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CHAPTER NINETEEN: A Taste of Control
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2024-12-21 21:10:31
BrandykhokoHi there! If you’ve enjoyed this story so far, please leave a comment! I’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to add this book to your library and follow for more updates. Thank you so much for your support!
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THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER TWENTY: First Day at ZIRCONS Group
The morning felt crisp, the faint hum of birdsong filtering through the open window as Mia prepared for her first day at ZIRCONS Group. Her mother was already in the kitchen, preparing breakfast as usual to help her get ready before she left. It was just past 6 AM, yet Mia, who always woke up early, was already wearing a black dress—one of those Zac had purchased for her. She stepped into a set of two-inch heels, the gentle click of her shoes on the tiled floor resonating as she rushed out of the house. At 7:20 AM, Mia found herself in the impressive foyer of ZIRCONS Group’s headquarters, feeling a mix of confidence and worry.. Upon entering the lobby, the refreshing air-conditioning welcomed her, and she surveyed the lively area. She arrived at the reception area by 7:25 and was promptly guided to Zac’s main office on the top floor. The office itself was striking—modern yet understated. Zac’s office was spacious, featuring a big mahogany desk at its core and tall windows fr
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-22THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 21 : A burden too heavy
Friday mornings at ZIRCONS Group were typically filled with hustle and bustle, yet Mia’s sole concern was making it through to the weekend. While sitting at her desk, her mind wandered to the key she had discovered in Zac's office recently. She hadn't bothered to unlock anything or discover where it was supposed to go. What if Zac was testing her or watching her every move?The risk wasn’t worth it. Her only desire was to finish her project, pay back Derrick’s loan, and escape this complicated situation. Her phone vibrated on the desk, pulling her out of her thoughts. It was a text from Angelo.“Hey, Mia. Sorry I didn’t make it yesterday. Stuck in Rome longer than expected. I’ll clarify everything shortly. Take care of yourself, alright?”Her chest tightened. Angelo always knew how to weave warmth into his words, even from miles away. For a fleeting moment, she let herself miss his presence—the way he made her laugh, even when her world felt dark.But reality was quick to intrude.
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-24THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 22: Liquid Courage; a heavy heart
Angelo’s texts to Mia had gone unanswered for hours. At first, he told himself she was probably busy—work could run late, or maybe she just needed space. But as the evening stretched on, a gnawing worry crept in. This wasn’t like her.Sitting in his apartment, he scrolled through his message thread with her:Hey, I’m back in town. Let’s catch up soon?Mia?You okay?No response.Her silence wasn’t intentional, but the weight of the day—her mom’s reckless mistake and the looming debt to Derrick—left her too drained to face anyone, even Angelo.Angelo tossed his phone onto the sofa, raking his fingers through his hair. He had just come back from spending weeks in Italy dealing with family issues, and all he desired was to hear her voice, to ensure she was alright. Yet with each minute that passed, his discomfort grew.Grabbing his phone again, he dialed her number. Straight to voicemail. Again.He exhaled deeply, walking around the room. “Where on earth are you, Mia?” he whispered unde
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-26THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 23: The price of Vulnerability
The first thing Mia felt was the coziness of a gentle duvet enveloping her tightly. The mattress underneath her was soft, much more comfortable than her own. Gradually, her eyelids opened to the warm pendant light hanging on the ceiling. She blinked, her head heavy, as blurry memories of the previous drifted through her mind. She had been at the bar. Somehow Angelo was there, was he? For a brief period, everything seemed like a dream, fragmented and unreal. However, as she brushed her fingers against the duvet and sat upright, reality hit her. This was not her room. Her eyes scanned the strange surroundings. The interior was simple but graceful, featuring off white walls and a carefully arranged dresser. She looked down at herself and halted. She had on a baggy white shirt, obviously not hers. Her heart raced. Swinging her legs off the bed, Mia paused momentarily before rising. The shirt reached her mid-thigh, excessively oversized for her small figure. Her exposed feet made conta
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-27THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 24: The birth of a love Triangle
