When all else fails, take a vacation.

-Betty Williams

"We're here."

I looked up from watching a animated musical video with Lydia on her iPad to the handsome man sitting on the other side.

He opened his side of the door and I turned my head to my side of the window. A shadow fell over my window before Liam opened the door and I went out with Lydia in tow.

The handsome man otherwise known as my husband, joined us after murmuring something to Simon, who also decided to join us in our trip.

We made our way through the crowded entrance of JFK to the private section. I had never been to that side of the airport. Well, I hadn't been in airport much to be precise.

I was talking to Lydia as we walked beside Tyler when suddenly, a shoulder brushed mine, faltering my steps.

"Hey, watch wh---"

I touched Tyler on the arm, stopping him from speaking further. "No, it's my fault. I wasn't looking."

Circling around with the apology right at the tip of my tongue, I stopped short. The apology drowning into the pit of my stomach and shock filtered in me at the face mirroring the same expression.

I didn't expect to see this face at all in my life. So, seeing this unexpected man, two days after my wedding was a shocker for me.

"Claire..." He finally said, his brown eyes roving over my body that made an unpleasant feeling wash over me. "Wow. I didn't expect to see you."

The voice of my ex-boyfriend was enough to pull me out of my shocked moment and instantly, anger pulsed in me.

"Neither did I." I gritted out, curling my hands so that the urge to dive my fist over the irritating grin that just took over his face, couldn't win. But the next words from his mouth made me wish Lydia wasn't behind me right now, so that my fist could finally greet his face.

"You haven't changed one bit, have you?" He quirked a mocking eyebrow and raked his eyes over me once again.

I changed and he knew it too but he still took pleasure from taunting me indirectly. These past weeks, I didn't care how much weight I had put on cause weight never bothered me to be honest and Tyler also never complained about it but right now, coming face to face with Sean made me question myself.

Before I could let the pain of his taunt visible on my face, I felt a strong arm wrap around my waist and a hard body pressed to my side. At once, I sensed his rigid muscles emitting waves of anger.

"And you are?" Tyler raised one of his own eyebrow and upturned his face in the air as if he was talking to someone far beneath him.

I looked up at him questioningly and he glanced at me briefly before setting those intimidating eyes on Sean.

Tyler knew who Sean was. He knew what happened. He knew everything but we never talked about it. I didn't know why he never brought it up but I thanked God for it cause I didn't want to ruin whatever precious thing Tyler and I had by bringing up my naive behaviour and humiliation.

It was at that time, Sean become aware of the people around me. He took a step back as his eyes took in the two straight faced statues clad in suits and earpiece, standing behind me holding a hand of a little girl. My little girl.

Then I watched the faltering of his mocking expression as he looked at Tyler standing protectively beside me. His eyes flickered from my hand to Tyler's hand noticing the same platinum wedding bands.

Seeing those, a new gleam lit up in his eyes and I swallowed anxiously. I recognised that gleam and he was up to no good.

Sean grinned, making me think of an ugly ghoul from one of Lydia's fairytale book. "Her ex-boyfriend but I think, her first sounds more good."

I gasped, taking a step forward with the intention of injuring him severely but Tyler tightened his hold on me as he cocked his head to the side and smirked. "Oh, you're the disappointment."

"What?" Sean asked, his grin disappearing altogether.

"I said, first and a disappointment."

Sean's face had an ugly scowl and he planted a hand on his hips as he took a step toward Tyler. "Oh and you are?!"

Tyler chuckled, loosening his hold on me and advanced to Sean. "First and a disappointment and a dumb too." He dropped a hand over Sean's shoulder and shook his head. "I don't want to waste our time on you but I will answer your dumb question."

Suddenly, Sean lost all his colour and he nervously looked at my husband who was staring him down with a hold on one of his shoulder.

"I'm her husband." Tyler stated quietly but menacingly. "And her last. You should remember it when you show your face to her again." He leaned back and curved an eyebrow expectantly. "Which I am guessing is never?"

After swallowing like he had something lodged in his throat, Sean nodded vigorously as he rubbed his now free shoulder. Sean was shorter but he had strong muscles from as far as I could remember. But still, I had a feeling he couldn't take on Tyler even if his life depended on him and I think Sean realised that too because he barely looked at me before he picked up his bag and made a dash for the nearest exit.

