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13

Author: Insertwritername
last update Last Updated: 2025-01-15 19:59:41

We strolled down the street, stopping at a small ice cream shop. Jack’s eyes lit up as he pressed his face against the glass display, his little fingers pointing excitedly at the colorful flavors.

“Chocolate or strawberry?” I asked with a smile.

“Both!” he exclaimed, bouncing on his toes.

I laughed and ordered a scoop of each. The cashier handed me the cone, and I bent down to give it to Jack, who accepted it like it was the greatest treasure in the world. His happy grin was infectious, and I couldn’t help but feel a surge of warmth.

But my smile immediately faded when I turned to pay and realized Jack was no longer by my side.

“Jack?” I called, my voice rising in panic.

I spun around, scanning the busy street. My heart pounded as I pushed through the crowd, calling his name over and over.

And then I saw him.

In the middle of the sidewalk, held securely in the arms of the one person I didn’t want to see—Leo.

My heart dropped. For a second, I froze in placs, unsure of what to do. But w
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  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   14

    Leo’s POV "Is this the last meeting with the organizers?" I flipped my wrist to check the time as I headed to the location Dennis had texted me while he took care of things at the office. "Yes sir," he said, "you also need to meet with the-" "Oh no!" A tiny voice gasped. I looked down with furrowed eyebrows at the figure that had bumped into me. At first, I thought it was my imagination, since I'd spent all night thinking about it but it was Bella's son. "I will call you back," I said to Dennis who was still mid way through speaking, hanging up and crouching to the boy's height. "I'm sorry," he said. "Where's your mom?" I'd asked him, knowing Bella wouldn't have left him to wander off and heavens when I saw her, her panicked face staring in confusion, I almost died. She was ethereal. Her hair was in a simple ponytail, and the way those jeans hugged her curves, I felt a shift in my pants, unlike I ever had. I knew I couldn't let her go just like that, I needed more t

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  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   15

    Bella’s POVJack had been unusually quiet on the ride back, his little hand gripping mine tightly as if sensing my unease. I couldn’t shake the image of Leo holding him, the way he’d looked at Jack like he was searching for something.As soon as we walked inside, Jack ran straight to Ryan, who was sitting on the couch with a book in hand. His face lit up when he saw Jack, but his smile faltered the moment Jack started talking.“Daddy! Guess what happened today!” Jack’s voice was bright, but I could hear the excitement fading as he recalled the details. “I bumped into a man, and he said I got ice cream on his pants. Then Mommy got mad at him!”Ryan put the book down, his expression instantly serious. “What man, Jack?”Jack hesitated, looking at me for reassurance. I sighed and stepped closer. “It was Leo,” I said quietly.Ryan’s jaw tightened. “Leo?”Jack nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah. He was nice! He helped me when I got lost.”Ryan turned to me, his voice sharp but low, mindful of

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  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   16

    Leo's POVI sat at the bar, swirling my drink, trying to drown out the noise around me. Henry and Matthew were talking, but I barely registered their words. My mind kept circling back to the same problem, the DNA test. The results had come back, and the kid wasn’t mine.I kept staring blankly.Henry had called Matthew, an older friend of ours seeing how I was barely having a conversation with him.Matthew noticed my silence first. “You good, man?” he asked, taking a sip of his own drink.I shook my head, frustration bubbling up again. “I asked my assistant to run a DNA test,” I muttered. “Turns out, the kid’s not mine.”The words were bitter on my tongue, and I could feel the tension building inside me. Henry and Matthew exchanged a quick glance before Henry spoke up. “What? You sure? How did you meet with him so quickly?""That's a long story," I nodded, gripping my glass tighter. “Yeah, I’m sure. It came back negative.”Matthew frowned, setting his drink down. “That’s... heavy, m

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  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   17

