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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
Last Updated : 2025-02-23The 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-03The 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-04The 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-05The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 1
Bella's POV I may be the bride at this wedding, but I’m definitely not the center of attention. Stella stood out, wearing a stunning white gown. White. Everyone knew the first rule of attending a wedding was to not wear white but Stella didn't care. I stared at her as she walked into the wedding, her head glancing left and right, I knew who she was looking for, my soon-to-be husband, and her brother who treated her like she was the whole world, Leo. Sensing my gaze on her, she started to walk our way. I closed my eyes tight, my fist in a ball beside me. It had been three years since Leo and I got together, and since I started living with him in his family's mansion. No one had taken me in after losing my parents in that wretched accident sixteen years ago but Leo was the first to keep me by his side. He was my Mr. Perfect, if I could forget Stella, his adopted sister, existed . She was like a barnacle that clung stubbornly to him, popping up during our every crucial
Last Updated : 2025-01-09The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride 2
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. M
Last Updated : 2025-01-09The 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
Last Updated : 2025-01-09The 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
Last Updated : 2025-01-09
Latest chapter
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