And just like that, Sean disappeared from my life once again.

"Come on." Tyler said as he turned us back to our previous route. "We should've been in air already."

I kept quiet for the rest of the path but when we came upon the concrete pavement of the runaway in front of a hired jet, I couldn't anymore.

"Tyler..."

"No, Claire." He said as if he knew what I was going to say. "We're not talking about him. Never."

"But---"

"But that doesn't mean I wouldn't make him pay for what he did." He continued, his face taking a hard look.

I shook my head. "No, I didn't mean t---"

"Claire, I meant it when I said we never talk about him. Why do you think I never said anything about him? It's because I don't want to talk about him." He glared, stopping me from climbing the stairs to the jet. "We are going on a vacation, Claire. I am going for a relaxed weekend with my family. I don't want anything to ruin my mood right now. And---"

And I kissed him. I kissed him hard and fast transferring all the anger I felt at seeing my ex after more than a year, all the frustration I felt at being interrupted by Tyler.

Soon, the kiss slowed down but it was me who dominated the whole time. With three inch wedges, I was at the tip of it as I let my grip on his neck stay put but pulled back from his mouth.

"It's not only guys who can do it." I said after my breath calmed down.

Tyler had an expression of pure bliss at me taking charge. "Do what?"

"Shut someone up by kissing them."

A wide curve formed over his mouth and his eyes darkened with unrestrained passion. "Oh, you shut me up pretty good."

I shrugged, suddenly feeling a tightening at the pit of my stomach and tingle spread between my legs. "I did great." But then remembering why I did that, I glared at him. "I don't like interruption either now. You didn't even let me finish."

"If that's what I get for interrupting, I think I might do it a lot."

"Tyler!" I slapped the hand that tried to sneak down to my bottom. "Let me speak!" When he nodded albeit with a wicked grin, I went on, ignoring the shameless demands of my body. "I wasn't talking about him on second time. I was asking where are we going?"

After a pause, he let out a sheepish smile. "Oh...Well, it's a surprise."

"Surprise or not. It better be child friendly place."

"Oh, I made sure of it." He told me then leaned down. "Now back to my punishment."

We barely brushed our lips before another voice interrupted us.

"Grownups." Lydia muttered, shaking her lean-down head, diving into her device and parted our legs with her elbows to climb up the stairs. "All they do is hug and kiss."

And just like that, she entered the plane without even glancing at us. We heard two laughs behind us that quickly turned into coughs as Tyler glared.

But I couldn't stop my laugh from bubbling out and that added a smile on his face.

"I think our daughter is embarrassed by us."

********

"Welcome to Greece, wife."

A gleeful hoot left my mouth as I stepped away from Tyler's arms and descended the stairs, embracing the warm July air of Greece.

I looked back at the proud man, his hands in his pockets. Spreading my arms around me, I asked. "Are we in Athens? Please tell me, we are!"

He smiled broadly and nodded. "We are."

"Yes!" I shouted, palming my hands beneath my head and gazing at the clear sunny sky.

"If only she looked at me like that way." I heard Tyler mutter under his breath.

Since I turned back to find a smirk on his face, I didn't take his words seriously.

"Oh, please. This place is so beautiful. I mean I remember I had this project in school where I had to write up Greece's historical facts and islands and it's beau...."

And I continued on and on throughout the whole journey that I was vaguely aware of Liam, having a sleeping Lydia in his arms climbed up on a jeep before Tyler took my arm and lead me to the backseat of the same jeep.

I remembered chattering non-stop about the scenery, architectural venues and local fairs to everyone in the car.

When we finally climbed down from the jeep to the most luxurious hotel I had ever seen, I caressed my throat and barely croaked out. "I need water."

Tyler chuckled as he looked at the two boys who came with us. "Give Lydia to me and have everything settled."

Laying Lydia on his shoulder with one hands, he held my hand with the other one and lead me inside the glamorous lobby.

A polished man opened the wide entrance door for us, with a welcoming smile on his face. "Kaló apógevma. Kalós írthate sto Villa Athína."

