[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-260322E1C3D0-295":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},295,81,"Chapter 81: \"Don't Tell Me This Is A Lovers' Suite.\"","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">For the past few days, Damian had been coming home late and leaving early, using his research as a flimsy excuse.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Initially, Remi was understanding, offering her full support. But when the pattern showed no signs of breaking, the seeds of suspicion began to sprout.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She pummeled a throw pillow, venting her frustration to Evangeline. \"You can’t give men too much slack, Evangeline. Look at him now—completely full of himself because he knows I’m hooked. I haven’t even seen his face in three days.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline offered a wry smile. \"Back when we were pulling all-nighters, wasn't Damian just as anxious?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The blunt reminder silenced Remi, who just pouted and grumbled under her breath.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline, I have this sinking feeling,\" Remi confessed, clutching her arm. \"Do you think he’s found someone else?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline reached out, gripping her friend’s hands firmly. \"Don’t torment yourself with these 'what-ifs.' That’s not like you.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Fine. He says he’s busy, I’ll give him space to be busy. But everything has a limit.\" Remi sighed, then reached into her bag and pulled out an ornate box. \"Here. I made this for you. Open it.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"What is it?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline untied the silk ribbon, and her breath hitched. Nestled inside was a hand-strung bridal bouquet featuring Akoya pearls, crystals, and diamonds. They caught the light in a kaleidoscope of iridescent color—so stunning it felt almost criminal to look away.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline’s eyes grew hot with tears as she took Remi’s hand, spotting the raw, blistered fingertips. \"Remi…\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Don't you dare cry,\" Remi laughed, though her voice wobbled. \"Handmade crafts are all I’m good for, but it’s my way of wishing you the best.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline pulled her into a fierce embrace, her voice thick. \"Thank you, Remi. I love it. I really do.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">They chatted until the sun began to dip below the horizon. Remi glanced at the sky. \"Evangeline, I should head out. Your icy husband will be back any minute.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"No—Remi, stay the night! Like we used to. I have so much more to tell you.\" Evangeline turned on the charm, her eyes wide and pleading.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi hesitated, then relented. \"Fine. But not at the Elysian Estate. Let’s go get a room somewhere else. What do you say?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline blinked, her eyes sparkling like a mischievous child’s. \"Are we really going to be that reckless?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Absolutely.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The two girls exchanged a knowing, conspiratorial grin. They dashed upstairs, threw pajamas and a few necessities into a bag, and snuck out without telling a soul, leaving only a cryptic sticky note on the bedside table.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">As soon as they cleared the gates of the Elysian Estate, Evangeline let out a cheer, her heart racing. \"Remi, I feel like a runaway bride!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Ha! If you’re willing to run away with me, that proves I’m your true love!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Obviously!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">They pulled up to the Grand Crest, one of the city's most exclusive boutique hotels. As they checked in, the young receptionist shot them a bizarre, lingering look.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline frowned. \"Is there a problem?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"No, no problem at all,\" the girl stammered. \"What kind of room were you looking for?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Something elegant and cozy. That signature suite you advertise—the one for $2,800 a night? That will do.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Of course. One moment.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">A few seconds later, the receptionist handed over the key card with a stiff, formal smile. \"Here are your cards. Suite 81006, on the eighty-first floor, to your right.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Thanks.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You’re very welcome. Enjoy your stay.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline and Remi giggled, stepping into the elevator. \"I’ve heard so much about the atmosphere at this place. I can't wait to see what two grand a night gets us.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">They reached the eighty-first floor and found their door. The lock clicked, and they swung the door open, ready to be impressed.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Their smiles vanished instantly.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline slammed the door shut, clutching the key card as if it would spontaneously correct itself. \"No way. We must have opened the door wrong. Let’s try again.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She squeezed her eyes shut and pushed the door open with force. The sight remained the same.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Ha... ha... Evangeline, now I see why the receptionist looked at us like that.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The room was draped in red silk, the floor was carpeted in rose petals, and the lighting was a dim, pulsing crimson. It wasn't a standard suite; it was a theme room for lovers.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline wandered through the room, her jaw dropping. \"Remi, looking at this set-up, I feel like I need to perform a dance.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Go on then, my beauty. The stage is yours.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Alexa, play the 'Dynasty' soundtrack.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">As the music swelled, Evangeline grabbed a sheer silk scarf and used it to veil her face. \"My King, come and catch me if you can!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She moved with feline grace, drifting between the heavy red curtains, her eyes smoldering. Remi, roaring with laughter, whipped out her phone to record the show.