Clara’s job interview takes a disastrous turn when she accidentally breaks a valuable photo in the penthouse of Zachary Langston, a powerful and intimidating CEO. Things go from bad to worse when he mistakes her for a spy sent to ruin him. Despite his anger and sharp words, Clara refuses to let him push her around. She stands her ground, determined to explain the misunderstanding—even if it means risking her chance at the job she desperately needs. What starts as a chaotic encounter might just lead to something neither of them expects. One mistake. One meeting. One connection. Sometimes, the worst moments can open the door to something unforgettable.
View MoreThe flashing red and blue lights from the police cars make everything feel surreal. I stand frozen near the car, hugging myself against the chill that seems to seep into my bones. My gaze keeps drifting to Zachary, who's talking to the officers a few feet away.The officers seem uncomfortable in his presence, even though Zachary's voice remains calm. One of them hesitates before nodding at something he says, scribbling notes furiously on a pad. The exchange feels more like an order being issued than a report being taken.A sign is being nailed to the club's front door: CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Regardless, the relief I expect doesn't come.Zachary steps back toward me. "Okay?"I nod quickly. "I'm good now. Thanks to you."His eyes narrow at me, and he lets out a frustrated sigh. "Good? You call that good? You insisted on returning alone to a cheap nightclub with a pervert manager. What happens if I didn’t come with you?""I'm sorry," I whisper, wrapping my arms around myself tighte
"Really, you're staying with me for good?" Ella shrieks the moment I step into her bedroom. She throws her arms around me, and for a second, I forget how out of place I feel here. "I can't believe Zach had convinced you!"Well, he did more than convincing. He blackmailed me."I just want to make sure you're not going to those places anymore, Ella. I'll be happy if you're safe," I say softly, hugging her back. Over her shoulder, I glance at Zachary, who leans against the wall with his arms crossed. His sharp, hazel eyes are locked on me, sending goosebumps down my arms.Ella's smile grows, but Zachary clears his throat before I can say anything else. "You have other things to attend to, Clara."I stiffen. Right. I still have to quit my job at the nightclub and clean out my things. I turn back to Ella and attempt a smile. "I'll be right back, okay? I just need to go get my stuff.”Ella's face falls. "You're leaving already? Can't you stay a little longer?"Her voice is so small it nearl
I've decided to go home instead of continuing my duty at the bar. This has been a long night, and even though I know I should stay and finish my shift, I just can't bring myself to do it. My mind is exhausted, and I need some rest before facing another day of work tomorrow. Besides, Mom has no one to take care of her at home.When I finally burst through the door, I’m hit by a cold silence. The air feels thick, too still, like something’s terribly wrong.“Mom?” I call, stepping further into the living room.But then my blood turns to ice as I see her lying unconscious on the floor. She's crumpled like a rag doll, and her face is pale.“Mom!” I cry out, rushing to her side. I kneel beside her, trembling, my hands shaking as I press them to her cold skin. There’s no movement. I scramble for my phone, hoping to call for help, but when I swipe it on, my stomach drops. The screen is black. Completely dead."No, no, no!"I push myself up and rush to the door, my eyes darting around the hal
I sit on the edge of the couch, feeling completely out of place. Mr. Grumpy paces the room while his sharp gaze flicks between Ella and the floor. Ella curls up on the opposite couch, hugging her knees tightly. She insisted I stay, so here I am—an unwelcome witness to their family drama, frozen and unsure of what to do or say.“I didn’t mean for it to get out of hand. I just wanted to spend time with my friends and let loose for a bit.”Zachary pinches the bridge of his nose, exhaling sharply. “And for that, I canceled an important meeting because I was worried sick about you. Do you even realize what you’re doing to yourself and to me?”Ella’s shoulders tense. “You and everyone else in this family are always too busy with work. No one asks how I feel or what I want. You all treat me like a child but expect me to act like an adult. How is that fair?”"Newsflash—life isn’t fair, princess. It’s not supposed to be. We’re trying to protect you, to keep you safe, because you clearly can’t
“Clara, are you okay?”I look up to see the manager leaning on the counter, his brown eyes studying me. “You’ve been wiping that same spot for ten minutes.”My hands freeze in the middle of a swipe. After that, I go back to the bottles behind the bar and line them up. “Sorry. I’m just distracted.”“So, did you get the job at that fancy hotel?”“I was rejected,” I say with a shrug.He frowns. “Their loss. Anyway, why would you want to work in that hotel? And for someone like Zachary Langston? He’s known for being a heartless jerk. I’ve heard plenty about him, but people still think he’s perfect because he’s rich and powerful. Life’s not fair for common folks like us.”I stiffen. Mr. Cooper is too close, but I can’t bring myself to say anything. He’s always been kind, and I don’t want to read into his actions.My phone vibrates in my pocket, giving me an excuse to step away from the uncomfortable conversation. “Excuse me, Mr. Cooper. I have to get this. It’s from the hospital,” I mumble
"Oh, Zach… That's the spot…"This is not how I thought my long-awaited job interview would go. Being stuck in this bathroom with my hurt hand and hearing the clear sounds of kissing and a zipper coming undone makes my heart want to burst.How did I even end up in this situation? IJust yesterday, I was overjoyed when I received a call from the prominent company inviting me for an interview. Now all I can think of is how to gracefully leave this embarrassing scenario without causing a scene.I press myself against the bathroom counter, hoping they won’t notice me. But my clumsiness strikes again. My elbow knocks over a perfume bottle, and it clatters loudly.Now, I’m so dead.“Did you hear that?”“What do you mean?”“I heard something. Someone’s here, Zach.”“It’s just us. No one else is on this floor.”“I’m certain of it. Hold on, I’ll check it out.”The sound of heels clicking closer makes me pace back and forth like a headless chicken. Oh God, please save me. I promise I’ll be bette
"Oh, Zach… That's the spot…"This is not how I thought my long-awaited job interview would go. Being stuck in this bathroom with my hurt hand and hearing the clear sounds of kissing and a zipper coming undone makes my heart want to burst.How did I even end up in this situation? IJust yesterday, I was overjoyed when I received a call from the prominent company inviting me for an interview. Now all I can think of is how to gracefully leave this embarrassing scenario without causing a scene.I press myself against the bathroom counter, hoping they won’t notice me. But my clumsiness strikes again. My elbow knocks over a perfume bottle, and it clatters loudly.Now, I’m so dead.“Did you hear that?”“What do you mean?”“I heard something. Someone’s here, Zach.”“It’s just us. No one else is on this floor.”“I’m certain of it. Hold on, I’ll check it out.”The sound of heels clicking closer makes me pace back and forth like a headless chicken. Oh God, please save me. I promise I’ll be bette...
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