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CHAPTER 56: A Fresh Start
Last Updated:
2025-02-04 19:27:36
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THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 57: The Engagement 1
Zac leaned against the table, his fingers tapping lightly against the surface. “He can be a little… selective,” he admitted, hesitating before forcing a small smile. “But just be yourself.” Mia raised an eyebrow. “Be myself… What does that even mean?” Zac exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “My grandfather likes people who are genuine. He respects confidence—those who own their story instead of pretending to be something they’re not.” Mia gave him a dry look. “Zac, we are literally faking it.” “I know,” he said with a weak smile. “But you? You don’t have to pretend. Trust me, you’re fine just the way you are.” She shook her head, still uncertain. “I don’t know… I was your P.A., and I never even went to college. Won’t he find that suspicious?” “About that,” Zac started, choosing his words carefully, “there’s no point lying to him. He doesn’t even need your credentials, Mia. Just make him believe you value the foundation of family and relationships. That’s all.” Mia hesi
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The hum of the helicopter filled the air immediately after Zac guided Mia inside it, his grip firm yet gentle. “I wanted to keep this private, away from the cameras,” he murmured, helping her inside. “It’s not the right time for us to be seen. Not just yet.” Mia settled into the plush leather seat, the luxury of the private helicopter sinking in. She had never been in one before. As she reached for the seatbelt, Zac was already there, securing it for her. His fingers brushed against her skin briefly, sending an unexpected jolt through her. “Are you comfortable?” he asked, his voice low. She nodded, though her heart had started to race—not from the altitude but from the proximity. “You look beautiful tonight,” he added. His voice was quiet, but it reached her over the hum of the helicopter. She turned to face him, blinking at the unexpected compliment. Her first instinct was to tease him, but something about the way he said it—soft, genuine—made her pause. “You look pretty well
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Mia woke up with a quiet stretch, her thoughts still settling. For once, there was no rush—no urgent calls, no work emails, no chaos. She exhaled slowly before climbing out of bed, savoring the rare peace. Today, she would finally talk to her mother again, continuing from where they left off yesterday. But when she stepped out of her room, the house was quieter than she expected. “Samantha,” Mia called, walking toward the living room. “Where’s Mom?” Samantha looked up, setting her phone aside. “She left early this morning.” Mia frowned. “To where?” “I have no idea,” Samantha said. “She was on a call when she left. Seemed like something urgent.” A sharp exhale left Mia’s lips. “Geez, this is getting annoying.” She ran a hand through her hair. “Why can’t she just be available when I actually have something important to tell her? I thought her coming here was supposed to help us reconnect.” Samantha watched her for a moment before sighing. “I don’t know. But, honestly?
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“How much do you think love costs?” Mia held Seth’s gaze head-on, refusing to flinch under his scrutiny. Seth’s lips twitched into a smirk. “Smart girl.” He leaned back, fingers tightening on the armrest of his chair. “But I don’t buy into fairy tales. Women like you are only after one thing.” He scanned her, sharp and assessing. Mia arched her brow. “And men like you assume you hold the upper hand.” Seth let out a low chuckle. “I like you, Mia,” he admitted, as if surprised. “You’ve got nerves. But Cornell men don’t marry out of love; we marry for prestige and legacy.” Mia exhaled slowly, more amused than rattled now. “I assume that is why you remained divorced?” His smirk faded for half a beat before he recovered, letting out a dry laugh. “You’re quick.” He steepled his fingers. “But this isn’t about me; it’s about you.” He leaned forward. “That’s why I’m here—to save you the heartache. Name your price, and I’ll make sure you walk away with a triple.” “I’m not inte
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Bella sat on the floor, her body crumpled in despair. Her phone vibrated in her hand, the screen lighting up with more pictures. Her fingers trembled as she scrolled through the engagement photos flooding the internet—Zac and Mia wrapped in each other’s arms, their smiles radiant, their love displayed for the world to see. Tears blurred her vision. It was supposed to be her. She should have been the one in Zac’s arms, wearing the ring, standing by his side. A broken sob escaped her. “No! No! No!” Her voice cracked, a scream breaking free from her throat. Her cry filled the space, desperate and raw. It wasn’t fair. None of it was. She slammed the phone onto the bed, the sound of it hitting the headboard echoing in the quiet room. Then a gentle knock sounded at the door. “Bella?” Her mother’s voice seeped through the wood, gentle but concerned. Bella wiped her eyes, trying to calm her breath. Her mother’s eyes softened at the sight of her daughter, collapsed on the fl
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Zac wiped his mouth with a napkin, setting it down beside his plate. “Thank you for dinner, Mrs. Williams. That was delicious.” Across from him, Sarah beamed, clearly pleased. “Oh, please, don’t mention it," she said, waving a hand. “You’re family now.” Mia, who had been quietly helping Samantha clear the plates, tensed. She could already feel where this was going. Sarah turned to her with a knowing look. “I had my suspicions, you know.” Mia rolled her eyes. “Oh Lord, here we go again.” “I mean, he did buy you that dress, right?” Sarah continued, her eyes twinkling. “I told you he had a crush on you.” Mia groaned, slapping her forehead. “Come on, Mom.” Sarah laughed. “So, you two have been pretending all this while?” She shook her head, as if she had just uncovered a great mystery. “How long has this been going on?” Mia glanced at Zac before replying, “About a month.” “A month?” Sarah’s eyebrows shot up. “That was fast.” Then she softened. “But love… love is like that
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“Your son?” Bella’s voice came out sharper than she intended. “You never mentioned having a son before.” Seth leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping lazily against the armrest. “Yes, I found out just recently. However, now is the right time to bring him to the limelight.” Bella narrowed her eyes. “So how does this benefit me, Uncle? You’re not telling me everything.” Seth cleared his throat. “Firstly, I want you to help me push Mia out of the way. She’s gaining too much influence over Zac. It’s becoming… inconvenient for the Cornell family.” Bella blinked. “You want me to sabotage them?” Seth chuckled. “Sabotage? No, Bella. That’s such an ugly word. Think of it as… restoring balance. She’s in the way, and we need her removed to secure your place.” Bella paused for a moment, her mind spinning. “And how exactly am I supposed to do that?” “That’s when my plan comes in.” Seth leaned in, his voice smooth as silk. “I’ll guide you, step by step. All you need to do is follow my
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A couple of hours earlier… Angelo walked into Zac’s penthouse with deliberate intent. Zac was relaxing in his living room, his focus fixed on his TV screen as reporters analyzed every angle of his engagement photos. The photos had gone viral as planned, and people were scrambling for details, seeking answers about his sudden engagement to his new lover. The moment Zac heard footsteps behind him, he quickly turned, his expression shifting from neutral to surprise. “Hey, man. When did you get back?” Zac asked. Angelo didn’t answer that. His jaw was tight, his eyes pinned on the television. “Is that why Mia isn’t picking up her phone?” “What?” Zac got up on his feet, confusion flashing across his face. “This.” Angelo stepped closer, motioning to the television. “The engagement. Is this why she’s avoiding my calls?” “Angelo, you need to chill, man,” Zac said, setting his tablet down. “Mia’s probably busy or something. Besides, what’s going on with you? Why aren’t you replying? I
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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
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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
