The One

Ol's Luxury Hotel

 As Christian grappled with despair, convinced that all hope of finding and reconciling with his mate was lost, destiny silently orchestrated a reunion unbeknownst to anyone involved. Meanwhile, Karol, having just finished a conversation with her sister, resolved to check into a hotel before dining. The city offered little in the way of decent eateries, and fast food was not an option for her this evening.

Hastily, she searched for a nearby hotel, frustration bubbling within her: 'Damn! My battery is dying. Shit!' She punched in the hotel's address, her heart racing as she prayed her phone would hold out long enough for her to navigate.

Minutes later, she pulled up to the luxurious hotel, parking just as a charming valet dashed towards her. "Staying here, Miss?" he asked, flashing a friendly smile.

"Yes," Karol replied, deftly buttoning her coat as she exited the car. The valet held the door open, waiting attentively for her to enter before he hopped into her vehicle, readying it for parking.

With every step into the hotel, she commanded attention — heads turned, whispers hushed as she glided to the front desk. "Hi, welcome to Ol's Luxury 5-Star Hotel. How may I assist you?" the receptionist greeted.

"Hi, I'd like to check in for the night," Karol announced, a mix of determination and grace radiating from her.

"Do you have a reservation, Miss?"

"No."

"Would you prefer an executive room or a standard room?"

"An executive room, please."

"Would you like it with twin beds or a double bed?"

"A double bed, thank you."

"Wonderful! Would you prefer a room with an ocean view?"

"Absolutely, that sounds lovely."

"Your room for the night is £1,400, which includes breakfast and a welcome gift set. Will you be paying by cash or card?"

"Card."

She handed over her sleek black card while furiously replying to work emails, her phone flickering ominously as it teetered on the brink of death.

"Here's your room key, Miss."

"Thank you."

"Your room is on the 25th floor, number 125. This key card also serves as your access to the lift."

"Breakfast is served from 6 to 9 AM on the third floor. Is there anything else I can assist you with?"

"No, that'll be all. Thank you," she said, her voice a melodic blend of appreciation and impatience.

"Enjoy your stay," the receptionist replied, unaware of the threads of fate that were weaving around them.

Ten minutes later, Karol remained blissfully unaware that fate had another game in play. The trio, including her sister and Jason, arrived at the hotel just a few moments after her, unknowingly converging mere metres apart. Christian, momentarily held back near the flower table, was oblivious to the unfolding drama.

Time slipped by like sand through an hourglass as she continued to focus on her work until the lift dinged, the doors sliding open invitingly. She stepped inside, tapped her key card, and pressed for the 25th floor. With each level ascended, anticipation coursed through her veins until they arrived at her destination.

Without a glance to her left or right, she strode directly to her room, scanning her key card at the door before stepping inside and shutting the world out behind her. In a moment of blissful solitude, she shed her coat, hanging it with care before slipping off the confines of her dress.

"Oh Lord, this feels heavenly," she murmured to herself, luxuriating in the sensation of freedom as she lounged in her underwear on the plush bed. However, the serenity shattered as her stomach growled, demanding attention.

"No, I can't be lazy right now. I need a shower, and I must get this makeup off my face before ordering food," she chastised herself.

Forty-five minutes later, revitalised yet ravenous, she reached for the telephone. "Hello, front desk here," came the familiar voice.

"Hi, could I please request a phone charger to be brought up to my room? I'd also like to order supper."

"Absolutely, Miss. Just a moment while I send up your charger, and I'll connect you to the kitchen staff."

"Thank you," she replied, anticipation building.

"Hello, kitchen staff here. How may I assist you?"

"Hi, I'm in room 125. I'd like to order antipasti penne and a Coke, please."

"Not a problem; your order will arrive within 20 to 30 minutes. Will you be paying by cash or card?"

"I'll pay by card," she confirmed.

"Thank you, Miss. Your order will be on its way."

After hanging up, she sprawled comfortably on the soft, expansive bed, the world outside forgotten as she waited.

Twenty minutes later, there was a knock at the door—her food and charger had arrived simultaneously. She effortlessly paid for her meal, grabbed the charger, and immediately began charging her phone.

As she savoured each bite of her delicious meal, she found herself absorbed in a horror film playing on the TV. The night drew to a peaceful close, with her drifting into slumber, content and unworried, her belly full, the curtains open, and her phone charging beside her.