Mia tugged at the hem of Angelo’s oversized shirt, feeling the fabric brush against her bare thighs. The atmosphere in the dining room was tense—not overtly hostile, but heavy enough to make her wish she could vanish into thin air.“What are you doing here?” Zac asked, his voice calm, though the sharp undertone was impossible to miss.Mia froze, keeping her eyes down. She wasn’t used to being the focus of anyone’s attention, let alone the center of an exchange like this.Angelo, seated at the dining table, raised a brow, his usual relaxed demeanor intact. “How long have you been standing here?”“Long enough.” Zac stepped further inside, his tone casual but his eyes sharp as they flitted from Angelo to Mia. “Nanny said you were here, so I came in. Didn’t realize you had… company.” His gaze lingered briefly on Mia before returning to Angelo. “Nice breakfast spread by the way.”Mia cleared her throat. “Good morning, sir.”“Morning, Mia,” his gaze flicked over her unexpected appearance. “
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-28THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 25: Unspoken Intentions
Angelo leaned back in his chair, a nervous chuckle escaping his mouth as he met Zac’s gaze.“Zac,” he said, his voice steady despite the faint humor. “None of those girls are in my life anymore. Like I said, I’m taking it slow—one step at a time.”Zac arched an eyebrow. “Wait, wait—did you just turn over a new leaf or did I miss something?”Angelo smirked faintly and shrugged. “I’m a single man now—free as a bird. I’m taking a break from relationship drama, especially now that my dad’s retirement ceremony is around the corner. Once that’s done, I’ll pick my bride. But right now? Not my priority.”“Then what’s up with you and Mia lately?” Zac’s gaze sharpened.Angelo hesitated, his fingers tapping lightly against the table. He exhaled, forcing an easy tone into his voice. “Mia… she’s… nice. Smart, beautiful—obviously. We’ve been getting along pretty well, but I feel like she’s not open with me yet. Still, I value our friendship.”The words felt foreign as they left his mouth. He liked
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-29THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 26: Seth vs Mia: A Truce
Seth wasn’t the type to be liked or make friends—and he didn’t care to. As Vice Chairman, his power came from one thing: always getting what he wanted. People avoided him when possible. His sharp words and disregard for rules made it clear he played by his own game. Small talk and kindness weren’t his style, but respect—or fear—kept others in line. Months ago, Seth had attended a high-profile charity event in Costa Rica as a sponsor—one of those gatherings where the wealthy mingled under the guise of philanthropy. For Seth, it was a brief distraction from his routine life. Divorced and untouched by romance for years, he found himself drawn to a particular hostess—Mia, disguised as Miranda at that time. Unlike other women who usually indulged his desires, she humiliated him.That slap had done more than just bruise his ego—it imprinted her face into his memory. Now, seated in the boardroom of his family’s company, he found himself staring at a woman who strikingly resemble
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-30THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 27: Zac’s Other Side
When Zac and Mia entered his office, he walked over to the cozy corner with a small sofa and table, gesturing for her to follow. Mia hesitated, standing awkwardly near the door, her eyes darting between him and the room. “Did I do something wrong?” Her voice was quiet, unsure. Zac turned back to her, offering a calm smile. “No, come on in.” He motioned for her to join him on the sofa As Mia stepped closer, she glanced around nervously. “Um, are you expecting someone?” Zac shook his head, glancing at the table set for lunch. “No. I know we got off on the wrong foot.” He met her gaze. “But despite the circumstances, you’re smart, Mia. A good P.A. Maybe we should consider each other as work partners now.” Mia blushed slightly, caught off guard by the compliment. “Thank you,” she said quietly, still unsure of his intentions. Zac continued, his tone more casual now. “I ordered lunch for us, just as a small way to show my appreciation.” Wow—I mean, that’s really thoughtful,” Mia
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-31
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THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 104: To Have and To Hold
The ballroom was massive, bathed in a golden glow from the grand chandeliers hanging above. Less than a hundred elegantly dressed guests filled the space, their conversations humming beneath the soft classical music. Tables were arranged meticulously, adorned with rich floral centerpieces, extravagant dishes, and bottles of the finest champagne. Everything gleamed with wealth and sophistication—Zac’s grandfather had spared no expense.Mia sat beside Zac on the raised platform, at the center of attention. She leaned in, her voice low. “Isn’t this a bit much?” Her gaze swept over the lavish decorations. “This budget is insane for a marriage that—” She stopped herself, lowering her voice even more.Zac chuckled. “Tell that to my grandfather. This is his idea of a small celebration.”Mia shook her head, exhaling deeply. “Yeah, he sure does love throwing parties.”“And this isn’t even half of it,” Zac continued. “You know he planned a ridiculously romantic honeymoon for us?”Mia blinked.
