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CHAPTER 43: Gown of Gold, Heart of Steel
Last Updated:
2025-01-25 08:06:44
BrandykhokoOne week without publishing felt like forever… lol. I’m more than excited to be back. Thanks for staying with me. NOW, WHO’S READY FOR THE MASQUERADE PARTY??
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THE 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
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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
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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
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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
THE 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
THE 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
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 43: Gown of Gold, Heart of Steel
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Mia’s heels clicked against the pavement, the sound echoing like a countdown in her mind. She tried to run faster, but the tight straps of her boots betrayed her. She tripped, twisting her ankle, and quickly reached for a streetlight pole to stop herself from falling completely. Suddenly, the sensor light above her snapped on, revealing the man trailing her. He came to a stop, raising his hands to pull back his hooded sweatshirt. Her breath hitched as she stared at the face now exposed. “Derrick?” she whispered, barely audible over her heavy breathing. “It’s me,” Derrick smirked, stepping closer. His tone was teasing, almost playful. “Why are you running? I was just messing with you.” “Messing with me? Derrick, you scared me!” She struggled to catch her breath, even though her heart was still pounding so hard it felt like it might burst from her chest. “Come on, Mia. Get up,” he said, extending a hand to her. She stared at his hand cautiously, as if it might bit
