It’s the start of the month of October. It’s usually warm in the daytime and cold at night in Rome, Italy. A beautiful woman with a height of 5’9 ft was jogging in Villa Ada Park. She used to come here since her husband died and her life became a mess.

She kept herself locked and started to get depressed. When her best friend, Sasha saw her like this, she took her to Villa Ada Park to cheer her on and encourage her to start her life again.

Not for her but for her son. Then, she started to walk in that park every morning and slowly her mind started getting clear and she started to look for a job.

As she was young when she got married. She didn’t have any qualifications to apply for a job. But, by her appearance, she looked well qualified. The way she spoke to people impressed them immediately.

She didn’t have any choice for a job so she applied to be a receptionist in many hotels, restaurants, and parlors. She was not really confident about getting a job. But, one day out of the blue, after a month of her interview. She has been called from a Hotel named Hotel Colosseum, a 3-star hotel. Asking her to start the job as a receptionist.

It was totally unexpected for her, she said yes immediately and started her job as a receptionist, two months ago. It was not a big salary but at least she has taken the first step towards her new life.

As usual, she was jogging in high spirits without noticing a powerful gaze on her. For the last 3 months, that gaze was constantly on her. But she never looked at him as if he’s invisible to her.

He had been exercising in this park for a long time. But, nobody was able to get his attention except her.

When he first saw her, she was so skinny, pale, and looked pitiful sitting on a bench, thinking of something and crying for half an hour. He used to see her crying quietly but never tried to console her.

He wanted her to come over from it. And one day, he saw her walking instead of sitting at her regular place. She was walking with headphones on, still not interacting with people. But at least, she is not crying now.

He used to follow her on walks. As usual, she didn’t notice him at all. After exercise, she turned all sweaty and her skin became red like a tomato. For other women, being sweaty means ugly but she looked more beautiful after being exhausted.

Now, her skin is not pale anymore. It’s getting her color back and though now her body shape is also going back to normal. After finishing her walk, she gets back to her home. And he headed back to his home.

He didn’t follow her after that, he just used to see her in the morning at the park. It’s the main purpose of his coming to this park. He didn’t follow her further nor did he know her name at all.

...

After Lisa Mathew reached her home, she took shower, ate breakfast, and headed to Hotel in her working clothes. When she reached the hotel, everyone was discussing something and suddenly one of her colleagues pulled her aside and told her shocking news.

“Hey, do you know that the owner of the Hotel was caught red-handed by his wife? She has taken everything from him. He is left with this hotel only and he’s going to sell it to survive. I don’t know if the new owner would bring his own staff or let us continue this job.?”

After listening to it, she got really nervous. It’s just been two months, she started her job and now someone can kick her out just like this.

Just when she was feeling grateful, Life again shows her there is no peace without any hardships.

Just as she was lost in her thoughts, her colleague pulled her back by saying, “See, your newcomer but still you feel disappointed, and what about us.? We have been working for more than 5 years. I swear if they kick us out. We are going to protest about it.” As she said it, another colleague also nodded in agreement.

As Lisa had just started this job, she never gossiped about her colleague. And never got herself in the workplace politics. She managed an apologetic smile to her colleagues and went straight to her desk. Till afternoon, she did her work ignoring the gossip around her.

While she was working her head down, a man tapped into the desk. She looked up and saw a man wearing a black colored suit and black sunglasses looking like a spy or serial killer.

“Hello.! How can I help you.?” She asked politely.

“Hello.! I forget my card inside the presidential suite. Can I get another one.?” He asked with a straight face.

She searched in her computer for a presidential suite to verify the man before handing the key. She saw that it was booked by the name of Augustus Carlos.

So, she asked him, “Are you Mr. Augustus Carlos.?”

He replied, “No”

She said, “I’m sorry sir, the suite is booked by the name of Augustus Carlos. I can only hand him the card, not anyone else except him.”

“What.?” The man got angry and shocked. “Do you know who I am.?” He asked.

Lisa gave him a polite smile and said calmly, “Sorry sir, Rules Policy.”

While the man was staring at her, a hand approached from behind him calmly said in a low voice, “Go, I’ll handle this.”

Lester saw his boss and a look of fear appeared on his face. He tried to apologize to him because that Stupid woman is not handing him the card. His boss would think of him as a useless man, who couldn’t even bring a room card for him.

He ignored Lester and stood in front of the desk. “Hello.! I am Augustus Carlos.”

