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No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 60
Zephyra's POVThe uber pulls up outside a discreet entrance nestled between two unassuming buildings in a quieter part of Manhattan. Theres no indication of the clubs presence other than a man in a tailored black suit standing outside a plain black door. Rather than the stereotypical big, burly bouncer, this guy is compact and neatly put together. The intensity with which he scrutinizes Freya and me as we approach, though, makes it clear that he knows how to take care of trouble.Freya hands him a matte black card, which he scans with a small device he pulls out of his pocket. When he holds it out to her, she presses her thumb against it. I raise my brows, baffled at this whole secrecy thing. Not to mention the idea that my friend is a part of it.The machine beeps, and he hands her card back. He stares down at the screen, then up at me, probably confirming my identity against the photo identification I had to provide with my details.With a small nod, he pockets the device again. Enj
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 61
Zephyra's POVThank god the design phase of the project is almost over. Another two weeks and all the detailed plans will be finalized, then I can get out of here. Not only out of this building, but out of New York. At least temporarily. Possibly permanently.It's been two weeks since Lirael broke my heart. One week since news of the engagement went public. I havent seen him since he left my apartment. Weekly meetings have been taken over by Raphael, much to my relief. Having to sit across a table from Lirael right now would be unbearable.The morning after Lirael's visit, I sucked it up and spoke to Jovan, notifying him of my intention to take a leave of absence after the final designs have been signed off. As much as I might like to stay through the construction phase, my heart is too sore to allow it. The thought of running into Scottie around the buildingor worse, Lirael and Scottie together is too much to bear. Instead, I'm going home to spend some time with Mom and maybe intervi
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 62
Zephyra's POV"Do I really have to go?" I groan, burying my face deeper into the plush hotel pillows. It's two weeks later, a whole fortnight since I poured my heart and soul into those damn hotel designs. The Wright Group's in-house construction planning team finally received the finalised plans, and with a sigh of relief, I considered the project done.Lirael, in a rare display of appreciation, decided to throw an extravagant dinner tonight to celebrate everyone's hard work. "Everyone," apparently, included me. Except, I wasn't going. A strategically placed migraine – a complete fabrication, of course – had earned me a reprieve. Jovan, bless his heart, tried to strong-arm me into attending, but I held firm. The thought of facing Lirael at the award ceremony tomorrow was already enough to churn my stomach. Sitting across a table from him for hours on end tonight? Intolerable."Yes, Freya, you heard me right," I mumble, my voice muffled by the pillows. "I have to go?"Freya, eve
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 63
Zephyra's POVThe crystal flute trembled in my hand, its coolness a stark contrast to the feverish heat rising in my chest. The ballroom shimmered with an opulent display of wealth, the air thick with murmured conversations about investments and renovations. Usually, I'd relish the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of sustainable design with these influential figures. But tonight, my mind was a whirlwind of worry, fixated on the impending arrival of Lirael and the inevitable confrontation. Every rustle of silk and every peal of laughter sent my nerves into overdrive, yet they remained frustratingly absent.Freya's pep talk, laced with bravado and biting wit, had temporarily bolstered my resolve. But as the minutes bled into one another, that carefully constructed facade began to crumble. My fingers brushed against a passing waiter's tray, and with a surge of defiance, I snagged a champagne flute, the icy bubbles a poor substitute for the calm I craved."Hello, Zephyra."The si
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 64
Zephyra's POV "Why are you doing this?" I stammer, my voice barely audible above the din of the crowded venue. Raphael meets my gaze, his expression turning serious. A dark cloud seems to flicker across his features, momentarily extinguishing the amusement that danced there a moment before. "Because at one time," he replies, his voice low and intense, "we actually were brothers." While I don't possess the full narrative of Raphael and Nathan's strained relationship with Lirael, I know it's laced with a deep, unspoken pain. Compelled by empathy, I reach out and place a comforting hand on his arm. "You'll always be brothers, Raphael," I say gently. "Don't throw that away just because things are difficult right now. You all still have each other." His gaze locks onto mine for a long moment, an unreadable emotion swirling within its depths. Then, just as abruptly as it appeared, the familiar mischievous spark reignites in his eyes. "Seems my brother is truly making a colossal mistake,"
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 65
Lirael's POVI strode into Nathan's office, the plush leather of the chair conforming comfortably around me as I settled in. Today, I carried the weight of the latest Paradise-1 numbers, a project I'd been pouring my heart into. A sliver of nervous excitement danced in my stomach, but I forced a confident smile as Nathan's gaze flickered up from his computer screen."Good," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of surprise, perhaps because my usual Monday morning jitters were absent. "Raphael should be here in a moment."Our usual routine involved convening in Raphael's office, a space that mirrored his personality – sharp and sophisticated, with a touch of old-world charm. But this morning, renovations were underway, the rhythmic thrum of construction a stark contrast to the typical symphony of the city that usually hummed outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. Nathan, ever the accommodating host, had offered his office as a temporary substitute.The cityscape stretched out before me,
