Chapter 1

My ex-boyfriend of four years showed up at the hotel where I work as a receptionist, with a woman in tow, asking for a room.

The man had sharp features, with eyes as dark and deep as an abyss, exuding an air of aggression. He raised an eyebrow, his voice low and husky.

"You have condoms in the rooms, right?"

I smiled politely, my tone even. "I'm sorry, sir, but we don't stock extra small sizes here."

Hidden behind the counter, I quietly slipped off my heels, feeling instant relief. After standing for most of the day, I only had ten more minutes before I could leave.

Unfortunately, my moment of comfort was short-lived as guests entered the hotel lobby. I instinctively rose to my tiptoes, plastering on a smile.

A tall, mature man in a dark shirt strode in. He had sharp features and cold eyes, with a suit jacket draped over his arm.

As I watched him approach, I felt a sudden sense of déjà vu.

Ethan Quinn, my college boyfriend of three years, whom I hadn't seen since we broke up. Four years had passed, and the boyish charm was gone, replaced by a more mature demeanor.

His once rebellious air had mellowed, making him appear even more sophisticated.

He looked like quite the gentleman now.

Beside Ethan was a woman with pale skin and a delicate frown that seemed designed to elicit sympathy.

I couldn't help but marvel at life's unpredictability and the awkwardness of the situation.

My ex-boyfriend was here to get a room with another woman, and I was still working the hotel front desk.

Thankfully, there were three receptionists on duty. Please don't look at me, please don't look at me, please don't...

Just as I was fervently praying, Ethan's gaze bypassed the other two receptionists and landed squarely on me.

Damn it!

His dark eyes, like deep whirlpools, bore into me with an intensity that felt even stronger than before.

The Ethan I knew in college had been like a wolf cub, but now he resembled the alpha of a pack.

He looked at me as if I were a shameless ex-wife who had run off with all his money, and he was the poor wronged husband here to catch me in the act.

If I remember correctly, weren't you the one who suggested we break up?

Time seemed to stand still as Ethan's gaze remained fixed on me.

It wasn't until the woman beside him noticed something was off and looked confused that Ethan finally shifted his gaze.

He placed a card on the counter, his voice low. "One king room."

I maintained my professional smile and calmly processed their check-in.

Ethan picked up his suit jacket and gently draped it over the woman's shoulders, his movements smooth and practiced.

I continued working, but found myself slightly distracted.

In college, Ethan had been a germaphobe who disliked others touching his things. I had been the only one allowed free rein in his personal space.

But that was four years ago.

People change. Ethan used to hate wearing suits too.

The only time he wore one was after I begged and cajoled him for an entire day.

"Excuse me, could I see your ID please?"

Ethan took out his ID and handed it over.

As I took it, I instinctively ran my thumb over the back. There were faint scratches, and the photo was unchanged.

It was still the same ID we had gotten together in college.

I continued processing their check-in and handed over the key card.

"Here you go, sir. Room 1087, the elevators are to your right. Enjoy your stay."

Ethan took the key card and passed it to the woman beside him, who headed towards the elevators.

I silently willed this jerk to leave already, when Ethan raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth curving into a mischievous smile, his gaze intense.

"There are condoms in the room, right?"

Hearing this, I almost lost my composure.

I thought four years would have matured him, but it seems he was still the same scoundrel underneath that polished exterior.

What an insufferable jerk.

I smiled politely, my tone even. "I'm sorry sir, but we don't stock extra small sizes here."

Ethan's brow furrowed slightly, but his smirk grew wider.

Oh, did I hit a nerve?

He leaned in closer, his voice low. "If there aren't any, how am I supposed to enjoy my stay, Miss Shaw?"

Who cares if you enjoy it or not?

Ethan shifted, about to leave, but then turned back, his finger tapping lightly on the counter.

"As I recall, Miss Shaw used to be quite fond of my extra small size."

I suddenly had the urge to slap that smug look off his face.

But remembering my job and my bonus, I held back.

"Sir, my shift is over." Please leave me alone.

I gave him a slight smile and retreated to the break room.