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Chapter 19
Last Updated:
2025-01-18 22:13:54
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Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 20
ClaraThe crisp evening air brushes against my skin as we step out of the rehearsal venue. Ella is by my side, her phone in hand as usual, but this time she seems distracted, her brows furrowing as she looks up and down the street. “Where’s Zachary?” she mutters.I shift nervously, tugging the strap of my bag higher on my shoulder. My anxiety, which had only slightly abated during our brief conversation inside, comes roaring back. What am I thinking, agreeing to go with Dylan? My job is to stay with Ella, not…venture off with someone I barely know. If Zachary shows up and sees me, what will he think?The idea of Zachary’s disapproval churns in my stomach. He always has this quiet, commanding presence that makes me hyperaware of my every move. The last thing I want is for him to think I’m abandoning my responsibilities. But then again, Ella is the one who nudged me toward Dylan, isn’t she? I agreed because of her…didn’t I?“Here it is.” Dylan’s smooth voice breaks through my thoughts.
Last Updated : 2025-01-18Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 21
ClaraWhy is he even here? Zachary Langston walks with me, wasting his time at an amusement park. He should be at some high-profile meeting or entertaining a woman like Catarina, the Orange County princess with her perfect blonde waves and designer heels. Yet here he is, steps away from a booth selling corn dogs. The irony of it makes my lips twitch, though I quickly stifle the almost-smile.“You’re quiet,” he says suddenly. It isn’t a question. More like an observation that pins me in place.“I don’t want to disturb your brooding,” I reply, attempting a light tone. Humor is my armor, though it rarely seems to work on him.To my surprise, the corner of his mouth twitches. Barely perceptible, but it is there. “Brooding?” he echoes, arching a brow.“Well, you’re not exactly radiating amusement,” I say, gesturing vaguely at his stern expression. “I think this place is supposed to be fun.”He glances around, as if noticing the flashing lights and laughter for the first time. “Fun isn’t ex
Last Updated : 2025-01-19Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 1
"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
Last Updated : 2024-12-10Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 2
“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
Last Updated : 2024-12-10Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 3
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 m
Last Updated : 2024-12-10Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 4
An hour later, Ella is fast asleep, her hand loosely curled around mine. She insisted I stay until she drifted off, and now that she’s resting, I quietly rise and make my way toward the door.“I should go now,” I say softly to Zachary, who stands by the window.“Wait.”His voice stops me in my tracks, and I slowly turn around. "What?"“Have dinner with me.”I blink, unsure if I’ve heard him correctly. “Dinner?”"That's what I said."“No, thank you. I should—”Before I can finish, he strides over, grabs my wrist, and steers me toward the dining room. “You’re eating,” he says.Soon, I’m seated at a glossy table that looks like it belongs in a magazine. Zach places a plate of food in front of me and sits across from me.“Eat,” he orders. “Don't worry. I don't intend to poison you.”I frown at his sarcasm but realize how starving I am. The events of the evening have drained me completely. Picking up a fork, I ask, “What about Ella?”“She’ll eat when she wakes up,” he replies.I nod, unsure
Last Updated : 2024-12-10Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 5
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 t
Last Updated : 2024-12-22Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 6
"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 nearly
Last Updated : 2024-12-22
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Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 21
ClaraWhy is he even here? Zachary Langston walks with me, wasting his time at an amusement park. He should be at some high-profile meeting or entertaining a woman like Catarina, the Orange County princess with her perfect blonde waves and designer heels. Yet here he is, steps away from a booth selling corn dogs. The irony of it makes my lips twitch, though I quickly stifle the almost-smile.“You’re quiet,” he says suddenly. It isn’t a question. More like an observation that pins me in place.“I don’t want to disturb your brooding,” I reply, attempting a light tone. Humor is my armor, though it rarely seems to work on him.To my surprise, the corner of his mouth twitches. Barely perceptible, but it is there. “Brooding?” he echoes, arching a brow.“Well, you’re not exactly radiating amusement,” I say, gesturing vaguely at his stern expression. “I think this place is supposed to be fun.”He glances around, as if noticing the flashing lights and laughter for the first time. “Fun isn’t ex
Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 20
ClaraThe crisp evening air brushes against my skin as we step out of the rehearsal venue. Ella is by my side, her phone in hand as usual, but this time she seems distracted, her brows furrowing as she looks up and down the street. “Where’s Zachary?” she mutters.I shift nervously, tugging the strap of my bag higher on my shoulder. My anxiety, which had only slightly abated during our brief conversation inside, comes roaring back. What am I thinking, agreeing to go with Dylan? My job is to stay with Ella, not…venture off with someone I barely know. If Zachary shows up and sees me, what will he think?The idea of Zachary’s disapproval churns in my stomach. He always has this quiet, commanding presence that makes me hyperaware of my every move. The last thing I want is for him to think I’m abandoning my responsibilities. But then again, Ella is the one who nudged me toward Dylan, isn’t she? I agreed because of her…didn’t I?“Here it is.” Dylan’s smooth voice breaks through my thoughts.
Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 19
ClaraThe dressing room buzzed with laughter and chatter, but I stayed in my corner, folding Ella’s clothes and tidying up her things. The vanity in front of me was a mess—makeup, brushes, and hairpins everywhere. Ella, as usual, was the center of attention, chatting animatedly with her co-models on the other side of the room. Her laughter was bright and infectious, but I stayed focused on the task at hand.Being around her and the other models these past few weeks had given me a glimpse into their world. It wasn’t all glamour and runway lights; there was a precision to everything they did—the way they walked, the way they posed, even the way they turned their heads. I’d watched them practice enough times to almost feel like I understood it.I straightened up, glancing at the mirror. What if I tried it? Just once, to see if I could pull it off. For a second, I imagined myself walking a runway, the lights glaring, an audience watching my every step. My stomach churned at the thought, a
Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 18
ZacharyThe hallway feels colder than I remember, the kind of chill that creeps into your bones and refuses to leave. This was never just a corridor leading to a room—it’s a bridge to the ghosts of my past, a reminder of who I am and the man who shaped me.When I open the door to the private cottage, the air feels heavy, weighed down by scotch fumes and shadows of unspoken truths. My father, George Langston, sits in his throne-like chair, as though the years haven’t dulled his arrogance. His eyes meet mine, sharp and assessing, the same eyes that once looked at me like I was his prized creation.“Is there something important we need to talk about?” My voice is cold, my hands steady despite the roiling storm within me.George leans back, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Can’t a father catch up with his son? I may be a bad man, but I still miss you.”The words make my skin crawl. The last time I heard him say anything remotely fatherly was when I was a boy, and even t
Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 17
Zachary I tap my fingers on the edge of my desk while looking out at the metropolitan skyline. The workplace is quiet, save for the low hum of the air conditioner. My phone sits on the desk, still showing the message Clara sent earlier.I don’t know why her words stick with me. Maybe it’s the way she asks—like she genuinely cares. It’s not something I’m used to, especially not from someone like her. She’s supposed to be focused on Ella, on her job. Not me. I pick up my phone, my thumb hovering over the screen, debating how to reply. “Sir,” my secretary’s voice comes through the intercom, snapping me out of it. “Princess Catarina is ready to meet you.” I slip the phone into my pocket, standing up. “Send her in,” I say, smoothing my tie. The message will have to wait. ---The Bellemont Grand Hotel’s restaurant is as upscale as ever, all glittering chandeliers and polished silverware. Princess Catarina walks beside me, drawing glances from every corner of the room. She’s the pic
Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 16
ClaraThe ballroom was a hive of activity, alive with the click of heels and the hum of conversation. Ella stood in the middle of the makeshift runway, practicing her walk with the other models. I leaned against the wall, trying to stay out of the way as I watched her glide across the polished floor like she was born to do this.Ella was incredible—poised, confident, graceful. Everything about her screamed perfection. She had this natural elegance that made every step look effortless. It wasn’t just her; the other models were just as mesmerizing. They were tall, gorgeous, and so put-together, even in the middle of a long rehearsal.I sighed, glancing down at my own reflection in a nearby mirror. My blouse was wrinkled, my hair shoved into a messy bun, and there were faint shadows under my eyes that no amount of concealer could cover. I looked haggard, like someone who hadn’t had a decent night’s sleep in weeks—which, honestly, wasn’t far from the truth.The models were laughing now, t
Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 15
ZacharyThe metropolis sprawls before me in perfect anarchy, with a constant yet unexpected pulse. It's my battleground, my empire, and I'm determined to win every war that comes my way.The Bluetooth in my ear buzzes again, and my associate stammers about a minor issue with a rival shipment.My patience wanes.“Fix it,” I say curtly. “And don’t call me again until it’s handled!”Before I can take another breath, a knock sounds at the door.“Come in.”Anthony steps in, and his face looks as sharp and polished as ever. "King Desmund and Princess Catarina have arrived. They're getting ready in the lounge."I nod, adjusting my cufflinks. “Send them to the dining room. I’ll meet them shortly.”—The dining room is a picture of elegance. But the grandeur isn’t just in the furniture or the expensive crystalware. It’s in the people who walk through these halls and the power they command.When King Desmund arrives, the hotel staff performs like a well-rehearsed symphony. The maître d' lowers
Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 14
Clara“Where’s Ella?” Zachary asks, scanning the room.“She’s in the bathroom,” I answer quickly, clutching the popcorn bowl tightly. The room falls into silence, broken only by the sound of the movie playing on the TV.On the screen, a romantic montage begins. The couple shares a passionate kiss in front of a cheering crowd, and my face heats up. I sink lower into the couch, trying to disappear.I glance at Zachary. His eyes are fixed on the screen, and his lips pressed into a thin line. Does he feel awkward too? My heart races as I try not to overthink.“Pass me the Coke,” Zachary says suddenly, breaking the silence.“Huh?” I blink at him, startled.He glances at me, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “The Coke. On the table.”“Oh! Right.” I fumble for the can, my hands shaking slightly as I pass it to him. Our fingers brush, and a jolt runs through me. I almost drop the can.Zachary doesn’t seem to notice. He opens it with a sharp hiss, but the soda sprays everywhere, soaking his shi
Billionaire's Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule Chapter 13
ClaraThe buttery scent of popcorn fills the air in Ella’s expansive room. The huge LED TV mounted on the wall flashes scenes from a romantic comedy. Ella’s laughter rings out as she sprawls on the plush sectional couch.“Clara, you’ve got to see this part,” Ella says as she tosses a handful of popcorn in the air and catches it expertly in her mouth.I smile, though my thoughts are elsewhere. My eyes wander over the room—a haven of pastel hues, soft textures, and lavish details. Everything about it screams Ella’s personality: bold, vivacious, and unapologetically bright. Even her vanity table is covered with photos and trinkets.“Your room is beautiful,” I say, trying to focus on the moment.Ella grins. “Thanks. My siblings said Uncle Greg designed it for me when I was little. He had this vision of a princess castle. Guess he nailed it.”The mention of her uncle piques my curiosity. Ella has always been an open book, but her family remains a shadowy puzzle.“Uncle Greg?” I ask gently.
