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2025-02-17 23:54:08
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The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 33
I 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. “What is wrong with 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 shut the door behind me and slid into th
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-18The 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 that I wasn’t letting go so easily. She shouldn’t mess with me. I ran a hand through my hair, scanning through the report on my desk. The numb
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-19The 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. “My boss 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-20The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 36
Bella pov 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-21The 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-22The 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. “
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-23The 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-03The 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-04
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The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 77
For a moment, I couldn't move.The sight of the woman sitting there, dressed like that, laughing like it was funny, held me frozen in place.I was still trying to make sense of it when she stood up and sauntered closer, her hips swaying.Before I could react, she reached out, sliding her hand around the back of my neck.I jerked away instinctively, shoving her hand off hard enough that she stumbled back a step."Don’t touch me," I snapped, raising my voice.She blinked, startled, but that didn’t stop her.She stepped forward again, reaching for me like she thought she could fix it somehow.I didn’t give her the chance.I shoved her aside, not hard enough to hurt, but enough that she crashed back onto the edge of the bed."Stay away from me," I barked, the words vibrating in the tight space between us.She flinched, her hands scrambling at the sheets, her wide eyes flicking up to meet mine.As I turned to leave, my hand already on the door, I heard her scrambling behind me."Wait," she
The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 76
Leo povThe low buzz of my phone yanked me out of a dead sleep.I slapped around the nightstand, finally grabbing it, squinting at the screen through half-lidded eyes.Mom.I groaned quietly, wiping my hand over my face, careful not to move too much.Next to me, Bella was curled up under the covers, her breathing soft and steady.I slipped out of bed as quietly as I could, grabbing the sweatshirt tossed across the chair.Pulling the door halfway closed behind me, I finally answered."Mom?" My voice was rough with sleep."Leo, oh God, Leo," she sobbed immediately, her voice so loud and panicked it made my chest tighten. "Something happened. Please, I need you."I dragged my free hand down my face, forcing myself to wake up faster."What happened?" I asked, already moving toward the bathroom."I was meeting a client at a hotel," she cried. "It went wrong. I need you, please, Leo. Please come."I turned on the bathroom light, wincing at the harsh brightness, staring at myself in the mirr
The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 75
I spotted him the second the car pulled up to the curb standing there under the pale glow of a lamppost, hands tucked into the pockets of his jacket, head tilted like he had been waiting forever.The second he saw me, Leo straightened and came over, pulling the door open himself."Come on," he said gently, offering his hand.I slipped out of the car, the night air cool against my cheeks.Without letting go, he led me straight to his car and helped me inside, shutting the door with a soft click.He slid into the driver’s seat a moment later, casting a quick look at me before starting the engine.We didn’t speak much at first.I stared out the window, watching the city lights blur by, feeling my heart race in a way that had nothing to do with nerves and everything to do with him.Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him glance at me again, his fingers tapping lightly against the steering wheel."You okay?" he asked finally, his voice low.I nodded, still looking out."I’m fine," I said.H
The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 74
When I got home, I dropped my bag by the door and kicked my shoes off without thinking.The house was quiet, almost too quiet, but I didn’t let myself think about it.I went straight to the kitchen where the papers were waiting, the divorce papers.I pulled out a chair and sat down, flipping through the pages quickly. Ryan had already signed his side and all that was left was mine.I grabbed a pen from the counter, uncapped it, and signed my name where they had marked.It was fast, too fast for something that had been part of my life for so long.I pushed the papers aside and stood up, tying my hair back loosely as I made my way upstairs.There was no reason to drag it out.I grabbed my suitcase from under the bed, tossing it onto the mattress with a soft thud.One by one, I started folding my clothes and packing them neatly, shirts, jeans, a few jackets.I was halfway through pulling the zipper closed when I heard a soft knock on the door."Come in," I called, glancing over my should
