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last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-01-09 21:59:40

I stared at the blood beneath me, my entire body frozen. My heart pounded so hard it felt like it might burst.

“Help! Somebody, please help!” I screamed, my voice breaking and echoing into the empty forest.

No one answered.

No one ever looked back until the last guest disappeared from my sight.

As if to make things worse, I heard the cracking sound of thunder through the skies, immediately followed by pouring rain that drowned out my cries.

My hands trembled as I pressed them to my stomach, tears streaming down my face.

“No, no, no,” I whispered, shaking my head. My breaths came in short, shallow gasps as fear hooked me.

I grabbed my phone, dialing Leo with shaking hands. It rang once, twice, then straight to voicemail. My stomach sank. He wasn’t coming.

I decided to text him instead, ‘Leo I’m bleeding , I need help.’

For a moment, I just sat there, helpless and scared.

I clenched my fists, forcing myself to breathe through the pain. “You can do this,” I whispered. My voice was shaky, and I didn't want to think about why I was bleeding.

Using a tree trunk for support, I dragged myself to my feet. Every step was more painful than the last, but I pushed forward, all I had to do was get to where the cars were parked. My dress grew heavier as the rain soaked through it.

I stopped in my tracks when I reached the parking lot, my heart sank. The car I came in was gone. Driven away.

I looked around, we'd come to the forest for this wedding so, there was nothing around me but trees for miles.

I swallowed, knowing I couldn't give in now. I couldn't even find the strength to cry, how was I going to get out of here.

I had no choice but to keep walking, hoping to reach the roadside. Maybe someone kind enough would stop and help me.

The blood soaked through my dress as I moved. I pressed my hand against my stomach, tears finally slipping down my cheeks, blurring my vision. “Hold on,” I whispered, though I wasn’t sure who I was talking to—myself or the baby.

It felt like hours before I finally reached the hospital. The nurses rushed toward me, their faces were either filled with shock or pity.

"Help me," I gripped onto the nearest nurse, "please... My baby," I shook my head fast, "please save my baby," I said through heavy breaths.

She wasted no time in rushing me to the emergency room along with her colleagues. I couldn't think of anything else at the moment, except my baby.

They got rid of my dress and switched me into a hospital gown.

My phone still didn't ring yet, Leo was yet to return any of my calls even though the moon was up by now, and he hadn’t responsed to my texts either.

I let out a gasp when I got the notification that he had read the messages but he didn’t reply. My heart shattered.

The nurses seemed to hurry around and I felt some type of hope.

But it was all gone when the doctor finally came, his expression was grim.

He stared at some file in his hand and not even meeting my gaze, he addressed me.

“You lost the baby,” he said quietly. “I’m sorry. You came too late.”

The words hit me like a blow. My knees buckled, and I sank into the chair behind me. The tears I’d been holding back poured out, uncontrollable.

For a moment, the world blurred and I felt like I was all alone in that hospital room. My head dropped to my knees that were pulled against my chest.

I buried my face in my palms, my hands shaking as I wailed.

The doctor glanced at me, his tone shifting from sympathy to something colder. “You should’ve come sooner,” he said. “You have to be more careful. If you want to be a mother, you can’t…”

He didn’t finish, but I felt the judgment in his voice. The nurses exchanged glances, their pity was literally piercing my skin. I heard one of them whisper, “Her husband didn’t even come with her.”

I couldn’t blame them for their thoughts. I didn’t even look like a bride, much less a mother. My dress was ruined, my jewelry forgotten, and my heart shattered.

I pulled out my phone again, desperate for some comfort.

‘I had a miscarriage,’ I told him, and just like that he read it.

I stared at the phone in surprise, surely now he would call me. But minutes passed and he didn’t say a word.

Then, as I sat there in the quiet of the hospital room, I saw him. Leo. He was walking towards my ward, his familiar silhouette so close I could almost touch it. My heart leapt.

He came.

I pushed myself off the chair, ignoring the dizziness and hurried toward the door.

"Wait! You're not supposed to walk yet!" A nurse called after me but I ignored her, almost tripping over twice as I made my way to the door.

I didn't care, I needed him, and now.

I hurried after Leo, my heart pounding.

By now he'd gotten rid of his tie and his always perfect hair was now in a ruffled mess. Was he that worried about me?

Despite myself, I found hope in that. Of course he was worried.

I held on to the walls as I tried to walk, limping from the sharp pain I still felt in my lower abdomen.

