Chapter 7 Entering His Hotel

• (REYA'S POV)
• “To R&R Kingsterdom please”, I told the taxi driver.
• I watched the view outside the car, which was just simply breathtaking. The Emeralds mansion was located at the outskirts of the city, surrounded by mountains and lush green trees. Due to the snowy weather, the trees and all the surrounding area was covered in thick milky white sheet. The river, as we passed by it, was all frozen. It looked like a big thin shiny mirror, a truly mesmerizing view.
• The driver, being extra careful, was driving the car very slowly due to the slippery road. This gave me the opportunity to savor the scenic view for a long time and helped me distracting for all the mess.
• After about half an hour or so, we entered the city which was filled with hustle bustle despite the cold and snowy conditions. Unlike the outskirts, the city was just mildly covered with heavy snow, so the roads were all clear.
• But the snow was continuously falling and there were people wearing long coats, padded jackets, long boots, mufflers to cover them from the beautiful but harsh weather.
• There were a group of people in the crowd, amongst them a lady was just wearing a thin red chiffon dress and posing for a photo-shoot.
• Looking at her, I could tell that it was not easy for her but she kept her smile at all times despite the freezing atmosphere. I was quite impressed with her professionalism.
• Arriving at R&R Hotel, I paid the cab driver and went towards the entrance. Inside, the reception was packed with tourists and all the receptionists were busy allotting them their respective rooms. Waiting for my turn, I looked here and there. A huge water fountain was on display near the reception around which there were musicians performing ‘Concerto in B minor Op.35 No.2 by Oskar Rieding’ with the accompaniment of Piano and Violin.
• The pianist was very skillful, as he was hitting every note with accuracy and gracefulness. Although, he was just supporting the violinist, his fingers were dancing with such elegance that the blend of the two created an inexplicable feeling inside the listeners’ hearts. The melody was creating a steer inside my heart as well, as I am a music lover.
• The music piece came to an end and I noticed a familiar figure sitting on the piano bench. With his charming boyish smile, he got up, bowed and everyone around him was applauding for the duos performance.
• He was the same airport guy who took my luggage by mistake. ‘What a small world it is indeed.’
• Striding towards him, I moved my hand forward for a handshake. “You are quite talented, Mr. Root. I am impressed”, I complimented him with utmost sincerity. He was a little taken aback by such praise and looked my way. An instant smile, not a courteous but a genuine one was plastered on his face.
• “Oh, what a pleasant surprise for such a coincidence”, he shook my hand in return and greeted me. “You look, less cold, from yesterday. What are you doing here?”, he teased and asked me.
• This may be a new place and he might not seem suspicious for now but I have to keep my guard up, at all times. I cannot let anyone know about my real identity. Also, this is Ragnar Rivers’ Hotel, so can't trust anyone here.
• “Yes, I came to Kingsterdom in a hurry, so didn’t pack any warm clothes. And for your next question the answer is quite clear. It is a hotel. I have a suitcase in hand, so”, I replied.
• “Ohh, How dumb of me”, he said, scratching the back of his head.
• “Anyway, Mr. Root, thank you for your kindness for lending me your muffler. I will surely return it to you after washing it thoroughly”, I expressed my gratification.
• In a friendly tone, he chimed, “I am in no need for a muffler but a friend. Rather than returning it to me, how about you keep it as a gift from me for commemorating the start of our friendship”. Finishing his sentence; he looked at me with expectant eyes.
• ‘Isn’t he being too forward with me?’ my internal thoughts poked me. “Mr. Root, we have only met twice and hardly know each other for us to even consider us proper acquaintance. Isn't it too early for giving ‘us’ that title?”, I spoke, giving him a formal smile to stop his friendly and flirtatious advances.
• I am not here to indulge myself in any kind of relationship, whether it being friendly or romantic. I am here for a mission, to uncover the truth behind Marsha’s departure and my father’s condition. These kinds of things are only going to distract me further and will be in my way of investigating.
• “Don’t brush me off so fast, Ms. It makes me kinda sad. I just want to be your friend and nothing more than that, at least not yet”, he said although the last part was not very audible to me. “How about we do this, both are meetings were chance encounters so far, right. If fate has it for us to be friends then the next time we meet, will you accept the humble request of this lowly being. At least, give me a chance to be your friendly companion, ok?”
• His pleading and gentle voice made it hard for me to refuse him directly.
• “How can Mr. Root be a lowly being. And if we meet again, then I’ll consider it, then”.
• “Deal”, beaming with his most likeable smile, he said to me.
• “Well then, I’ll be off. Otherwise, all the rooms will be booked before I could get one.”, saying this I turned to go towards the reception desk when Atlas tucked at my sleeve and stopped me, saying, “Excuse me, but at least tell me your name. I cannot always address you as Miss”.
• “You believe so much in fate and chance encounters, so when the next time we meet, if we do, then I’ll surely tell you my name”, I smiled at him and went off.
• (ATLAS'S POV)
• 'Hmm, she’s a tough nut to crack, interesting. I like challenges', Atlas said to himself.
• He watched Reya until the receptionist handed the room key card to her and she started walking towards the elevator.
