Wife Swap ✔️

32

The hotel is a tall, imposing building that seems to loom over me as I stand on the sidewalk, looking up at it. It’s a strange feeling to be here, knowing that she might have been inside, right where I am now. I hope.

I take a few steps forward, my heart pounding in my chest as I push open the heavy glass doors and step inside. The lobby is busy and filled with people, the sound of their chatter and footsteps echoing off the walls. I look around, trying to take everything in, searching for any sign of Lia.

As I make my way to the reception desk, a knot forms in my stomach. I’m not sure what I’m going to say, or even if the staff will be able to tell me anything useful. But I have to try. I have to do something.

“Excuse me,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’m looking for my friend. She was last seen here a few days ago.” I mutter.

The receptionist looks at me skeptically, her eyes scanning me up and down. “I’m sorry, I can’t just give out guest information like that,” she says, her voice firm.

Rome takes a step closer, trying to plead with her. “Please, it’s important. She’s been missing for days.”

The receptionist hesitates for a moment, then looks down at her computer. “Can you give me her name?”

“Lia Smith,” I say, my heart in my throat.

The receptionist types something into her computer, then looks back up at me. “I’m sorry, there’s no guest by that name staying here.”

I feel a wave of disappointment wash over me. “Are you sure? Maybe she used a different name.”

The receptionist shakes her head. “I’m sorry, miss. If there’s nothing else, I have work to do.”

“Tyler Wilson.” Rome says. The other receptionist that is serving another client looks over at us. It is like she recognizes the name. She leans towards her colleague and whispers something.

“I am sorry I can’t help you.” The receptionist says with a monotone voice, and I can feel my frustration boiling over.

Before I can say anything, Rome takes my hand and pulls me outside. I open my mouth to protest, but he cuts me off with a knowing look.

“The other receptionist gestured at me to wait outside,” he says, his tone soothing.

I shoot him a look of disbelief, but then a new face appears in front of us. “I am Alex,” she introduces herself. “Did you say Tyler?” she asks, her eyes scanning us both.

I nod eagerly, feeling a flicker of hope. Finally, someone who might be able to help us.

“Your friend was here with a gentleman earlier,” she informs me.

I proceed to provide Lia’s physical description and outfit based on her recent social media activity.

“That sounds like her,” she confirms, but her expression turns grim. “I might lose my job for this, but there’s something you need to know. Your friend was involved in something terrible, and the hotel has been keeping it under wraps.”

“What happened? Do you know where she is?” I ask, growing increasingly restless.

“I’m not sure what exactly happened, but she was taken to a nearby hospital.”

Unlike the staff at the hotel, the ones at the hospital are willing to help us. We are lead to her room and the moment i spot her lying on her bed i rush to her with tears on my eyes.

“Lia, it’s me, Athena. Are you okay?” I ask my voice cracking.

She stirs and grunts before opening her eyes and smiles weakly at me.

“Athena, thank god you’re here. I’ve been so scared,” she says.

I place my hand on hers as her eyes shift to Rome, she smiles weakly at him.

“What happened to you? Are you hurt?” I ask, my eyes scanning her for any signs of injury.

She is badly bruised, i know that should that should not be a priority but i suck with conversation and just speak what i am thinking.

Lia takes a deep breath, “He did this to me and left me to die.” She sobs.

“Who?’” I ask even though i know the answer.

“Tyler.” It is a mere whisper.

I have always known Tyler was no good, but I never thought he would go so far as to hurt her.

“We must report this to the police.” Rome says.

“No, don’t.” Lia says scared.

I decide not to push her more based on her current condition and neither does Rome do that. The doctor and nurse attend to her and she falls asleep.

I call her parents with the news we found her and ignore the unknown number that keeps on texting me if we found Lia. I can guess it belongs to Tyler.

“I have found a hotel we can spend the night at,” Rome comes back with a bottle of water.

“Hotel?” I ask confused.

“If that is okay with you.”  He says alarmed by my reaction.

“I have never had a chance to sleep in a hotel,” I find myself giving him unnecessary information.

He smiles and sits beside me, “There is a start for everything.” He says.

I stare at the bottle in my hand. Strangely, this first experience will be with Rome. I always spoke with Mason about it, and he would tell me one day he would make that experience materialize. He is well-traveled as the nature of his job also required him to be on the move.

“Let’s go you must be tired and speaking for myself I am dying to get a good meal and sleep. ” Rome says. I nod standing up.

“Don’t worry, Lia will be fine she is under good care. ” He assures.

I smile and we walk out of the hospital.

Chapter 40 is now available at Inkitt.

Username:ivybrown179

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