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Chapter 98: Illusion
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2022-06-23 14:04:48Related chapters
The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 99: The Invitation
Byron didn't think he would see Nova again for a few weeks if not months. He feared it might even be forever. Her contract with his studio wasn't yet renewed, and if she really hated him, she would probably sign on with any other studio of her choice. She was really making a name for herself, and any movie producer would be happy to sign her on.Byron was planning some low-key world domination in his office when his receptionist rang and said in an excited voice that Nova Summers was here to see him.Byron took a breath. He had a feeling this meant trouble. She couldn't have forgiven him so quickly, which meant she was probably here to tell him off."Still the same old office," Nova said, looking around. "Not much has changed here... except you." She looked a little pale and tired, and Byron felt guilty about putting her through the emotional ringer. "Did you come here to tell me what a terrible person I am?" he asked."No. I should have trusted my instincts, but sometimes it's h
Last Updated : 2022-06-23The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 100: The Balanced Dinner
Emily got on the phone at once, rushing into the house along with the two dogs, who thought maybe this was a fun game of tag. "Yo," Carter answered in his charming way."Carter? Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow?" she asked while the dogs panted by her side, waiting for more playtime."Um... I might have a thing tomorrow..." Carter said vaguely."Are you sure?" she asked in a sing-song voice, "Because you might miss an opportunity to meet Nova Summers.""Get out of here!" Carter cried. "Nova Summers, the hottest actress in the world, is going to be at your house tomorrow?""That's right, and she's every bit as fabulous in real life," Emily said, rolling her eyes, "So are you in?""You bet I'm in, baby."Emily was very pleased with her plan. She really did want to annoy Byron. It was one thing to have friends that one's partner might not approve of, but he insisted on seeing Nova so much, and hadn't even asked her before inviting Nova to the house. She was hardl
Last Updated : 2022-06-23The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 101: "This is a good thing?"
While the men inspected each other's motorcycles, Emily took the opportunity to talk to Nova about something else. She didn't want her to get too carried away when it came to Carter."Please don't take Carter seriously," Emily advised. "He's a bit of a clown, for lack of a better word.""I don't believe it," Nova whispered dramatically. "You want all the men to yourself, don't you? It's not enough for you that you're engaged to Byron!""That's not true," Emily protested, "I just wanted to warn you about getting too interested in Carter. I've known him ever since he was young. All he does is putter around, never having a real girlfriend or a real job.""Well, thank you for the Employment Bureau report," Nova huffed, "But I'll make up my own mind.""Suit yourself," Emily said. Everyone had a chance to sober up while Emily and Nova played with the dogs and discussed fashion news, and the men went to Byron's home gym to compete in bench pressing.They gathered in the living room fo
Last Updated : 2022-06-23The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 102: A Spy Adventure
Emily worked overtime on her new collection to have everything prepared for Fashion Week. She hardly even saw any of her friends, so she was a little annoyed when none other than Nova Summers strode gracefully into her studio wearing an extravagant sun hat."I hope you're happy!" Nova said with no preamble. "Carter dumped me."This was shocking news considering how much Carter seemed to adore Nova. One would think a guy like him would be lucky to date a movie star, but then again, it was Carter. Emily even forgot her annoyance for the moment. "How could he?" she asked.Nova rolled her eyes. "He said something about being a lone wolf or something stupid like that.""I told you," Emily replied, "he's an idiot."Nova made a dramatic gesture with her hands. "I know, I should have listened to you." "You are way out of his league, so it's probably for the best," Emily concluded."That's true," Nova agreed, "I couldn't see it as a long-term thing anyways. He's always trying to climb m
Last Updated : 2022-06-23The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 103: The Meeting
A couple of Byron's security agents went on ahead to check out the hotel on the day of the meeting. They found nothing at all suspicious about the premises, and so Emily and Byron arrived at the appointed time.They sat down at a small table. The security agents were still around in case anything went wrong, but Emily still felt a little jittery.It was already seven, but no one had shown up."Maybe it's Quinn Faines!" Emily suggested."Yeah, you wish, naughty kid," Byron said, "Still planning to run away with him?""If I was, I wouldn't tell you," she replied.At five past seven, the bar was still mostly empty, and no one came to greet them."Maybe it's a practical joke, and they just stood us up," Byron said after another couple of minutes had passed.Just as he said it, his eyes alighted on a man who had entered the bar and was heading straight towards them.He was a good-looking man, possibly in his sixties. His hair and stylish goatee were both grey, but his skin looked h
Last Updated : 2022-06-23The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 104: New Trouble