    Leo's POVI wasn't sure what was going through my mind but I took my leave. I headed straight to the car, I hated late night driving even worse and would have called Dennis to come drive me home but I couldn't waste one more second here. "Dennis, call Bella." I instructed him once I was in the car, strapping my seat belt. "Uh, sir?" He answered with confusion from the other end. "Call her. Now." I did sharply. "I don't think I have—" he started but I cut him off. "Find her! I need her address." I started the car in motion even though I had no idea where I was going. "Right now?" "Yes, right now!" "Okay, okay. Give me a second." He said, holding me. I brought the car to a halt so I could wait for his report. I paced, gripping my phone tightly. A few minutes later, Dennis called back. "I've got it. Sending it to you now." I didn't say a word. I hung up, grabbed my keys, and headed out the door. I wasn't sure what I was doing exactly. I didn't know where I was goi

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  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   18

    Bella's POVI thought I was dreaming at first. I sat in the passenger seat, my arms crossed, watching Leo's hands grip the wheel like a lifeline. The road ahead was dark, and the occasional flash of headlights from passing cars illuminated his face, sharp and unreadable."Leo, stop the car," I said when my brain finally processed all that was happening. When I’d gone outside to take the call from Ryan the last thing I expected was for my ex husband to show up out of nowhere. He didn't answer."Leo!" I snapped, louder this time. "Where are we going? This is insane.”Nothing. He didn't even flinch, his eyes fixed on the road.My chest tightened. "If you don't stop this car right now, I swear I'll—""Bella," he said suddenly, cutting me off. His voice was low, almost a whisper. "Please. Just trust me."Trust him? After he'd dragged me out of my house in the middle of the night without an explanation? My blood boiled. "Trust you?" I laughed bitterly. "Are you serious? You're the last

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  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   19

    I stared blankly at him, blinking a few times.Spend the night together?I shook my head. No. No way.I peeled my eyes away from him, pushing the door open, stepping out. Cold rain hit my skin instantly. I shivered."I'm heading back home," I said. Behind me, I heard his door open. I frowned, not looking at him as he slammed the driver's seat closed behind me. "And once I get back, I'll get you fucking arrested."I put my hands to my head like it was a shield from the rain, squinting my eyes to see the road back, if there would be any way to get back on my own.I was about to start walking when he held my hand, "there's no point," he yelled over the loud showers, "you can't find your way back in this rain."I pulled free from him, "yeah, I wonder why, because none of this would have happened if I was at home!""Great," I muttered, storming toward the cabin, gating the cold against my skin. "Bella—""Don't talk to me," I snapped. "Don't even look at me."He said nothing. But I could f

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  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   20

    Leo’s POVListening to her speak, my eyes were focused on her lips. They were just as beautiful as I remembered, her words started to fade away anf I found myself leaning closer.Her lips were soft, warmer than I remembered.For a second, she kissed me back. Her hands almost reached for my neck, pulling me closer. I could feel her heartbeat racing against mine.But then, she froze.Bella pulled back fast, eyes wide, breath uneven. Without warning, she reached in, striking my face with a slap.It stung but barely did a thing to make me move."What-what was that?" Her voice cracked, full of panic.I didn’t know how to answer."You fucking bastard, Leo, how dare you?!" She took a step away from me, "so not only did you choose to kidnap me, you assaulted me too?"Hearing the genuine hurt in my voice made me realise I crossed the line, unlike me, she really wasn't stuck on two years ago.It stung my chest how she repelled from me."Bella, wait." I reached for her, but she stepped back, s

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  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   21

    Bella’s POVThe rain was cold. It soaked through my clothes, chilling me to the bone. But none of that mattered. I was focused on Leo. His breathing was uneven, his eyes wide and unfocused. I didn’t understand what had happened. I didn’t ask. I just knew I had to get him inside.I’d left angered, hating that for a short minute I had kissed him back. But more than that I was completely shocked by what just transpired. “Come on,” I whispered, wrapping my arm around his waist. He was heavy, his body tense, but he didn’t resist. His steps were slow, uneven. Like he wasn’t really here. Like his mind was somewhere far away.We stumbled back into the cabin. The door creaked shut behind us. The rain kept pounding outside, but in here, it was quieter. I guided him to the small couch, helping him sit. His shirt was soaked, clinging to his skin. His chest rose and fell fast, like he couldn’t catch his breath.I didn’t know what to say. So, I said nothing.I found a towel draped over a chair. I