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 66
Lirael's POVI slam into Raphael's office on after the meeting like a bull in a china shop. The mahogany door swings open with a bang, startling the receptionist who jumps and sends a flurry of papers scattering across the floor. I ignore her apologies, my gaze fixed on the picture of infuriating calm that is my brother Raphael. He's sprawled back in his plush leather chair, feet propped up on the pristine white desk as he talks animatedly into the phone. Back at Friday night, he'd disappeared into the throng of chattering guests right when I needed him most – while I was desperately trying to keep Zephyra in my sights. Then, the nerve of the guy, he'd hopped on his private jet and whisked himself away to Napa Valley for the rest of the weekend, completely unreachable. Raphael catches my dramatic entrance with a slow blink, his eyebrows arching in amusement. He throws a casual, "Hold on a sec," into the phone before hanging up with a flourish. As I stalk towards his desk, a simmering
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 67
Zephyra's POVMom hands me a steaming cup of tea, and I lift it to my lips, breathing in the soothing peppermint scent as she settles down next to me. Tonight marks my first night back home, and while I'm glad to see Mom, there's still an ache in my heart.It feels absurd, mourning something that never truly existed in the first place. Yet, here I am, grappling with this inexplicable sorrow. If I find it this difficult, I can only imagine the pain Mom endured when Dad walked away, especially while she was pregnant with me.Mom places a comforting hand on my back, her voice gentle as she asks, "How are you doing, sweetheart?"There's no use pretending. "I just feel sad all the time. And angry. Mostly sad and embarrassed," I admit, my gaze dropping as a lump forms in my throat.She continues to rub my back soothingly. "Feeling angry and sad is completely normal when any relationship ends. But why do you feel embarrassed?""I should have known better," I confess, the weight of my choices
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No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 79
Zephyra's POVLirael continues, unperturbed. "Your company has been facing difficulties for a while now—mismanagement, apparently. Your shares are at the lowest price they've been for a decade. I saw you come in, and I decided now was the right time to make the call. So no, you don't have some investments for me. You are an investment. And unfortunately for you, as of," Lirael checks his watch, "ten minutes ago, you're no longer CEO of Apex Industries. My brothers and I will appoint one of our own people to take over first thing tomorrow."My father stares at Lirael, shock and disbelief warring on his features. "Y-You can't be serious. That's... That's preposterous."Lirael turns his back on him, dismissing the conversation with a curt statement. "Are we all done, ladies?" Mom stands up gracefully, and I follow suit, mirroring her movement. "Yes, thank you, Lirael," she says with genuine appreciation. "The meal was absolutely delicious."Lirael responds with a smile that lights up hi
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 78
Zephyra's POVMom reaches over the table and squeezes my hand, a gentle smile playing on her lips. I could get used to this, I think to myself, the warmth of her touch a comforting reassurance in the midst of the elegant ambiance surrounding us.I take a moment to look around the restaurant where we're dining tonight. It's opulent, even by Lirael's high standards. While he and I frequent such upscale establishments often, we've also developed a penchant for cooking together at home. Surprisingly, Lirael has proven to be quite the adept home chef. Our late-night grilled cheese sandwiches remain a favorite indulgence.Yet, tonight marks a special occasion—it's Mom's birthday. Lirael's thoughtful gesture of sending his private jet to whisk her away to New York for the weekend speaks volumes about his generosity. The fact that we're hosting her in one of Lirael's luxurious hotel suites, with all expenses covered, adds an extra layer of appreciation for the privacy and comfort we can offer
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 77
Lirael's POVHer hand reaches out, coming to rest on my chest, right over my wildly beating heart. The warmth of her touch seeps through me, comforting and electrifying all at once. "And I really, really like what I see," she confesses, her eyes locking with mine in a moment of shared vulnerability.Relief floods through me, a weight lifting off my shoulders as her words sink in. Without hesitation, I take a step closer to her, my hand instinctively finding its way into her soft hair, fingers curling around the back of her neck as I pull her gently toward me. The closeness between us feels natural, inevitable, as if we've been dancing around this moment for far too long."I like what I see too," I murmur, my voice low and intimate, filled with unspoken promises and desires."Is that so?" Her voice is a breathless whisper, anticipation hanging in the air between us.I nod, a smile playing on my lips. "Yes, it is. In fact, I don't just like what I see," I confess, my gaze never leaving
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 76