Lisa looked at him from her screen. His face looked mixed-race, she couldn’t tell if he was Italian or AmAugustusan. His body looked well built in his three-piece dark blue suit, long legs, and cheetah-like physique. He was about 6’3 ft tall. He was wearing blue-colored branded glasses in which she can see her face.

After taking a close look at him, she asked. “Hello.! Mr. Augustus can I see your i.d please.?”

Augustus looked at her with admiration and there was a slight light in his eyes, he immediately thought of something and said, “Well, I forgot my i.d in my room with my card.”

“Sorry sir, Rules Policy. I need to see your ID. `` She said apologetically.

“Why do you think I would pretend to be Mr. Augustus Carlos.?” He asked curiously.

“I don’t know, sir,” Lisa said.

“Maybe he is a famous man. What do you think.? Ms. Lisa Mathew.?” He asked teasingly.

“Sir, I can’t comment on this. It's a rules policy even if a man is famous or not I have to follow the policy.” She said in a serious professional tone.

“How about this? You come with me and I’ll show you my i.d card I left in my room.” He offered.

She hesitated then said, “Ok sir.”

“Great”

As he was about to enter the lift. He signaled Lester not to follow. Lester stopped and turned away from the elevator. After the door closed, Lester said to himself,

“What’s wrong with the boss.? Just now when he told me he forgot his card. He was so angry. Before stepping out of the car, he had sent me to bring the key and now suddenly his mood changed. And he’s happily heading in the elevator with the receptionist when he can call the manager for a card and get her fired.”

He scratched his head and looked at the front desk astonishingly.

In The Lift

Augustus glanced at Lisa and asked, “Are you new here.?”

“Yes, it started two months ago.” She replied.

He nodded, “I see.”

On the tenth floor, the elevator door opened. Lisa indicated him to go to the left side with her, he followed. She swiped the car and let him in. He went inside and took out his wallet from his coat and took out his ID with a smile. He has never felt so happy by seeing his ID.

Clearly, he was lying to her so that he could spend more time with her. He showed her the ID, she got satisfied and smiled, “Have a nice stay.”

When she turned around, suddenly her manager came up with a bouquet of flowers in his hand and said, “Mr. Carlos, my apology. She is new here and she didn’t know about you. Please forgive her, she won’t do it again.” Giving her a hard glare.

She knew this kind of glare, she lowered her head and said in a low voice. “I was just following rules policy.”

“Mr. Carlos doesn’t need to follow policy.” He said angrily to her.

“Oh..! It’s alright Mr. Corneto. She was doing her duty. By the way, I’m impressed by her.” Augustus interrupted and then stretched his hand and said, “Hope we’ll meet soon, Lisa Mathew.”

Lisa stared at his hand for a moment. Then her manager elbowed her and she shook his hand apologetically.

After bidding goodbye, Augustus leaned on the sofa and smiled. “I Finally Found You, Lisa.”

As Lisa was walking to the elevator, she thought about what happened just now. Her manager is a fifty-five years old man, and he talks with courtesy and respect with Mr. Augustus. Although, he is younger than him.

He must be some big shot that’s why he is here apologizing. Have I committed a huge mistake by asking his ID.?

As she stepped inside the elevator, she asked in curiosity, “Who is he.?”

Her manager turned around and asked surprisingly, “You really don’t figure it out yet.? Don’t you.?”

She shook her head.

He then said, “He's going to buy this hotel. He is here to sign the deal and you were going to spoil it right now. Thank God, someone has seen you getting in the elevator with him, and informed me. Otherwise, it will be a great disaster for us. I have informed the owner too, he will apologize too for your Stupid Professional Behavior.”

She sighed and lowered her head. When they both came out of the elevator, her colleague asked in a panic, “Is everything fine now.?

The manager said, “For now, I handled it but in the future, I can’t say.” Shifting his gaze to Lisa.

Lisa felt very ashamed of herself at this moment. Her manager has never talked to her in this tone in the last two months. She must have done something huge this time.

Looking at her being scolded by the Manager. Her colleague tried to cheer her up by saying, “it’s ok Lisa. It happened. Don’t be disheartened. You were lucky that I saw you and Mr. Carlos taking the elevator. After that, I asked his PA what happened and he told me everything you did.”

Lisa looked at her and said defending, “I was just following the rules.!”

Her colleague patted her shoulder, “I know, I know. But rules don’t apply to rich people.” She sighed looking at Lisa.

“Whatever..”

Lisa held up herself and went to her desk and continued working. She was so upset that she didn’t have an appetite to eat.

