Falling For Her Nightmare

Chapter 34: Hope

Angel

The five-storey hotel lobby was pretty decent enough. Brown brick wall.

I turned my head to look at the direction where I left Celestina, and she was sitting on the ground, begging.

To be honest, I could just run now, away from them, but she told me that those men who took me might be just anywhere looking for me. And I have no idea who were they. And even then, where would I go?

Will there be anyone here willing to help me?

Letting out a sigh, I decided to stay. I need to make this work. Call Isaias, and I'd be free.

The security gave me a single nod as he opened the glass door for me, and I tried to keep my eyes on his. Nodding at him back, I strutted confidently towards the reception desk.

My heart is pounding so hard against my breastbone.

I had to act confidently.

The young receptionist, with amber hair reaching just above her shoulder, complimented her fair skin. A few freckles sprinkled on her nose and cheekbones. It absolutely looked gorgeous on her. Her bow lips coated with the darkest red lipstick. Doe, brown eyes adorned with long fake lashes, as dark as night.

"Salve!" Hello! The receptionist greeted, her lips curled into a smile, friendly and welcoming.

"Hello!" I greeted back, and her smile broadened, showing me her perfect sets of teeth.

She's short, and perhaps in her late-twenties. My eyes dropped down, darting to her nameplate. I read it.

Bettina.

"How may I help you?" she asked too enthusiastically. Her accent was too faint to notice.

"Well, my husband and I was supposed to meet somewhere, but he hasn't shown up, he has my phone, my stuff. I thought he's here," I rambled. She was just staring at me, trying to decipher where am I going with that unnecessary information. "We were staying at room 514—" Her face lit up with recognition as soon as I said our room and interrupted me with excitement.

"Mr. Black!" she exclaimed, too enthusiastic like she just solved a very hard puzzle.

My heart jumped in my throat. Drat! She knew the guy. Since I already said it, I can't turn my back on it.

So God helps me. I'm going to use my con skills.

"Oh yes! That old man just left his wife somewhere, and he's nowhere to be found." I chuckled, feigning a humorous one.

She stared at me like I was an alien. My heart thundered. I met her eyes, giving her a reassuring smile I could muster, ignoring the pounding of my heart in my ears.

She smiled in between frowning. There was a hint of confusion on her face though she's trying to conceal it. "I'm sorry," she said sheepishly. "I thought Mr. Black is single," she said. "He's a—"

"Did he now?" I cut her off, and she looked bug-eyed. I didn't know my tone hardened. There was sharpness on the edges.

"I apologize, Mrs. Black. I might just mishear it. Of course, Mr. Black is married," she blabbered apprehensively.

"Yes. He likes to joke around," I said, flashing her a reassuring smile.

"If you don't mind, I just need to call his sister. He was supposed to call her, but he was too excited to see the places. Since he wasn't here yet, I'll use the time to call her sister back home. She's worried," I explained, hoping she'll buy it.