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CHAPTER 38: Cutting ties with Zac
Huling Na-update:
2025-01-11 04:05:33
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THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 39: Bella’s Plea
Bella stepped out of her sleek black car as the gates of Seth’s villa closed shut behind her. Her face was puffy from crying, so she had to wear big dark shades to mask her pale face. Seth's guards positioned at the entrance shared looks, uncertain if they should restrict her access or ignore her.Seth was just stepping inside his living room when he heard the sound of fast footsteps behind him. He stopped at the doorway, his eyes narrowing as one of his men approached and whispered something in his ear.“Let her in." Seth instructed, gesturing with his hand, his tone composed yet authoritative. He had already seated himself in the living room by the time she reached him, his expression neutral.“Uncle!” Bella whined, throwing herself onto the couch opposite him. Her voice trembled as she buried her face in her hands. “Zac broke up with me! I—I don’t know what to do!”Seth leaned back in his chair, a faint expression of surprise appearing on his face. “What?” he asked, his tone ti
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-11THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 40: Goodbye, Angelo
Mia sat curled up on her bed, her back resting against the headboard, biting the edge of her thumb absentmindedly. She had been like that after she had a cold bath that morning, clothed in an oversized T-shirt that hung loosely on her body. The sleeves were so big they almost swallowed her hands, her knees drawn up tightly to her chest. Her dark brown hair was unkempt, messy from a whole day spent lying in the same spot. “Mia,” Samantha called softly as she walked in quietly from her own room down the hall. She perched herself at the edge of Mia’s bed, her brows furrowed in concern as she looked at her friend.“How long would you keep doing this to yourself?” Samantha leaned forward, shaking her head. Mia didn’t respond. She just hugged her knees tighter and stared at the rumpled blanket beneath her.Samantha sighed and shifted closer, sitting cross-legged behind Mia. “This isn’t the end of the world,” she said gently. “You can’t just stay here like this and do nothing.”Mia fina
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-14THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 41: Forgive me, Angelo
Mia felt her chest tighten the moment she caught the vulnerability in Angelo’s gaze. He wasn’t his usual self—lighthearted and teasing. Instead, something heavy lingered in his eyes.“Maybe we can watch a movie or two?" he proposed, attempting to appear cheerful.She nodded, forcing a small smile. "Alright."They sat together on the couch, with a blanket covering their legs. Angelo had ordered pizza, yet his slice remained uneaten on the table. His thoughts appeared distant, caught up in a reality he wasn't prepared to share. After a while, Mia observed the small shaking in his hands. She paused for a moment, then leaned in closer. “Angelo,” she spoke gently, her worry clear, “You’re shivering… are you feeling okay?”He glanced at her, his expression clearly neutral. “I’m fine… it’s nothing to worry about,” he replied, but the sound of his voice betrayed him— it was weak, his posture too stiff. Mia placed the back of her hand against his forehead. It was warm—too warm to ignore.“Yo
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-15THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE Chapter 42: Tides of Change
Mia pushed the door open to her house, the silence greeting her like an old acquaintance. It was late, too late to hope for a proper conversation with her mom. She had come visiting without notice and it had been almost two months, yet she hasn’t mentioned returning to her residence. She wasn’t supposed to be here, not right now when she was about to round things up with Xiang. As expected, her mother, Sarah, was already dressed, looking elegant and put together, as if everything in their lives was perfectly in order. “Oh, Mia,” Sarah said, glancing up briefly. “You’re back. How are you?” “I’m fine,” Mia replied, her tone clipped, betraying none of the turmoil within. Deep down, she wasn’t fine, but saying so wouldn’t change anything. Her problems, after all, had roots she couldn’t simply pull out—roots her mom had unknowingly planted. Sarah adjusted her scarf, her eyes already on the door. “I’m off to Bible study. Samantha still isn’t back, is she?” “No,” Mia said, her chest
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-17THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 43: Gown of Gold, Heart of Steel
“Mia, get up and do something—at least try some clothes on, for heaven’s sake! You’re a mess.” Samantha came out from her room with both hands on her hips. “There’s so much to do, and there’s barely enough time to finish your makeover!” Mia lay sprawled across the couch, staring at the ceiling with a blank expression. She didn’t even have the energy to think about what to wear. Despite it feeling like a once-in-a-lifetime experience for her, she had a feeling she might look out of place. She stretched out, throwing an arm over her eyes. “You worry too much, Sam. I’ll probably just sit in a corner all night.” Samantha immediately stormed into the kitchen, grabbed a spatula from the counter, and marched back into the living room. She waved it in front of Mia like a magic wand. “Enough of this pity party! You sound like you’re attending for just the fun of it. I, Samantha, your self-appointed fairy godmother, will not just get you to the party, I’ll make sure you steal the show.
