It was morning, and I couldn't contain my excitement. The warm water from the shower hit my skin, but all I could think about was the new life ahead of me. Humming to myself, I stepped out of the bathroom, quickly packed my clothes, and hurried downstairs only to be stopped by my mum.
"Hope you learn your lesson and come back begging for forgiveness," she said sharply.
"I know I won't," I replied confidently, brushing past her and walking out of the house without looking back.
At the airport, I was greeted by one of Dad's personal assistants.
"Hello, Mira. I'm your father's PI. I'll be looking after you throughout the trip to your father's house," he said politely.
"Thanks… umm," I replied awkwardly.
"You can call me Donnie," he said.
"Thanks, Donnie," I said, settling into a seat on Dad's private jet. As the plane took off, my mind raced with thoughts of the new lifestyle awaiting me. Whatever it was, I was ready for it.
Two hours later, we arrived at Dad's estate. As the car pulled up to the gate, my eyes widened. The mansion shimmered in the sunlight, radiant and breathtaking. Donnie walked up to the porch with me, taking a phone call while I admired every intricate detail of the house.
"Mira! Come on, we have to go to your dad now," Donnie called.
"Sorry, I was just… lost. The place is breathtaking," I replied.
"It's fine. Your father's a wealthy man, Mira," he said with a hint of pride.
As we approached the door, we overheard shouting inside.
"I don't want to hear any more excuses! I want him gone by tomorrow. GONE!"
"Knock knock."
"Who is it?" a voice barked.
"Boss, it's me. I'm here with your daughter, Mira," Donnie replied.
"Come in!"
"Daddd!" I yelled, running into his arms.
"Honey, how are you doing?" Dad asked warmly.
"I'm doing great!"
"Oh, my little girl… It's been so long," he said, holding me tightly.
"I know, Daddy. And I'm not a little girl anymore; I'm eighteen," I said with a grin.
"Okay, dear," he chuckled.
Just then, a man walked in, handsome, confident, with a cocky smile.
"Enzo! Did you get the job done?" Dad asked.
"Yes, boss. I always do," Enzo replied smoothly.
Teddy, one of Dad's guards, smirked. "Hmm… judging by the lipstick, I'm guessing he did more than that."
"Or not," I thought to myself.
"Sweetie, you must be tired. Donnie will show you to your room," Dad said.
"Umm, Dad… I want Enzo to show me to my room if you don't mind," I replied, surprising even myself.
Dad gave Enzo a warning look. "Okay then. But remember, Enzo, she's off limits."
"Of course, boss," Enzo said with a sly grin.
As we reached my room, I thanked him for escorting me. Just as I was about to walk past him, I tripped, my face heading straight for the floor, but his arms caught me, strong and steady around my waist.
"Are you okay, princess?" he asked.
Princess? "What a flirt," he mumbled.
"Yes, I'm fine. You can let go now," I said quickly.
"What if I don't want to?" he teased.
"Now, now, remember, I'm off limits, right?" I said with a smirk on my face.
He laughed. "Goodnight, princess."
Wow… he's something, I thought, flustered.
Later that night, unable to sleep, I decided to find a book to read like I used to back home. I slipped into Dad's study in the dark, scanning the shelves. Suddenly, a cold voice whispered behind me.
"DON'T MOVE."
I froze, heart pounding. The lights flipped on, and it was Enzo.
"What are you doing here, Mira? I could have killed you!" he snapped.
"Well, you didn't. I was just looking for something to read," I muttered awkwardly.
"At this hour?!" he scolded, but I couldn't help noticing his ripped body and that annoyingly cute angry face.
"Are you done staring?" he asked.
"What? Me?! I wasn't staring!"
"Please don't tell my father about this," I pleaded.
"So, you want me to keep secrets from him?" he said with a raised brow.
"Not really…"
"I'm just kidding. I won't," he said with a soft smile.
"Goodnight, Mira."
"Goodnight," I whispered back.