"Le-" I started to say before trailing off. I stopped in my tracks, as I saw him disappear into another ward.

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  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   3

    I resumed walking slowly and my confusion soon turned to dread as I reached the door and peered inside. My hands fell limp to my side and the color drained from my face. Stella’s laughter reached my ears first. She was lying on the hospital bed, she didn’t look sick one bit but she smiled as Leo fussed over her. He adjusted her blanket, brushed her hair away from her face, and spoke to her in a low, tender voice. So he was here this whole time, while I cried alone, and wanted to die, he was here with her, ignoring my calls, my messages, leaving me in the dense forest alone struggling to live. Tears stung at my eyes and I couldn't bring my feet to move. My heart sank further when I saw what he held in his hand—the ruby necklace. My grandmother’s heirloom. He placed it gently around her neck, his fingers lingering just long enough to make my stomach twist. Stella’s face lit up with joy, and she touched the necklace like it was a treasure. The way they looked at each other—it

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-09
  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   4

    As I walked out of the ward, I expected to hear his voice, to listen to him call me back, to hold my wrist and stop me, to ask me what bullshit I was doing.But he didn't.He let me walk out of that room without looking back.Once I was out of the ward, a sarcastic smile spread across my lips as the tears continued to pour down my cheeks, "what were you expecting?" I almost laughed at myself.I wasn't Stella, so why would he pull at me like I mattered?*I flinched at the loud thunder rumbling as soon as I stepped outside the hospital room.The rain pouring right after was soaking me to the bone.The nurses had pleaded with me to stay, citing my condition, but I couldn’t. Not with Stella just down the hall, basking in Leo’s attention. Not with Leo’s indifference cutting me deeper than any physical pain.I signed the discharge papers, ignoring the doctor’s concerned look, and stepped into the storm. Looking like a lunatic in a hospital gown and barefoot in the rain.None of the taxis

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-09
  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   5

    Two years later Leo pov Dennis knocked softly on my office door, peeking in. He cleared his throat as if he was trying to announce his presence. “Mr. Rathore, it’s time for the business banquet. The car is ready.” I adjusted the cufflinks on my shirt. “I’ll be down in five," I said, without looking up. "Yes sir," my assistant nodded before taking his leave. I slipped my suit on, got to my feet after closing the laptop on the desk and headed towards the door. The secretary—her name escaped me—followed me as I stepped out of the office. She walked quickly, her heels clicking against the floor with every step. Her dress was bright red, tight, and it showed off her curves. It looked like she was trying a little too hard for an office outfit. Her lips were painted the same bold shade, matching her dress perfectly. She kept her expression focused, but there was something off about it. Her eyes flicked over me, not just looking at my face but taking in everything else, too. As she

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-09
  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   6

    Bella pov My eyes were fixed on the man I thought I would never see again, his assistant guiding me through the crowd at the banquet. His eyes were locked on mine, I couldn't read what his expression was, but I knew he was astonished. He looked the same as the last time I'd seen him, if anything he looked more handsome than I remembered. My eyes were locked on him but just before I reached his side, I saw her. Stella. Stella stepped in front of Leo, smiling brightly, she seemed to have aged in such a short time. Stella turned to me and froze. Her eyes went wide, and she took a step back, like she couldn’t believe what she was seeing. “Bella?” she whispered. Her mouth opened like she wanted to say more, but nothing came out. She didn’t hesitate. Her hand rested on his arm, and she looked at me with that same smug, condescending smile. "Leo, I was waiting for you to join me," Stella said, her voice dripping with sweetness, her gaze never leaving mine. I couldn’t stop

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-14
  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   7

    The shock on Stella's face is something I wish I could capture. Her jaw dropped opened, her eyes shot open wide and her face paled. Leo didn't peel his eyes off me as he left her side, leading the way. Her piercing eyes followed our steps until we were completely out of sight. Even I was taken aback by Leo's behaviour. His assistant attempted to follow us but he clarified, "alone," causing his assistant to nod and step back. I turned to Ryan, mouthing a 'I will be back'. "Okay dear," he said with his intense gaze fixed on Leo, "Jack and I will be waiting in the car." With that, Leo took me all the way to his office in the banquet. We were barely a few steps in, when he shut the door, grabbing me by my wrists, and pinning me to the wall next to the door, holding my hands by the sides of my head. I was surprised but did well to conceal it. I tilted my head to the side, raising one eyebrow, "what do you think you're doing Mr Rathore?" I raised a brow at him. "Where were

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-15
  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   8

