Chapter 173 Long time no see
Chapter 173: Long time no see
Golden stepped out of the taxi and took a deep breath, the crisp London air carrying a mixture of rain and city life that felt both foreign and invigorating.
Towering glass and steel reflected the morning sun, and the grand façade of the five-star hotel before her seemed almost cinematic. She hoisted her suitcase with a small thrill of anticipation and approached the revolving doors.
Inside, the lobby was a calm sanctuary from the bustling streets. Polished marble floors gleamed under the soft chandelier lighting, and the scent of fresh flowers mingled with faint citrus from the welcome desk. A concierge smiled warmly at her approach.
“Good afternoon, ma’am. Welcome to the Langley Grand Hotel. How may we assist you today?” he asked, his tone professional yet friendly.
“I have a reservation under Nixon, Golden Stella-Marie,” she said, handing over her passport and credit card.
The check-in process was seamless. The concierge guided her through the amenities, explaining the breakfast options, the spa, and the fitness center, all while offering recommendations for nearby restaurants and sightseeing. Golden listened attentively, nodding
occasionally, her excitement quietly bubbling beneath the surface.
“You’ll be in room 1104,” the concierge said, handing her the keycard. “We hope you enjoy your stay.”
“Thank you,” she replied, tucking the card into her coat pocket.
Once in the elevator, Golden watched the cityscape rise past the panoramic windows. When the doors opened to her floor, she stepped into a quiet, plush corridor and located her room. The keycard slid into the electronic lock with a satisfying click.
As she entered, the spacious suite welcomed her with soft natural light streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
A neatly arranged bouquet of white roses sat on a side table, a subtle touch that made the space feel both luxurious and homey. Golden set her suitcase down and took a slow, grounding breath, letting herself absorb the new environment.
After settling in, she perched on the edge of the bed and pulled out her phone. Her thumb hovered over Xander’s contact before she tapped to call him.
“Hey baby,” Xander answered almost instantly, his voice a comforting anchor even over the phone.
“Hey you,” Golden replied, smiling despite the weariness of travel. “I’m finally here. The suite is amazing.”
“You sound happy,” Xander said, laughter in his tone. “I knew they’d take care of you properly.”
Golden chuckled. “It’s perfect. I might never leave. Honestly, I might just start scheduling all my research around spa hours and room service.”
“You’d make the most of it,” Xander teased. “Just don’t forget the groundbreaking medical work you came here for.”
Golden laughed, the sound bright and airy. “I promise I’ll keep a balance. I just needed this moment first.”
They exchanged a few more lighthearted comments, talking about her travel, the view from her suite, and Xander’s insistence on staying hydrated and not overworking himself. Their laughter and playful banter flowed easily, bridging the miles between them.
“I’ll call you before bed, okay?” she said finally, a twinge of longing in her voice.
“Please do. And Gigi?” Xander’s voice softened. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” she replied, smiling and feeling a warmth that carried her through the jet lag and the unfamiliarity of the city.
After ending the call, Golden placed her phone on the bedside table and leaned back against the headboard. She pulled up the hotel’s room service menu on her tablet, scrolling through options.
After a moment of deliberation, she tapped to place an order: roasted salmon with a side of sautéed vegetables, accompanied by a crisp glass of white wine. She confirmed the request and leaned back, letting the room’s quiet luxury envelop her.
Time passed slowly in the calm suite. Golden stretched out on the bed, gazing at the city through the window.
The afternoon sunlight reflected off the glass buildings, casting long, warm streaks across the room. She checked her phone again, idly scrolling through messages and research notes, waiting for the soft chime that would signal room service.
A knock came at the door, punctual and formal, echoing slightly in the suite. Golden rose and walked over, assuming it was the hotel staff with her order. She opened the door.
Her breath caught.
Standing there, holding the tray, was Allan. Their eyes met, and for a long moment, neither of them moved.