Chapter 4 Episode four

Monalisa

The car finally came to a stop in front of a gigantic building glowing under the evening lights. My eyes widened immediately.

Holy moly.

My mother-in-law really went all out.

The five-star hotel stood proudly in the middle of Chicago like something pulled straight out of a billionaire movie. Expensive cars lined up outside while neatly dressed attendants rushed around opening doors for guests.

I slowly looked up at the building again.

Just one night here could probably pay my rent for a whole year.

“Are you planning on getting down,” Alex’s cold voice cut through my thoughts, “or should I push you out myself?”

I turned sharply and gave him a hard stare before pushing open the car's door and stepped out before he could say something annoying again. Alex grabbed the bags from the trunk and walked straight into the hotel without even sparing me a glance.

Rude jerk.

I followed behind him quietly.

The moment we entered the hotel, a lady at the reception desk practically lost her mind.

Her eyes widened the second they landed on Alex.

“Good afternoon, sir,” she rushed over excitedly. “I have been...sorry, I mean we have been waiting for your arrival. Welcome.”

The lady looked like she was trying hard not to scream.

Alex didn’t even blink.

“My room key,” he said flatly.

“Oh! Of course. Please come with me.”

She immediately started leading the way upstairs while smiling so hard her cheeks almost looked painful.

I followed behind them, already irritated.

Was this lady deliberately pretending I didn’t exist?

“I’ve heard so much about you, sir,” she continued excitedly as we walked down the hallway. “I still can’t believe I’m walking beside you right now. This is such a privilege.”

Alex remained silent.

Honestly, sometimes I wondered if he was born without emotions. My eyes drifted toward him. He wasn’t even dressed in his usual intimidating billionaire style today. Just blue jeans and a yellow T-shirt. Yet women still looked ready to throw themselves at his feet.

Unbelievable.

“Sir,” the receptionist continued shyly, “my name is Angela… and I’m still single.”

I nearly stumbled. Seriously?

I looked at her slowly. Was she flirting with my husband right in front of me?

The annoying woman kept going.

“You’re very handsome, sir. I would really love to take a picture with you someday.”

Alex finally turned toward her.

“Can you stop talking already?” he said coldly. “You’re becoming annoying.”

Her smile disappeared instantly.

Finally.

Peace.

The rest of the walk became quiet except for the sound of footsteps echoing through the hallway. We finally stopped in front of a door boldly labeled Room 203.

“Your room, sir,” Angela said softly while opening the door. Alex walked in.

And this shameless woman actually tried following him inside.

I immediately stepped in front of her.

“I don’t think we’ll be needing your services anymore,” I said with a fake smile. “Goodbye.”

Before she could respond, I slammed the door shut in her face. The loud bang echoed through the room.

“Good riddance,” Alex muttered behind me.

I scoffed.

For once, we agreed on something.

I slowly turned around to inspect the room and almost screamed . The large room was beautifully decorated with rose petals, scented candles and heart decorations.The giant bed was covered with white sheets that had the word LOVE printed all over them in red.

What the heck was this?!

It looked like romance had exploded inside the room.

My eyes suddenly landed on a tiny red material sitting at the center of the bed. I frowned and picked it up. And to my surprise, it was a red lingerie.

Excuse me?!

A folded note slipped out and fell to the floor.

I bent down, picked it up, and read the words aloud.

“Wear this to look sexy and seductive.”

My eyes widened. “What the actual heck?”

A low laugh sounded behind me.

I looked up sharply and saw Alex leaning lazily against the wall with amusement dancing in his eyes.

“What?” I snapped. “Why are you staring at me like that?”

His lips twitched. “Are you actually going to wear that?”

I frowned immediately. “Why? Do you want me to?”

“Who knows?” he replied carelessly. “You look like someone dying to seduce me.”

I stared at him in disbelief. “You have officially lost your mind.”

I tossed the stupid lingerie straight into the wastebasket. And started arranging my clothes inside the wardrobe. Honestly, I was too exhausted to continue arguing with him.

After a few minutes, I grabbed my towel and nightwear and headed toward the bathroom.

But Alex suddenly stepped in front of me.

I frowned. “What now?”

“I’m using the bathroom first.”

“What?”

“You heard me.” He folded his arms calmly. “So sit down somewhere and wait.”

I blinked slowly.

Was this man for real?

“No, I won’t,” I snapped. “You’re not even ready yet.”

Without replying, he started unbuttoning his shirt while staring directly at me.

My eyes widened. “What do you think you’re doing?”

He ignored me completely and slowly pulled the shirt off.

My jaw nearly dropped.

Holy crap.

His chest was ridiculously toned, muscles stretching perfectly beneath smooth skin like he spent every free second inside a gym.

This should honestly be illegal.

“Enjoying the view?” His voice snapped me back to reality instantly.

Heat rushed to my face as i quickly turned around.

“Put your shirt back on!”

I heard him chuckle softly behind me.

“Why? Is it affecting you?”

The deep whisper near my ear sent an annoying shiver down my spine.

I hated it.

“Don’t flatter yourself,” I said quickly. “Just because other women lose their senses around you doesn’t mean I’m one of them.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“Now move.”

“No.”

I turned sharply. “What do you mean no?”

“I’m prepared now,” he replied lazily. “So I’m taking my bath first.”

“Alex...”

“You can join me if you want.” He smirked wickedly before rushing into the bathroom.

The door shut immediately.

I stood there in disbelief for two seconds before storming toward the door angrily.

“Alex!” I yelled while banging hard against it. “I was supposed to use the bathroom first!”

His laughter echoed from inside. “Careful, darling. You’ll hurt your hands.”

I clenched my fists tightly.

“If you want to bathe with me so badly, just say it.” He added.

My mouth fell open.

“I hate you!” I snapped furiously. “You’re going to pay for this!”

His laughter only became louder.

Fuming, I marched back to the couch and dropped onto it angrily.

One whole week.

I was going to spend one entire week in this hotel alone with Alexander Lucas.

I closed my eyes briefly.

Dear God, please help me. Because if this man keeps testing my patience like this, I might actually end up becoming a murderer.