LOGINShare
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: Dinner with her Boss
Last Updated:
2024-12-19 04:08:44
Related chapters
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: Gifts and Grudges
Mia stepped into the private dining hall, her steps careful and purposeful. The room was filled with subtle luxury, muted golden lighting bouncing off polished silver accents, complemented by the soft hum of a piano in the corner. Two waitresses stood by discreetly, their postures perfect, as if rehearsed. It was the kind of refined luxury that made her feel like an uninvited guest at a gala. Zac sat at the far end of the room, casually swirling a glass of wine, looking like a king in his domain. He looked up when she walked in, his eyes scanning her as if measuring her value. When Mia stepped closer, he immediately noticed her simple outfit—a satin skirt, blouse, and flat sandals. She was beautiful, as always, but woefully out of place. He smiled, leaning back in his chair as she approached. “Good evening, sir,” Mia said with a polite bow. “Sit,” he said sharply, not bothering to acknowledge her greeting. “Check the menu if you need something specific.” Mia hesitated, her ton
Last Updated : 2024-12-20THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER NINETEEN: A Taste of Control
Mia stared at the door Zac had walked through moments ago, her irritation bubbling beneath her calm appearance. After a beat, she rose from her seat, intent on following him, but just as her fingers brushed the cool handle, it swung open. A tall man stood in the doorway, his broad shoulders nearly touching the frame. “Excuse me,” Mia said sharply, tilting her head to glare up at him. “The boss asked you to wait,” the man replied, his voice low and gravelly, as if it had been carved out of stone. Mia blinked, her confidence shaking “Wait? For what? Am I a prisoner now?” “I’m just following orders, ma’am,” he answered politely without moving a muscle. Mia huffed, crossing her arms. “Look, I understand, but I have other important things to do.” The man didn’t budge, his deep voice unwavering. “I suggest you wait.” She opened her mouth to argue but stopped, taking a good look at him. The man was built like defensive wall, solid and unyielding, and she knew fighting him would be poi
Last Updated : 2024-12-21THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER TWENTY: First Day at ZIRCONS Group
The morning felt crisp, the faint hum of birdsong filtering through the open window as Mia prepared for her first day at ZIRCONS Group. Her mother was already in the kitchen, preparing breakfast as usual to help her get ready before she left. It was just past 6 AM, yet Mia, who always woke up early, was already wearing a black dress—one of those Zac had purchased for her. She stepped into a set of two-inch heels, the gentle click of her shoes on the tiled floor resonating as she rushed out of the house. At 7:20 AM, Mia found herself in the impressive foyer of ZIRCONS Group’s headquarters, feeling a mix of confidence and worry.. Upon entering the lobby, the refreshing air-conditioning welcomed her, and she surveyed the lively area. She arrived at the reception area by 7:25 and was promptly guided to Zac’s main office on the top floor. The office itself was striking—modern yet understated. Zac’s office was spacious, featuring a big mahogany desk at its core and tall windows fr
Last Updated : 2024-12-22THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 21 : A burden too heavy
Friday mornings at ZIRCONS Group were typically filled with hustle and bustle, yet Mia’s sole concern was making it through to the weekend. While sitting at her desk, her mind wandered to the key she had discovered in Zac's office recently. She hadn't bothered to unlock anything or discover where it was supposed to go. What if Zac was testing her or watching her every move?The risk wasn’t worth it. Her only desire was to finish her project, pay back Derrick’s loan, and escape this complicated situation. Her phone vibrated on the desk, pulling her out of her thoughts. It was a text from Angelo.“Hey, Mia. Sorry I didn’t make it yesterday. Stuck in Rome longer than expected. I’ll clarify everything shortly. Take care of yourself, alright?”Her chest tightened. Angelo always knew how to weave warmth into his words, even from miles away. For a fleeting moment, she let herself miss his presence—the way he made her laugh, even when her world felt dark.But reality was quick to intrude.