"I'm really sorry about all of this," Emily said, "especially my part in it.""You don't have to be, really," Byron said. His driving became less rough, although Emily could tell he was tense. "My dad is the one who decided to come back after these years, uninvited. I just don't want to relive the old trauma...""Then don't," Emily said. "I know it's easy for me to say, but try not look back at the past."Byron laughed with a touch of bitterness. "You're right. I'm sure my father will just bring some new troubles into my life, so I can focus on present trauma instead.""You're such a sweet ray of sunshine! How about we get some pizza?""Sure!" Byron agreed at once. He often enjoyed caviar wrapped in the finest crepes prepared by his personal chef or making his own gourmet creations such as eggplant lasagna or sauteed scallops. But once in a while he craved fast food burgers or a good old fashioned pepperoni pizza from some humble family restaurant. It might have been temporary ins
Last Updated : 2022-06-23The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 105: The Birthday Crashers
"It's my birthday, and I want to die," Byron groaned as he struggled out of bed in the morning.Emily was horrified for a moment. "Don't say that!""Oh, sorry, I don't mean literally," he corrected, "I promised I would tell you if I ever felt suicidal again.""And you haven't?" she asked tensely."Not yet. I just don't want to celebrate growing older."Emily got up too and searched her dresser for some clothes fit for the occasion. She wanted nothing too dressy, but something casual yet fun. She chose a flouncy yellow blouse with a white skirt. "We don't have to celebrate much," she said. "Maybe just have a nice dinner, watch a movie."But their plans were derailed when the doorbell rang that afternoon and Sylvia showed up with a big strawberry cake. Emily regretted not making an escape plan since Byron clearly didn't want his birthday to be a big deal, but now it was too late. Byron was very sweet, though."Thanks for coming over, mom," he said, "and for giving birth to me
Last Updated : 2022-06-23The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 106: A Fellow Soldier
Much to Emily's surprise, Teddy actually made it to the fashion show on her invitation. It was the show of another designer, a friend of hers, so Emily could relax and sit in the audience. Although she was still not sure whether she was doing the right thing by encouraging the reunion, she was glad of the chance to talk to Teddy and get to know him more. When she spotted him at the entrance to the fashion show, he was blending in with a fashionable shirt and faux leather trousers. "I'm glad we could do this," he said, "though I don't want you to get in trouble for supporting Team Teddy. Not a very popular choice right now.""It'll be fine," Emily said. "Byron knows I'm trying to help him. I've had to fight him on certain issues before... But he was upset about you coming to his birthday.""I didn't mean to upset him," Teddy said. "I wish I could take a more gradual approach, but I don't have much time. I can't be away from my work too long."They entered the bustling lobby an
Last Updated : 2022-06-23
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The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 169: The First Chapter
Emily felt such a strong current of desire running throughout her frame. It was always the most overwhelming sensation, being engulfed in the torrent of his kisses. It was one of those times when she was reminded how fierce and powerful her love for him really was. Sometimes day-to-day life interfered and made her forget that there was a man by her side who would do anything for her. When he showed how much he loved her, whether it was with grand gestures and romantic trips or simply the way he kissed her, it felt like the rebirth of a love that was too beautiful for words.Holding him in her arms and knowing how much he desired her nearly made her faint every time. It enchanted every single cell of her being, making the rest of the world a mere blur compared to the hot passion coursing through her body."I love you," she murmured as they rested in the sumptuous bed. "Thanks for always being there for me.""You don't have to thank me," he said, gazing back at her with a look fi
The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 168: Chopping Wood
A few days later, Emily woke up to a grey and rainy day, but she was eager to get out of bed. It was the day of their trip. Byron was already up, pulling a tight t-shirt over his muscular torso. He looked way too awake for the earliness of the hour."Today's dress code: motorcycle gear," he said, eyes shining eagerly."It's a road trip?" Emily exclaimed."Yes indeed!"They could have flown anywhere in the world on their private jet, but for some reason Emily was more excited about a trip to the nearby mountains, just like they had always done. It reminded her of the early days of their relationship when they swiftly fell in love, and she had fallen in love with everything about this landscape too. And in some ways, not that much had changed."It's going to be a rugged journey," Byron said, "but don't worry, I've prepared some amenities at our destination.""What is that supposed to mean?" she asked."You don't need to pack too much stuff, just your basic clothes."They left t
The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 167: Choices
Byron poured a lot of funds into the construction of the wave pool, and a few months later, it was built and ready for use.The building looked sleek and contemporary on the outside, while inside it was a warm oasis away from the autumn chill.Mandy swam and frolicked in the waves with her friends, stopping only to sip a bit of juice, then she was back in the water for more splashing. The high ceiling allowed natural light to come in through its numerous skylights, giving the space the ambience of a warm beach. The wave pool was definitely a hit. Emily and Byron watched the kids, lounging on deck chairs by the water."It's not quite as relaxing as a real beach, but it'll do," Byron said as the echoes of children's voices bounced around the vast space. Ripples of sunlight reflected off the water and played over his face."The kids don't seem to care if it's relaxing or not," Emily said, observing them race each other in the waves. "But as long as they're happy…""Do you think Man
The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 166: Making Waves
