Concierge Watson sneers at a smelly traveler and refuses him a room at the luxury Grand Lumière Hotel. When the traveler returns looking dapper, Watson realizes his mistake could cost him more than just his job.
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Rain pelted the windows of the Grand Lumière Hotel, but that didn’t stop the lobby’s chandeliers from gleaming. The opulent atmosphere could never be overshadowed by the weather.
The hotel’s concierge, Mr. Watson, stood ramrod straight behind the polished marble reception desk.
His keen eyes scanned the lobby, ensuring every detail met the exacting standards of the five-star establishment. Nothing was out of place… until…
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The doors swung open, letting in a gust of wind and a few pelts of rain into the hardwood floors. But it was the bedraggled figure that made Mr. Watson wrinkle his nose.
A man stumbled toward the desk, leaving muddy footprints in his wake.
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His clothes were soaked through and hung limply from his frame. His scraggly beard as well as the stench of wet dog and stale cigarettes told the concierge that he hadn’t washed in days.
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Mr. Watson’s nose wrinkled further. “May I help you?” he asked in a clipped and cold tone.
The man looked up. “Please,” he croaked weakly, “I need a room for the night. My car broke down a few miles back, and I’ve been walking in this downpour for hours.”
“I’m afraid that won’t be possible, sir,” Mr. Watson shook his head. “We have no vacancies at the moment.”
“But surely there must be something. I can pay whatever the rate is. I just need a place to sleep and dry off.”
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“As I said,” Mr. Watson repeated, his lip curling, “we have no rooms available for someone in your… condition. Perhaps you might try the motel down by the highway. I’m sure their standards would be more… accommodating.”
The man’s face fell and his shoulders slumped. But for a small second, anger flashed in his eyes. “I see,” he said quietly. “Thank you for your time.”
He turned and trudged back toward the doors.
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Mr. Watson watched him go, then called for a bellhop. “Call maintenance to clean this up,” he ordered, gesturing to the muddy footprints. “We can’t have the lobby looking like a pigsty.”
As the young bellhop hurried to comply, Mr. Watson smiled, satisfied about keeping that dirty man away from his hotel.
But his actions would soon come back to haunt him.
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***
An hour later, the lobby doors swung open once more. Mr. Watson looked up, ready to greet another guest with his practiced smile.
To his surprise, a well-dressed man strode confidently toward the desk. His suit was impeccably tailored, his shoes shone with a mirror-like gleam, and his salt-and-pepper hair was neatly combed.
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It took Mr. Watson a moment to recognize the face beneath the expertly trimmed beard. His eyes widened in shock as he realized it was the same man he had turned away earlier.
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The man approached the desk with a slight smile playing on his lips. “Good evening,” he said smoothly. “I’d like a room for the night, please.”
Mr. Watson swallowed hard. “Of course, sir,” he managed to say. “May I ask what happened to… your previous attire?”
“Ah, yes,” the man chuckled. “I found a truck stop down the road with showers and a small clothing shop. Amazing what a little soap and a clean suit can do, isn’t it?”
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Mr. Watson nodded stiffly, looking away, and tapped at his computer in search of an available room. “We have a standard room on the third floor,” he said.
“That will do nicely,” the man replied.
As Mr. Watson processed the reservation, he couldn’t help but add, “I must say, sir, you clean up rather well. It’s like night and day.”
“Yes, well, appearances can be deceiving, can’t they?”
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Mr. Watson handed over the key card and nodded, pursing his lips. “Indeed they can. Enjoy your stay, Mr…?”
“Bloomington,” the man supplied. “Thank you, I’m sure I will.”
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Mr. Bloomington walked away, and Mr. Watson watched. There was a tightening in his chest that he couldn’t explain… as if he had made a mistake.
But he wouldn’t apologize. His job was to maintain the cleanliness, prestige, and reputation of the hotel, so all their clients had to, at least, look the part.
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Still, throughout Mr. Bloomington’s stay, Mr. Watson went out of his way to avoid the man. When forced to interact, he was curt and dismissive.
On the third day of Mr. Bloomington’s stay, Mr. Watson was overseeing the breakfast service in the hotel’s elegant dining room.
He moved from table to table to ensure each guest was satisfied with their meal and experience. As he approached Mr. Bloomington’s table, he overheard a conversation that made his blood run cold.
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“Yes, that’s right,” Mr. Bloomington was saying into his phone. “I’ve been here for three days now, observing operations incognito. I think I’ve seen enough to make some necessary changes.”