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Latest chapter

  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   28

    Leo slammed the door shut behind him pinning me to the wall both his hands by the sides of my head.“What is this?” he demanded, his voice low and intense, his face only inches from mine. “What are you playing at?”I tilted my chin up, meeting his gaze without a hint of fear. “And what is this?" I frowned, staring at him in irritation.His eyes searched mine, still in shock. “Why?” His voice cracked just slightly. “Why are you doing this?”I pushed against his chest, slipping out from under his arm. “If you have nothing more to say, I’ll take my leave.”He grabbed my wrist, his grip tightening just enough to stop me but not hurt. “Bella.” His tone softened for a brief second. I yanked my hand away, my eyes cold. “I think I made myself clear, if you have anything to say, speak with my team."Without waiting for a response, I walked to the door.But just as I stepped into the hallway, Stella was there, her face twisted in rage. She stormed toward me, her heels clicking sharply against

  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   27

    I stopped right in front of Leo, folding my arms across my chest, a smirk curling at the corner of my lips.“I want to be part of the competition,” I said, my voice calm but firm, “and in exchange, if I win, I want the necklace you gave to Stella. The one from that day in the hospital.”A wave of gasps rippled through the crowd.Stella’s face twisted in shock, then fury. Her eyes darted to Leo, her hands clenching into tight fists at her sides.“No!” she nearly screamed. “No way! That necklace is mine! You can’t take it from me!”Her voice echoed through the hall, her carefully polished image cracking right in front of everyone.The flashes kept coming, reporters whispering, trying to get every word.Leo didn’t move or say anything at first, still staring at me like he wasn’t sure if this was real.“Leo!” Stella’s voice shook. “Tell her! Tell her she can’t have it!”His eyes finally left mine, glancing at her briefly, but there was no reassurance in his expression."You need to speak

  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   26

    The boutique was elegant, the kind of place where everything was overpriced, and the staff only treated you well if they thought you had money.I had money. More than they could imagine.I ran my fingers over a silk gown, considering it, when a sharp, familiar laugh made me pause.“I still can’t believe it,” a voice drawled behind me. “After all those years, and she ended up with nothing.”I didn’t turn around. I didn’t need to.Stella.“Oh, come on,” another voice joined in, dripping with false pity. “She didn’t end up with nothing. She married some nobody. That counts for something, right?”Laughter.My grip on the fabric tightened.“She thought she could do better than Leo.” Stella’s voice was laced with amusement. “And now look at her. No power, no name, no future. Honestly, it’s a little pathetic.”More laughter. Whispered comments.They wanted me to hear them.They wanted a reaction.Slowly, I turned, letting my eyes settle on Stella. She was standing with two other women, both

  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   25

    I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my cufflinks. My black tux fit perfectly, sharp and tailored. The crisp white shirt underneath, paired with a dark silk tie, made the look complete. My shoes were polished until they shined, and my hair was styled neatly. I looked every bit the part for tonight’s event.But I couldn’t focus on how I looked. My mind was elsewhere.“Dennis,” I called out as I fixed my tie one last time. “Any news from her team?”Dennis stood by the door, his phone in hand. He glanced at the screen and shook his head. “No news, sir. Nothing at all.”I frowned. “She hasn’t said why she’s doing this? Others have begged her to show up before, and she always refused. Why now?”Dennis cleared his throat. “No reason given, sir. No statement from her team.”I nodded slowly, the same questions running through my mind. Why this event? Why here?“You ready?” Dennis asked.I adjusted my jacket, giving myself one last look. “Yeah, let’s go.”We arrived at the event, and the

  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   24

    “Who?” I frowned, narrowing my eyes at Dennis.Dennis cleared his throat. “Le Deon, sir.”I froze. “Le Deon?” I repeated slowly.He nodded, adjusting his tie nervously. “Yes, sir. The Le Deon.”For a second, I said nothing. Le Deon was the biggest name in jewelry design. She sold her pieces to billionaires and high-end companies. Everyone in the industry knew the name, but no one had ever seen her face. She was a complete mystery—just a name behind a massive empire.And now, apparently, she had signed up for my competition.Dennis shifted on his feet, looking more uncomfortable by the second. “Sir, you can’t cancel the event. She’s already spread the news that she’ll be participating. And…” He paused, hesitating.“And what?” I asked, my voice sharp.“She’s… doing a face reveal at the event. It’s causing a stir on social media. Millions are talking about it,” Dennis finished.I blinked, processing his words. Le Deon. The most secretive designer in the world. Doing a face reveal—at my e

