Chapter 5 - The Airport ShowdownThe departure lounge at JFK was packed with travelers escaping the early autumn chill for tropical destinations.
At 7:30 AM the next morning, Ethan and Vanessa stood near Gate 42, surrounded by half a million dollars' worth of designer luggage and absolute, unadulterated chaos.
"Mr. Cole?" A gate agent in a crisp navy uniform spoke politely, tapping her keyboard. "I’m sorry, sir, but your booking reference shows that the reservation was canceled and fully refunded by the primary account holder twenty-four hours ago."
"Canceled?" Vanessa stepped forward, her sunglasses perched high on her nose, her designer trench coat swishing dramatically. "That is completely impossible. We are first-class ticket holders! Look at my name—Vanessa Reed. Mr. Cole’s wife couldn't make it, so I was substituted!"
"Ma'am, there is no record of a legal substitution for seat 4B," the agent replied, unfazed by Vanessa's imperious tone. "Furthermore, the resort in the Maldives has released your overwater villa due to non-verification of guest identity, and the return flights have been voided."
Ethan broke out in a cold sweat, his collar suddenly feeling two sizes too small. "Is there... is there any other villa available? We can pay the difference! Cash! Card! Whatever it takes!"
"I'm sorry, sir," the agent said with a polite, professional smile that didn't reach her eyes. "The resort is fully booked for the season. And as for your current tickets... your upgrade status has expired because the primary account holder revoked the mileage transfer."
People in the queue behind them began to mutter and stare.
Vanessa’s face flushed a deep, mottled crimson. She grabbed Ethan’s arm, her fingernails digging through his fabric. "You told me everything was handled, Ethan. You swore to me she wouldn't suspect a thing!"
"She’s a luxury travel planner, Vee!" Ethan hissed back, losing his temper in front of the entire terminal. "How was I supposed to know she’d nuke the entire honeymoon in twelve hours?!"
"Well, fix it!" Vanessa snarled, dropping his arm as if he carried a disease. "I took a week off work, I told all my clients I was going to the Maldives, and I am not going back to my apartment today to look like a fool!"
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"We can't go to the Maldives, Vanessa!" Ethan yelled, throwing his hands in the air. "Our tickets are dead, the hotel is gone, and my wife is currently having our marriage annulled by one of the most ruthless family law attorneys in Manhattan!"
A nearby traveler holding a morning coffee stared at them, whispering loudly to her companion: “Ooh, drama at Gate 42. Someone’s getting dumped.”
