Bound to the Billionaire: A Love that Cannot Be

CHAPTER FOUR

Both ladies had returned to their room, the quiet of the evening settling around them like a soft blanket. Miranda sank onto her bed with a sigh, removing her shoes and loosening the vest of her uniform.

“By the way, Mimi,” Sofia began, her eyes sparkling with barely contained excitement, “have you heard the rumors going around?”

Miranda raised an eyebrow. “Rumors?”

Sofia bounced slightly on her bed, leaning forward conspiratorially. “You mean, about the Negasi heir? Jayden? He’s coming back after months away from home!”

Miranda felt a small flicker of curiosity but tried to mask it. “Really? I’ve… heard nothing. What’s all the fuss about?”

“Oh, Mimi,” Sofia said, rolling her eyes with dramatic flair, “you have no idea! He is… unbelievable. Tall, sharp, sexy in a way that makes everyone stop and stare. Nonchalant, calm… but somehow that just makes him more attractive. And the women here? Oh, they love him.”

Miranda listened quietly as Sofia continued, her tone growing faster and more animated. “And get this—he’s not just a pretty face! Jayden has his own business empire. He’s signed more contracts and acquired more wealth than most men twice his age. He’s brilliant, focused, and yet… still single.”

Miranda’s lips twitched, fighting a smile.

“And that’s the best part,” Sofia gushed. “He’s a bachelor, Mimi. But a bit of a womanizer, yes… though can you really blame him? Look at him! Tall, strong, perfect jawline, gorgeous smile…” Sofia leaned back, lost in thought. “He’s rejected countless arranged marriages. Says he wants to focus on the family business… and his own work. Smart, yes, but also frustratingly… unattainable.”

Miranda kept quiet, letting Sofia continue.

“And Aurora,” Sofia added, her voice dropping slightly, “his younger sister? Married a year ago. To one of the wealthiest men in Italy—he’s close friends with the father of the family. The wedding… Mimi, it was the talk of the town! She looked absolutely stunning, and honestly, Jayden looked… not bad either. But the way he carried himself, it’s like he doesn’t even need to try. You’ll see, you’ll understand when you meet him.”

Miranda closed her eyes for a moment, imagining the heir. She saw him clearly in her mind—tall, impeccably dressed, confident, the kind of man who could command a room without saying a word.

And then, as quickly as her imagination sparked, reality tugged at her thoughts.

I don’t even stand a chance, she admitted silently. My life isn’t about romance. My love life… practically nonexistent. Compliments about my looks don’t change that. I’ve never been the type to chase anyone. My focus… my entire focus is getting out of debt and giving Aunt Alicia a good life.

She opened her eyes, gazing toward the balcony as the last light of day filtered through the curtains. Jayden Negasi handsome, brilliant, untouchable would soon be back in the house.

Later that night, the mansion had quieted. The soft rhythmic breathing from the bed across the room told Miranda that Sofia had long since fallen asleep, exhausted from the day’s work. The soft moonlight filtering through the curtains painted the room in pale silver, and Miranda sat cross-legged on her bed, phone pressed lightly against her ear.

“Aunt Alicia?” she whispered, careful not to wake Sofia.

“My dear Mimi,” her aunt answered warmly, though Miranda could hear the faint fatigue in her voice. “Are you finally resting?”

“Not exactly,” Miranda admitted, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I just wanted to call and tell you how the day went…I cleaned the east wing today, Mrs Negasi’s wing. It is immaculate, the library, the gallery… oh and also Mrs. Reese sends her regards.”

“I knew you’d do well,” her aunt said softly. “You always make me proud. And how are you holding up, Mimi? It must be… overwhelming, stepping in for me.”

Miranda hesitated. “It’s… a lot, Aunt Alicia. But I think I can handle it. I just… I wish you were there to guide me, sometimes.”

Her aunt’s voice softened, carrying that gentle maternal weight she had always had. “Mimi, I may not be there in person, but you have your own strength. And besides, you’re not entirely alone—you have Sofia, and… you have me, even from afar.”

Miranda smiled, her heart warming. “I know. I just… sometimes I feel like I need to see you to really believe I can do this.”

Aunt Alicia chuckled softly. “Oh, my sweet girl. You’ve been handling things your entire life. And you don’t need anyone’s help to prove yourself… not even the neighbor.”

Miranda rolled her eyes. “You mean the Asian neighbor? Aunt Alicia, she won’t stop trying to matchmake me with her son. She keeps hinting that I should be ready when he returns. I swear, if I hear about it one more time, I’ll…”

“You’ll what, Mimi?” Her aunt’s laugh was soft, teasing, but full of love.

“I don’t know,” Miranda said, laughing lightly despite herself. “Roll my eyes until they fall out?”

“You can roll your eyes all you want,” her aunt said, “but you should also know—you don’t need anyone’s interference. You are perfectly capable of handling things yourself.”

Miranda’s thumb traced the edge of her phone. “I guess you’re right. It just… sometimes it feels like everyone has an opinion about me, even from across the street.”

“Then let them have their opinions,” Aunt Alicia replied firmly. “You have your own judgment, your own strength. And remember…” There was a pause, a playful edge in her voice. “You have your clutch.”

Miranda blinked, confused.

“My clutch, Mimi,” her aunt explained, “your bag, your tools—whatever you need to manage the day, to manage yourself—you already have everything you need. You don’t need anyone else to prepare you for what’s coming.”

Miranda chuckled softly, shaking her head. “I suppose you’re right. I just… I wanted to hear it from you.”

“You always will, my dear,” her aunt said, her tone warm and loving. “Now go to sleep. Tomorrow will be another long day,

“I will,” Miranda whispered. “Goodnight, Aunt Alicia.”

“Goodnight, love,” her aunt replied, and the line went quiet.

Miranda lowered her phone, staring at the moonlit ceiling. Despite the long day, the cleaning, the early mornings, and the whispers about the heir, she felt a small surge of confidence. She could do this. She had to. And for now, that was enough.