Lirael's POV "Of course," I reply without hesitation, a hint of hurt tugging at my words. Didn't she believe me when I assured her that I wasn't going anywhere? "And you're helping Mom plant beets?" Zephyra inquires, her gaze flickering to the spade in my hand. I glance down at my fingers wrapped around the tool. "It would seem so," I confirm with a faint smile. Zephyra descends the steps towards us, and the sight of her approaching leaves me momentarily breathless. The way she moves, the way the sunlight catches her hair, it's all so mesmerizing. "Zephyra, do you mind finishing this off while I get dinner started?" Beth interjects, her tone carrying a hint of mischief as she exchanges a knowing look with me. My lips quirk up in response to Beth's subtle gesture, understanding the unspoken message. Zephyra stands gracefully, brushing the dirt off her knees, and takes the trowel from Beth, settling down next to me.The air is filled with the sweet scent of sunshine and wildflowers
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 75
Lirael's POVI pull up outside Zephyra's mom's house and shift the car into park. The decision to rent a vehicle instead of relying on a driver feels like a small step toward independence, a gesture of my commitment to staying here for the foreseeable future. The sunset paints the sky in hues of orange and pink, casting warm beams of light through the car window as I sit and contemplate my next moves.Recalibration is necessary. The impulse to buy things for Zephyra's mom, while well-intentioned, feels like a misstep now. She doesn't need my money; she needs genuine connection and support. It strikes me that perhaps my efforts to provide material comfort were more about easing my own guilt than truly helping. Zephyra, given time and opportunity, will undoubtedly be able to provide for her mom in ways I can't.Yet, despite this realization, I haven't formulated another plan. Every idea I entertain seems to circle back to money, a reminder of the limitations of my solutions. For now, al
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 74
Zephyra's POVHis eyes darken slightly, a mix of frustration and longing evident in his gaze. "Because it's the only thing I can offer you—the only thing I can give you that you need," he admits, his voice tinged with desperation.I meet his gaze, feeling a wave of sadness wash over me as I shake my head slowly. "No, Lirael. It's not. I don't need your money or what it can buy me. A relationship isn't supposed to be transactional like that. It's about being with someone because you can't imagine not being with them. It's about sharing your heart and soul with someone, knowing they see you for who you really are, that they understand you in a way no one else can."His jaw tightens as he absorbs my words, a silent acknowledgment of the truth in them. "Okay," he finally responds, his tone subdued yet accepting.I'm taken aback by his unexpected acquiescence. "Okay?" I repeat, searching his eyes for any hint of defiance or argument.He nods, taking a step closer and gently brushing a stra
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 73
Zephyra's POVThe next evening, I return home after my jog, my feet stuttering to a halt as I pull out my earphones, my mind racing with questions about the unfamiliar car in the driveway. What the hell? My first thought is that Lirael's back, having driven himself this time, but I know that's not it. The shiny red car is brand new, untouched by the usual signs of a journey. It's almost surreal, like a prop dropped into a scene.I walk up the path, each step heavy with curiosity and apprehension, and let myself into the house. There he is, sitting on the couch just as he was yesterday, his dark head a stark contrast to the muted colors of the living room. Mom sits opposite him, her demeanor calm as she sips her tea.Taking a moment to compose myself, I drop my keys on the sideboard with a clatter, drawing their attention. "Please tell me that's your car outside," I say, my voice a mix of surprise and disbelief, directed at Lirael.He stands immediately, his deep blue eyes raking over
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 72
Zephyra's POVI parked Mom's battered old car in the driveway, the familiar creak of its doors bringing back childhood memories. Gathering the groceries from the back seat, I carried them up the path to the house. Before I can put the key in the lock, the door swings open, revealing Mom's warm smile."Hey, Mom," I greet her, my own smile fading as I notice the serious expression on her face. "I got all the ingredients you wanted, and I picked up some ice cream for dessert. Do you..." I trail off, sensing something amiss.She reaches to take the bags from my hands, her touch gentle yet firm. "Lirael's here," she says quietly.My heart almost stops at the mention of his name. "What?" I manage to utter, disbelief and a tinge of panic creeping into my voice."Yeah, he's here," Mom confirms. "But it's up to you if he stays."I throttle the feeling of betrayal that swells in my chest. Mom wouldn't have let him in if he hadn't given her a good enough reason. I just don't have a clue what tha
No Escaping the Billionaire's Desire 71
Lirael's POV The driver pulls up, and I sit there for a moment, absorbing the nostalgic aura emanating from Zephyra's childhood home. Despite its modest size, the front yard boasts meticulous landscaping, with a delightful array of flowers and shrubs thoughtfully arranged in beds encircling the welcoming front porch. It's a curious feeling. While I struggle to visualize myself growing up in such surroundings, I can easily conjure images of a young Zephyra, carefree and radiant, darting through the sprinklers on sweltering summer afternoons. I can envision her kneeling alongside her mother, their hands digging into the soil as they lovingly planted flowers together, or lending a hand to carry groceries up the familiar porch steps. These seemingly mundane moments, ones that Zephyra may have taken for granted in her youth, are now treasures I yearn to have experienced firsthand. Perhaps then, understanding how to be present for her and fulfill her needs would come more naturally to me.
