I headed straight to the front desk and asked the receptionist for a room to stay overnight.
The receptionist gave me a disdainful glance, her lips curling in disapproval as she quickly assessed my plain clothes and tired appearance. I could almost read her thoughts—how could someone like me afford to pay for an overnight stay in a grand hotel?
I maintained my composure and refused to let myself be offended. Having worked in a hotel environment, I had dealt with people who were much worse than her.
"The rooms are fully booked," she said with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "We are not accepting any new guests at this time."
My shoulders slumped. I had no other option but to search for another hotel. Perhaps I could consider a nearby motel if there was one available.
I had hoped no one had seen my embarrassment, but Ace was there, catching me as I tried to slip away. He grabbed my wrist and demanded of the receptionist, "Are you absolutely certain there are no vacancies?" in a menacing tone.
The stunning woman paled under her skin, her complexion nearly blending in with the white walls behind her. She was so frightened that she was left speechless for a considerable amount of time.
Ace directed his attention to the second receptionist who had just arrived behind the front desk. She froze in shock upon seeing him. "Can you confirm that there are no other rooms available?" His voice remained calm, yet it's more terrifying than if he had shouted.
I had never seen him this furious with any of the employees before. He glared at the receptionist, who trembled in his presence. I would have been equally terrified if that rage had been directed at me.
"There are plenty of vacancies, Sir. A group of tourists just checked out," she stammered and as Ace turned his gaze back to the first receptionist, she appeared somewhat relieved.
"You're fired."
She raised her ashen face. Her eyes flickered with alarm."I-I'm s-sorry Sir. I promise this won't happen again." She pleaded, tears forming in her eyes.
"I know this isn't your first time doing this. Now, get lost!"
The receptionist's face contorted with fear. She fled from the scene.
Pity sprung inside me.
Ace should have given her a second chance. He could have suspended her for a week for her attitude as punishment. There was no need to go this far.
But I could only shake my head because there was nothing I could do about it.
The second new receptionist trembled under Ace's presence but she obediently handed him the key card when he asked for a room.
After receiving the key card, Ace pulled my wrist to lead me to my room.
I didn't want to create a scene and so I obediently followed while restraining my temper.
We took the elevator and traversed the long hallways. We passed employees in the hallway and the sight of him terrified and inspired them.
Many greetings flooded his way, but he didn't respond, only nodded in response. I did not get any greetings or acknowledgements. Everyone was focused on Ace.
He stopped at a particular door and unlocked it using the key card the receptionist had provided.
I entered and he followed, closing the door behind him before placing my suitcase on the floor. Seeing that he was distracted, I used this chance to pull my hand away from his hold.
I turned to him while gently rubbing my wrists. Thanks to him, they were sore.
"I'm sorry," he mumbled a sincere apology seeing that my wrist was red from his strong fingers. I didn't reply because I was furious that he had to drag me to the room as if I'm going to run away.
My feet sunk into the warmth of feathery carpet as I made my way to the side of the room where the window was located. I pushed the curtains aside and saw that it was raining .
I was so busy looking outside the window, I was startled when my back bumped against a hard wall and nearly lost my balance. I looked behind me and saw that Ace had followed me to the window.
"Careful." He murmured and held my shoulders to keep me from falling. His touch burned my skin and I flinched in discomfort. I stepped away from him to free myself from his touch.
His eyes narrowed and he caught my eyes. "Are you afraid of me Phoenix?" He asked in a barely audible whisper that made the hairs on my back stand on end.
"No." I replied. I didn't fear him, I hated him.
He took a step closer until my back collided with the wall, leaving me no room to escape.
I tried to push him away but my efforts were to no avail. He did not even budge an inch. He captured my hands and pinned them above my head.
"Let me go, Ace." I hissed, sputtering curses at him for having the audacity to touch me.
"No... Not yet Phoenix." He replied. "I'm not letting you go unless you answer me honestly."
"Let me go or I'm going to scream!" I barked, trying to maintain my composure while having him this close to me.
"You can scream all you want, even until you lose your voice but no one is going to help you. Just answer my question and I will let you go." His blue eyes held a hint of danger as they stared at me, and it made me shut my mouth.
I turned my head away from him and kept my mouth shut in protest. I waited for him to spill the question.
"Look at me first." He demanded but I didn't move. That's why his fingers caught my chin. He lifted my face upward and forced me to look at him.
"Why did you cheat on me Phoenix?" He asked.
My cheeks turned red in fury. What the hell is he talking about?