  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   23

    Leo’s POVI woke up with a sharp headache, my hands instinctively went to search the space beside me.Empty.She was gone.I sat up wincing and groaning, massaging my temples.I stared at the empty space, so none of last night was a dream after all. I clenched my jaw, my fists tightening on the blanket.She chose him. A man who couldn’t even love her the way I did. The child wasn’t mine. Every illusion I’d clung to was all shattered in an instant.Two years. Two fucking years of searching for her, chasing shadows, thinking I could fix what was broken. What a joke.I swung my legs off the bed, grabbing my clothes from the floor. My movements were stiff, cold.“Enough,” I muttered to myself. “No more.”I stormed out of the cabin and got into the car. My hands gripped the steering wheel as I drove back to the house, the anger simmering beneath my skin.The front door swung open as soon as I parked. My mother stood there, arms crossed, eyes narrowed.“Leo!” she snapped. “Where were you? I

  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   22

    Bella’s POVI stared down at his hand holding mind, trailing my gaze up until I met his eyes and then back at his hand. I snatched my hand from his grip and repelled. I could still feel the warmth of his hand on mine, even though I wasn’t holding it anymore. His eyes had been so intense, pulling me in, making me forget, just for a second, everything that had happened. Everything he’d done.For a brief moment, I let myself get lost in it. In him. His gaze. His warmth. The familiar feeling that used to make my heart race.But then it hit me.Like a slap to my own face.I pulled my hand away fast, my heart pounding for a different reason now. Anger. Disgust. At him. At myself.What the hell was I doing?I stood up quickly, putting distance between us. His eyes followed me, confused, maybe even hurt. But I didn’t care. I wasn’t going to fall for it. Not again.I heard the bed creak as he shuffled in bed. I crossed my arms over my chest, my jaw tight. “No,” I muttered under my breath,

  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   21

    Bella’s POVThe rain was cold. It soaked through my clothes, chilling me to the bone. But none of that mattered. I was focused on Leo. His breathing was uneven, his eyes wide and unfocused. I didn’t understand what had happened. I didn’t ask. I just knew I had to get him inside.I’d left angered, hating that for a short minute I had kissed him back. But more than that I was completely shocked by what just transpired. “Come on,” I whispered, wrapping my arm around his waist. He was heavy, his body tense, but he didn’t resist. His steps were slow, uneven. Like he wasn’t really here. Like his mind was somewhere far away.We stumbled back into the cabin. The door creaked shut behind us. The rain kept pounding outside, but in here, it was quieter. I guided him to the small couch, helping him sit. His shirt was soaked, clinging to his skin. His chest rose and fell fast, like he couldn’t catch his breath.I didn’t know what to say. So, I said nothing.I found a towel draped over a chair. I

  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   20

    Leo’s POVListening to her speak, my eyes were focused on her lips. They were just as beautiful as I remembered, her words started to fade away anf I found myself leaning closer.Her lips were soft, warmer than I remembered.For a second, she kissed me back. Her hands almost reached for my neck, pulling me closer. I could feel her heartbeat racing against mine.But then, she froze.Bella pulled back fast, eyes wide, breath uneven. Without warning, she reached in, striking my face with a slap.It stung but barely did a thing to make me move."What-what was that?" Her voice cracked, full of panic.I didn’t know how to answer."You fucking bastard, Leo, how dare you?!" She took a step away from me, "so not only did you choose to kidnap me, you assaulted me too?"Hearing the genuine hurt in my voice made me realise I crossed the line, unlike me, she really wasn't stuck on two years ago.It stung my chest how she repelled from me."Bella, wait." I reached for her, but she stepped back, s

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