Fate¹¹
808 Words
The lobby had emptied by the time Ethan and Selene reached the reception desk.
The storm outside had stranded dozens of guests, leaving the night staff scrambling to keep up with the late check-ins. Phones rang constantly. A couple argued over a reservation. A businessman complained about delayed luggage while another guest demanded extra towels.
The receptionist apologized from one person to the next without a chance to catch her breath.
Selene leaned against the marble counter, struggling to keep her eyes open.
I... I need my room key.
The receptionist forced a polite smile.
Of course, ma'am. May I have your name?
Selene answered, her words slightly slurred.
The receptionist searched the computer, found the reservation, programmed a new key card, slipped it into a sleeve, and placed it on the counter.
Room 2808. The elevators are to your left. Have a pleasant night.
Selene murmured a thank you, picked up the card, and slowly made her way toward the elevators.
She never noticed another receptionist hurrying over with a stack of paperwork.
Excuse me! These guests are waiting for—
I'll be right there.
The first receptionist grabbed the papers just as Ethan stepped up to the counter.
He rubbed a hand over his tired face.
My key.
The receptionist looked up.
Good evening, Mr. Bradford.
She recognized him immediately.
One of the city's most influential businessmen rarely stayed unnoticed.
She quickly reached for what she believed was his room card.
Unfortunately, in the rush of serving back-to-back guests, the two identical key sleeves had been placed side by side.
Without realizing it, she handed Ethan Selene's card.
Here you are, sir. Room 2816.
Ethan barely glanced at it.
Thanks.
He slipped the card into his pocket and walked toward the elevators.
Behind the desk, the receptionist answered another ringing phone before she had time to notice the mistake.
The elevator doors opened.
Selene stepped inside first.
Ethan entered a second before they closed.
They stood only a few feet apart.
Neither looked at the other.
Selene stared at the glowing floor numbers, willing the ride to end.
Ethan watched the polished steel doors, his mind still trapped inside the mansion he had walked out of only hours earlier.
The silence between them was heavy, but neither had the strength to break it.
The elevator reached the twenty-eighth floor.
The doors slid open.
They stepped into the quiet hallway.
Soft golden lights reflected off the patterned carpet while the distant sound of rain tapped gently against the large windows overlooking the city.
Selene walked ahead, counting the room numbers through blurred vision.
2802.
2803.
2804.
There.
2808.
She lifted the card and pressed it against the electronic lock.
A soft beep followed.
The light turned green.
The door unlocked.
She frowned for a brief second.
I thought...
The thought disappeared before it was complete.
She pushed the door open.
The room was dark except for the faint glow of the city lights shining through the curtains.
She kicked off her heels near the entrance.
Her handbag slipped from her shoulder onto the floor.
Too exhausted to care, she stumbled toward the bed.
She collapsed onto the mattress without bothering to switch on the lights.
Within moments, sleep claimed her.
Outside, the hallway was silent once again.
A few minutes later, Ethan stopped in front of another door.
2816.
He pulled the card from his pocket and pressed it against the lock.
The red light flashed.
Access denied.
He frowned.
He tried again.
Another red light.
For a long moment, he simply stared at the door.
Then he looked at the number.
2816.
He checked the card sleeve.
His alcohol-clouded mind struggled to make sense of it.
Annoyed, he turned back toward the elevator.
Before he reached it, a hotel attendant walked out of a nearby service room.
Sir?
This key isn't working.
The attendant took the card, glanced at it, then smiled apologetically.
It happens sometimes. Let me reset it for you.
He inserted the master key into a small device hanging from his belt, reactivated the card, and handed it back.
Please try again, sir.
Ethan nodded.
Instead of checking the room number once more, he walked to the first door he reached.
2808.
His tired eyes never noticed the difference.
He tapped the card against the lock.
This time, the light turned green.
The lock clicked open.
Satisfied, he pushed the door inward.
The room was dark.
He closed the door behind him and loosened his tie as he walked inside.
Then he stopped.
Someone was lying on the bed.
His eyes narrowed.
The outline was unmistakably that of a woman.
For several long seconds, he simply stared, trying to decide whether the whiskey was playing tricks on him.
He frowned.
Who are you ? I don't remember booking a room for two people.
- Writer