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 103: THE WEDDING DAY
Mia stood in front of the tall mirror, staring at her reflection. The cream-colored wedding dress hugged her body, its bodice adorned with delicately embedded crystals that caught the light with every movement. It was breathtaking.The long-awaited wedding was finally here.One by one, the stylists and makeup artists quietly exited the room, their work complete. This was everything most girls dreamed of—a grand wedding, a stunning dress, a perfect day. But it wasn’t the fairytale she once imagined—it was a short-term marriage with the man she has feelings for.Just then, the door creaked open, and Laura—the wedding planner—stepped in. She gave Mia a quick glance, nodded in approval, then turned to leave, only to pause as Sarah entered. Her eyes shimmered with tears.Mia caught sight of her in the mirror and turned. “Mom, were you crying?” she said with a soft smile, reaching out to place a gentle hand under her mother’s chin.Her mother gave a shaky laugh, dabbing underneath her eye
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 102: A New Spotlight
“What was so important that you couldn’t tell me earlier?”She barely flinched at his tone and simply crossed her arms. “Chill. Don’t act like I was avoiding you.You spent too much time in the kitchen this morning. Before I was done taking a shower, you disappeared.”Angelo barely held back a groan. This was why he hadn’t wanted to let her in last night. But she’d given him no choice.She had punctured her own damn tire on purpose—right outside his house—then knocked on his door like she had no other option. It was an obvious setup, but at nearly midnight, with her standing there as if daring him to turn her away, he hadn’t bothered arguing.He let her in. And now, here they were.He dragged a hand down his face. “Bella—”She cut him off, her tone light. “I just wanted to tell you I have a fashion show next week. And I want you to be my plus one.”His jaw ticked. “And what makes you think I’d want to go with you?”“Besides,” he added, “that’s the same day as Zac’s wedding. I’m suppos
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 101: The Calm After
Mia sat by the window of one of the guest rooms, staring out at the quiet private street below. She had woken up last night to find her parents there, relieved beyond words. Everyone had been excited, celebrating like their lives were a fresh start. But there was still no news. No trace of the kidnappers. No explanation for why they had wanted their wedding called off.She smiled, assured them she was fine. What else was she supposed to do? She felt better—or at least, she told herself she did. But deep down, there was still a nagging feeling that everything was somehow her fault.However, Samantha had brushed it off countless times. She was more than grateful they were both alive and safe—that was all that mattered now. *******A soft knock sounded before the door cracked open.Samantha peeked in, spotting Mia by the window, her hair damp from a morning shower.“You look like you’re waiting for a jailbreak,” Samantha said, stepping in.Mia looked at her, stretching slightly. “Yeah
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 100: Paper and Power
More than three hours had passed, and Mia still hadn’t opened her eyes. Her breathing was faint but steady.The doctor checked her vitals once more, adjusting his stethoscope. He straightened up with the faintest trace of relief on his face.“She’s stable,” he said, making a note on his pad. “But she needs rest. Her body is depleted from severe dehydration and lack of food. It’s no surprise she hasn’t woken yet.”He glanced at Zac, a silent warning in his eyes. “She can’t keep pushing herself like this. You need to make sure she doesn’t.”Zac didn’t move from the chair beside the bed. His fingers idly traced the back of Mia’s hand, his eyes fixed on her face, searching for any sign of movements.“Of course,” he murmured, barely looking up. “She’ll stay here as long as she needs.” His eyes shifted to the chair, where Samantha sat wrapped in a blanket, her face etched with concern. “Both of them will. I’ll take care of everything.”The doctor nodded, closing his kit. “Let her rest. She’