Tyler replied. "Efcharistó."

And I smiled at him because nor did I understand greek neither I spoke but I was pretty sure, he just welcomed us.

As if feeling the strain in my smile, the doorman translated in English. "Good afternoon. Welcome to Athens Villa."

"Thank you."

As we resumed our walk, I squeezed his hand that cocooned my hand, to get his attention. "You know Greek?"

He shook his head. "I know the basics only." Then gestured to the other side. "Let's go the cafe."

I could only nod and follow him, gaping at the fine decors inside the hotel. As we entered the breakfast cafe, I tried not to swoon at the scent of fresh, delicious pastries and cakes.

"Are you hungry?"

I bit my lip and glanced longingly at all the delights lined up in the bakery display case. "I'm supposed to diet..."

There was a pause when Tyler just looked at me with a straight face before a scowl took over his face. He walked over to the counter where a waiter stood and gestured to the display case. "Send a piece from every one of these and a water bottle to that table."

And gripped my arm, silently leading me to the table at the corner. He sat down, cradling Lydia and glared at the table like it did something to him.

When I couldn't bear his brooding, I threw my hands in the air. "Okay, fine! I am sorry. I'm not going to diet. It isn't possible for me anyway. Food is life you know."

But he didn't smile.

"Oh, come on. Really?"

Finally he looked up. "Who told you to diet?"

"Ah..."

There was a slight difference in my figure. It was a bit fuller on the hips and I didn't have a flat stomach anymore. Dieting was my choice but Chloe lend some tips though and if I said that to him, I was sure I would become a referee between Tyler and Chloe. They both didn't know when or how to back down.

Thankfully, the kind waiter choose that time to grace us with his presence and a water bottle. "Oh, look there's my water."

And I gulped it down in one swig.

Really, Claire. Where's your manner?

Oh, there was my conscience. I thought that voice inside my head died but apparently not, it was back taunting me.

As I drank the whole bottle, the pressure on my bladder deepened. I stood up and pressed a kiss on Tyler's cheek. "Please don't let it ruin your mood. Watch me eat all of them after I come back from the washroom."

Without waiting for his reply, I went around a few tables, people and reached the washroom to finish my business before cleaning my hands and pressing some cold water on my face and neck. The humidity in Greece was a bit higher than New York at this time of the month.

Thank God, I wore a sleeveless dress that reached the middle of my thighs. My shoulders and my neck was bare but it was worth it since Tyler seemed to appreciate the bare skin. He always did appreciate it.

Checking myself one more time in the mirror, I walked out of the hallway, smoothing out my dress when I walked right into someone and a phone dropped at my feet, the screen instantly cracking up badly.

Oh hell, when will I learn to watch where I'm going?

"Oh my god. I'm so sorry!" I cried out, looking at the man who stood still like a deer in headlights. "Your phone. Oh god, it's cracked. I'm sorry. I wasn't looking."

The blonde haired man finally crouched down and picked up his phone. Standing up, he was still gazing at me without saying anything. An anxious look came over his face as his eyes flickered from my face to something behind me.

"Oh, you're upset. Ofcourse you're upset. Your phone....wait, let me pay. Let me pay for the damage. I'm so sorry. It's my fault." I knew I was being hysterical but the man wasn't saying anything. I pressed my hands over my dress. "Ah hell, I don't have any money on me but wait, my husband is right over there."

The man's eyes widened and he took a step back. I thought he was being modest and didn't want to take any money for me but I was relentless as I gestured behind me. "He's right there. Let me call him." I smiled apologetically at the man then turned back to my dear husband. "Tyler! Tyler! Come here, please!"

When he heard my shout, he instantly stood up in fright but calmed down when he saw me safe and sound. He transferred a slightly awake Lydia to his other shoulder as he created a path to me.

"What is it?"

"Hey, honey." I caressed Lydia's hair as she rubbed her eyes before turning to her father. "I wasn't looking where I was walking again and broke this gentleman's phone. I just need some mo---what the hell!"

As I circled to look at the spot the man was standing, I found it empty. No blonde man, no cracked phone.

"Which gentleman is it again?" I heard Tyler say.

