Billionaire’s Captive Heiress: Love Under His Rule

Chapter 13

Clara

The buttery scent of popcorn fills the air in Ella’s expansive room. The huge LED TV mounted on the wall flashes scenes from a romantic comedy. Ella’s laughter rings out as she sprawls on the plush sectional couch.

“Clara, you’ve got to see this part,” Ella says as she tosses a handful of popcorn in the air and catches it expertly in her mouth.

I smile, though my thoughts are elsewhere. My eyes wander over the room—a haven of pastel hues, soft textures, and lavish details. Everything about it screams Ella’s personality: bold, vivacious, and unapologetically bright. Even her vanity table is covered with photos and trinkets.

“Your room is beautiful,” I say, trying to focus on the moment.

Ella grins. “Thanks. My siblings said Uncle Greg designed it for me when I was little. He had this vision of a princess castle. Guess he nailed it.”

The mention of her uncle piques my curiosity. Ella has always been an open book, but her family remains a shadowy puzzle.

“Uncle Greg?” I ask gently. “Was he close to you?”

Ella’s smile falters, and she pauses the movie. “He was married to Aunt Beatrice. But he passed away before I turned 8. I never got to know him very well. My siblings said he was kind, though. The kindest of all the uncles.”

I nod. “And your parents?” The question slips out before I can stop myself. I’ve always been curious. Even during my research before applying to work at the hotel, I found next to nothing about them—only the ever-present name of Zachary Langston, the CEO.

Ella’s expression darkens, and for a moment, I regret asking. But then she speaks. “They’re gone too.”

“Oh,” I murmur, guilt tightening my chest. “I’m so sorry, Ella.”

She shrugs. “According to Uncle Vincent, my mom died giving birth to me. My dad… he couldn’t handle it. He became depressed and sick. He passed away not long after.”

My heart aches for her. “That’s awful. I can’t imagine how hard that must have been.”

Ella’s laughter returns, but it’s hollow. “Yeah, well, maybe if I hadn’t been born, they’d still be alive.”

I’m unsure how to respond. Ella continues, “Sometimes, I think my siblings blame me for it. They’ve never said it outright, but… they don’t exactly go out of their way to take care of me. They’re always busy with work. I’m just the little sister they throw money and maids at.”

The pain in her voice is noticeable, and I can’t stand it. “Ella, that’s not true. Your family loves you. Maybe they don’t show it the way you’d like, but that doesn’t mean they don’t care.”

She snorts. “You don’t know them like I do.”

“Maybe not,” I admit, “but I know you. And anyone who’s lucky enough to have you in their life would be crazy not to love you.”

Ella’s eyes soften, and she leans over to hug me. “Thanks, Clara. You’re kind of amazing, you know that?”

I laugh, brushing off her praise. “Not really. But thanks for saying so.”

Ella pulls away, grinning. “I’m going to the bathroom. Be right back!”

As she leaves the room, I continue to watch the movie, although my mind is somewhere else. Or still in this family. I never knew she had lost her father because of the depression of his wife's passing. They are rich and almost seem perfect from the outside, but everyone has their struggles. I can't help but think of my own situation. I never got to know my own father as well as he had died before I was born. But my mother survives and tries to raise me the best she can.

A knock sounds at the door, and assuming it’s one of the maids bringing snacks, I get up, still munching on popcorn. My mouth is full, and I’m holding the popcorn bowl when I open the door.

But standing on the other side is Zachary Langston, wearing gray sleeping pants and a snug black T-shirt that emphasizes his broad shoulders. In his hands is a large pizza box. My heart nearly stops.

“Good evening,” he says as his sharp hazel eyes take in my surprised expression.

I freeze, a kernel of popcorn stuck in my throat as I cough uncontrollably. My face flushes as I try to recover, managing a croaky, “Mr. Langston?”

“Expecting someone else?” he asks dryly, raising a brow and hiding a smirk as he steps inside uninvited.

“N-no, I just…” My voice trails off as I close the door and awkwardly shift the popcorn bowl in my hands. “What are you doing here?”

“I brought pizza,” he replies, as if that explains everything. “Ella mentioned a movie night.”

'But she doesn't mention to me that you're joining,' I thought, almost crying inside.

“Oh, right. Of course.” My voice cracks, and I want to disappear. “Um, make yourself comfortable.”

Zachary’s gaze flicks to the popcorn bowl I’m clutching. “You’re really committed to that popcorn, aren’t you?”

Mortified, I glance down at the bowl. “I—uh—it’s just…”

“Relax, Clara,” he interrupts. “It’s just pizza and popcorn. Not exactly a high-stakes situation.”

“Right. Of course.” I step aside, motioning to the couch. “Please, sit.”

He places the pizza box on the coffee table and lowers himself onto the sofa, bringing my attention to his lean strength. I swallow hard and sit at the opposite end, attempting to keep a safe distance.

“Popcorn?” I offer, holding the bowl out.

He glances at it, his lips twitching in what might be a smile. “Thanks.” He takes a single piece and pops it into his mouth. “Not bad.”

I blink, caught off guard by his attempt at humor. “It’s just popcorn.”

“True,” he says, leaning back. “But it’s better than the burnt disaster Ella made last time.”

I can’t help but laugh. But then his piercing gaze locks onto mine, and my pulse quickens again.

“Do I make you nervous?” he asks suddenly.

“What? No!” I blurt, far too quickly. His smirk deepens.

“Really,” he murmurs. “But you seem a little on edge.”

“I’m not,” I insist, though my trembling hands betray me.

“Good,” he says, leaning forward slightly. “Because I’d hate to think I intimidate you.”