Marina and her family stepped inside the hotel.

The grand entrance hall looked magnificent, glowing under crystal chandeliers that reflected thousands of tiny lights. The polished marble floor shimmered beneath the guests' feet, while soft classical music echoed throughout the hall. Fresh flowers decorated every corner, and expensive paintings hung proudly on the walls. The entire place resembled a royal ballroom more than a hotel.

The Sorenson family was incredibly wealthy, and they certainly knew how to spend money.

Many influential business families, politicians, celebrities, and foreign investors had gathered for the celebration. Laughter and conversations filled the hall as everyone congratulated the new owners. Waiters moved gracefully through the crowd, serving sparkling drinks and elegant desserts.

Marina quietly observed everything around her.

This place had once belonged to her family.

Now, they were merely guests.

Suddenly, her eyes fell on a man standing among the crowd.

He was devilishly handsome.

Tall, confident, and broad-shouldered, he carried himself with effortless elegance. His custom-made teal suit fit him perfectly, making his athletic physique even more striking. His posture was straight, his movements calm yet commanding, and his presence alone attracted everyone's attention.

His honey-brown hair was neatly styled, complementing his sharp facial features. His hazel-brown eyes were calm and unreadable, framed by long eyelashes that looked almost unreal. Thick eyebrows, a sharp jawline, and a well-defined Adam's apple completed his handsome appearance. Everything about him looked flawless.

Any woman could easily be captivated by his looks.

But Marina wasn't here to admire his beauty.

Just then, her father smiled politely and walked toward him.

"Mr. Richard Sorenson."

The man turned around.

"Hello, Mr. McCarthy," Richard greeted with a courteous smile.

"It's good to see you."

Her father nodded.

"This is my wife, Lucia McCarthy."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Madam."

"And this," her father continued proudly, placing a gentle hand on Marina's shoulder, "is my lovely daughter, Marina McCarthy. She recently completed her Ph.D."

Richard looked at her with curiosity.

"Oh? Really? What is your field of research?"

Marina smiled politely.

"I'm a microbiologist."

"Impressive," Richard replied.

Without another word, he extended his hand toward her.

Marina looked at his outstretched hand for a brief second before accepting the handshake.

His grip was firm.

Strangely, he held her hand a moment longer than a normal greeting. It wasn't painful, but it made Marina unexpectedly nervous. She could feel his warm hand around hers, and for a second, neither of them spoke.

She gently pulled her hand back.

"Excuse me," she said softly before taking a small step away.

For some reason, she couldn't understand why that simple handshake had made her heart skip a beat. she was observing the banquet.......

Soft jazz music floated gracefully through the grand ballroom, blending with the gentle sound of crystal glasses clinking together. A live orchestra performed in one corner, filling the hall with elegant melodies that made the evening feel like a royal celebration.

Rows of long buffet tables were covered with snow-white silk cloths and decorated with fresh lilies and roses. They displayed an astonishing variety of delicacies—mini fruit tarts, chocolate éclairs, macarons, cheesecakes, red velvet pastries, vanilla mille-feuille, and handcrafted desserts that looked almost too beautiful to eat. Beside them stood chefs preparing gourmet appetizers and international cuisine before the guests' eyes.

Champagne and vintage wines from around the world were served in sparkling crystal glasses, while professional bartenders prepared elegant non-alcoholic mocktails, fresh fruit juices, and signature beverages for those who preferred not to drink.

The guest list was just as extraordinary as the celebration itself. Influential industrialists, renowned entrepreneurs, famous celebrities, respected scientists, senior government officials, ambassadors, foreign investors, and members of old aristocratic families mingled effortlessly throughout the ballroom. Even a member of a royal family and the state's Governor had accepted the Sorenson family's invitation, making the evening one of the most prestigious social gatherings of the year.

Everywhere Marina looked, expensive gowns shimmered beneath the chandeliers, tailored tuxedos reflected quiet elegance, and conversations about business, politics, science, and international affairs filled the air. It was a world of wealth, influence, and power—a world where every smile carried meaning and every handshake could change someone's future.

"Oof... I'm so tired. These high heels are killing me. Where should I sit?"

Marina quietly looked around the ballroom.

Near the corner of the hall, partially hidden behind a large decorative pillar, was a luxurious velvet sofa. From where she was standing, it was clearly visible, but from the rest of the ballroom, it was almost hidden. It seemed like the perfect place to rest for a few minutes.

Without wasting another second, she hurried toward it and dropped onto the soft couch.

"Thank God..."

She let out a long sigh.

"My feet... and even my back are killing me."

She stretched out her legs slightly and leaned back against the sofa, finally feeling a little relieved.

"Tired?"

A deep masculine voice suddenly came from beside her.

Marina's eyes flew open.

She turned her head in surprise.

It was none other than Richard Sorenson.

"Oh... Mr. Sorenson! I'm so sorry. I didn't know this was your place."

Richard gave a small smile.

"No, it's alright. You can sit here."

He remained standing for a moment before sitting on the other end of the sofa.

Marina could feel his eyes on her.

His hazel-brown eyes were calm, yet there was an unusual spark in them that made her feel both shy and uncomfortable.

Why is he staring at me?

Is he... ogling me?

She immediately looked away, avoiding eye contact.

To her horror, she could already feel warmth spreading across her cheeks and ears.

Richard finally broke the silence.

"Miss McCarthy."

"Yes?"

"You may call me Richard."

Marina nodded politely.

"And... just call me Marina."