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-25THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 44: The Masquerade Ball
The cab pulled up to the Grand Kew Hotel, its sleek exterior gleaming like a polished jewel under the evening lights. Mia stepped out, gripping her VIP pass with a steady hand as her heels tapped against the pavement. The buzz of the crowd and the clicking of cameras created a vibrant energy, but her focus remained sharp. At the gate, guests were thoroughly checked, some being turned away if their names didn’t make the list. She watched as many uninvited guests were bounced back, their complaints fading into the busy evening. Mia adjusted her mask—customized, light, and carefully designed to frame her face perfectly. Her friend had called it “mystique,” and it added an air of allure to her entire outfit The entrance was lined with TV hosts and photographers, their cameras snapping away at the arriving guests. Most guests wore masks—some opted for traditional Venetian designs, others chose handheld masks, while a few decided not to wear any at all. The temporary steel fence sepa
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-25THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 45: The Belle of the Ball
Mia blinked, still processing his words, especially with that look in his eyes. “Zac, I… I suck at dancing.” “That shouldn’t be your worry. Just follow my lead,” he replied, his voice still gentle but firm, leaving no room for her to refuse. “What about Bella?” she whispered, the words fragile as they left her lips. But even as she spoke, her hand had already slipped into his. “Shhh,” Zac hushed her with a disarming smile. “Unless you’re planning to take off your mask and tell her yourself, I’d suggest you relax.” His voice held a teasing edge as he led her to the center of the ballroom. Suddenly, the lights dimmed, casting a golden glow across the room. The crowd around them faded into a blur, and for a moment, it felt like the world had shrunk to just the two of them. As the opening notes of ‘Careless Whisper’ began to play, Zac stopped, turning to face her fully. He softly rested his hand on her lower back, the warmth of his touch against her bare skin causing her heart to ra
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-26THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 46: The Garden of Secrets
Mia’s heart pounded as she walked behind Zac, the sound of their footsteps echoing through the quiet hallway. The party had nearly ended, but Zac had pulled her away from the crowd, leading her in a new direction. “Are you sure we’re allowed to be here?” Her voice had a trace of doubt, even though the buzz from the party still lingered around them. Zac glanced back at her, flashing a casual smile. “My grandfather owns this hotel as well. So…yes, I know my way around.” Mia blinked, surprised. They own the hotel? Zac has this way of talking about things so casually, like it’s not a big deal or there’s no real value to it.” Still, an uneasy feeling settled in her chest. There was something different about him tonight. Even after all their time working together, he was always unpredictable. They reached a set of grand double doors, and Zac turned to her, his face neutral. “Close your eyes.” Mia hesitated, confusion furrowing her brow. “Why?” “Just trust me,” he said softly, the ca
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-27
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THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 82: The Taste of Longing
The night of the product launch had finally come. Zac adjusted the lapels of his black tuxedo, the refined fabric sitting perfectly against his well-sculpted body. Every one of his tuxedos had a slightly different edge to it—similar in style, but never identical. He stood beside the Rolls-Royce Phantom, checking his watch. Any other night, his focus would be on the event—on the press, the investors, or his competitors. But not tonight. Not when he was waiting for her. And then Mia’s door creaked open. She came out of the house dressed to kill. Her outfit had been chosen days in advance, planned to the last detail. When Zac saw her, he suddenly forgot how to breathe. She wore a white, form-fitting gown, its smooth fabric hugging her in all the right places. Her brown hair was styled in a classy updo, revealing a generous amount of skin on her neckline. A single diamond earring caught the light, and her bold red lipstick—God help her—was perfect. So flawless that it felt almost ille