"He was right here. I swear. I was just talking to him." My wide eyes glanced at Tyler before searching around the cafe. Since I couldn't find him anywhere, I called the waiter who was cleaning the nearby table. "Excuse me, have you seen the man I was talking to, a minute ago?"

Stopping at his work, he answered in scratchy English. "He went out. Left when you turned away, ma'am."

"Why?"

My husband clicked his tongue and made me look at him. "Claire, how would he know? Let it be. Come, have something. Lydia seems to be hungry too."

I sighed and nodded.

Food comes first, blonde man comes later. Hell, any man comes later.

******

The rest of the day went by relaxing in our suite, touring the hotel and swimming in the pool.

Next morning, I was in a hurry to dress up. Tyler and Lydia had been waiting downstairs in the lobby for 15 minutes now. Our daughter was bored out of her mind, cooped in the room so her father thought of getting her downstairs before any tantrum rises.

"Wait! Hold that door."

I shouted, taking multiple steps at a time before that lift closed its doors. A hand stopped the door from closing and I lifted my head to smile in gratitude but it froze on seeing whose hand it belonged.

"You! Oh god, I was looking for you. Where did you go?"

The blonde man from yesterday widened his eyes as recognition dawned on him.

He cleared his throat and came out of the lift. "I had an important errand."

"Stop, the lift! Why di..." My words died when the door closed and it started going down. I glanced at the other lift and it was all the way at ground floor but I pressed the button anyway.

"Sorry." He responded.

I turned back to him and gave him a tight smile. Yesterday this guy seemed harmless but now that I found him again....alone with me, there was an unmistakable sketchy vibe on him and suddenly, I cursed my luck.

Why was I alone?

I pressed the lifts button once more but it was stuck in second floor and I was on sixth floor with a man who wouldn't stop looking at me.

I swallowed nervously and shrugged so that he wouldn't pick up on my sudden wariness of him. "So about your phone. You left before my husband came. He's downstairs now. Maybe you should come so that I can pay for the damage, Mr...."

His posture stiffened then his eyes flickered here and there before finally answering slowly, "Luke....Trevor."

"Okay..." I dragged out, once again pressing the button.

Why the hell is it so slow?

"Maybe, you shouldn't take the lift." He said after a pause. When I gave him a weird look and took a step back, he continued. "I heard, it stopped twice this morning. Maintenance problem."

I looked at the lift once again. It stopped on fourth floor now. The hotel would definitely close the lift if there was maintenance problems. After all, it was a five stars hotel.

"We should take the stairs. It will be more quick."

Giving a 'are you crazy' look, I shook my head. "We are on sixth floor so no thanks."

There was no way I was going by the stairs with him. The stairs in hotels were always bare and I had no intention of being more alone with him than I already was.

"Trust me, the stairs are better options." He insisted, stepping forward with his hand outstretched. His face taking a hard, forceful look.

I quickly squeaked, pointing to the lift that made a tink sound. Finally.

"It's here already."

"But you---"

He didn't get to finish because someone called my name from behind me.

"Claire!"

A relived sigh left my mouth at the familiar handsome face. Tyler jogged at a slow pace from the other side of the hallway, where there must be another lift. Ofcourse, there would be another lift considering what kind of hotel this was.

"What are you doing? We've been waiting for so long."

As soon as he reached, I stood on my tiptoes and grabbed his face to kiss him. He faltered at my action and participated nonetheless.

Pulling back, I said. "I found the man from yesterday." His forehead creased and I sucked in a breath. "He's not behind me, is he?"

Grey eyes glanced over my head then at me. "Is he invisible or something?"

Looking back, I stomped my feet in frustration. "Why does he disappear?!"

"Relax." Tyler put his hands on my shoulder and gestured to the lift. "He probably took the lift."

"Huh! Now he took the lift. Seconds ago, he was desperate for stairs." I sneered, crossing my hands over my chest.

"What?"

Taking a deep breath, I pulled my eyes from the door that lead to stairs at the end of the hallway to the lift. "I mean when I asked him to come downstairs with me to meet you, he was really insisting that I use stairs with him rather than the lift. Says the lift was causing maintenance problem."