    I stared at Leo, my knees still planted on the cold ground beside my grandmother’s tombstone. My eyes widened in shock, did he hear everything?I swallowed hard, pushing myself to my feet. “What are you doing here?” My voice came out colder than I intended.Leo crossed his arms, his suit pristine despite the damp air. “I could ask you the same thing, Bella.” His tone was low, calm even, but I could hear the edge in it. His confusion gave me a sense of relief, he definitely hadn't heard me."Why would you be at my grandmother's.." I trailed off, I didn't want to get any further involved with him.I brushed the dirt off my hands, my heart hammering against my ribs. “I don’t owe you an explanation," I turned to leave but he immediately grabbed my arm, stopping me and forcing me to face him.“Don’t you?” His eyes narrowed. “You disappear for two years, and now you show up with a child and a man. Were you ever planning to explain any of this?”"Explain? To you?" I stared at him like he had

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-15
  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   9

    The silence between us stretched thin, I was frozen in place, Leo’s words sinking in like ice. All those months ago, I walked out of there, leaving the lawyer to deal with the finalising of the divorce.I hadn't wanted to encounter Leo in any way and thought that was the perfect solution.“We’re still married,” he said again like he wanted to carve it into stone.Shocked, I could barely breathe, let alone speak. Then anger started to simmer under my skin. He had the audacity to say that after everything?“Stop this nonsense, Leo.” My voice came out sharp, trembling with restrained fury. “You’re just trying to mess with me. I’ve moved on. I remarried, I have a child—”“And I’m supposed to believe that?” His eyes darkened, his voice dripping with disdain. “Tell me, Bella. Do you even love him?”“That’s none of your business,” I snapped, folding my arms to keep myself steady. “What I do or who I’m with isn’t your concern anymore. You don’t get to ask me questions about my life.”Leo step

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-15
  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   10

    I stared blankly at him. I didn’t spend all my time working this hard just for him to attempt to threaten me. This time, I inched closer to him, a smirk on my face. I ran my fingers through his hair. “Mr. Rathore? I’m not your sister, I’m not something you can own.” I reduced my voice to a whisper. “Wake up from your dreams.” I turned around to leave, driving off without looking back once. When I walked into Ryan’s house, Jack was sitting on the floor surrounded by his toys. His head was down, and he was fiddling with a toy car, but his usual cheerful humming was missing. “Jack?” I crouched beside him, placing a hand on his small shoulder. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?” He looked up, his big brown eyes filled with worry. “Mummy Bella, Daddy looked sad.” I frowned, brushing a strand of hair out of his face. “Sad? Why, baby?” Jack shifted uncomfortably, his lip trembling. “He was talking to Grandpa. And then he looked sad.” My heart squeezed. Jack was sensitive to emotions, and it u

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-15

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  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   46

    The meeting room was filled with some of the most influential international investors and collaborators, all gathered to discuss the expansion of the competition. It was a high-stakes meeting, one that required absolute focus.But I couldn’t focus.Not when Bella looked like that.She sat at the head of the table, speaking with such authority and intelligence that the entire room hung onto her every word. The way she articulated every point, every strategy—she was brilliant. The confidence in her voice, the sharpness in her gaze—it was mesmerizing.And fuck, she looked beautiful.The black dress hugged her perfectly, the high ponytail accentuating her sharp features. Every time she moved, my eyes followed, unable to look away. And when she smiled—God, when she smiled—I felt it like a punch to my gut.I swallowed hard, shifting in my seat as my body reacted in ways it shouldn’t have. Not now. Not here.I tried to focus on what was being said, but all I could think about was how gorgeou

  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   45

    I wasn’t sure how long we stayed like that, his arms locked around me, his face buried against my shoulder. His breathing was ragged, his heartbeat a frantic drum against my skin. The warmth of his body seeped into mine, and for a moment, I forgot about everything else.Then I remembered.“Are you okay?” My voice was soft, hesitant.Leo didn’t answer immediately. His hold on me loosened slightly, and I felt him exhale against my neck. “Yeah,” he murmured after a long pause. “I’m fine.”I pulled back just enough to see his face. “You sure? Because—”“It’s nothing, Bella.” His voice was steadier now, but I didn’t miss the way his fingers flexed slightly against my back.I narrowed my eyes. “This is a nightly thing for you, isn’t it?”His jaw clenched for a second, but then he scoffed lightly. “Last time, too.”I tilted my head, not letting him deflect. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I just need to clear my head.”I watched as he started to shift, like he was about to get