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 81: Not His Father’s Son
The weight of victory should have felt heavier in Angelo’s hands, but as he stepped out of the courthouse, the air around him felt strange—hollow, even. He had won. The court had ruled in his favor. His father’s empire was his. Yet, the moment his foot hit the pavement, he saw them waiting—his stepbrothers. Max, the eldest, stood at the forefront, arms crossed, his smirk barely concealed. Beside him, Romeo, the younger one, held a folder. Angelo barely had time to process the shift in energy before Max spoke. “Little brother,” he called, his tone amused. “Congratulations.” Angelo kept his face neutral, but his fingers twitched as they approached him. “This…” Max gestured lazily to the courthouse. “—is far from over.” Angelo took a breath, already exhausted. “I don’t want us to keep fighting. We can fix this—we’re family. We can make this work.” Max chuckled, shaking his head. “Family,” he repeated, dragging out the word like it amused him. “That’s rich—coming from a bastard
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 80: The Media Circus
A few nights ago, just after Mia dropped Zac off at his condo after his birthday hangout, he stood still for a moment, watching as her car disappeared down the garage ramp. His mind was still half in the night—Mia's laughter, the chemistry between them—when the sharp click of heels echoed against the interlocked grounds.Then, in a flash, he turned.He saw Bella walking toward him as if she was on a catwalk, dressed in a fitted beige coat, knee-high boots, her usual confidence masking her expression.Her red-lipped smirk was the same as ever—sharp and tempting.“Hey, Zac,” Bella tilted her head slightly.Zac clenched his teeth. He was not in the mood for this.“What are you doing here?” His voice was low, his tone cold.Bella’s eyes crawled over him in slow motion, from the black jeans to the fitted t-shirt and sneakers. Her smirk faded just a little. “So, this is how you dress now?” She made a small, dismissive gesture. “Not bad, though.”Zac crossed his arms, already irritable. "Wha
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 79: Damage Control
Samantha cleared her throat, shifting to sit up properly. “Despite how this looks, the angle made it even worse.” Mia slowly exhaled, pressing her lips together. The photo was perfectly framed to spark rumors—Zac, leaning casually in his car park, Bella standing way too close, her hand resting on his chest. And then that smile. Not his usual charming, easygoing one, but just enough to stir unnecessary drama. Samantha nudged her gently. “So… are you going to ask him about it?” Mia shook her head, locking her phone and tossed it onto the couch. “Nope.” Sam blinked. “Why?” “Why should I?” Mia shrugged and got up. “Less than an hour ago, we were together and the next minute, he’s out there bonding with his ex.” Sam gave her a long, skeptical look. “Mia. Are you for real?” Mia turned with a blank expression. Samantha grinned. "You sound jealous or something." Mia raised an eyebrow and headed to the kitchen. "Me… nah." “Oh, you so are,” Samantha countered. “I am not,” Mia shot bac
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 78: Collateral Damage
“Hide your face all you want, but I can never forget the way you walk.”Derrick's gaze narrowed on her. His smile was thin, but his eyes burned with something mischievous.“Or the scent of your skin," he went on, moving closer."What do you want, Derrick?" Mia tightened her jaw. Her tone was even, but rage burned just below the surface.He took another step forward, tilting his head like he was amused. “Easy, baby. No need to get feisty.”“Don’t fucking call me that.” Her fingers curled into fists. “I don’t owe you anything. I’ve paid all my debts. So why are you here?”“I know. I’m not here for that.” His eyes swept over her outfit, taking in the way she carried herself—poised, classy, nothing like the Mia he once knew. A quiet laugh escaped him, shaking his head. “I just didn’t expect this.”Her frown deepened. “Expect what?”He gestured his hand vaguely. “You. Dating your boss.” His voice dipped into something taunting. “I thought you had more self-respect than that.”Heat flared u