Last Updated : 2024-12-24THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 22: Liquid Courage; a heavy heart
Angelo’s texts to Mia had gone unanswered for hours. At first, he told himself she was probably busy—work could run late, or maybe she just needed space. But as the evening stretched on, a gnawing worry crept in. This wasn’t like her.Sitting in his apartment, he scrolled through his message thread with her:Hey, I’m back in town. Let’s catch up soon?Mia?You okay?No response.Her silence wasn’t intentional, but the weight of the day—her mom’s reckless mistake and the looming debt to Derrick—left her too drained to face anyone, even Angelo.Angelo tossed his phone onto the sofa, raking his fingers through his hair. He had just come back from spending weeks in Italy dealing with family issues, and all he desired was to hear her voice, to ensure she was alright. Yet with each minute that passed, his discomfort grew.Grabbing his phone again, he dialed her number. Straight to voicemail. Again.He exhaled deeply, walking around the room. “Where on earth are you, Mia?” he whispered unde
Last Updated : 2024-12-26THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 23: The price of Vulnerability
The first thing Mia felt was the coziness of a gentle duvet enveloping her tightly. The mattress underneath her was soft, much more comfortable than her own. Gradually, her eyelids opened to the warm pendant light hanging on the ceiling. She blinked, her head heavy, as blurry memories of the previous drifted through her mind. She had been at the bar. Somehow Angelo was there, was he? For a brief period, everything seemed like a dream, fragmented and unreal. However, as she brushed her fingers against the duvet and sat upright, reality hit her. This was not her room. Her eyes scanned the strange surroundings. The interior was simple but graceful, featuring off white walls and a carefully arranged dresser. She looked down at herself and halted. She had on a baggy white shirt, obviously not hers. Her heart raced. Swinging her legs off the bed, Mia paused momentarily before rising. The shirt reached her mid-thigh, excessively oversized for her small figure. Her exposed feet made conta
Last Updated : 2024-12-27THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 24: The birth of a love Triangle
Mia tugged at the hem of Angelo’s oversized shirt, feeling the fabric brush against her bare thighs. The atmosphere in the dining room was tense—not overtly hostile, but heavy enough to make her wish she could vanish into thin air.“What are you doing here?” Zac asked, his voice calm, though the sharp undertone was impossible to miss.Mia froze, keeping her eyes down. She wasn’t used to being the focus of anyone’s attention, let alone the center of an exchange like this.Angelo, seated at the dining table, raised a brow, his usual relaxed demeanor intact. “How long have you been standing here?”“Long enough.” Zac stepped further inside, his tone casual but his eyes sharp as they flitted from Angelo to Mia. “Nanny said you were here, so I came in. Didn’t realize you had… company.” His gaze lingered briefly on Mia before returning to Angelo. “Nice breakfast spread by the way.”Mia cleared her throat. “Good morning, sir.”“Morning, Mia,” his gaze flicked over her unexpected appearance. “
Last Updated : 2024-12-28THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 25: Unspoken Intentions
Angelo leaned back in his chair, a nervous chuckle escaping his mouth as he met Zac’s gaze.“Zac,” he said, his voice steady despite the faint humor. “None of those girls are in my life anymore. Like I said, I’m taking it slow—one step at a time.”Zac arched an eyebrow. “Wait, wait—did you just turn over a new leaf or did I miss something?”Angelo smirked faintly and shrugged. “I’m a single man now—free as a bird. I’m taking a break from relationship drama, especially now that my dad’s retirement ceremony is around the corner. Once that’s done, I’ll pick my bride. But right now? Not my priority.”“Then what’s up with you and Mia lately?” Zac’s gaze sharpened.Angelo hesitated, his fingers tapping lightly against the table. He exhaled, forcing an easy tone into his voice. “Mia… she’s… nice. Smart, beautiful—obviously. We’ve been getting along pretty well, but I feel like she’s not open with me yet. Still, I value our friendship.”The words felt foreign as they left his mouth. He liked
Last Updated : 2024-12-29
Latest chapter
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 82: The Taste of Longing
The night of the product launch had finally come. Zac adjusted the lapels of his black tuxedo, the refined fabric sitting perfectly against his well-sculpted body. Every one of his tuxedos had a slightly different edge to it—similar in style, but never identical. He stood beside the Rolls-Royce Phantom, checking his watch. Any other night, his focus would be on the event—on the press, the investors, or his competitors. But not tonight. Not when he was waiting for her. And then Mia’s door creaked open. She came out of the house dressed to kill. Her outfit had been chosen days in advance, planned to the last detail. When Zac saw her, he suddenly forgot how to breathe. She wore a white, form-fitting gown, its smooth fabric hugging her in all the right places. Her brown hair was styled in a classy updo, revealing a generous amount of skin on her neckline. A single diamond earring caught the light, and her bold red lipstick—God help her—was perfect. So flawless that it felt almost ille
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 81: Not His Father’s Son
The weight of victory should have felt heavier in Angelo’s hands, but as he stepped out of the courthouse, the air around him felt strange—hollow, even. He had won. The court had ruled in his favor. His father’s empire was his. Yet, the moment his foot hit the pavement, he saw them waiting—his stepbrothers. Max, the eldest, stood at the forefront, arms crossed, his smirk barely concealed. Beside him, Romeo, the younger one, held a folder. Angelo barely had time to process the shift in energy before Max spoke. “Little brother,” he called, his tone amused. “Congratulations.” Angelo kept his face neutral, but his fingers twitched as they approached him. “This…” Max gestured lazily to the courthouse. “—is far from over.” Angelo took a breath, already exhausted. “I don’t want us to keep fighting. We can fix this—we’re family. We can make this work.” Max chuckled, shaking his head. “Family,” he repeated, dragging out the word like it amused him. “That’s rich—coming from a bastard