Mr. Watson froze. Incognito? Changes? Who exactly was this Mr. Bloomington?
As if sensing his presence, Mr. Bloomington looked up and met Mr. Watson’s shocked gaze. He smiled, but there was no warmth in his eyes.
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“Ah, Mr. Watson,” he said smoothly. “Just the man I wanted to see. Would you join me for a moment?”
His heart began racing at the request. It was said with such authority that the tightening in his chest happened, and a hint of intuition hit his thoughts.
Was Mr. Bloomington more important than the concierge imagined?
Numbly, Mr. Watson sank into the chair across from Mr. Bloomington. The man leaned forward and started speaking in a low but firm voice.
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“I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced,” he said. “My first name is Charles, but you can keep calling me Mr. Bloomington. I recently acquired this hotel chain, and I’ve been visiting each property to assess their operations firsthand.”
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The color drained from Mr. Watson’s face as the full impact of his actions over the past few days hit him. “You’re… you’re the new owner?” he stammered.
Mr. Bloomington nodded gravely. “That’s correct, and the CEO. And I must say, Mr. Watson, I’ve been less than impressed with what I’ve observed here, particularly concerning your treatment of guests you deem… unworthy.”
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Mr. Watson opened his mouth to protest, but no words came out. He sat there, fish-mouthed and pale, as Mr. Bloomington continued.
“A hotel’s primary function is to provide hospitality to all its guests, regardless of their appearance or circumstances. Your behavior has been not only unprofessional but cruel. Is this really the image we want to project to our clientele?”
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“No, sir,” Mr. Watson whispered, chastened. “It’s not.”
The new CEO stood and nodded to the side. “Follow me.”
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***
Minutes later, Mr. Watson stood in Mr. Bloomington’s new temporary office, which was formerly the hotel manager’s space.
The CEO sat behind the desk, and his fingers drummed against the polished, sleek hardwood surface.
“Mr. Watson,” he began, “I hope you understand the gravity of your actions. This hotel has always prided itself on providing exceptional service to all our guests. Your behavior over the past few days has fallen far short of that standard.”
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Mr. Watson nodded, but couldn’t speak. He was ready for the inevitable: losing his job, which he’d held for over 15 years.
“I’m glad you recognize that. Now, the question is, what are we going to do about it?”
“Sir?” Mr. Watson looked up, surprised.
“I believe in second chances, Mr. Watson. More importantly, I believe this experience can be a valuable lesson not just for you, but for our entire staff. Are you willing to learn from this and help implement changes to ensure it never happens again?”
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“Yes, sir,” Mr. Watson said, breathless as relief flooded through him. “Absolutely. I’ll do whatever it takes to make this right.”
“Good.,” the new CEO nodded. “Then here’s what we’re going to do…”
Over the next few weeks, the Grand Lumière Hotel transformed. New policies were put in place that required equal treatment for all guests, regardless of appearance.
If they could pay, they could have a room.
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Hoping to prove his worth, Mr. Watson developed a training program to help staff recognize and overcome their biases.
Furthermore, to work on himself, the concierge began volunteering at a local homeless shelter.
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Slowly but surely, the atmosphere in the hotel began to change. Guests from all walks of life were welcomed with genuine warmth and respect.
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The staff worked together more cohesively since their workplace no longer seemed to value certain people over others.
But Mr. Watson’s new outlook on his job was yet to be tested.
***
One rainy evening, much like the night that had started it all, the concierge stood at his familiar post behind the reception desk.
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The doors swung open, and a bedraggled traveler entered, seeking shelter from the storm.
For a second, Mr. Watson’s old instincts surfaced, but he schooled himself and adopted a warm smile. “Welcome to the Grand Lumière,” he said kindly. “How may we assist you this evening?”
As he helped the grateful guest check in, Mr. Watson caught Mr. Bloomington’s eye across the lobby.
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The CEO nodded approvingly.
Mr. Watson let out a small sigh and continued working. Times had changed at the Grand Lumière Hotel, and he was glad not to have wasted his second chance.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
Father Notices His 14-Year-Old Daughter Receives Pricey Gifts from Unknown Man — Story of the Day
Bobby discovered a hidden stash of expensive gifts in his teenage daughter’s closet, along with a photo of an unknown older man and a note about a café meeting. He discreetly followed her to the café, unaware he’d uncover a secret that would tear his family apart.
Bobby had always been a doting father to Mia and often checked on her, making sure she was doing well. But for the past three months, he had noticed Mia was acting odd.
