An Unbreakable Addiction

So, Zac had secretly arranged for private tutors to teach her everything, from music and arts to literature and martial skills.

In his eyes, she had always been exceptional. If she hadn't met Hunter that fateful year, she would undoubtedly have been his wife. But sadly, fate had other plans.

Summer knew all about Mia's tough childhood, so hearing her thank Zac didn't come as a surprise. In fact, she often felt grateful that Zac had been there for Mia, giving her love and companionship over the years. And she was thankful for Mia, too. Her friendship had been a lifeline through the hardest times.

"I didn't have any special talent," Mia said with a soft smile. "You invested in those lessons, and I didn't want to let you down or waste your money. So, I threw myself into learning."

When she looked back, her time with Zac had been her only truly happy memories. If she hadn't met Hunter back then, she might have been Zac's wife, leading a happy life by his side. But reality was what it was and there were no "what ifs." "Alright, enough about the past. Let's eat!" Summer noticed Mia's slightly reddened eyes and quickly changed the subject.

Zac offered Mia a bowl of soup. "Have some soup."

"Thanks, Zac." Mia smiled as she accepted it, fully aware of Zac's feelings for her. But their moment had passed, and she knew they couldn't go back.

Across the table, Hunter's gaze darkened as he watched Mia, noticing the warmth in Zac's eyes as he looked back at her. A prickling irritation stirred in his chest. She wasn't even divorced from him yet, and here she was cozying up to someone else. Meanwhile, Jenna glared at the bite mark on his lip, feeling a surge of anger toward Mia. The moment she had seen him go to the restroom after Mia, she had known it was Mia's doing. That woman had actually tried seducing him right there! The rest of the meal continued in silence, each person lost in their own thoughts.

Afterward, Mia grabbed Summer's arm, suggesting they go shopping. Zac excused himself, claiming he had something to take care of.

Once in his car, he opened the small jewelry box, staring at the custom earrings he had designed himself, feeling a dull ache in his chest. He closed the box, placed it carefully in his console, and drove off.

Mia and Summer had waited upstairs, timing it so they wouldn't run into Hunter and Jenna. Yet, as they exited the building, there was Hunter's car still parked at the entrance. Mia muttered a curse under her breath.

Summer tugged on her sleeve, whispering, "Hunter's probably waiting for you on purpose."

They had waited so long upstairs, yet his car was still parked out front.

Just as Summer pointed this out, Jenna's voice chimed sweetly from the car, "Mia, come on, Hunter's giving us a ride back to the firm!"

Normally, Hunter wouldn't even care

about Mia, but today he had actually

el?

offered to drive her. A hint of unease flickered across Jenna's face. She couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted in Hunter's attitude toward Mia, and that was

far from reassuring.

Mia glanced at the time. They still had plenty before they needed to be back at the office. "No need, you two go ahead," she replied, tugging Summer along to walk away. "Mia, get in the car," Hunter's voice cut through, cold and commanding.

She frowned, her voice firm. "I said I don't need a ride."

"You bit my lip. Don't you think you owe me some help with it?" Hunter's expression was indifferent, his tone effortlessly laid-back.