• When the elevator was shut, Atlas went straight to the reception desk and asked, “Can you tell me the room number of the lady who just took her key card”.
• “Sorry, Mr. Root but Mr. Rivers has specifically asked us not to give you any information about the guests from our hotel”, the hotel staff conveyed him with an apologetic look.
• “But last time was different; I was just teaching somebody a lesson. This time it is way more important. At least, tell me just what floor she is staying at, please?”, Atlas pleaded with the staff.
• “Sir, Mr. Rivers order is final. I don’t have any say in it”, the employee told him in a firm tone.
• “Damn you, Ragnar. Why are you trying to ruin my love life before it has even bloomed?" Frustrated, he made his way towards the exit.
• _________________________________________
• (REYA'S POV)
• When I checked into the hotel, I booked a luxurious suite for myself. A room, which can get me easy access to the hotels’ lounge and club, to investigate Ragnar better.
• Entering the room, I placed the key card in the bracket and the room lit up. I was greeted by a lavish view. With a crystal chandelier adorning the center of the place, the white leather sofas were below it accompanied by a black crystal table which was illuminated with the reflection of the master piece hanging above it.
• There was a floor to ceiling window which captured the falling of the snow in a truly enchanting way. Standing in front of the window, I looked down. All the people were looking like ants, so small. The city’s buzzing noise was not at all audible to me. There were 40 floors in the hotel and my suite was on the 39th floor.
• There were two bedrooms in that suite, both of which were designed with a modern look. One had an interior with dark colors like black and navy. The other was tailored with a subtle shade of white and gray. The former had navy curtains and black bed with clean white bed sheet and same colored duvet over it. The latter had the exact same lay out, just the curtains were of cream white shade along with gray colored bed.
• Entering the latter, I kept my suitcase and essentials bag on the bed and unpacked them. Taking a set of clothes, face wash, and some other routine items, I headed towards the bathroom.
• The bathroom complimented the room well, as it was designed with pure white marble. There was a drop-in bathtub. The greyish white wash basin attached to the water faucet suited each other well. The glass shower room had a square rainfall shower head above it. All in all, the overall rooms’ interior was quite extravagant. One look and you could tell that the hotel industry was R&R Groups’ main business. Everything was top-notch and of great taste.
• Keeping my belongings on the marble slab, I stood under the shower head and after taking a long warm shower, I dressed myself up and headed to the hotel’s VIP lounge area. I chose a thick brown top and a pair of tight black jeans with the overcoat I bought yesterday, pairing them with black boots.
• Reaching the lounge, taking a seat at the bar table and I looked around. The lounge was not much crowded as it was still day time.
• “Ma’am, what would you like to have?”, the bartender asked me. “I’ll have a virgin mojito”, I told her.
• “On it”, she beamed and started preparing my drink.
• I initiated the conversation, reading her name from the badge on the left side of her uniform, to sound more friendly, I asked her, “Is there any place you could recommend me for relaxation, Kylie?”.
• “Ma’am, our hotel’s hot springs is the best in all around Kingsterdom. If you are not comfortable with a public setting, we also provide private hot springs for our VIP guests.”
• “Ohh, really, I needed just that. This hotel really lives up to its name. I love the overall layout of the hotel.”
• “The hotel is designed by our CEO himself, you must have heard of him, Mr. Ragnar Rivers.”
• “Ohh really, that’s so cool, very impressive”, surprised, I said to her.
• “Not only is he super talented but is incredibly hot and handsome as well. Anyone would die to get a glimpse of him”, she told me, blushing.
• “Yeah, I read somewhere that Mr. Rivers was voted the sexiest man alive. I would love to see him in person as well”, I replied.
• “Not just his appearance, his achievements are the testament to his capabilities. What does he not have? He’s handsome, rich, and capable. What more one wants in a man? Plus, there is a rumor”. She started blabbering, taking the bait. Realizing something, she stopped midway and said, “Ohh, sorry ma’am. I got a little carried away”.
• “No, no. You don’t have to be sorry. I like chatting with you. You were just praising your employer. What is there to be sorry for? You must really like your CEO?”, I encouraged her.
• “Yes, everyone here likes him”, she said with a bashful face.
• “So, what are the rumors?”, I asked her, making a curious face.
• “Rumors have it that he changes his girlfriends like a piece of cloth and is a beast in bed”, leaning forward, she whispered in a hushed tone.
• “Oh, so he’s a playboy”, I said sounding astonished. ‘So my sister was dating a scum. This is not what she described him as. It is way too suspicious.’
• “His last girlfriend is said to be his personal secretary, as per some rumors. She quit her job because her mental health after their break up was affected. Now, every girl is lining up for interview for that post. I wish I had the qualification to apply for the position”, she kept on rambling, with a sad tone.
• ‘So, he was dating his secretary as well as my sister, bloody cheater, Marsha what kind of person were you committed with’, the thought angered me but I maintained my friendly façade.
• A sudden idea occurred to me, hearing the last piece of information. To know more about how my sister’s death and Ragnar is connected, I will have to enter his territory. I will become his personal secretary. This way it’ll be easy for me to get close to him without the fear of exposing my identity.
• To Be Continued. . . . . . . .