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 80: The Media Circus
A few nights ago, just after Mia dropped Zac off at his condo after his birthday hangout, he stood still for a moment, watching as her car disappeared down the garage ramp. His mind was still half in the night—Mia's laughter, the chemistry between them—when the sharp click of heels echoed against the interlocked grounds.Then, in a flash, he turned.He saw Bella walking toward him as if she was on a catwalk, dressed in a fitted beige coat, knee-high boots, her usual confidence masking her expression.Her red-lipped smirk was the same as ever—sharp and tempting.“Hey, Zac,” Bella tilted her head slightly.Zac clenched his teeth. He was not in the mood for this.“What are you doing here?” His voice was low, his tone cold.Bella’s eyes crawled over him in slow motion, from the black jeans to the fitted t-shirt and sneakers. Her smirk faded just a little. “So, this is how you dress now?” She made a small, dismissive gesture. “Not bad, though.”Zac crossed his arms, already irritable. "Wha
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 79: Damage Control
Samantha cleared her throat, shifting to sit up properly. “Despite how this looks, the angle made it even worse.” Mia slowly exhaled, pressing her lips together. The photo was perfectly framed to spark rumors—Zac, leaning casually in his car park, Bella standing way too close, her hand resting on his chest. And then that smile. Not his usual charming, easygoing one, but just enough to stir unnecessary drama. Samantha nudged her gently. “So… are you going to ask him about it?” Mia shook her head, locking her phone and tossed it onto the couch. “Nope.” Sam blinked. “Why?” “Why should I?” Mia shrugged and got up. “Less than an hour ago, we were together and the next minute, he’s out there bonding with his ex.” Sam gave her a long, skeptical look. “Mia. Are you for real?” Mia turned with a blank expression. Samantha grinned. "You sound jealous or something." Mia raised an eyebrow and headed to the kitchen. "Me… nah." “Oh, you so are,” Samantha countered. “I am not,” Mia shot bac
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 78: Collateral Damage
“Hide your face all you want, but I can never forget the way you walk.”Derrick's gaze narrowed on her. His smile was thin, but his eyes burned with something mischievous.“Or the scent of your skin," he went on, moving closer."What do you want, Derrick?" Mia tightened her jaw. Her tone was even, but rage burned just below the surface.He took another step forward, tilting his head like he was amused. “Easy, baby. No need to get feisty.”“Don’t fucking call me that.” Her fingers curled into fists. “I don’t owe you anything. I’ve paid all my debts. So why are you here?”“I know. I’m not here for that.” His eyes swept over her outfit, taking in the way she carried herself—poised, classy, nothing like the Mia he once knew. A quiet laugh escaped him, shaking his head. “I just didn’t expect this.”Her frown deepened. “Expect what?”He gestured his hand vaguely. “You. Dating your boss.” His voice dipped into something taunting. “I thought you had more self-respect than that.”Heat flared u
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 77: Drifting in Blue
Mia stood in front of the mirror, swiping a layer of gloss over her lips, when Samantha’s voice disrupted the silence.“So, let me get this straight.” Samantha leaned against the doorframe, “You say you’re being nice—because he needs emotional support, right?” Her brows lifted. “Yes?” Mia turned to meet her gaze.“Hmm… even after you woke up in his bed.”Mia sighed, pressing her lips together to even out the gloss. “And that was all. What’s there to lie about?”Samantha’s grin widened. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because you’re actually getting all dressed up for him at this time of the evening?” She checked her wristwatch. “Or should I just say goodnight now?”Mia rolled her eyes. “It’s just 6PM, Sam. I’ll be back.”“Uh-huh.” Samantha tilted her head. “That’s what you said yesterday, and guess where you woke up?”Mia picked up her purse, shaking her head. “It won't take long. I promise.”Samantha smirked. “Exactly, your famous last words.”Mia ignored her, and slipped out the door bef
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 76: You didn’t taste it?
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
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 75: Please Stay
Mia arrived at Zac’s condo, not waiting even a moment before leaving the car. She did not need approval for entry—she’d been here before, and beyond this, she was his fiancée. She could not be denied entry by anybody, not even the bodyguards who had been instructed not to disturb him. They only exchanged knowing glances as she passed by. Her pulse pounded against the side of her head when she stepped into the hallway. She headed for his door and punched the password into the security panel. “Zac?” she called, pushing the door open, but no one responded. The living room carried the remnants of his presence—a bottle of whiskey lying open on the table, the glass next to it only halfway filled. She moved farther, into the dining room, where a food tray rested untouched, gone cold. A frown curled over her brows. He hadn’t been here long. Or maybe he’d gone back to his penthouse? Just as she was about to check his bedroom, the sound of a soft cough reached her ears. She turned ar
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 74: The Boy He Once Was
“Good morning, Grandpa.” Mia stood the moment Charles Cornell stepped onto the terrace. His face was bright, as though he’d been up for hours. He was simply dressed in straight pants and a button-down shirt, with his sleeves neatly folded to his elbows. “Oh, Mia, please, sit,” he said, motioning toward the chair beside him. “Come inside, or are you comfortable out here?” “This is fine,” she assured him. “Actually, this is my favorite spot.” Charles sat with a satisfied nod. “How long have you been waiting?” “Not too long,” Mia said lightly. The Chief of Staff, standing nearby, bowed slightly. “She has actually been here for over an hour, sir. She was standing by the gate.” Charles’s expression shifted instantly. “What?” His voice carried a quiet authority. “And they didn’t let her in?” “They were just doing their job,” Mia interjected quickly. “It was an innocent mistake.” Charles exhaled through his mouth. “Who was on duty?” He turned to the Chief of Staff. “How could they
