Chapter 9
Mia stepped out of the dressing room, smoothing the fabric of the dress she’d chosen. It was simple but elegant-a dark shade that complemented her skin and fit her figure snugly without being too revealing. She wasn’t one to wear things like this, but tonight was different.
She walked toward the counter, clutching the dress she had been wearing earlier. The saleswoman raised an eyebrow as Mia whispered, “Can you pack these for me?”
The woman looked at her strangely but nodded, folding the old clothes into a neat package. To Mia, those were still her best clothes. She wasn’t going to leave them behind like some discarded trash.
Bag in hand, she stepped out into the main showroom, her heart racing as she spotted Alexander. He was seated on one of the luxurious couches, leaning back with an air of complete authority, his attention focused on his phone. Even sitting casually, he looked untouchable-sharp jawline, perfect posture, and an aura that screamed power.
Mia paused, suddenly feeling self-conscious. Then his head turned, and his eyes met hers.
His stare was sharp, intense, and so unwavering it felt like a physical force. It rooted her to the spot, making her forget how to breathe, let alone move.
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His gaze swept over her, lingering for a moment longer than necessary, before it dropped to the bag in her hand. He pointed at it with a slight nod.
“What’s that?”
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Mia awkwardly held up the bag. “My clothes.”
Alexander’s brows lifted slightly, his expression unreadable. “Where are the other clothes
you
liked?”
“This one is okay,” Mia mumbled, scratching the back of her head nervously.
He stared at her, calm and calculating, making her stomach churn. Why was he always so calm? Why did he have to look like he owned the world while she could barely stand straight in front of him?
“Come on, then,” he said, his voice smooth but laced with a command that left no room for argument.
Mia followed him out of the store, clutching the bag like it was her shield.
Alexander drove them to a restaurant that Mia had only ever seen from the outside. It was one of those places she would pass by on her way home, peering through the large windows and wondering what it felt like to step inside.
Now, she was here. On her two feet.
Alexander led her past the main dining area, up a private elevator to the rooftop. When they stepped out, Mia couldn’t hold back the soft gasp that escaped her lips.
The rooftop was stunning-lit by strings of soft, glowing lights and overlooking the entire city. The air was fresh, and the ambiance screamed elegance.
“I reserved the space for us,” Alexander said, motioning for her to follow him to the table at the center.
Mia’s jaw nearly dropped. Of course, he had. For him, this wasn’t a big deal. For her, it felt like walking into a movie scene.
She sat down carefully, the cushion of the chair plush beneath her. A waiter handed her a menu, and Mia opened it, her confidence instantly evaporating.
The names of the dishes were in French-or Italian-or some other language she didn’t recognize. She scanned the
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Chapter 9
descriptions, but they were just as confusing.
She glanced at Alexander, who had already picked up his glass of water and was sipping it nonchalantly. His case only made
her nerves worse.
“Order five and six,” he said without looking at her.
“Oh, I, uh… okay,” Mia stammered, setting the menu down awkwardly. She felt like a child being told what to do.
When the food arrived, Mia’s confusion deepened. The plates were beautiful-more like works of art than meals. But she had no idea where to start.
Alexander, on the other hand, began eating with the precision of someone who had done this a thousand times. He didn’t look up, didn’t offer her any guidance, just left her to figure it out.
Mia picked up her fork hesitantly, stabbing at one of the round, golden things on her plate. She took a cautious bite-and her eyes widened. It was delicious.
She chewed slowly, savoring the flavor, before trying another piece. Soon, she was eating with less hesitation, though she was still hyper-aware of Alexander across from her.
A low chuckle broke the silence, and she glanced up sharply.
Alexander was watching her, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
“What?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.
“Nothing,” he said, his voice tinged with amusement.
Mia bristled. “You’re laughing at me.”
He leaned back in his chair, his fingers tracing the rim of his glass. “You’re… interesting.”
She frowned, unsure if that was a compliment or another jab. Either way, it made her cheeks flush.
“Glad I can entertain you,” she muttered, focusing on her plate again.
The tension between them felt like a string pulled taut, ready to snap at any moment. She couldn’t decide if it was infuriating or thrilling-or both.
When the meal was over, the waiter brought two glasses of wine. Mia picked hers up hesitantly, swirling the liquid like she’d seen people do in movies.
Alexander raised his glass, his gaze fixed on her.
“Can we try to know each other more?” Mia asked suddenly, breaking the silence.
Alexander lowered his glass slightly, his eyes narrowing. “I know enough about a Turner. I don’t need to know more.”
The words hit her like a slap. Her grip on the glass tightened, and she fought to keep her expression neutral.
“My name is Mia,” she said, her voice quieter but no less firm.
He stared at her for a long moment, the intensity of his gaze making her pulse race. “Right,” he said finally, as if she were speaking nonsense.
The arrogance in his tone made her blood boil. She set her glass down carefully, her fingers trembling.
Fucking arrogant bastard.
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Chapter 9
Would you like me to continue this scene or transition to another moment in their evening? Let me know!
Chapter IU
