feedback at the end. You know, I’ve heard some people make a living out of this.

Then where do I apply? Jack smiles and any irritation I have towards him dissolves in an instant. When he wants to be, Jack can be so charming I forget my own name. It’s probably why I stay because Jack Parker is special in a lot of ways and I am madly in love with him. When he’s tired and irritable, I could hammer him to death like a psychopath but like now, when he is calm, charming and sexy, I would do anything he asked because I am so in love with my husband, it blinds me to all his flaws and despicable character traits. He is forgiven in an instant and I would never dream of swapping him for anyone else, because who could hold a candle to this man, anyway?

By the time we reach our seats on board, I am in my happy place. Jack disappears to premium economy, and I am left to find my seat towards the rear of the aircraft, just praying I get a window seat and a space beside me. It’s not looking good when I see how full the plane is and when I finally locate my seat, I notice with a sinking feeling that I’m beside the aisle next to a couple who appear to be arguing. He is also impossibly large and just thinking of the journey spent squashed in beside him is not a pleasant one but as usual, I suck it up and smile apologetically as my eyes fall to his bag occupying my seat.

I’m so sorry, I think this is my seat.

The flash of irritation on the woman’s face doesn’t make for a good start as she nudges the man and hisses, Move your fucking bag.

He grunts and thrusts it on her lap and she screeches. Not on me you idiot, put it up top.

No room. He grunts and as I look, my heart sinks when I see he’s right. The overhead lockers are already stuffed full, and I’m not happy about the prospect of having my own small cabin bag between my legs for the journey.

Catching the eye of the stewardess, I say apologetically, Excuse me, but is there somewhere I can stow this bag?

She heads across and smiles. Oh dear, it’s not looking good. Let me see what I can do.

She heads off and I struggle into my seat to wait because the plane is still filling up and I know the next eight hours are going to be excruciating.

I feel a sharp shove behind me as my seat is pushed forward and I grit my teeth as the person grabs the back of it, along with my hair, as they edge into their row. The person in front tests out the seat’s recline function and I envision a journey squashed beside a man who smells distinctly off and a person in front who is obviously intent on sleeping on my lap for most of it. Counting to ten slowly in my mind, I wait for the stewardess to take my bag at least and it feels like an age before she returns and smiles.

If you come with me, madam, I’ve found you a seat with more space.

Thank God for that. The man beside me mumbles and I couldn’t agree with him more.

I follow her back down the aisle and noting the crowded plane, feel surprised that she’s managed to pull this one off at all. As we reach the galley, we step aside to let the family of four pass and I smile at the woman who is laughing at something her daughter is saying. She returns it and once again I think how lucky she is as they slide into a row with the bulkhead in front of them and make it look so easy I feel ashamed of myself. The stewardess leans in and whispers, It’s your lucky day, I had a note from check-in to see if we could swap your seat. The agent on the desk was most insistent.

She was? I stare at her in surprise and she throws me a sympathetic look. Yes, she told my FSM that you had been split up from your husband and felt bad for you. Well, luckily, we have a better seat and your journey will be a much better one. Follow me.

We head through the cabin and reach the premium section and it already feels more spacious despite being a much smaller cabin. It’s like venturing into a different world after the chaos of the economy section. Quickly, I look for Jack and see him chatting to the woman beside him, who is throwing him a look I have seen a thousand times before, and my heart sinks. Great, now I’ve got that image in my head for the entire journey of Jack flirting with a woman who looks happy to join the mile high club. I pointedly look away and hope I’m not anywhere near them because he is really starting to aggravate me and I want to enjoy this experience of a lifetime.

To my surprise, we carry on and I stare around in shock as she directs me to a seat in first class and smiles. Here you are, 5B. It’s not a window seat I’m afraid, but it’s way better than the one you were in.

Are you sure I can sit here? I stare at her in disbelief and she laughs. Of course, it’s going spare and quite honestly, if anyone needed it, it was you. Just enjoy it, I know I would.

She nods towards my case. Would you like me to help you with that?

It’s fine – thank you. In fact, I can’t thank you enough, this is, well, it’s amazing.

She winks and says brightly, Enjoy. Anyway, I should go, I think we’re about to close up.

I stare around me in surprise as a warm feeling spreads through me. First class all the way this time. If only Jack could see me now.

As I make myself comfortable, it’s not long before another stewardess heads my way and hands me a glass of champagne. Enjoy your flight, madam, if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.

She smiles warmly and moves on, leaving me in an extremely happy place as I settle back and sigh with relief. Sometimes Karma plays a blinder, and this is one huge middle finger to Jack who would be green with envy if he could see me now.

CHAPTER 3

KIM

After possibly the best flight of my life, I feel fully rested as I make my way off the plane. It feels so different exiting a flight that has proven to be an experience I am unlikely to recover from anytime soon. The space I had to stretch out and relax in my own private cabin was unexpected. Then there were the delicious meals and fine wines. A larger entertainment screen and gorgeous amenity kit with top end toiletries and superior items were a delightful treat compared to the usual plastic rubbish. The cabin was calm and not crowded at all, and even the toilets were clean and crammed full of expensive soap and luxurious hand lotion. In fact, I feel as if the holiday started at Heathrow and I wonder what it’s like to travel this way every time.

Luckily, Jack has disembarked already and after thanking the crew profusely, I make my way to the Arrivals hall. Jack is already in line and I watch him chatting to the woman who sat beside him on the plane and feel a sharp pang as I realise that to any other onlooker, they are a couple.

The elegant man and woman