The unexpected Room

Chapter 1 – The Unexpected Room Emily Lincoln, heiress to one of the wealthiest families in the country, had always carried herself with confidence—and a little rebellion. That night, the grand penthouse hotel in Lagos buzzed with laughter and music. Emily and her best friend Jia were there, surrounded by clinking glasses and swirling lights. It was supposed to be a fun night out. Until *he* approached. Jimmy Hunter. Arrogant, entitled, and used to getting his way. He tried to flirt, but Emily wasn’t having it. One touch too many, and she slapped him—hard—leaving the entire lounge frozen in shock. Insulted in public, Jimmy’s pride was bruised. He returned to his corner with a scowl and whispered something to one of his friends. Emily had already returned to her table, brushing it off. She thought it was over. But Jimmy had other plans. A few minutes later, a new guy approached Jia, all charm and fake smiles. He joked, flirted, and offered to get drinks for her and Emily. Jia, not sensing danger, agreed. The drinks arrived, and Emily took a sip. Within minutes, she began to feel lightheaded, dizzy… warm. Too warm. “I need to lie down,” she whispered to Jia, clutching her head. “I think the champagne’s hitting too hard.” She walked off, her heels clicking unsteadily as she made her way to her suite—or so she thought. Jimmy began following her quietly, but fate had other plans. A hotel staff accidentally bumped into Jimmy, spilling a tray of wine all over him. Emily, unaware of the chaos behind her, stepped into Room 401. She didn’t know it wasn’t hers. She didn’t know who was inside. All she knew was that her body felt like it was burning, her heart racing, her head spinning. The door clicked shut behind her, and she leaned against it, breathing heavily. “Are you okay?” a deep voice asked. She looked up. Standing near the bed, wearing only a towel, was Isaac Lugard,the most elusive and powerful billionaire bachelor in the country. Sharp jawline. Toned chest. Dark, commanding eyes. Emily blinked. “Jia must’ve sent you,” she slurred, a lazy smile on her face. Isaac frowned. “Sent me?” Before he could say more, Emily walked toward him, her hands trailing over his chest. “You’re really hot,” she whispered. Isaac caught her wrist gently. “You’re not sober,” he said quietly. “If we do this, I need you to really want it.” Emily’s smile faded slightly, confusion washing over her. She looked up into his eyes and for a moment, she paused. Then, she stumbled. Isaac caught her before she fell. “Okay, okay,” he murmured, lifting her gently into his arms. “Let’s get you to sleep.” He laid her down on his bed, pulled the blanket over her, and sat by her side until her breathing slowed. He didn’t touch her. He didn’t leave her.