AARÓN CONNOR.

CONNOR.

꘎♡━━━━━━━♡꘎

I step out of the car and slam the door shut. I walk into the hotel. The air conditioning hits me with an artificial chill, mixed with cheap perfume and a faint trace of sweat. The scents and murmurs in the lobby feel like a silent torture. I want to turn around, walk out, and forget all of this. But if I do, they’ll never leave me in peace.

I sigh in frustration and approach the receptionist. As soon as she sees me, she steps forward with a practiced smile. Her heels click against the marble floor like they’re keeping time to a rhythm I refuse to follow.

“Good evening, sir. Welcome to The Ritz-Carlton. How may I assist you?” she says, that slightly stiff smile still fixed on her face.

“Roxam Connor is expecting me,” I say, leaning on the counter. My fingers press into the cold marble. I’m still seriously considering leaving. I can’t stop thinking I’ll regret staying.

“May I have you