The staff responded politely, "No, Miss. Your room is the second best. The best one is the presidential suite upstairs. However, that room has already been reserved by another guest."
"What?! You're only in the trial operation phase-who would book such an expensive room now?!"
"I'm sorry, Miss, but I can't disclose our guests' private information."
Karina's eyes darkened. She said coldly, "You may go! I want to rest now."
"Yes, Miss."
After the staff left, she looked up at the ceiling and muttered, "The best suite's already been taken? I want to see who's living above me, lording over me!"
The hotel had two restaurants-one Japanese and one Western. Guests could dine there directly or call to have meals delivered to their room.
For lunch, Serena and Xavier ate in their suite.
The atmosphere was too good-wine, scenery, everything was just perfect. Neither of them wanted to disrupt it. So, Xavier decisively called the restaurant and ordered a few of Serena's favorite dishes to be delivered.
A little tipsy, Serena didn't eat much. She just sampled each dish and then put down her spoon. Resting her dizzy head, she began to doze off.
No one knew how long had passed when suddenly she felt herself being lifted into the air. In a daze, she opened her eyes and realized she was being carried in Xavier's arms.
"What are you doing?!"
"If you want to sleep, at least go to the bedroom. It's uncomfortable sleeping at the dining table."
"Put me down, I can walk myself."
"You sure?"
"Of course!"
"Alright then." He smiled and gently set her down.
Her feet felt soft beneath her. The carpet felt like clouds-light and fluffy. Every step she took felt like she was floating.
After only a few steps, she was already stumbling several times.
She finally reached a small coffee table about three meters away and held onto the edge to stop herself.
Behind her, Xavier crossed his arms and watched her adorable, wobbly state with amusement, a happy smile playing on his lips.
"Serena, do you still want to walk to the bedroom on your own? It's not exactly nearby."
He knew her too well. She loved red wine, but her alcohol tolerance was terrible.
Once she drank a little too much, she'd get all woozy.
Shaking her head to clear it, Serena insisted, "I can do it! I'm totally fine!"
"Then keep going."
"I will!"
She pushed off the coffee table and stumbled forward a few more steps.
Suddenly, her ankle twisted, and she cried out, "Ah!" as she pitched forward.
At the last second, a strong pair of hands reached out and caught her across the chest.
A moment later, Serena realized what had happened. She looked down and saw that his hand had landed right on her chest.
Blushing, she cleared her throat. "Th-thanks..."
"Mhm." He gave a simple reply, and without giving her a chance to refuse, scooped her back up into his arms.
With steady steps, he carried her into the bedroom and gently laid her down on the bed.
Bending down, he planted a feather-light kiss on her forehead before turning to leave.
Serena's face was flushed-whether from embarrassment or from the wine, it was unclear.
The feel of his hand on her chest still lingered. Fueled by the alcohol, she felt her whole body growing warm.
"Hey!" she called out just as he was about to leave and grabbed his hand.
He turned back to see her biting her lip, face crimson, clearly struggling with something.
He instinctively swallowed hard, trying to restrain himself. "Serena... what is it?"
"Well..." She lowered her eyes, not daring to look at him, and mumbled softly, "Aren't you... staying?"
His eyes darkened. His voice turned husky. "Serena... are you inviting me to stay?"
Serena turned her face away and didn't say a word.
With her personality, if she meant no, she would've said so directly. This kind of silent response was as good as a yes.
Xavier leaned in and kissed her passionately before she could react.
Their lips and tongues tangled, the kiss growing intense, and the sweet scent of her surrounded him.
Already dizzy, Serena became even more lightheaded under the fervent kiss.
Her small hands clutched at his shoulders and gripped his collar, letting out soft moans between kisses.
At the very last second, he suddenly pulled away and placed his hands firmly on her shoulders to put some distance between them.
Breathing heavily, he gritted his teeth and said, "Serena, you have no idea how hard it is for me to walk away. But the hotel officially opens tomorrow. This afternoon, there's one last rehearsal in the ballroom before the opening ceremony. As the executive director, I can't miss it."
Serena was panting too, her chest rising and falling rapidly.
Hearing his explanation, a flicker of disappointment crossed her face-but it disappeared quickly. "Go ahead, work is important."
"Heh." He smiled helplessly. "Honestly, I think this is more important. But I have responsibilities."
"I understand. No need to explain."
"Then I'll go now. Take a nap. I'll be back the moment I'm done."
"Okay."
Reluctantly, he let go of her hand and walked quickly out of the room without looking back.
He knew if he slowed down even a little, or turned around once, he wouldn't be able to leave at all.
Shortly after Xavier left, Serena fell into a deep sleep.
Maybe it was the wine, or maybe just her good mood, but she slept well and even had a sweet dream.
In the dream, she was back in college, before she had ever met Clint.
Every day, Xavier would show up like clockwork, doting on her and never leaving her side.
Dream-Serena wasn't as foolish as her real-life counterpart-she accepted him and was genuinely happy with him every day.
Suddenly-
"Ding dong! Ding dong!"
The sharp sound of the doorbell shattered her sweet dream.
Serena reluctantly opened her eyes and looked toward the suite's entrance.
***