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Thirty-Three

Author: Tequila
last update Last Updated: 2025-03-27 21:21:35

I took a deep breath, finally allowing myself to settle in. I wasn’t going to keep waiting for Icarus to arrive. Waiting would mean I had a thing for him—which I absolutely did not.

Or you’re just lying to yourself, my subconscious taunted.

I ignored it.

Lying back on the bed, I stared at the ceiling. The room was silent, pressing in around me. It was unfamiliar yet oddly soothing. Maybe I should start getting used to it—after all, this was home now.

My gaze drifted to the suitcase on the floor. Lupe had brought the rest of my bags earlier, stacking them neatly in the corner. I knew I should start unpacking, but the idea of a hot shower was far more appealing. A quiet thrill stirred in me, a flicker of curiosity I couldn’t ignore.

I stood, gently undressed, and made my way into the bathroom.

It was stunning—simple yet elegant. Soft white tiles stretched from floor to ceiling, reflecting the warm glow of recessed lighting. A deep soaking tub sat against one wall, next to a sleek glass
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Latest chapter

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  • PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE   Thirty-Four

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  • PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE   Thirty-Three

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  • PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE   Thirty-Two

    I left work early—per Icarus’ instructions, of course. A few minutes after I walked out of his office, he sent Layla to deliver the message.And I quote: "Tell Ms. Janice she’s excused for the rest of the day so she can get her things in order."The audacity.It was just a move-in, not a life-altering event. It wasn’t like we’d be sharing the same bed.Still, the whole situation felt entirely too personal for my liking. I wasn’t thrilled about it, but there was no point in dragging my feet. I’d pack my things, get this over with, and remind myself—this was strictly professional. Nothing more.It couldn't be that bad, I tried to convince myself—but I knew better. My mind drifted back—to the time we were assigned as project partners in college. We spent almost every moment together, and somehow, those moments always ended in stolen kisses and tangled limbs. I jammed the key into the door, twisting it in frustration before pushing it open. Icarus had said the driver would arrive by 5pm

  • PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE   Thirty-One

    The blaring alarm jolted me awake. A quick glance at the clock—just past six. Andra was probably already getting ready for work.I wasted no time, jumping into the shower and brushing my teeth. For a brief moment, I considered leaving my hair in its natural state, but one look in the mirror confirmed that was a terrible idea. With a sigh, I stretched, then gathered my hair into a messy bun, letting a few strands frame my face. A touch of makeup later, and I looked somewhat presentable.My gaze flickered to the shopping bags still sprawled on the floor as I contemplated what to wear. Rummaging through them, I finally settled on coffee-brown pants and a dark brown bodysuit, pairing them with simple blue-lens glasses. Satisfied with my reflection, I grabbed my laptop, phone, an extra copy of the divorce papers, and my new office bag from yesterday’s chaotic shopping spree.Black flats. Silver accessories. An eternity necklace, matching earrings, and a bracelet.Just as I was about to hea

  • PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE   Thirty

    After the call with Icarus, I sat there for a moment, staring at my phone like it had personally offended me. Andra, still buzzing from whatever that conversation was, flopped onto the couch with an exaggerated sigh."Alright, Miss Special-Assistant, what are we eating?"I rolled my eyes, setting my phone down. "I don't know, you pick.""Say less." She grabbed her phone, scrolling through the takeout options. "Burgers or Chinese?""Chinese," I said absentmindedly, my thoughts still spinning."Good choice," she nodded, placing the order before tossing her phone onto the couch. "So, you gonna tell your parents about your new fancy job?"I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Yeah, I guess I should."I dialed my mom’s number. She answered on the second ring, her voice warm and familiar. "Janice, baby! How are you?"I smiled, leaning back against the headboard. "I'm good, Mom."There was a pause, then her tone softened with concern. "Are you still having those dreams?"I hesitated, my

  • PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE   Twenty-Nine

    The door clicked shut behind me, but I still felt him on my skin.I exhaled slowly, adjusting my grip on my bag. The air outside his office was cooler, quieter, but no less heavy. Like stepping out of a storm only to realize I was still soaking wet.A sharp sound pulled me from my thoughts.Layla.She stood a few feet away, polished and composed, a folder in her outstretched hand. Her smile was professional—warm, but with an edge of unreadability that reminded me she worked for Icarus. That she had likely seen dozens of people walk out of that office before me, though perhaps not in my position."Welcome aboard," she said, handing me a folder."Thanks," I murmured, gripping it tighter than necessary.She didn’t waste time. "Come with me. I’ll show you around."Without waiting for a response, she turned briskly toward the elevators. I hesitated only for a second before following, matching her pace.We stepped inside, and she pressed a button."This building has ten floors and three ele

  • PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE   Twenty-Eight

    I hadn't even realized when the evening bled into night. One minute, we were unpacking, talking about Icarus; the next, we were laughing about that time we tried baking in college and nearly set my apartment on fire.Outside, the sky had darkened, swallowing the city whole"I think it's time we call it a day," Andra said, stretching at the doorway. "You'll probably feel better in the morning."I nodded, offering a small smile before pulling her into a life-threatening hug. "Good night."She snorted but squeezed me back before disappearing down the hall.Once she was gone, I turned to the mirror, catching sight of my reflection.I was still in the #breakuppackage pajamas from last night, looking an absolute mess. I can't believe I let Cassidy see me like this. My hair was still in a lopsided bun, stray curls escaping in every direction. I groan, running a hand down my face. A shower. I need a shower.I took my time under the warm water, letting it wash away the exhaustion clinging to m

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