The Billionaire's Mistress

CHAPTER 01

CHAPTER 01

AUDRI:

I woke up with a strange sensation. I felt feverish and was sweating profusely. What was wrong with me? I struggled to open my eyes, feeling the soreness in my eyelids. Slowly, I managed to pry them open, only to realize that I wasn't in my own room.

Panic surged through me as I took in my surroundings. The room was spacious and immaculately clean, furnished with expensive pieces. My gaze fell upon a man seated formally on a wide couch. His deep-set ash gray eyes bore into mine, and I instinctively averted my gaze, biting my lower lip nervously. Questions flooded my mind. Who was he? And where was I? Had I been kidn*pped? Memories of collapsing outside the gates of the Heldos Corporation came rushing back, but everything afterward was a blur. Fear gripped my heart. What if I had indeed been kidn*pped?

"Who are you?! What did you do to me?" I mustered the courage to shout, my voice trembling.

To my dismay, the man remained silent, his intense gaze fixed upon me. His furrowed brow and the fierce glare in his eyes only added to my growing unease. He seemed furious or perhaps something more. With his long brown hair and striking features, he resembled an international model. Undeniably handsome, but there was an air of arrogance and power emanating from him.

I couldn't help but marvel at his unique appearance, wondering what made him so different from other men I had encountered. Was it his hair? No, it was something deeper-an aura of confidence and strength. He exuded vigor and intensity, resembling a Greek god in his perfection.

Realizing I was staring, I shook myself out of my daze, trying to gather my thoughts. This was no time for idle admiration. Fear and confusion consumed me, and tears welled up in my eyes.

"Help! Help! I've been kidn*pped!" I cried out, my voice laced with desperation.

"Kidnap my ass," the man retorted in a destructive tone, his words seething with anger. "Instead of thanking me for saving your f*****g life, you accuse me of k********g you? Who do you think you are? f**k off."

I blinked, taken aback by his aggressive response. The realization that he had actually saved me from something even worse began to sink in. Guilt and embarrassment washed over me. Perhaps I had misjudged him. I swallowed hard and composed myself.

"Then where am I?" I asked him nervously, attempting to sound calm.

He stood up abruptly, his movements rigid. "Find the answer to your stupid question yourself," he replied rudely, his voice laced with disdain.

My jaw dropped in disbelief at his dismissive remark. I had never encountered such a defiant and arrogant person before. He was infuriating, despite his undeniable physical allure. I sighed heavily, reminding myself that I needed to focus on the situation at hand.

Feeling the weight of my responsibilities, I pushed aside my weariness and mustered the strength to continue. Even though I wasn't feeling well, I couldn't afford to stay idle. I needed to find my way back, find my purpose.

As I glanced around the room, a sense of awe overcame me. "Woah," I whispered, marveling at the elegance and grandeur of my surroundings.

Just as I was starting to take in the beauty of the room, I noticed the door and cautiously approached it. To my relief, it wasn't locked. The feeling of being kidn*pped slowly faded, replaced by a glimmer of hope that perhaps this man had truly helped me without any malicious intentions. Guilt and embarrassment still lingered within.

My astonishment multiplied as I stepped into the hallway. It was a sight to behold, a perfect blend of an old mansion and contemporary charm. The polished marble floors glistened under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers, casting intricate shadows on the walls adorned with exquisite artwork. As I ventured further, I couldn't help but be captivated by the broken yet picturesque surface of the park outside. The landscape was dotted with majestic deer gracefully roaming amidst lush greenery, while the imposing grey mansion loomed over the scene, commanding attention and admiration.

The realization hit me like a wave. This place was unlike anything I had ever seen. It felt like stepping into a dream or a surreal realm. My mind raced with questions about the nature of this extraordinary setting, but for now, I needed to address more immediate concerns.

Pulling out my phone, I discovered a flurry of missed calls and frantic messages from my sister, Pauline. Panic swelled within me as I read her escalating messages:

Pauline: Where are you?

Pauline: You f*****g asshole, please answer my damn calls! I'm worried sick!!!

Pauline: You're a piece of s**t, Audri! I'm going to beat you when you get home. f**k you!

Pauline: I've already called the police to find you.

Each message stabbed at my heart, revealing the depth of my sister's anguish and anger. I had never seen her resort to such explicit language unless she was truly furious. Guilt washed over me, and I immediately dialed her number.