In the evening 7’o’ clock, just when Lisa was packing to go. The telephone rang on the desk. She answered, “Hello, this is reception. How can I help you.?”

“Lisa.! This is Augustus. Lost room card, remember me.?” Augustus asked her mockingly.

She rolled her eyes. “Yes, I remember. How can I help you.?”

“Why are you still working.? Do you have a night shift today.?” He asked concernedly.

“I was just about to go when you called.” She replied calmly. “How can I help you.?”

“Well, I just wanted to inform you that I am very tired and going to sleep. As I have taken pills, my sleep should not be disturbed by anyone. No matter what happens, nobody should disturb me. Kindly inform all your staff.” He said in a cold and straight tone and then yawned.

“Okay, duly noted. By the way, you can put a “Do Not Disturb” sign at your door handle.” She said it and he hung up the call.

“Sharp tongue.!” Said Augustus wickedly and looked at Lester.

“Lester, do it.”

“Okay, Boss.” Said Lester and walked out of the suite.

After the call, Lisa wrote down Augustus’s request of not disturbing and handed it to the other receptionist, before leaving.

As she left the hotel and started walking. She heard the fire alarm. When she turned around, people had already started running out of the hotel in panic.

Lisa rushed back to the hotel and asked another receptionist, “What’s the matter.?”

“There has been an explosion on the tenth floor. The manager has ordered to vacate the building. Help is on the way. I am calling everyone’s room to vacate it. Can you help.?”

Lisa nodded and called the room numbers. She called the Presidential Suite too, but nobody answered.

She then remembered that he told her, he took pills he must be asleep by this time. She panicked, what if something happened to him. After all, he is going to be our new owner.

She rushed to the stairs to find the Manager. The manager was on the first floor helping people to evacuate the building. Lisa held the Manager’s arm and said.

“Mr. Augustus.! He’s sleeping in the Presidential Suite. You should wake him up..”

The manager shouted in response, “What.? How do you know.?”

“He called at reception to inform everyone to not disturb him.” She said while helping people on the stairs.

The manager looked at her and then looked up in disbelief, “I can’t go there, I’m an old man. Help is coming, we can wait, don't worry.”

Lisa widened her eyes, “But the explosion was on the tenth floor. What if something happened to him.?”

“I can’t do anything.” He said apologetically.

Lisa couldn’t believe it and glared at him. Her strong glare made him uncomfortable and he snapped, “Why don’t you go up there and save him, instead of staring at me.”

He put a room card in her hand. Lisa looked at it nodded and left angrily. He looked at her back disappointedly.

There was a flood of people running down the stairs in one direction. And it was very difficult for Lisa to go through them in the opposite direction.

After climbing the stairs to the fifth floor, she was relieved that nobody was left in the hotel. Thank God.. but Mr. Augustus, shit..! Thinking of him, she removed her sandals and climbed up the stairs at fastest.

She reached the tenth floor and smoke was all over. She covered her mouth and headed to the Presidential Suite. She unlocked the door and entered.

Nobody was there, she headed to the bedroom and pushed open the door. “Mr. Augustus, wake up.”

She froze at the moment. Augustus was sitting on an armchair beautifully dressed without wearing his coat, and reading some documents calmly. As if there is no explosion at all.

Augustus looked up and saw Lisa standing at the door. Her hair is messy, she’s barefoot, her face had some black marks and her clothes were rumpled.

She fell on the ground coughing hard. Augustus rushed over to her and helped her to drink water.

She was trying to catch her breath while drinking water. After a while, when Augustus was sure she is ready to talk. He asked,

“What are you doing.?”

“There is an explosion. We are evacuating the building. You didn’t answer the call so I came over to wake you up..”

By hearing her words, he was shocked. She came up by herself to save me, stupid women. What if something happened to her. Why didn't she run away, and save her own life.?

He stood up and called Lester, “It’s enough, stop it now.”

Lisa looked at his calmness and couldn’t figure out what’s going on?

After a minute, the alarm went off and Lester came in.

“It’s all done, Boss. What’s next.?”

Lester asked. He didn’t notice Lisa who was sitting on the ground.

“Fired all of them, a bunch of idiots, right now.! I don’t want those cowards in my hotel. They will ruin my reputation .”

Augustus said angrily and then pointed at Lisa, “Except her.”

Just then Lester realized there was a third person in the room.

Lisa looked at both men looking down at her, she felt embarrassed and tried to get up.

She has climbed stairs to the tenth floor and hasn't eaten anything since her breakfast. She naturally felt weak, Lester came in immediately and supported her to stand.

