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The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 23
Leo’s POV I 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 snap
Last Updated : 2025-02-07The 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
Last Updated : 2025-02-08The 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
Last Updated : 2025-02-09The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 26
Bella's pov As soon as I got to the boutique, 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, still shopping off the racks like some loser I see." 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 of them holding a fancy bag in their hands. "Oh Bella!" she greete
Last Updated : 2025-02-10The 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
Last Updated : 2025-02-11The 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
Last Updated : 2025-02-12The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 29
The floor shook beneath me as the explosion echoed through the walls. My ears rang, and for a second, all I could hear was that awful, deafening silence that came right after the blast. Then the alarms started blaring, sharp and panicked, filling the house with a blinding red glow.“what was that?!”Ryan was already on his feet, his face pale. “Jack!” he shouted, his voice hoarse. He turned and sprinted toward the hallway before I could even move.I forced myself to run after him, my bare feet slapping against the cold floor. Smoke seeped in through the cracks of the front door, thick and dark. A burning smell filled the air, sharp and suffocating. My chest tightened as I coughed, but I pushed forward.Ryan reached Jack’s room first, throwing the door open so hard it slammed against the wall. Jack was still asleep, curled up under his blankets, completely unaware of the chaos happening around us.“Jack!” Ryan rushed to the bed and scooped him up, cradling him in his arms. Jack stirred
Last Updated : 2025-02-14The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 30
I walked out of the venue, my fists clenched so tight my nails dug into my palms. The flashes, the questions, the whispers, everything was still ringing in my head. Bella. Le Deon. I shoved a hand through my hair, breathing hard. My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I yanked it out. Dennis.“What?” I snapped, pressing the phone to my ear.Dennis hesitated. “Sir, I didn’t know either,” he said quickly, as if he knew I was ready to explode. “I swear, I had no idea she had that much power in the company. No one did.”I exhaled sharply. That didn’t help.“Great,” I muttered. “So I just stood there like an idiot while she pulled the rug from under me.”Dennis sighed. “That’s not all. We’re getting calls, investors, sponsors, even competitors. They all want to know if you pissed her off. Some are worried she’ll pull out.”I stopped walking. My grip on the phone tightened.“She won’t,” I said, my voice cold.“Sir, you don’t know that,” Dennis said, his tone uneasy. “You saw her tonight. She d
Last Updated : 2025-02-15
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The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 41
Bella’s POVI turned sharply, grabbing the hotel phone on the nightstand. My fingers pressed the buttons fast, my other hand gripping my hip. The line rang twice before a voice answered.“Front desk, how may I assist you?”“Yes,” I said, forcing my voice to stay even. “There’s been a mistake. I was assigned a shared room, but I need my own. Fix it.”A brief pause. “May I have your name, ma’am?”I clenched my jaw. “Bella.”More typing on the other end. Then, “I’m very sorry, ma’am, but all rooms have been assigned. We are fully booked.”I exhaled, pressing my fingers to my temple. “There has to be another room.”“I do apologize, but we don’t have any available at the moment.”I closed my eyes. “So, you’re saying there’s nothing you can do?”A slight hesitation. “Not tonight, ma’am. I can put in a request to see if anything opens up tomorrow.”Tomorrow.I pulled the phone away, staring at it like I could crush it with my mind. Then I brought it back to my ear. “Forget it.” I slammed it
The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 40
Bella’s POVI grabbed Leo’s wrist the moment he stepped closer. Without a word, I pulled him away from the others, ignoring the murmurs and questioning looks. The second we were out of earshot, I let go and crossed my arms.“What is she doing here?” My voice was low, sharp.Leo ran a hand through his hair. “She’s sick.”I scoffed. “And?”He exhaled. “I couldn’t leave her behind like this.”I narrowed my eyes. “Leo, this is a business trip.”“And she needs me,” he shot back. “No one can take care of her the way I can.”I let out a slow breath, my patience thinning. “Do you have any idea how bad this looks? You showing up late with her—”“Then let them think what they want,” he interrupted. His voice was calm, but I could see the frustration behind his eyes.I stared at him, my fingers tightening against my arms. “You always do this.”His jaw clenched. “Do what?”“Put her above everything,” I said. “Even when you know it’s a bad idea.”His expression didn’t change. “She’s important to m
The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 39
Bella’s POVThe airport lounge was filled with noise—shareholders chatting, assistants running around, the occasional announcement blaring through the speakers. I sat in one of the sleek black chairs, legs crossed, fingers drumming lightly against my knee. My patience was wearing thin.Leo was late.I glanced at my watch for what felt like the hundredth time. He had fifteen more minutes before I made a decision he wouldn’t like.Across from me, Mr. Carson, one of the older shareholders, adjusted his glasses and leaned forward. “should we be concerned?”I turned to him with a small smile, controlled, professional. “Concerned about what, Mr. Carson?”He gestured vaguely. “Our CEO. If he doesn’t show up, it won’t be a good look for us when we land. The investors expect strong leadership.”I nodded, giving him a reassuring look. “And they’ll get that. Trust me, Mr. Carson, Leo knows how important this is.”Mrs. Patel, sitting beside him, arched a brow. “Then why is he late?”I kept my exp