"YOU ASSHOLE! WHERE THE f**k ARE YOU?" Pauline's voice exploded on the other end, filled with a mix of relief and frustration.

"Please, calm down," I pleaded, my voice tinged with remorse. "I'm safe and fine. You don't need to worry about me-"

She cut me off abruptly. "Okay, f**k you," she spat, hanging up the call in anger.

A chuckle escaped my lips, albeit tinged with sadness. Despite her angelic face, Pauline's fiery personality emerged when she was pushed to the limit. I couldn't blame her for her outburst. I had caused her unnecessary worry and distress.

Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly heard footsteps approaching from behind. I turned around, meeting the gaze of a young woman in her mid-twenties. Clad in a maid's uniform, she exuded an undeniable beauty and grace. It was a stark contrast to the role she seemed to fulfill.

"Hi, my name is Shane," she introduced herself with a sweet smile. "Our boss requested that you join him for dinner."

I raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "May I know who your boss is?" I inquired, eager to unravel the mysteries of this place.

Shane shook her head, a tinge of fear in her eyes. "I'll tell you once you're at the table. We don't want to upset him," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Understanding her unspoken plea to avoid trouble, I nodded in agreement. "I understand. I don't want any of you to get in trouble on my account."

Relief washed over Shane's face, and her smile widened. "Thank you. Please follow me, and I'll assist you at the table."

Complying with her request, I followed Shane to the dining area. The moment I stepped inside, my eyes widened in astonishment. The table groaned under the weight of a feast fit for royalty. Mouthwatering aromas filled the air, tantalizing my senses. It was a culinary masterpiece, surpassing even the most renowned restaurants in its presentation and taste. The culinary skills of the chefs here must have been extraordinary.

I settled into one of the luxurious chairs, eagerly sampling the array of delectable dishes that had been meticulously prepared. Each bite was a revelation, a symphony of flavors dancing on my tongue. The blend of spices, the tenderness of the meats, and the freshness of the ingredients created a culinary experience beyond compare. It was a feast that indulged not only the senses but also the soul.

As I savored the extraordinary meal, I couldn't help but notice the maids bustling around, attending to their duties with remarkable efficiency. Their movements were graceful and synchronized, their dedication evident in every gesture. Among them, Shane stood out, her eyes occasionally darting in my direction, a hint of curiosity and intrigue in her gaze.

"Shane, you can join me if you'd like," I offered, breaking the silence between us.

She shook her head, a mix of appreciation and resignation in her expression. "No, ma'am. We have already eaten," she replied politely.

I nodded, understanding the dynamics at play. The maids had their own routines and schedules, and their dedication to their tasks was commendable. It was clear that they took pride in their work and had a deep sense of loyalty toward their employer.

Finishing my meal, I leaned back in my chair, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me. The conversation with Shane during dinner had been light and pleasant, providing a momentary respite from the mysteries that surrounded me. It was an opportunity to share my own experiences and frustrations, to confide in someone who seemed to be more than just a maid.

"You know," I began, breaking the silence, "I'm actually a journalist. I fainted in front of the Heldos Corporation because my editor-in-chief wanted me to interview a man named Zeus Nichollo Heldos. At first, I thought it was an exciting opportunity, but I've been searching for him for three consecutive days, and I haven't been able to find a single piece of information about him. It's frustrating. I don't even know what he looks like."

Shane's smile faded, her eyes taking on a more serious expression as she listened intently. Her demeanor suggested that my words had struck a chord within her.

"But you know what? I imagined him to be an old man, maybe around eighty years old," I continued, chuckling at the thought. "A temperamental old man who wears glasses because his eyesight is failing."

Shane closed her eyes briefly, a helpless look crossing her face. I furrowed my brow, puzzled by her reaction. "What is it?" I asked, curiosity tinged with amusement.

Before she could respond, a deep, baritone voice resonated from behind me, sending a shiver down my spine. "Old man, huh?" the voice rumbled, dripping with both amusement and authority.

Startled, I turned around, my eyes meeting the piercing gaze of the man I had seen earlier. The man stood before me, exuding an aura of power and dominance. His presence alone commanded attention, and his voice seemed to reverberate through the entire dining area.

"Young lady," he addressed me directly, his voice thundering, "I am the man you've been searching for. And I demand that you leave my building immediately!"

My heart raced, and a mix of fear and fascination coursed through my veins. I realized in that moment that my encounter with Zeus Nichollo Heldos was about to take an unexpected turn.