All Chapters of The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride: Chapter 61 - Chapter 70

I sat there frozen, his words echoing over and over in my mind. Let’s start over, Bella. This time for real. My heart wanted to jump at the offer, to fall straight into his arms without looking back, but the weight of everything we had lived through held me still. "I..." I swallowed hard, struggling to find the right words. "I need time yo think about it." His arms stayed wrapped around me, steady and unshaking, like he had been expecting that answer. "I know," he said, pressing his forehead lightly to mine before leaning back enough to look at me properly. "Take all the time you need." I nodded, my throat too tight for anything else. Without speaking, he shifted on the bed, pulling the covers up around us. I let him guide me, too tired to argue, too overwhelmed to do anything else but trust him for tonight. He slipped his hand around my waist under the blankets, his touch warm and certain. Slowly, he pulled me toward him, fitting me against his side like I belonged there. I l

Leo’s smile barely touched his eyes, but he held it steady for me. His thumb brushed along my jawline like he was memorizing the shape of me again. "Take your time," he said softly, voice settling low in the small space between us. "Whatever pace you need, Bella. I’ll be right here." . I nodded, my chest tightening, and rested my forehead lightly against his for just a second, breathing him in, feeling the way his hand stayed steady against the small of my back like he had no intention of letting go. After the swim, he dried off quickly and helped me into a clean dress, his fingers lingering at the hem when he straightened it, smoothing out invisible creases like he could erase the tension from my body too. He wore a fresh white shirt, sleeves casually rolled to his elbows, his dark jeans clinging to narrow hips, his jaw freshly shaved. Somehow he managed to look both effortless and devastating all at once. He led me by the hand to the rooftop again, guiding me with the patience

Leo pulled up in front of a small building tucked between two bigger ones. No sign, no crowds, just a soft golden light spilling from the inside. He cut the engine and turned toward me, resting his arm casually on the back of my seat. "Come on," he said, flashing a crooked smile, "trust me." I gave him a look but took his hand anyway. His fingers closed around mine, firm and warm, the kind of touch that said he wasn’t letting go even if I tried. When he pushed open the door, my mouth parted in surprise. the gallery was empty except for us, quiet and full of soft light. Paintings lined the walls, every few feet a sculpture stood tall like it was guarding something precious. I took a slow step inside, the sound of my heels tapping quietly against the floor. Leo's hand stayed at the small of my back, guiding me forward, his thumb brushing absentminded circles against the fabric of my dress. "You did this?" I asked, glancing up at him. He shrugged, like it was nothing. "Had a feeling

I waited, heart pounding painfully in my chest, bracing myself for some kind of disappointment, some kind of argument. Ryan stayed quiet for a long moment then he did something I hadn’t expected at all. He smiled. It was small, a little sad maybe, but real. He leaned back against the couch, running a hand through his hair like he was gathering his thoughts. "I told you when we started this," he said, voice soft, "that this whole thing was for your happiness." I stared at him, blinking back the sudden sting behind my eyes. "And that logic still stands," he added, giving a light shrug. "You’re free, Bella. You always have been, you walk out when you feel it’s right." Relief flooded me so fast my breath caught in my throat. I stood up slowly, walking over to him, unsure what to say, but Ryan made it easy. He rose too, opening his arms with a soft smile, and I stepped into the hug without hesitation. His arms wrapped around me, warm and steady, like an old friend saying goodbye.

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