"Sure... Marina."

He spoke her name softly, almost as if he were testing how it sounded.

Marina frowned inwardly.

Why is he saying my name so sweetly?

Isn't he the host? Shouldn't he be greeting the other guests instead of sitting here with me?

Richard smiled politely.

"So... how are you liking the party?"

"It's... quite good."

"You haven't tried the pistachio crumb cake or the cinnamon buns yet. They're our chefs' specialties."

"Oh... I haven't."

"Would you like me to get some for you?"

"No, no. That's not necessary. Thank you."

Please don't. Just go entertain your guests, she screamed silently inside her head.

Richard simply smiled.

Before either of them could continue the conversation, his phone rang.

"Excuse me."

He answered the call.

"Yes... Hmm... Give Dad his medicine on time... No, don't let him skip it... Alright."

Marina quietly listened without meaning to.

Why is his voice so deep and commanding?

She didn't know why, but it made her even more nervous.

This was becoming too awkward.

She quickly stood up.

"I... I need to go to the washroom."

Richard immediately stood as well.

"Would you like me to show you where it is?"

Marina blinked in disbelief.

Excuse me?

She had grown up in this hotel.

She knew every hallway, every staircase, and every corner of the building. She could probably reach the washroom with her eyes closed.

"Ah... no, thank you. I know the way."

Without waiting for another word, she hurried away.

What kind of weirdo is he?

Why would he offer to escort me to the washroom?

Richard watched her disappear into the crowd.

Then he let out a frustrated groan and ran a hand through his hair.

"Oh, great..."

"What is wrong with me?"

"I sounded like a complete idiot."

Chapter 3: A Rainy Evening at Home

Outside the window, the pitter-patter of rain filled the quiet night. Although it was already dark, the falling raindrops shimmered under the streetlights, making the view peaceful and comforting.

Marina and her family lived in a warm and cozy house. Although she had her own apartment near her laboratory, she sometimes preferred staying with her parents. Her younger brother was busy preparing for his exams in his room, while their elderly grandmother had gone on a sightseeing trip with her friends. So tonight, Marina stayed home to keep her parents company.

The television was playing the evening news.

The anchor was discussing the country's rising inflation and why the prices of everyday necessities had increased so much. A few moments later, another Breaking News banner appeared across the screen.

Another terrorist attack had taken place.

"Damn it..."

Marina sighed, tossed the remote onto the table, and stretched her legs across the sofa, gently resting them against her father's arm.

"Daddy, let's not watch the news anymore. I don't want to."

Her father smiled gently.

"Alright, my dear. Then what would you like to do?"

"Let's play something."

She wanted to distract him, even if only for a little while.

Just then, her mother walked into the living room carrying a glass of wine.

"Honey, would you like a glass too?"

Marina shook her head.

"No, not now, Mommy."

Her mother handed the wine to her husband before sitting beside him.

"Dear... what do you think? Will the Sorenson Company really take good care of our hotel?"

She had once been the hotel's manager. She had devoted her heart, blood, sweat, and countless years to that place.

Mr. McCarthy took a slow sip before answering.

"I think they will. After all, it's one of the largest corporations in the country."

"They say Richard Sorenson is a business genius."

Her mother nodded.

"Yes. When it comes to business, he's a true business tycoon. Whatever company he touches seems to become successful."

Marina quietly listened to their conversation before forcing a cheerful smile.

"How about we all go on a picnic this weekend? It might help us relax."

Her father remained silent for a moment before standing up.

"Not now, Marina."

With those few words, he quietly walked back to his room.

Marina lowered her eyes and sighed.

Her mother gently patted her back.

"It's alright. Your father just needs time."

She smiled softly.

"Perhaps it's finally time for him to retire and let someone else take care of the hotel."

"Yeah..."

Marina replied with a small, forced smile.

Her mother had always been the strongest pillar of their family, no matter how difficult life became.

---

Author's Announcement

Hello, everyone!

Thank you so much for reading my new story, The Love Hotel. I truly hope you enjoy this journey. Please share your thoughts in the comments, as your feedback helps me improve my writing.

If you enjoy this novel, don't forget to check out my other stories as well.

Thank you for your support, and happy reading!

🎨 FROM LITTLE VILLAIN TO GOOD BOY 🎨

"He's not a bad child... he's just a little villain with a very big heart."

Meet Aaron—the school's number one troublemaker.

✔️ He bullies his deskmate.

✔️ Turns every competition into a wrestling match.

✔️ Believes his "masterpiece" paintings belong beside the Mona Lisa.

✔️ Constantly gives his exhausted mother a new headache every single day.

Everyone calls him a brat.

Everyone... except his mother.

To Veronica, Aaron is still her precious little boy—a child worth believing in, no matter how much chaos he creates.

Can endless patience, unconditional love, and a few hilarious disasters turn the school's biggest troublemaker into a genuinely good boy?

Join Aaron, Veronica, Damien, Christy, Luke, Mr. Rat, and Stanley in a heartwarming journey filled with comedy, friendship, misunderstandings, adorable moments, and unforgettable family love.

💛 If you love:

✨ Wholesome mother-and-son moments

😂 Comedy that will make you laugh out loud

🎨 Mischievous children with golden hearts

🐶 Cute animals

🌱 Character growth

❤️ Slow-blooming relationships and healing

...then this story is for you.

📖 Read **From Little Villain to Good Boy** and watch the world's naughtiest little boy paint his way toward becoming someone everyone can be proud of.