When Augustus saw his hand touching her. He shot a glance at him and he withdrew his hand immediately in fear.

Lisa looked at Augustus. He is now not wearing his sunglasses. And she can clearly see his deep blue eyes. How could someone have that much clear and beautiful eyes..!

Augustus looked into her eyes and asked, “Why do you come here.? To wake me.? Are you stupid.? You could have hurt yourself.? Look at yourself.! By just climbing stairs, you’re exhausted. How would you take me out of this room, huh.? Do you think you can fly.?” He roared.

Lisa protested, “I am not stupid..! It’s just out of humanity Mr. Augustus. Even if there was a person whom I don’t even care about, I would have saved him out of humanity.”

“What.? You mean, you care for me.?” He asked, his eyes twinkling.

“No, Mr. Augustus. You misunderstood.” She said immediately.

A flash of disappointment crosses his face. Meanwhile, Lisa was still puzzled by his calm nature and couldn’t figure out why he and his secretary were not taking this explosion seriously.

Instead of leaving the building, He is ordering his secretary to fire all the staff. And his secretary is asking what’s next.? Weird right...

When Augustus saw her puzzled look. He asked in irritation. “What’s wrong.?”

“Why didn't you react to the news of the explosion? Why are you so calm.?” Lisa asked nervously.

“It was fake.” He replied lazily.

“But...” just as Lisa was trying to argue Lester came forward and said with a smile. “It was a drill, Miss Lisa.”

Lisa frowned and Lester continued, “It is the Boss's method to check the staff's hard work and unfortunately, they failed. Now, we will bring new staff members who will put their life at risk to help others. Just like you did today. You proved yourself that you are indeed truly devoted to your job.”

After praising Lisa, Lester thought maybe his boss would be happy now. But instead, Augustus sneered at him and asked rudely, “Are you done.?”

Lester hesitated and nodded his head down.

“You can leave first, Lester.” He barked those words and Lester left the room without taking a single glance.

By seeing she is alone with him. Lisa also said in a calming tone. “I should leave too.” And turned around.

“I’ll walk you out.” Augustus' voice came from behind.

In the living room, she bent down to pick her heels which she threw off while entering.

Augustus took a great look at her ass.

Lisa turned and caught him staring. She asked annoyingly, “What are you looking at.?”

Augustus came back to his senses and said, “Can’t tell a person who exercises daily is not even able to climb the stairs without heels.?”

“How did you know I exercise daily.? Lisa frowned.

“Well, you have a good physique. Just guessing..” Augustus said in a mocking way so that she doesn’t doubt him.

Lisa was stunned. She put on her heels, ran out of the room as fast as she could.

Augustus looked at her back and smiled.

When she was out of his sight. He shouted, “Lester, I want all the information about Lisa Mathew before I go to bed.”

Lester came out from the corner and said, “Yes boss.”

By the time Lisa reached her home, she was exhausted. She took a quick shower and ate dinner peacefully.

After she was full, she lay down on her bed and thought about what happened today with her. This new owner is really weird. Instead of thanking, he was scolding her and even checking out her ass shamefully. Such a pervert..!

After tossing on the bed for half an hour she couldn’t sleep. And finally, she did what she always vowed to not do.

She went to her closet and took out her husband’s shirt. She used to sniff it and wrap it around her body so she could feel her husband’s presence with her.

It’s been six months, every night she sleeps like this. No matter how hard she tried she couldn’t fall asleep without hugging it.

...

Colosseum Hotel.

In the Presidential suite, Augustus was looking at a thin file. After a while, he opened it.

On the first page, there was the birth certificate of Lisa Mathew. Her wedding picture and Her family photo. Lisa, Husband, Son. Finally, there was a picture of her Facebook account: Lisa Mathew.

He switched on his laptop and searched for her. He found her and clicked on her profile.

There was a beautiful picture on the desktop in black and white. He scrolled through her photos and saw her picture with her husband. There was a spark in her eyes, and her smile was so wide.

Today the Lisa he met and the Lisa in the picture both looked like two different people. He somehow got heartache by thinking this.

She was married when she was sixteen. She had a son at the age of 17 and became a widow at the age of 23. So young and facing so many hardships. He felt pity for her.

Then, he saw her videos of singing cover songs and playing guitar. Her voice was so mesmerizing.

He heard her songs and felt she is a multi-talented woman. Her last post was in April, with the caption of a song named “Rewrite The Stars”# “Loved to sing this song but couldn’t find a partner. I wish I could sing this one day wholeheartedly.” With heart and sad face emojis.

