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CHAPTER EIGHT: Under Zac’s control
Last Updated:
2024-12-09 06:57:13
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Mia’s hands shook as she dropped the shards of the vase, panic twisting her chest. She knelt beside the unconscious man, her fingers fumbling through his jacket. Who was he? Her breathing quickened as she searched for anything—an ID, a clue—anything that could explain why she was there. Suddenly, she froze. She could hear faint footsteps behind the door. Someone was coming. The sound was sharp, deliberate. Her heart pounded harder with each step. Who could that be? The door burst open, and she jumped, turning toward the noise. It was Zac. Mia’s stomach flipped at the sight of him. He stood in the doorway, tall and commanding, his sharp eyes moving from her to the man on the floor, then back to her. The calmness in his voice sent a chill down her spine. “What’s going on, Mia? What did you do?” Her heart raced. She didn’t even know where she was. The last time she checked, she’d been at least three hours away from home, stuck on a desolate street. How was Zac here?
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Angelo entered the parking lot, his footsteps clinking in shiny shoes. His eyes darted around, his face tense beneath furrowed brows as he muttered, “Where is she?”He scanned the rows of cars, turning to this side and that, his every movement a manifestation of frustration. Just as he turned to leave, a voice checked his steps.“Angelo?”He froze and turned slowly, relief washing over his face when he saw her. “Mia.” He exhaled deeply, the tension melting from his shoulders. “I’ve actually been looking for you.”Mia tilted her head, surprised. “Really?”He didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he crossed his arms over his chest, narrowing his eyes slightly. “I heard you applied for the position of secretary here.”She paused, pushing a strand of her chestnut-brown wig behind her ear. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” she said softly.“Come on, Mia,” Angelo said, a slight edge of hurt in his voice. “I thought we were friends. Aren’t we?”Mia’s eyes dropped to the floor, her conscience pul
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“Yes, Dad,” she replied, her voice steady but cautious. “It’s my passion. I’ve wanted this for years.” Seth dropped the tablet onto the desk, his temper flaring. “Passion? What about the family business? What about everything I’ve worked for?” “Dad, I told you years ago,” Celine said, her voice rising slightly. “I have no interest in working under the family name.” “But you agreed to the business courses I enrolled you in,” he snapped. “Dad—” “No!” he shouted, cutting her off. “You’re my last chance, Celine!” Seth stood up immediately, pacing the room. “Your sisters have already disappointed me—one playing dress-up with her fashion company, the other running off to teach art to children! Let’s not even start with Angela, who eloped with her boyfriend. But you… You’re the only one who could—” “Could what?” Celine interrupted, her composure cracking. “Give up my dreams to live the life you want for me?” She stood now, her voice rising. “Dad, I’ve told you before. I lov
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Mia froze. Did Zac really mean that? Or was he just sleep-talking? For a moment, she let herself believe it was harmless—just a brief moment of comfort. Nothing more. “Okay,” she whispered, allowing herself to sink deeper into his embrace instead of pulling away. And the night passed in silence. ******** The next time Mia opened her eyes, the room was brighter. Not from sunlight—just the soft glow of morning creeping through the curtains. She inhaled sharply, and turned—but Zac wasn’t there. Alone in bed, she sighed, pushing her hair back. She reached for her phone on the nightstand—it was only 6:12 a.m. The sky was still a dull gray, the sun yet to rise. Groggy, she mumbled, “Jeez…” and pushed the duvet off. She was still in the same clothes from the night before. She was about to head to the guest room when a familiar smell made her stop. Something was cooking. Her eyes landed on Zac in the kitchen. He stood by the counter, dressed in a different outfit from last night
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