"Can I do it when I'm six?" Mandy asked, not letting go of the idea of being on television."No," Emily said firmly."Can I do it when I'm seven?""No.""Ten?""Maybe." Emily hoped the whole discussion would be forgotten after that many years. She never wanted her child on a so-called talent show which was probably rigged anyway.Luckily, Mandy was distracted by her friend, and the two girls went to play outside."She's so talented," Katie said, "You should take her to a music academy. I'll bet she's going to be a sensation."Emily shook her head. "She's way too young. Please don't get excited. I know it seems like showing her talent to the world is a good thing, but too many child stars have started out on brilliant careers only to burn out as teenagers. I definitely don't want that for Mandy.""You're right, Talent Quest is a bit of a freak show," Katie said, "but don't you want her to at least learn as much as she can to reach her full potential?""She's got all the time i
The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 165: Big Purchases
Byron took a long breath. "Okay, don't be mad at me but… I bought Charmers. And now every single branch of Charmers will carry your brand of clothing.""Byron, you promised me you wouldn't do that!" Emily was so disappointed she was hardly even tempted by the creamy pasta."I promised I wouldn't destroy them," he said, a sly smile playing about his lips, "and I don't intend to. I've even kept Simone around, though in a slightly less senior role. She couldn't be induced to resign. The woman is very stubborn, but I know you don't like us to make enemies…""So you took over the company she was running, and you don't think she'd be mad?""Not as mad as I was when you told me she dropped your products," Byron retorted, "But believe it or not she's actually okay with the takeover. Charmers were struggling financially anyway. Believe me, I did them a favor.""Well you didn't do me a favor," Emily retorted. "I didn't want you to get involved.""But—""I'm capable of solving my own probl
The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 164: Not so Lucky
"I pet a big white dog!" Mandy announced when they got home.The dogs spun around the new arrivals in a furry whirlwind, and Emily was relieved to be with her four-legged friends. She was glad she hadn't brought them to work that day to be despised by Simone."That's good," Byron said, greeting Mandy and Emily with kisses."I was not so lucky," Emily said."Mommy didn't have time to play with doggie," Mandy said sadly."And on top of that, I lost a really big client…" Emily added. She took off her shoes and collapsed on the living room couch."Lady said the 'f word'," Mandy recalled. Byron raised his eyebrows. "I know I'm not allowed to say it," Mandy continued, "but she didn't know that.""What the heck happened over there?" Byron asked."Ugh! I can't even go into right now," Emily lay back on the couch and closed her eyes, trying to shut out the stress of the day. "Simone made me so mad.""Lady was silly," Mandy said."Yes, she was very silly," Emily confirmed.Byron s
The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 163: The Meeting
Emily was in a playful mood the next morning. She didn't want to get out of bed, even though she had an important meeting. The date night had ended in a rather passionate episode. Mandy was already asleep by the time they got back home, and they made the most of their time. It was not exactly rare for them to have alone time, but maybe it didn't happen as often as before."You're very giggly," Byron noted. "I thought you'd be tired after last night."He was a bit sleepy but didn't mind indulging her desires when she kissed his face and body all over."Thanks for helping me feel relaxed when I should be nervous," Emily said as she got up to get dressed. "Simone Cather is coming in for a meeting today. I've never worked with her before, but I hear she can be difficult. I'm going to bring Mandy with me to win her over with cuteness."Simone had just taken over leadership of Charmers, the biggest fashion retail store in the country. Emily had a good relationship with the previous CEO
The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 162: Doing "Fairly Well"
Emily was able to run some errands while Sylvia gave Mandy her first piano lesson. She was glad to have a bit of time to shop, and Sylvia insisted on not having anyone interfere in her tutelage anyway. Emily wondered how Sylvia would cope being left alone with her granddaughter. She had been out a couple of hours, and she hoped they hadn't killed each other.Contrary to her expectations, the house was quiet when she entered. Sylvia and Mandy were deep in conversation over tea and cookies."Mommy! Mommy!" Mandy ran over to greet her."How was your lesson?" Emily asked."I learned to play piano!""She did fairly well," Sylvia said. This sounded like high praise from someone who was more used to criticizing.Mandy sat down at the piano with very good posture to show Emily what she'd learned. She played Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. It was a simple piece that most kids started with, but Emily was amazed that Mandy played it so flawlessly. She kept up a steady rhythmic accompanimen
The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Chapter 161: Cave Explorer
Unschooling was a little harder to commit to than Emily had imagined. She knew that there were plenty of learning opportunities for Mandy at home, but sometimes work demands, or just wanting a bit of time to herself made her reluctant to teach the kid.It was early September, and the unschooling had been going on for a week. Emily was working on her sketches in her home office while Mandy watched an educational program in the cinema room. It didn't seem like too much time had passed, but when Emily looked up from her sketch, the house felt unusually quiet. She went into the cinema room and saw that Mandy must have finished her program and dutifully turned the screen off. She was an amazingly responsible child in some respects."Mandy!" Emily called, "Where are you, Mandikins?"An eerie silence filled the large house. Emily checked all the rooms, but her daughter was nowhere to be found. Surely she wouldn't have gone outside all by herself? For a chilling moment, she thought the
