The steam wrapped around them like a soft veil. Water droplets clung to Zac’s skin shaped as small beads, catching the light like scattered stars. His hair, damp and slightly wavy, fell over his forehead in a way that made gulped. His lashes were wet and clustered, casting shadows on his cheekbones. He looked so handsome beyond words, and yet vulnerable, the way he always was when he was near her.Her heart twisted. Finally—finally—he was saying it.And yet, part of her recoiled. Because she had heard this before. Or something close. Words that once made her believe. Same words that once broke her.Would it be easier to ignore what she felt right now? Or should her heart—so painfully yearning—just accept his truth?It was complicated. Her plan was clear: after this contract, she would be gone—start a new life somewhere far away. This city held too many memories she wanted to bury. And then there was Angelo. Angelo, who had cared for her from the beginning, without even knowing her
A few hours before Zac’s return, the last traces of daylight had melted into night. The moon had already risen, surrounded by stars scattered across the sky.“What would you like for dinner?” Claire asked, stepping into the living room, and sitting next to Mia.“Let me have the kitchen prepare something special. We’ve got everything from roasted duck to grilled sea bass, risotto, fresh greens—whatever your taste buds desire.”Mia smiled, then shook her head. “Thanks, Aunt Claire, but I’m not really hungry.”Claire raised an eyebrow. “Why not?”“Nothing. I’m just… not ready. Can I wait a little?”Claire studied her in silence for a second. “Is it because Zac’s not back yet?”Mia’s lips twitched, but she only shook her head.Claire stepped closer, her voice dropping into something more concerning. “When last did you speak to him?”Mia hesitated. “Before he left this morning. We were only texting.”“Texting? That’s it?” Claire clicked her tongue. “Hmph. He could’ve at least called during
Zac stood with his back still to Mia, the weight of the moment heavy in his chest. Maybe he should say something. Perhaps tell her the truth about his feelings. How much he adores her. But now wasn’t the perfect time. Not after he almost lost himself being so close to her.Behind him, Mia stayed quiet, her fingers still trembling faintly as she touched her lips.Was Zac truly being honest about caring for her feelings? Had they just crossed into something real? And if they had, what next?Part of her wanted to protect herself from hoping too much. But a bigger part—the one that had let her kiss him back—was whispering that maybe this wasn’t a game anymore.Zac finally turned, his expression neutral.“We should probably get ready for dinner,” he said, slipping his hands in his pocket.Mia nodded. “Yeah. Sure.” She rose, smoothing her dress and avoiding his eyes. “I’ll go first.”Zac didn’t stop her, nor did he make any additional comments. He stood there until she walked out the door
Claire looked over her shoulder as she strolled down the hall. “So,” she said, pausing near a double doorway with polished brass handles. “Are you ready to go to your rooms?”Zac’s hand slid naturally into Mia’s, and he offered a wry smile. “Aunt Claire, you do remember I’m married, right? I kind of have to consult my wife before agreeing to anything.”Claire arched a brow and gave a faux gasp. “Oh, of course! I forgot you’re a responsible husband now,” she said with dramatic sarcasm. “Fine. You’ve got three minutes, Your Grace.” With a wink, she turned and disappeared.Zac chuckled softly, then turned to Mia. “We were supposed to head to the hotel,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “But… do you think we should stay over tonight?”Mia smiled. “Yeah, sure. Of course, we can. Or… don’t you want to sign the deal? If you don’t, it might seem like it’s because of me.”“Not at all,” Zac said. “I can get that done regardless.She touched his arm. “Then let’s stay. I don’t mind, Zac. Re
Somewhere across a continent—far from familiar lights, away from the noise of New York, Mia stirred as a gentle nudge touched her shoulder“Hey,” Zac said softly, his voice a low murmur above the hum of the engines. “We’re here.”She blinked slowly, her cheek still warm from resting on his shoulder. She’d fallen asleep mid-conversation, lulled by his calm presence and the quiet thrum of the plane.Zac helped her sit upright as the cabin crew moved into position. She ran a hand through her sleep-tousled hair, smoothing it down quickly as the stairs descended outside the open door.She stood, blinking at the sunset outside the doorway. Below them, a line of sleek black cars waited, their drivers in tailored suits like chess pieces on a board.Mia put on her dark shades and followed Zac down the stairs. As soon as they slid into the backseat of the first car, she turned toward him.“Are we going straight to the hotel?”Zac glanced at her, one arm resting along the backrest. “Not yet,” h
Somewhere across the wooden walls of Seth’s secluded cabin, Bella stood near the window. Her arms folded tightly across her chest, her gaze fixed outside as if the help she needed lay somewhere beyond the glass.Behind her, Seth sat on a rocking chair, watching her with that familiar mocking smile.“Please, Uncle… you have to help Derrick,” she said quietly, turning to face him. Her expression was composed, but the tightness around her eyes betrayed her desperation. “He risked everything—for us.”Seth let out a slow, cynical laugh. “Us?” he drawled. “Remind me—how exactly did he help me?”Her jaw tensed, but she didn’t flinch.“This whole scheme,” he continued, “was your idea. Because you couldn’t handle Mia landing a damn endorsement deal. And now look where we are.”Bella stepped forward with her chin lifted. “But you didn’t complain when it worked in our favor, uncle. Or when Derrick ran errands smoothly for you too.”Seth didn’t move. He just stared at her, as she held her ground.