Her late-night phone calls, closed-door conversations, and the cigarette smell that lingered in her room convinced Bobby that his 14-year-old was up to something wrong.
So one day, Bobby decided to check Mia’s room for a cigarette or a lighter, but instead, he found a gift box hidden under a pile of clothes in her cupboard…
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Inside the box was an assortment of expensive gifts — branded perfumes, a smartwatch Mia had long wanted, and a diamond bracelet. Then his hands landed on a photograph of an older man, likely in his 50s, and a letter detailing an upcoming meeting at a local café that day.
“My dear Mia,
I’m really excited about finally meeting you. I’m already picturing us talking, laughing, sitting next to each other. God, I hope this café we’re meeting at serves a vegan menu. But again, who cares about food when I’m getting to be with you? I can’t wait for this Saturday!
See you soon Love, V.”
Bobby read the letter again and again and couldn’t believe his teenage daughter was getting involved with a man her dad’s age.
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Bobby lifted the stranger’s picture off the bed and stared at it another time, trying to remember if he knew the guy. But he hadn’t seen this man before. A rage took over Bobby. He stormed out of Mia’s room and dialed her.
“Dad, I’m in music class! Stop calling me! Goodbye!” she hung up even before he would say a word.
Bobby dialed Mia again, but she canceled the call. He tried a few more times and gave up when she didn’t answer at all. Finally, Bobby put the things back into her room. He knew she’d be mad if she found out he had gone through her things.
After a while, Bobby took out his phone and began searching for vegan cafés in their town.
“Café Bean…that’s the only vegan diner? Were they planning to meet here today?” he wondered.
Bobby made up his mind. He disguised himself in a cap and hoodie and drove to the café. Upon arriving, Bobby scanned the eatery for any sign of Mia or her friend. To his relief, he spotted her alone by the window seat.
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A smile appeared on Mia’s lips every time her phone buzzed with a notification. Bobby felt a pang of jealousy. He missed those days when Mia would be laughing and joking around him.
It was as if she’d become an entirely different person since the day they’d returned from a routine checkup three months ago.
Bobby and his family were at the doctor’s office that day, awaiting their reports, when he was called to the reception to fill out a form. As he stepped out of the doctor’s office, in walked a new doctor with some papers.
“Mrs. Davis, can we talk in private?” she asked. But Mrs. Davis insisted Mia stay.
“Does your daughter have any hereditary diseases?” she asked. “Have you three taken a blood test together before? Especially Mia and Mr. Davis?”
Mrs. Davis’s heart skipped a beat. “N—No, doctor,” she said.
“I see,” the doctor’s brows arched. “Well, I see your daughter’s blood group doesn’t match your husband’s. Are you aware of this? Is Mr. Davis, not Mia’s—”
Mrs. Davis felt a lump in her throat and looked at the doctor, unsure how to respond. Her face drained of blood as her eyes darted from the doctor to Mia, who was surprised.
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”Wha—What do you mean my blood group doesn’t match my Dad’s?” Mia stammered.
”Well, your father’s blood type is such that…he’s unlikely to be your father,” revealed the doctor.
Mia’s eyes bulged in shock as she turned to her mother.
“We’ll talk about this later,” Mrs. Davis hushed Mia, pleading for silence. As Bobby returned, he noticed the worry etched on his wife’s face, but Mrs. Davis assured him everything was alright.
“What was all that about, Mom? Is Dad…not my birth father? How is it that my blood type doesn’t match Dad’s?” Mia grabbed Mrs. Davis’s arm as Bobby headed to their car.
“I’ll explain everything once we’re home, but don’t ask anything in front of your father. It’s better if we discuss it privately.”
Mia waited until they arrived home. Then she called Mrs. Davis to her room. “Now tell me,” she said as her mother entered her room.
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Mrs. Davis’s eyes welled up as she sat beside Mia. “The doctor was right, honey,” Mrs. Davis revealed. “Bobby isn’t your real father. When he was on a business trip to Cape Town, I met someone on a cruise in Virginia. It was a small fling… and I found out I was pregnant. I knew Bobby would love you like his own, and I didn’t want to hurt either of you by telling the truth.”
Mia’s jaw dropped as she listened to her mother’s confession. ”Who’s my real father?” she asked in tears.
But Mrs. Davis refused to reveal her affair partner’s identity until Mia threatened to have a word with Bobby.
”Okay, fine! His name is Victor! But you have to promise me you won’t tell anyone, especially not Bobby.”
”Where is he from? Mom, I want to know everything about him,” Mia pressed her mother.