The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 73
Leo povI kept Bella’s hand in mine as we made our way down the hall toward the study where Dennis waited.He was already standing near the desk when we walked in, his phone in one hand, a stack of papers in the other.The second he saw us, he set everything down and straightened."I checked the security footage like you asked," Dennis said, his voice calm but tight. "We found out how Jack got here."I stepped closer, my grip tightening slightly on Bella’s hand.Dennis glanced between us before continuing."It was your cousin," he said carefully. "He found Jack wandering near your old house. Instead of calling anyone... he brought him straight here."I stared at him, blinking once, slow and heavy."My cousin?" I repeated, my voice sharper than I meant.Dennis nodded grimly. "The footage is clear. He guided Jack into the car, drove him here, and left him at the gate."I raked a hand through my hair, pacing a short step away before turning back."Why the hell would he do that?" I mutter
The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 72
We stepped inside, the soft murmur of conversation floating down the long hallway.I kept my head down at first, still overwhelmed by the day, but the moment I looked up, I stopped dead in my tracks.Standing near the grand staircase, arms folded, was Leo’s mother and just a few steps behind her, Stella.I froze, my heart kicking up painfully, old instincts screaming at me to turn around, to run before history repeated itself.Leo noticed immediately, he slowed beside me, glancing once at the stiffness in my body, then following my gaze.Without missing a beat, he reached for my hand, threading his fingers tightly through mine.The simple gesture grounded me, but it also sent a jolt of heat straight to my chest.Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Stella stiffen, her hand flying to her mouth like she couldn't believe what she was seeing. Leo’s mother narrowed her eyes, scanning the space between us like she was trying to rewrite the reality in front of her."What is going on here?" she
The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 71
I stood there for a second, trying to wrap my head around what Leo had just said."Your house?" I repeated, glancing at Ryan, who looked just as confused as I felt.Ryan shook his head slowly, his hands tightening into fists at his sides."Why would he be there?" he muttered under his breath.I turned back to Leo, searching his face for some kind of answer, but he was already moving, grabbing his keys off the counter, his shoulders tense."There’s no time for this," Leo said, his voice clipped. "We’ll ask questions later. Right now, we need to get there."Without another word, we hurried out the door, piling into Leo’s car.I barely remembered buckling my seatbelt, my hands trembling the whole drive.Leo gripped the steering wheel tightly, his jaw locked, his eyes flicking to the rearview mirror more than once like he couldn’t drive fast enough.Ryan sat stiffly beside me, tapping his foot anxiously against the floor mat, his arms crossed tightly over his chest.When we finally pulled
The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 70
Leo was already pulling his phone out before I could say a word.I stood there, frozen in the middle of the living room, watching him pace near the window as he barked into the phone."Dennis, get access to every street camera near the house," Leo said, his voice tight but controlled. "Side roads too. Look for a kid, maybe with a backpack, moving fast. Alone."He paused, listening, his hand curling into a fist at his side."Use our contacts if you have to," he added after a second. "I want eyes on every damn corner."I hugged my arms around myself, feeling like the walls were closing in.The idea of Jack out there, scared and alone, made my stomach twist painfully.Without thinking, I turned and headed down the hallway where I found Ryan sitting stiffly on the edge of the couch, staring at the floor like he couldn't move.I sat down beside him, close enough that our knees brushed."This is my fault," I said, my voice cracking as I reached out to touch his arm. "I should have been more
The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 69
I barely remembered the drive to Ryan’s place. My grip on the wheel was so tight my knuckles hurt.Every minute Bella stayed silent, every minute I did not hear her voice, my patience thinned to nothing.I pulled up hard in front of the house, the tires kicking dust across the sidewalk.The door was cracked open slightly. No sound came from inside.I did not wait. I shoved the door wider and stepped in without knocking, my fists already curled, my chest heaving with the anger I had been holding back for too long.Ryan sat slumped on the couch, his elbows resting heavily on his knees, staring blankly at the floor.He didn’t even flinch when I entered."What the hell did you do to her?" I said, my voice cutting through the stillness.He looked up slowly, his eyes bloodshot and unfocused, like he wasn’t really seeing me.My temper snapped.I crossed the room in three long strides, grabbed a fistful of his shirt, and hauled him halfway off the couch."Talk," I growled, shoving him back ha
