Chapter 5 The Police Will Raid the Place Soon!

Mira Ashford's POV

I hung up the phone and turned it off completely. I buried it deep in my pants pocket with a trembling hand, as if trying to drown a part of the chaos burning inside me. Max had gone home to gather some clothes. I saw him wave lightly to his colleague, telling him he wouldn't be coming back, then explaining the situation. After that, he returned, and we continued driving toward the hotel.

Time passed slowly. Max drove in silence while I surrendered to my thoughts. I took a deep breath and then slowly exhaled, as if easing an invisible weight. This was my first time in a place like this... I wasn't used to leaving the suburbs much. I only went out for walks in the gardens. That was before I met Max. After that, he started taking me on short drives, we'd eat, walk, talk-I'd complain about my aches... Those moments became comforting, a small habit I came to cherish with him.

"The map on the phone shows it's right here," Max said. His voice was calm but firm. "We better stop here. We can't go any further by car. The hotel's a good distance away, but just a few minutes on foot. We'll walk there. The car stays here."

I whispered, exhaustion shining through my voice, "Okay... let's get out."

We opened the doors. I hoisted my bag on my back, while he held his small suitcase. He hadn't brought much, only the essentials. We walked together toward the hotel. I noticed how gently he held my hand, as if sending quiet reassurance to my shaking heart without saying a word.

We passed through narrow, silent streets. Our footsteps were soft in the still night. Long minutes went by before we finally reached the hotel. I stood in front of the building and sighed deeply-a low-rise structure, looking a little isolated. We went inside, and I studied the details. The style was old and worn, but I hadn't expected a five-star hotel in this neighborhood.

Max approached the woman sitting behind the reception desk. I noticed how she stared us up and down with a sharp gaze, like a silent dissection. A wave of nervousness swept over me, and I hesitated to step forward.

She took our IDs coolly and told us the room rates were very reasonable. She even added, "The price includes meals as well." How wonderful... For our situation, it felt like a little treasure.

She started filling out the details when Max said firmly, but politely, "We want a room with two beds."

The woman raised her brows, frowned, and replied coldly, "We don't have such rooms. All our rooms have only double beds."

I looked at Max, my heart beating awkwardly. I furrowed my brow, but Max sighed deeply, stepped closer, and whispered very softly, "I'll fix it... don't worry."

I nodded slightly and let him handle it. He agreed to the room, and we finished the check-in. She handed us the key, then forced a smile and said, "Have a pleasant night. This paper contains some special instructions. Please read it."

I nodded, took the paper without looking at it, and slipped it into my bag. We walked toward the stairs-there was no elevator, only long flights waiting silently. We started climbing to the fourth floor, the second to last. The hotel had only five floors, so the trip didn't take long.

We arrived. Max took out the key, unlocked the door, and we entered.

I paused at the threshold and took a deep breath, assessing the room. A double bed in the middle, a small wall-mounted table beside it with an old phone. No TV, no comforts. In the other corner, a table with a hanging mirror... a modest dressing table. Nothing fancy, but... enough.

Max closed the door behind us and looked at me with apologetic eyes. "Don't worry, Mira... I'll sleep on the floor, and you take the bed. We'll manage."

I smiled faintly despite the fatigue in my face. I nodded, pulled the thick cover off the bed, and spread it on the floor, shaping it like an extra bed. I placed a pillow and made it as comfortable as possible.

I went to the bathroom. It was bad-really bad. I swallowed hard, closed the door behind me, trying not to show my fear. Then I went to the two-door closet... found an extra sheet, took it to him. He put it in place and thanked me quietly as he prepared his sleeping spot.

The bed was mine, with a thin cover, but enough. I took out my pajamas-a long-sleeved shirt and comfy pants-and changed quickly. The bathroom scared me. I feared a bug might crawl out at any moment.

I returned to the bed and looked at Max. He was wearing pants and a half-sleeved shirt, lying on his makeshift floor bed. I silently averted my eyes, then threw myself on the bed, exhausted. No matter what I did... I could never repay this kindness. I was grateful to Max... forever.

I whispered drowsily, "I'm going to sleep... It's just before midnight."

He nodded, then got up to turn off the light. I closed my eyes... surrendered my body to exhaustion and darkness. Sleep was my only refuge-the shelter that took me away from all pain... that carried me far from my harsh reality. God, let the coming days be good. I want to stand on my own, work, live a life worth living. Inside me, a great hope.

**

I woke up terrified... someone shaking me hard. I opened my eyes quickly, horror filling my gaze. The room was lit, everything sudden and alarming. I turned to look at Max... he swallowed nervously. Outside... loud noises, shouting, banging, footsteps!

I grabbed his arm, breathing fast, gasping, then said with a worried voice:

"What's happening?"

He answered quickly, his tone tight: "Get up fast! The police will raid the place soon!"

"Why?" I whispered fearfully, clutching my bag. "Did something happen?"

He shook his head, his voice trembling slightly: "I don't know... but I hope what I think isn't true. Get up fast, take your bag! Come on, Mira, there's no time!"