Life Is A Sick Joke

Lylah's lingering gaze rested on the glowing crystal chandeliers as she stepped into the hotel lobby. Those pieces always attracted her.

"This is exquisite", she thought.

Her smile faltered immediately her gaze found Raj's, already on her. She swiftly looked elsewhere, looking at anybody but him.

She steadily approached the receptionist desk, ready to lodge in and have a good rest.

"Good evening ma'am, welcome to Golden Tulip. My name's May and how may I be of service", the receptionist smiled.

Lylah's eyes locked onto the receptionist's warm smile, grateful for the distraction from Raj's piercing gaze.

"Good evening," she replied, her voice smooth and confident.

"Yes, we have a reservation for two bedrooms"

The receptionist's fingers danced across the keyboard as she searched for the reservation.

Lylah's gaze drifted around the lobby, taking in the elegant décor and the soft hum of conversation from the other guests.

Raj stepped up beside her, his presence making her heart skip a beat.

She deliberately kept her attention on the receptionist, avoiding eye contact with him.

"May I have your name please?"

"Lylah Jeurgens and Raj Owusu," she replied, spelling it out for the receptionist. "L-Y-L-A-H."

The receptionist's fingers flew across the keyboard as she searched for Lylah's reservation.

"Sorry ma'am, we have no reservations enlisted with your names. Please check with whoever booked the reservations", May replied politely.

Lylah nodded, her hands dipping into her handbag, searching for her cellphone.

"Can you please search for two bedroom reservations under PROSE AND CO.", Raj butted in.

"Oh, you're here for the conference. Why didn't you just say so earlier", May rose.

She frantically searched under her desk.

Lylah remained quiet as the lady moved around.

A gentleman with the name tag Rox sauntered next to May.

"What are you looking for, maybe I can help", Rox smiled.

"Where did you keep the keys for the the conference room reservations", May questioned.

"Oh, it's in my drawer. We just waiting for the last guests from PROSE AND CO-

"We're from PROSE AND CO", Lylah smiled.

The two receptionists shared a knowing look.

Rox smiled, handing Lylah a room key card.

"You're all set! Your suite is on the fifth floor, 502. The elevator is just down the hall to your left. And sorry for any inconvenience caused."

Lylah took the key cards, her fingers brushing against the receptionist's.

"Eerm, thank you but I think there's a mistake", Lylah croaked out.

"Reservations were made for a room not a whole suite", she corrected.

Rox looked between the two, then at May.

"Sorry ma'am, sir, I think there's a misunderstanding somewhere. All agencies lodging in our hotel for the conference are given a suite to share and not rooms", May explained.

"Plus all agencies have been given our fifth floor", Rox added.

Lylah turned to look at Raj and she just wished she hadn't. The stupid smirk on his face irritated her to the core.

What was this?, a movie?

What stupid game was fate playing?

Was this even fate?, or someone intentionally decided to play with her feelings, her emotions.

Just when she thought she had everything in control.

Just when she thought nothing could ruin her life. Seeing Raj everyday was one thing, and staying with him everyday was another.

Lylah turned to May.

"Please Miss,can you do something about this for me?", Lylah begged.

She never dreamed of something like this happening. Not even in her worst nightmares.

"I'm sorry ma'am. But this is it. This is how The Publisher's Conference runs all the time", May shook her head.

"Look, money isn't a problem. Even if I'm going to lodge in as a regular customer, I'll pay for it-

"Lylah stop!", Raj rebuked.

"Sorry Miss, we'll take the suite", he added.

"C'mon", he mumbled.

Raj helped Lylah with her luggage as he took the lead.

Lylah sulked all the way to their suite. She didn't want this, she really didn't. What sort of game was this anyway.