The next morning, I dressed in a green floral shirt and top before heading to the kitchen.
"Good morning, Dad!"
"Morning, darling. Do you want to go to work with me today?" he asked.
"Where do you work?"
"At a record label. I co-own it with a few buddies. You may even meet some of our up-and-coming artists," he said.
"Really? That's so exciting!" I exclaimed.
"Well, I'll get Sal to meet us out front in ten minutes. I have something to sort out first."
"Okay, Daddy," I replied cheerfully.
"Umm… Are you okay?" a voice behind me said.
I turned to see Enzo. "You made me jump!"
"What, like last night when I caught you being a naughty girl?" he teased.
"Stop. My father could hear you."
"We wouldn't want that, would we? He'd hate to find out his little angel isn't such a good girl after all," he said with a smirk.
"Come on. All I did was go into his study," I defended.
"I've seen him kill for less," he replied darkly.
I rolled my eyes, refusing to give him the reaction he wanted. He kept pushing.
"I'm actually meeting a girl like you today for lunch on her father's money, of course. But I'm just looking forward to dessert, if you know what I mean."
Ugh, he's so gross, I thought. "I've got somewhere to be. Enjoy dessert," I snapped.
"Oh, I will," he replied.
Sal drove us to Dreamcatcher Records, Dad's label.
"Hey, Zane!" One of the staff greeted us.
"Hey, Trey. This is my daughter, Mira."
"Nice to meet you, Mira!"
I gasped. "Are they the Dolly Babes?!"
"Yes," Dad answered with a smile.
"Oh my gosh, I love them!" I nearly lost my breath as the girl group approached me.
"Hi, Mira, right?" one asked.
"Yes! I'm a big fan of your songs," I gushed.
They laughed and welcomed me warmly, chatting about Dad and their lives. Soon, they invited me to their group chat and asked me to join them at a club that night for their performance. I eagerly accepted.
Later, Dad introduced me to Devon Dalveeno, father of Dalton Dalveeno, one of the biggest music stars. When Dalton walked in, the room practically lit up.
"This is Zane's daughter, Mira," Devon said.
"Pleasure to meet you, Mira," Dalton said smoothly.
Dad invited me to Club Temptations that night to watch the Dolly Babes perform, and Dalton offered to pick me up. I agreed.
That evening, as I came downstairs, Dalton was already waiting.
"Well… that's an outfit," he said, smirking.
Dad looked at me proudly. "Darling, you look nice. Now, boy, can I trust you with my daughter tonight?"
"Of course, sir. I'll take good care of her," Dalton replied.
"Yes, you will," Dad said firmly. "Security will be all over the club. Don't worry."
The ride to the club was awkward; Donnie stayed silent. Paparazzi swarmed us as we stepped out. Inside, Dalton immediately got distracted by a crowd of girls, leaving me alone. Thankfully, the Dolly Babes spotted me and pulled me in to talk, making me feel welcome.
Soon, Dad appeared to check on me. "Having a good time?"
"It's not what I expected," I admitted. "But I'm excited to see the Dolly Babes perform."
He assured me security was nearby, then disappeared into the crowd.
As I wandered outside, I caught Enzo's gaze. My heart skipped a beat. But before I could process it, Dalton reappeared.
"You don't remember my name, do you?" I challenged.
"No, but you're the hottest girl in the room," he flirted.
"It's Mira! And you left me by myself. You're lucky I didn't tell my father," I snapped.
"Let me make it up to you. Come with me;
You won't regret it."
I reluctantly followed him to a quiet corner of the club.
"Dalton, I don't feel comfortable with this," I said nervously.
"It's fine, dear. Just relax. I'm Dalton Dalveeno. No one says no to me."
Panic rose in my chest. I pushed him away. "Get away from me!"
"Come on, don't be like that," he insisted, stepping closer.
"Get away from me! HELP!" I screamed.
There was a knock on the door.
"Let me in," a familiar voice demanded.
"Enzo!" I screamed in relief.