The Firefighter Returns as a Quintillionaire King novel Chapter 19

CHAPTER 19

Alex stood in the hallway, still processing the fact that Mia-the wealthy, beautiful heiress to the Vinda fortune-was now his roommate. The whole situation felt surreal, like he’d stepped into someone else’s life.

“I’m going to take a shower,” Mia announced, grabbing her toiletries bag from her overnight case. “I feel like I need to wash away the memory of that restaurant confrontation.”

“Sure, go ahead,” Alex said, shaking himself out of his daze. “I’ll, uh, I’ll start making dinner. Do you have any dietary restrictions?”

Mia paused at the bathroom door, looking touched. “You’re going to cook? Alex, you don’t have to-”

“I want to,” Alex interrupted. “You’ve done so much for me today. The least I can do is make us a decent meal.”

Mia’s smile was warm, genuine. “Thank you. And no, no restrictions. I eat everything.”

As the bathroom door closed behind her, Alex made his way to the kitchen. He opened the refrigerator and was pleased to find it well-stocked-clearly Mia had prepared for his arrival. He pulled out chicken breasts, vegetables, and pasta, planning a simple but satisfying meal.

As he chopped vegetables and seasoned the chicken, Alex found himself reflecting on the bizarre turn his life had taken. A week ago, he’d been a married man with a stable, if unfulfilling, life. Now he was divorced-or would be soon-and living with a woman he’d just

met.

But somehow, it didn’t feel wrong. Mia had shown him more kindness in one day than Lisa had in months. And there was something about her—a warmth, an authenticity—that made him feel comfortable despite their vastly different social statuses.

He was just placing the chicken in the oven when he heard it-a sharp scream from the bathroom, followed by a thud.

“Mia!” Alex’s firefighter instincts kicked in immediately. He dropped what he was doing and rushed toward the bathroom. “Are you okay?”

“Alex!” Mia’s voice came through the door, high-pitched with pain and embarrassment. “I… I need help. Please come in!”

Alex hesitated for a split second, his hand on the doorknob. “Are you sure? I mean-”

“Just come in!” There was genuine distress in her voice now.

Alex pushed the door open and immediately felt his face flush bright red. Mia was sitting on the floor of the shower, water still running, completely naked. She’d grabbed a small towel and was trying to cover herself, but it wasn’t nearly large enough.

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CHAPTER 19

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“Oh God,” Alex muttered, immediately averting his eyes. “What happened?”

“The floor is so slippery,” Mia said, her voice tight with pain and mortification. “I turned to grab the shampoo and my foot just… went out from under me. I think I twisted my ankle.”

“Okay, don’t move.” Alex kept his gaze firmly fixed on the ceiling as he reached in to turn off the water. “Can you stand at all?”

“I tried. It hurts too much.”

Alex grabbed the bathrobe hanging on the back of the door and held it out to her, still not looking. “Here. Can you put this on?”

“I can’t reach it from here without standing,” Mia said miserably.

Taking a deep breath, Alex forced himself to focus on the situation as a medical emergency rather than… anything else. He’d dealt with countless injuries in his career as a firefighter. This was no different.

Except it was completely different, and his racing heart knew it.

“Okay, I’m coming in to help you up,” Alex announced, keeping his eyes averted as much as possible. “Just tell me if I hurt you.”

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