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 77: Drifting in Blue
Mia stood in front of the mirror, swiping a layer of gloss over her lips, when Samantha’s voice disrupted the silence.“So, let me get this straight.” Samantha leaned against the doorframe, “You say you’re being nice—because he needs emotional support, right?” Her brows lifted. “Yes?” Mia turned to meet her gaze.“Hmm… even after you woke up in his bed.”Mia sighed, pressing her lips together to even out the gloss. “And that was all. What’s there to lie about?”Samantha’s grin widened. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because you’re actually getting all dressed up for him at this time of the evening?” She checked her wristwatch. “Or should I just say goodnight now?”Mia rolled her eyes. “It’s just 6PM, Sam. I’ll be back.”“Uh-huh.” Samantha tilted her head. “That’s what you said yesterday, and guess where you woke up?”Mia picked up her purse, shaking her head. “It won't take long. I promise.”Samantha smirked. “Exactly, your famous last words.”Mia ignored her, and slipped out the door bef
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 76: You didn’t taste it?
Mia froze. Did Zac really mean that? Or was he just sleep-talking? For a moment, she let herself believe it was harmless—just a brief moment of comfort. Nothing more. “Okay,” she whispered, allowing herself to sink deeper into his embrace instead of pulling away. And the night passed in silence. ******** The next time Mia opened her eyes, the room was brighter. Not from sunlight—just the soft glow of morning creeping through the curtains. She inhaled sharply, and turned—but Zac wasn’t there. Alone in bed, she sighed, pushing her hair back. She reached for her phone on the nightstand—it was only 6:12 a.m. The sky was still a dull gray, the sun yet to rise. Groggy, she mumbled, “Jeez…” and pushed the duvet off. She was still in the same clothes from the night before. She was about to head to the guest room when a familiar smell made her stop. Something was cooking. Her eyes landed on Zac in the kitchen. He stood by the counter, dressed in a different outfit from last night
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 75: Please Stay
Mia arrived at Zac’s condo, not waiting even a moment before leaving the car. She did not need approval for entry—she’d been here before, and beyond this, she was his fiancée. She could not be denied entry by anybody, not even the bodyguards who had been instructed not to disturb him. They only exchanged knowing glances as she passed by. Her pulse pounded against the side of her head when she stepped into the hallway. She headed for his door and punched the password into the security panel. “Zac?” she called, pushing the door open, but no one responded. The living room carried the remnants of his presence—a bottle of whiskey lying open on the table, the glass next to it only halfway filled. She moved farther, into the dining room, where a food tray rested untouched, gone cold. A frown curled over her brows. He hadn’t been here long. Or maybe he’d gone back to his penthouse? Just as she was about to check his bedroom, the sound of a soft cough reached her ears. She turned ar
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 74: The Boy He Once Was
“Good morning, Grandpa.” Mia stood the moment Charles Cornell stepped onto the terrace. His face was bright, as though he’d been up for hours. He was simply dressed in straight pants and a button-down shirt, with his sleeves neatly folded to his elbows. “Oh, Mia, please, sit,” he said, motioning toward the chair beside him. “Come inside, or are you comfortable out here?” “This is fine,” she assured him. “Actually, this is my favorite spot.” Charles sat with a satisfied nod. “How long have you been waiting?” “Not too long,” Mia said lightly. The Chief of Staff, standing nearby, bowed slightly. “She has actually been here for over an hour, sir. She was standing by the gate.” Charles’s expression shifted instantly. “What?” His voice carried a quiet authority. “And they didn’t let her in?” “They were just doing their job,” Mia interjected quickly. “It was an innocent mistake.” Charles exhaled through his mouth. “Who was on duty?” He turned to the Chief of Staff. “How could they