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 99: The Rescue 2
Samantha lay still on the cold floor. Her breathing was shallow, eyes half-closed as she listened. Their boots scraped against the dusty floor, their hushed voices cutting through the thick smoke.The leader barely spared her a glance, “where are the sedatives?” he yelled.“There’s no need, she’s already knocked out.” The man who wanted to take her muttered.He knelt, pulling out his pocket knife. With quick, precise movements, he sliced through the ropes binding her ankles, then reached for her wrists. “She doesn’t look good, boss,” he said, cutting the last of the restraints.Without delay, he threw her over his shoulder, adjusting his grip.Then—the sound of gunfire cut through the air.A sharp crack split through the room. One of the men near the door jerked back, pressing his wounded arm. The remaining captors didn’t wait. They ran fast, disappearing into the smoke, slipping through open windows and narrow escape routes. They were ghosts in this place—vanishing through the hidde
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 98: Samantha’s Rescue 1
Mia pounded on the door, her knuckles raw from the force of her knocking. “Come on, open up!”She knocked again, harder this time, but Zac still didn’t answer. It was barely 4 AM, but urgency coursed through her veins like fire.Inside, Zac wasn’t ignoring her—he was in the bathroom, showering, trying to clear his head from the haze of restless sleep. The insistent knocking pulled him out of it. He quickly grabbed a pair of shorts, put them on, and rushed to the door.The second he unlocked it, Mia, who had been leaning against it, lost her balance and stumbled forward—straight into his bare chest.Mia’s breath hitched. She looked up at him, momentarily caught off guard by the closeness—the hard lines of his torso, the faint scent of soap mixed with shampoo. It wasn’t the first time she’d seen him like this. But it still hit just as hard.She pushed herself upright, shaking off the distraction. “Zac,” she said, pulling out her phone in one swift motion. The screen lit up between them
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 97: A Desperate Lead
Just as Mia reached the top, Zac was stepping out of his room. They collided hard, nearly knocking each other over. “Mia?” His hands gripped her arms, steadying her. “Are you okay? What’s going on?” She was breathless, her chest rising and falling as she tried to speak. “Mia?” His brows furrowed. “Did they call you?” “No,” she gasped, shaking her head quickly. “No, not at all. But I think… I think there’s a way. A possibility we can get to her.” His grip loosened slightly. “Alright,” he said, “let’s hear it.” He guided her inside his bedroom—her second time being here. It was familiar now, though the circumstances were far from comfortable. Mia turned to him, her eyes sharp with urgency. “We need to contact Xiang.” Zac’s eyes darkened instantly. His jaw clenched, arms crossing over his chest. “Xiang?” he repeated with a sharp tone. “Why the hell would we contact him?” He sighed. “What if he had a hand in the kidnapping?” Mia shook her head firmly. “No. I know Xiang. He might
THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE CHAPTER 96: A Glimpse of Hope
“You’ll be leading us straight to our own graves,” Fred muttered.Mia’s nostrils flared in anger as she clenched her fists so tightly until her nails dug into her palms. Her body trembled, but she forced herself to stay quiet, swallowing the fury burning inside her.Zac was surprised at Fred’s reaction, but he knew better than to argue with his future father-in-law. “Mr. Williams, we’re doing our very best to ensure Samantha’s safe return.” He glanced at Mia before continuing, “If you’ll excuse me.” He nodded toward the security guard and headed outside. Angelo followed shortly after, leaving Mia with her mother.The moment the door shut, Mia’s fury exploded.“What the hell are you saying, Dad?” She whirled on Fred, her voice almost shaking. “You don’t get to decide what’s best here!”Fred’s jaw tightened. “Mia—”“You don’t even know half of what’s going on!” Mia retorted.Sarah, who had been silent until now, placed a hand on Mia’s arm. “Mia, I think you should consider what your f
