"Shh, don't tell anyone I said this, but men can be so petty. Even the big shots in the business world!" Mia whispered, her index finger pressed to her lips. Her daughter, with her round, chubby face, mimicked her mom's "shush" gesture, eyes wide with curiosity.

Molly, cuddling her sister's adorable baby, reassured, "Don't worry. I'd never sell out my sisters."

Mia chuckled, "Good thing lying doesn't get you struck by lightning, or you'd be in trouble."

The two lounged in the living room, enjoying the sweet scent of freshly baked cookies, while the men sat outside, sipping coffee and chatting away. Both groups kept to themselves.

At the hotel, Leo was out again, leaving Anya alone to study.

Around seven, Leo got back, takeout in hand. "Why don't you study at home? Why are you here again?"

"My aunt is always worried I'll go hungry or thirsty, and Grandpa always wants me to play board games with him. That's why I came here. Chad, where were you?" "Busy with work." Leo set the takeout on the table. "Pack your stuff in the next few days. I'll drive you home."

"Chad, I'm not leaving. Even if you kick me out, I'll stay at the hotel."

"I'm moving out soon anyway. If you want to stay, stay by yourself."

Anya, determined, said, "Then I'll stay."

Leo tried to scare her, "The hotel is haunted. I won't stay with you."

Anya, facing her mischievous boyfriend, said, "If you're honest, you have nothing to fear. I'm not afraid!"

Leo looked at her, confirming, "Really not scared?"

Anya nodded confidently, "Not scared of ghosts and ghouls."

Leo smiled, "Alright, let's eat and find a movie to watch."

He opened his laptop and went straight to the horror section. "What movie shall we watch?"

Anya got nervous just glancing at the thumbnails.

hesitantly opened the takeout boxes, Leo suggested, "Let's watch this one. It's

lowered her head further, twirling her fork in

done nothing wrong; what's there to be afraid of? Come on, I've got a subscription. Let's

your money. Don't waste it

fine. Just the cost of a meal. The movie's

refused to look

for work. Watching videos will affect

Watching a movie is the main event," Leo retorted, providing

determined to extinguish Anya's desire to stay at

could tell what

the elevator doors are opening. Here comes the thrilling part,"

she sneaked a peek. The screen wasn't as thrilling as the music made it seem, but a sudden freeze frame followed by a shocking image made Anya scream, covering her

Anya shook her head.

more exciting

her

"Don't cover your eyes. I've

Anya looked at Leo.

hotels were built over ancient graveyards to suppress evil spirits, how corridors at night could be haunted, and even began another scary story about an elevator, different from the movie they

ability to enjoy dinner depends

to engage with Chad

late, and Anya couldn't shake off the

sitting across from her, said, "It's nine. I'm going to shower and sleep.

pouted, "Chad, you have

"I won't."

"What's there to be scared of? We're upright and unafraid

teasing her, continued, "Even if there's a ghost eyeing you right now, no worries. We're bathed in light. Why fear

gaze darting around as

"Chad, please walk me."

won't. I'm scared too," Leo pretended,

then I won't leave!" Anya retorted, slipping into disposable hotel slippers

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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