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline’s silhouette moved with a dangerous, seductive rhythm, ending the performance with a sultry flick of her hand. Remi shrieked with delight.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I always knew you were a high-society swan, but you’re a little vixen at heart! I’m obsessed.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"It’s the atmosphere! If I weren't carrying a baby, I’d dance all night just to let you know what it feels like to be a royal consort.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline shivered, disgusted by the over-the-top decor. \"Okay, that’s enough. Remi, go change the lighting. This ambiance is giving me the creeps.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">After a quick cleanup, the room was finally livable. Evangeline collapsed onto the plush circular bed, exhausted. \"Well... that was an experience.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">They ordered room service, and the young man who delivered the food gave them a knowing wink. \"I hope you two have a wonderful night.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Remi didn't bother correcting him; she just thanked him and closed the door. The mood remained high, and Remi poured herself a few glasses of wine, while Evangeline sipped fruit juice.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline, look outside. The moon is hidden,\" Remi slurred, her words becoming loose.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Are you sad, Remi?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Clouds hide the moon, and the moon hides the reflection in the water... where does it all go?\" Remi rambled, her eyes unfocused. Evangeline watched her quietly.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Back at the Elysian Estate, the man sitting on the sofa was practically vibrating with rage. He clutched the sticky note Evangeline had left behind.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Waylen, where is she?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Boss,\" came the stammering reply, \"the Madam is at the Grand Crest. With... with Miss Crawford.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus hurled his phone across the room. Silence hung in the air for a full minute before he stalked over to retrieve it and dialed a number.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Damian! Your woman has kidnapped my wife and taken her to a hotel!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Calm down, Marcellus. They’re just two girls looking for a quiet place to talk. You don’t need to lose your mind.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"They're at the Grand Crest!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Marcellus’s roar was loud enough to shatter glass. Even Damian went silent on the other end.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I’m on my way.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The two men arrived at the hotel in rapid succession, flanked by a nervous hotel manager. \"Mr. Alexander, your wife is in 81006. I’ll lead the way.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Get out of my sight!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The two men sprinted for the stairs. Behind them, the front desk staff gossiped frantically.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Was the boss here to catch her cheating?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I heard the Madam is in there with someone else.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Another girl, no less!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Shut it! Do you want to be fired?\" The manager barked, silencing them instantly.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Upstairs, the two men stopped dead in front of the door. Both hesitated, afraid of what they might find on the other side. After five grueling minutes, Marcellus finally pounded on the wood.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Who is it?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Evangeline, open the door!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline peeked out, looking dazed. \"Why are you two here?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I’m here to bring you home,\" Marcellus said, his jaw tight.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"But I don’t want to go.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Seeing her pout, Marcellus’s brow furrowed. \"Evangeline!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian shoved past him, frantic. \"Where’s Remi?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline opened the door wide. Despite their cleaning efforts, the room still screamed 'honeymoon suite.' Damian’s heart hammered against his ribs until he finally spotted the woman on the bed.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Seriously, Evangeline? A lovers' suite?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Damian, watch your tone!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline tucked herself into Marcellus’s chest, signaling him to stand down. She looked at Damian, eyes narrowing. \"Dr. Spencer, where have you been for the past week?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I... I’ve been busy with research.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Remi was losing her mind with anxiety. I brought her here so we could talk, though I admit, the hotel’s 'theme' was a bit of a surprise.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The commotion stirred Remi. She squinted, struggling to focus on the figures in the room. She saw Marcellus holding Evangeline, but missed Damian hiding behind the room divider.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Marcellus, you’re like a persistent shadow! So annoying!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian stepped into view and strode toward her. \"Remi, you're awake?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Seeing him, the heartache finally broke through Remi’s drunken haze. Her nose stung. \"What are you doing here?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Damian pulled her into his arms, his face buried in her neck. \"I’m sorry.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The apology shattered her defenses. Tears spilled over. \"You’re hot and cold. It’s like being killed by a thousand paper cuts!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I’m truly sorry. I really was just busy. I promise I’ll never ignore you again. Can you forgive me?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Sob...\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Evangeline and Marcellus exchanged a look and quietly backed out, leaving the romantic, red-lit suite to the couple who needed it most.\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272914482]