Mrs. Davis shook her head as she turned to face Mia, her eyes filled with guilt. “We never met again after the cruise. And please don’t ask me anything about him again.”
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That night, Mia combed countless social media profiles, desperate to find her biological father. Her heart raced as she stumbled onto a profile, her eyes scanning the details repeatedly. It matched her mother’s description of events—the name, the age, the location.
Mia typed out a message with trembling fingers. “Hey, I’m Mia, and I know this might freak you out, but I’m your daughter. You met my Mom at Island Temptations on a cruise in Virginia around 15 years back. Can we talk?”
A reply came minutes later. “What? Sorry. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Mia’s heart started pounding as she took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves before typing out her response.
“My mom, Esther, told me you’re my biological father. I know this might come as a shock to you. But I know something that only you and my Mom know.”
There was a long pause, and minutes later, another notification popped that made Mia’s eyes water.
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”I don’t know what to say! Yeah, I met Esther on a cruise. We never met or contacted each other again after the cruise. I’m now happily married to my gay partner. We don’t have any children & I’m so surprised I have a daughter. Thank you for reaching out, Mia. Maybe we can meet. What do you think?”
Mia and Victor spent the night exchanging messages, getting to know each other. With each passing day, she started spending more time with him on video chats and was thrilled when he told her he would be passing through her town soon and would love to meet her.
A week before the planned meeting, Mia received a parcel. It was a gift box with an expensive watch, her favorite perfumes, a diamond bracelet, and a note with a picture of Victor. She couldn’t wait to meet him in person that weekend.
Mia’s phone buzzed loudly, snapping her to the moment. “Send me the café’s location, darling,” read Victor’s message.
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Bobby, who was watching everything keenly from the corner table, clenched his teeth and fists as a man approached Mia’s table and hugged her.
”WHAT THE HELL’S GOING ON HERE?” The sound of Bobby’s voice startled Mia and Victor, causing them to pull away from each other.
“You better start explaining!” Bobby demanded as he approached them.
“Dad…what are you doing here? Were you following me?” Mia rose angrily.
But before she could process what was happening, Bobby ignored her questions and threw a punch that landed on Victor’s jaw, breaking a tooth.
Victor toppled over the table, wincing in pain, the sound of shattering glass and startled screams filling the café as Bobby pounced on him and beat him up.
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“STOP!” Mia shrieked, but Bobby was uncontrollable.
”You stay away from my daughter, you creep!”‘ Bobby yelled, grabbing Victor by the collar. “How dare you flirt with my girl?”
”Dad, stop! Please, let him go,” Mia pleaded.
But Bobby had entered a place too dark with rage to listen, and there was no coming back. He planted another hard blow on Victor’s nose, causing Victor to black out.
The other customers in the café struggled to separate Bobby further away from a bleeding and unconscious Victor.
“OMG, what did you do…Dad, wake up! Dad!” Mia screamed. Bobby froze in disbelief, watching Mia cradling Victor’s head on her lap and addressing Victor as ‘Dad.’
“Mia, what’s going on? Did you just call him Dad?” Bobby asked her as paramedics arrived, and Victor was taken to the hospital.
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”Sir, we need you to come with us,” an officer approached Bobby with handcuffs.
A couple of hours later, the doctor entered Victor’s ward.
“Nothing to worry about. He’s stable now,” the doctor told Mrs. Davis and Mia as they rose from Victor’s bedside.
”Hello, Victor,” Bobby entered the ward, breaking the grave silence.
Following his arrest, Bobby was taken to the hospital to check his bloodied hands for any injuries. When he learned Victor was also admitted there, he begged the Sheriff to let him into Victor’s ward for a minute.
”I’m sorry about everything, Victor. I misunderstood that you and my daughter were actually…you know. I love my daughter more than anything in the world. What I did… was to protect Mia. I wasn’t thinking clearly.”
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“I didn’t know you were capable of this, Bobby,” Mrs. Davis said.
”Well, even I didn’t know that you were capable of…well, Esther, you’ll never see me again,” Bobby sadly lowered his head.
As he made his way out of the ward, he glanced back at Mia. “No matter what happens or who comes our way…I’ll still love you. I always will. My doors are always open for you,” he said in agony as he walked away with the Sheriff.
Mrs. Davis and Mia’s eyes were cloaked with sadness and regret as they realized they had caused irreparable damage to their family.
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If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a man who almost fainted after spotting a scar on a beggar’s forehead. The beggar looked exactly like his father, who had gone missing 20 years ago.
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