“Hmmm.. Rewrite the stars.” He said while tapping his chin.

...

The next day, Lisa woke up and went jogging as usual at the Villa Ada Park. Augustus was already sipping his coffee when she entered. And as usual, she started jogging ignoring people around her.

Sipping coffee in his tracksuit, with the shine of sun on him. He looked like a divine creature. Every woman was attracted to him but the one he always wanted to see him. She ignored him so easily.

Last night, when he saw her husband. He didn’t have any good physique or sharp face like him. He was just an ordinary man and yet she looked at him so affectionately. And as for him, she didn’t even have a proper look at him.

Maybe she is blind, or she is a soul-lover. A person who doesn’t pay attention to their looks but their behavior towards another human being.

God..! It’s going to be tough for me. A soul-lover seriously..? Augustus sighed lightly.

...

Colosseum Hotel.

When Lisa entered the lobby, she didn’t see anybody from the old staff.

In just one night, the whole staff had been fired and new staff had been hired. When she was in a daze, there was a gentle tap on her shoulder. She turned around and saw a beautiful young lady with sharp features, black shoulder-length hair neatly braided behind. Asked gently, “Are you Miss Lisa Mathew from old staff.?”

“Yes,” she replied.

“Hello, I am Anna from The Pacific Hotel.” She said, extending her hand to shake. Lisa took it with a smile on her face. “Nice to see you, Anna.”

“We all have been ordered to shift here to work. I am the new receptionist now.” Anna explained.

“What.?” Lisa exclaimed.

Just when Lisa was confused, the phone rang. Anna answered the phone.

Lisa kept staring at her blankly. If she is the new receptionist then what about her.? I can’t lose this job please God have mercy on me. She prayed silently.

Anna hung up and informed her, “Miss Lisa, President has called you in his suite.”

She nodded and headed to the elevator. All the time she was just thinking about what he’s going to say.? Is he going to fire her too.?

She took a deep breath and knocked at the door. The door was opened by Lester. He greeted Lisa politely and he was wearing his same black suit. Lisa greeted him back.

After that, Lisa entered the living room and greeted Augustus in the most mannered way. “Good Morning, Mr. Augustus Carlos.”

Augustus was looking at the window glass. He turned around and greeted her, “Good Morning, Lisa.”

Today he is wearing a silver-colored suit, he looked extremely gorgeous but Lisa as usual didn’t look at him instead she was looking down at her hands.

Augustus' mood instantly changed. From happy to being irritated by this stupid woman. However, he remained calm and asked, “Have you met the new staff.?”

“No, Not yet. Except for Anna.” She answered.

“Okay, I want you to meet all the staff and start supervising them as soon as you can,” Augustus said in a commanding tone.

“Supervising.? Me.?” Lisa asked confusingly.

“Yes. You..! I am making you the new manager of this hotel. I am turning this hotel into a 7-star hotel. It will take quite some time. By that time, you will learn and experience everything as a Manager.” Augustus explained.

“Me? Manager? Is this reward for what happened yesterday?” Lisa asked straightly.

“Well, kind of as you say,” August replied coldly.

“Errr...” Lisa was hesitating to say something.

Augustus was annoyed seeing her hesitating and said, “What? Speak.!”

“Can’t you bring old staff back.? They have been working for more than five years. Don’t you think it’s unfair.?” Lisa spoke after thinking for a while.

“What.? Did you just call me unfair.?” August said loudly.

“No..No. I don’t dare to.” Lisa immediately explained.

“I didn’t call you here to negotiate. I have offered you a job if you want it. Fine. If you don’t then please Get Out. Don’t waste my time.” He said angrily.

“I needed the job. Mr. Augustus.” Lisa said in a low voice.

“Good. Go back and start it from today.” Augustus ordered.

“Okay,” Lisa nodded and turned to leave.

Just as she was going to leave. Augustus sneered and said sarcastically, “Lisa, didn’t someone teach you manners to thank your Boss.?”

Lisa froze and turned around. “Thank you, Boss,” she said while faking a smile and clenching her fist.

Augustus looked at her and said coldly. “Good girl. Next time I won’t ask, remember.”

There was a strict warning in his tone. Lisa felt chills all over her body. She nodded to him and left hurriedly.

Augustus felt proud. At last, he has scared her. Good, she shouldn’t be using her sharp mouth in front of me, If I scared her a little. He thought, stretched his arms, and relaxed in his chair.

Just then his mobile phone rang showing the word “Mom”