  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   44

    Neither of us moved.The air felt thick, the kind that made it impossible to think straight. My heart slammed against my ribs, my breath coming in short, shallow gasps. Leo was still above me, his hands on either side of my head, his chest rising and falling fast. His eyes locked onto mine, and for a second, I forgot how to breathe. My eyes flickered first to his face and then lower…I could feel his body heat, his skin just inches from mine, and my mind was screaming at me to do something…to move, to speak, to break whatever this was.Instead, I just stared and so did he.Seconds stretched, until my voice finally worked again.“Aren’t you…” I swallowed hard. “Aren’t you getting off?”Leo’s entire body stiffened like he had just realized the position we were in. His eyes widened slightly before he jerked back, scrambling to his feet. “Shit—sorry.”I turned my head away as he reached for his towel, trying my best to ignore the heat rushing to my face. My body still felt on edge, like i

  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   43

    Bella povI had been completely consumed by my thoughts wondering how on earth it had come to this and I was laying next to Leo of all fucking people. I flinched as Leo’s arm tightened around my waist, his body pressed against mine in a way that felt far too familiar. My breath hitched, and for a second, I forgot how to move. Then, as if my body suddenly remembered itself, I jerked away.“What are you doing?” My voice came out sharper than I intended, but I didn’t care. My heart was racing in my chest, and I needed distance.Leo blinked at me, then slowly pulled his arm back. “Sorry.” His voice was husky and lower and for some reason that caused goosebumps to trail down my back. I widened my eyes in reaction. He didn’t sound sorry at all.I turned onto my back, staring at the ceiling, trying to will away the heat spreading through my body. This was ridiculous. The room was cold, the air-conditioning humming softly, but somehow, I felt unbearably warm.I swallowed hard, shifting sli

  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   42

    Leo pov I watched as Bella clenched her jaw, her fingers tightening around the strap of her purse. She had already grabbed her phone, probably looking up nearby hotels, and I could see the stubborn set of her shoulders. She wasn’t going to stay.I knew Bella well. If she said she was going to do something, she did it. And right now, she was determined to leave.“Bella,” I said, stepping forward. “It’s late.”“I’ll find another hotel.” She didn’t even look at me when she spoke, just tapped at her phone with quick, sharp movements.“There are no more rooms, remember?” I reminded her, watching her closely.“I’ll go somewhere else,” she shot back.I sighed, running a hand through my hair. I had expected her to be annoyed about the room situation, but not to this extent. Then again, it was Bella. I should have known she wouldn’t make this easy for me. I had intentionally called to make sure they would say there was only one room available and now she was doing this. “Where exactly do you

  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   41

    Bella’s POV I 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. “Fo

  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   40

    Bella’s POV I 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. He had shown up with his assistant. “What took you so long?” My voice was sharp, cutting through the space between us. Leo exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “I had something to deal with.” I narrowed my eyes. “Something or someone?” He met my gaze without flinching. “Stella.” My stomach twisted, but I kept my expression blank. “What about her?” Leo’s lips pressed together before he said, “She lied.” I blinked. “What?” “She was pretending to be sick to stop me from coming.” His voice was calm, but I could hear the irritation underneath. “I figured it out this morning.” I raised a brow. “And?” “And I told her I wasn’t falling for it. I left her behind.” For a second, I just stared at him. I hadn’t expected that. “She must be furious.” This was a

  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   39

    Bella’s POV The airport lounge was filled with noise—people chatting, luggage wheels rolling across the floor, 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. I exhaled, shifting in my seat. The past few days had been exhausting. Between finalizing travel plans, double-checking everything for the expansion, and dealing with Leo’s usual unpredictability, I had barely gotten any sleep. But I refused to let it show. I was dressed immaculately, my blazer crisp, my heels clicking with confidence whenever I moved. I had to be composed, untouchable. I checked my phone. No messages. No missed calls. Typical. A sigh left my lips, and I tilted my head back, closing my eyes for just a moment. That was when my pho

  • The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride   38

    Bella’s POV My 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. “Nothing.” I arched a brow. “Ryan.” He ran a hand through his hair. “It’s just… Do you still love him?” The question hit me like a slap. My stomach twisted. I scoffed. “Are you serious?” He shrugged. “I think it’s a fair question.” I let out a sharp breath. “Ryan, I don’t have time for this.” “That’s not an answer.” His voice was calm, but there was something firm beneath it. I folded my arms tighter. “

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