The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 38
Bella’s POVMy bags were packed. My flight outfit was laid out. Everything was set.I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the blazer I had picked for the trip. Simple, professional, and most importantly, untouchable. I needed to be untouchable on this trip. No room for distractions. No room for Leo.Ryan sat on the couch, staring at his phone, his expression unreadable. His fingers tapped restlessly against his knee, a sure sign that something was bothering him.I crossed my arms, leaning against the doorway. “Alright, what is it?”He glanced up, hesitated, then sighed. “My dad. He’s mad at me for something again.”I rolled my eyes and walked over to sit beside him. “What is it this time?”Ryan shook his head. “Who knows? He just called, asked if I was really coming back, and then when I said I wasn’t sure, he just… sighed. You know that disappointed sigh he does?”I did know. I’d heard it before.I patted his knee. “Ryan, you can’t keep stressing over this. You know he’s never go
The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 37
Leo’s POVI stood by the window, arms crossed, watching the city lights flicker in the distance. My bags were packed, my schedule cleared, and lodged in the hotel ready to leave and yet here I was, stuck listening to Stella cry for the past fifteen minutes.“You can’t go, Leo!” she wailed, gripping the edge of my desk like her life depended on it. “You just can’t!”I sighed, rubbing the bridge of my nose. “Stella, I have to.”She shook her head violently. “No, you don’t! Why do you have to follow her? Why do you have to go on this stupid trip?!”I exhaled, forcing patience into my voice. “This is business.”“This is Bella!” She looked at me, eyes red and swollen. “She’s dragging you into something. You know she is!”I didn’t answer. Instead, I walked over to my wardrobe and grabbed the last of my things. Stella let out a frustrated noise and stomped her foot like a child. “Leo! Are you even listening to me?!”I turned to her. “Enough.”Her mouth snapped shut.I hated that I was snappi
The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 36
I kept my expression calm, my posture straight, my hands lightly clasped in front of me. Unbothered. Collected. Like I had everything under control.But inside?Oh, I was spiraling.This wasn’t the plan. Not at all.I had only called the meeting to push Leo out of sight. Not to launch an entire international expansion. That wasn’t what I came here for.But the moment the words left my mouth, I saw it—the shift in the room.The way the shareholders leaned in. The way their skepticism turned into consideration. The way Leo’s eyes narrowed at me like he was trying to figure out what I was up to.And I knew.If I backtracked now, they’d question everything. They’d start picking apart my motives, wondering why I suggested it in the first place. They’d doubt me.Doubt meant weakness.So, with the same unfazed smile, I said, “Sure.”And just like that, it was decided.The meeting continued for a while—discussions, planning, logistics—but my mind barely kept up. I nodded when needed, answered
The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 35
I leaned back in my chair, watching as Bella stood at the front of the boardroom. Her posture was confident, her chin slightly raised like she owned the place.She looked around the room, taking her time, making sure everyone’s eyes were on her.“I called this meeting,” she began, her voice smooth, steady. “Because there’s something important we need to discuss.”I crossed my arms, waiting.“The competition,” she continued. “It’s already a success, but I don’t believe in settling. We are going to take it further.”Murmurs spread through the room. Some of the board members exchanged glances. Others leaned forward, curious.Bella didn’t pause. “We are expanding the competition. Internationally.”Silence. Then, almost at once, the reactions came.“What?” One of the older board members frowned. “Internationally?”“Do you know how much work that would take?” another man asked, shaking his head.A woman near the end of the table adjusted her glasses. “That’s… a huge leap. Do we even have th
The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 34
Leo pov I drove back, my grip tight on the wheel, my jaw clenched so hard it hurt.Bella had looked me in the eyes and walked away. Like I was nothing. Like she didn’t care.She didn’t even hesitate.The streets blurred past me, but my mind was stuck on her. The way she stood there, cold, unshaken. The way she threatened to call the police, as if I was just some stranger in her way.I let out a harsh breath, slamming my palm against the steering wheel.So that was it?She really had no care for me. None.I pulled into my driveway and killed the engine, but I didn’t get out. I just sat there, staring ahead, my hands still gripping the wheel.Fine.If that’s how she wanted to play it, then I’d show her.She thought she could walk back into my world, make a statement, and then toss me aside?Oh, I was going to show her.She shouldn’t mess with me.I ran a hand through my hair, scanning through the report on my desk. The numbers were steady, but steady wasn’t good enough. We needed more.
The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 33
stared at Leo, my heart pounding, my hands clenched so tight my nails dug into my skin. He looked at me, waiting, like he had just said something that should change my whole world.I took a step closer. “And even so?” My voice was sharp, cutting through the night air. “What’s it to you?”Leo’s jaw tightened. “Bella—”I didn’t let him finish. “You think you can just stand here and tell me that like it matters? Like it changes anything?”His eyes darkened. “It does.”“No,” I snapped. “It doesn’t.” My breath was heavy. “You have no right to stand in my way, Leo. None.”He exhaled sharply. “Bella, listen—”“No,” I cut in again. I pointed a finger at him. “You listen to me. If you don’t get out of my way right now, I will call the police, and I will get you arrested. Do you hear me?”Leo stared at me like he couldn’t believe what I had just said. His lips parted, but no words came out.I didn’t wait for him to respond. I turned on my heels, walked straight to the car, and got in.Ryan shu
