THE BILLIONAIRE RUN AWAY BRIDE 🥰

THE BILLIONAIRE RUN AWAY BRIDES CHAPTER 1 EPISODE 2

THE BILLIONAIRE'S DESPERATE SEARCH

"Find my wife!"

George Williams slammed his hand against the desk, making his chief of security, Daniel, flinch.

"Sir, we've checked the hotel cameras. Mrs. Williams left through the service exit shortly before midnight. She entered a taxi, but we lost track of it near the central bus terminal."

George's jaw tightened.

"Then find her!"

His wedding ring glinted beneath the office lights. Six hours earlier, Celine had been smiling in her wedding gown. Now she had disappeared, leaving him with questions he was terrified to answer.

"There's something else, sir," Daniel added hesitantly. "Mrs. Williams received several messages from an unknown number before leaving."

George's expression changed.

"Have you traced the sender?"

"Not yet."

"Do whatever it takes."

Daniel hesitated before asking, "Sir, did Celine know about Isabella?"

George went still.

"Don't mention that name again."

"But someone appears to have threatened your wife with information about her."

George turned toward the window, his expression darkening.

Five years ago, a terrible secret had nearly destroyed his family. He had spent years trying to uncover the truth while keeping Celine away from the danger.

Now, that secret had found her.

"Find my wife, Daniel," he whispered. "Before those people reach her."

A BRIDE WITH NOWHERE TO GO

Celine sat inside a small guesthouse, staring at the phone beside her.

Her wedding gown was gone, replaced by a simple dress. Her beautiful hair had fallen into untidy curls, and exhaustion clouded her eyes.

She pressed a hand against her stomach.

"Your father is a complicated man, little one," she whispered. "I wish I could believe him."

She still loved George, but she couldn't forget what she had overheard outside his study.

She must never find out what happened to her father.

Why had George hidden the truth about her father?

Before she could think further, her phone rang.

An unknown number appeared on the screen.

"Hello?"

A woman's voice answered. "Celine, my name is Margaret. I knew your father."

Celine sat upright.

"You knew my father?"

"Yes. And I know why you left your wedding."

"Who are you? How did you get my number?"

"That doesn't matter. You need to understand that George Williams isn't the only person searching for you."

Fear crept into Celine's heart.

"What do you mean?"

"The people involved in your father's death know that you're pregnant."

Celine's hand immediately covered her stomach.

"Who are they?"

"Meet me at the old railway café on Douglas Road at noon. If you want to know what really happened to your father, come alone."

The call ended.

Celine stared at her phone.

Her father had died years ago, and she had always believed it was an accident. Now a stranger was telling her otherwise.

She looked at the clock.

11:15 a.m.

She had less than an hour to decide.

Finally, she picked up her handbag.

"If you know the truth about my father," she whispered, "I'm coming to find you."

THE WOMAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH

At noon, Celine entered the nearly empty railway café.

A woman in her fifties sat near the window with a brown envelope.

"You're Celine," the woman said.

"Who are you?"

"Margaret. Your father was my friend."

Celine sat opposite her.

"Tell me what happened to him."

Margaret opened the envelope and removed several documents.

"Your father worked as an accountant for one of the Williams family's companies. He discovered that money was being stolen through secret accounts."

Celine frowned.

"My father was never an accountant."

"Your mother wanted you to believe that."

"Why would she lie?"

"Because she was afraid."

Margaret took a deep breath.

"Your father was threatened when he tried to expose the truth. The person behind it was George's father."

Celine shook her head.

"No. That can't be true."

"I'm sorry."

"Was my father murdered?"

Margaret lowered her voice.

"He died on the night he planned to meet George Williams."

Celine's eyes widened.

"George?"

"He wanted to help your father expose his family's secrets. But your father died before they could meet."

Tears filled Celine's eyes.

"Then why did George hide everything from me?"

"Perhaps he was afraid of losing you."

Margaret pushed a photograph across the table.

It showed Celine's father standing beside a younger George Williams.

On the back was a date—the day before her father's death.

Celine covered her mouth.

"George knew my father before he met me."

"Yes."

"And he married me without telling me?"

Margaret had no answer.

Celine stared at the photograph, feeling betrayed all over again.

Suddenly, Margaret glanced toward the entrance.

Her face went pale.

"We have to leave."

"Why?"

Before Margaret could answer, a familiar voice spoke behind Celine.

"Mrs. Williams."

Celine froze.

She turned slowly.

George stood behind her, his expression unreadable.

His eyes moved from her tearful face to the photograph on the table.

Then he looked at Margaret.

"Step away from my wife."

Margaret rose.

"George, you shouldn't be here."

He ignored her and looked at Celine.

"Celine, please let me explain."

She stood, clutching the photograph.

"Did you know my father?"

George hesitated.

"Yes."

"How long?"

"Since before I met you."

Celine stepped backward, tears running down her cheeks.

"Did you marry me because you loved me, or because of my father?"

George's face tightened.

"I married you because I love you."

"Then why did you lie?"

"Because I was afraid of losing you."

Celine laughed bitterly.

"And now you've lost me anyway."

She turned away, but Margaret suddenly grabbed her arm.

"Wait! He's not the only person you should be afraid of."

George turned sharply.

"What do you mean?"

Margaret pointed toward the entrance.

Two unfamiliar men stood outside, watching them.

One was taking photographs through the window.

George immediately stepped in front of Celine.

"Daniel!" he shouted into his phone. "Get to the railway café now!"

One of the men entered the café.

"We've been looking for you, Mrs. Williams."

George glared at him.

"Who are you?"

The stranger ignored the question and looked directly at Celine.

"Your father left something behind, and we need it returned."

Celine's heart pounded.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

The man smiled coldly.

"Your father kept evidence that could destroy the Williams family. We believe he hid it somewhere only you can find."

George's face lost its colour.

"What evidence?"

The stranger pulled a photograph from his jacket and placed it on the table.

It showed Celine's father holding a black briefcase.

"Twenty-four hours," the man announced. "Find what your father left behind, or everyone you love will pay the price."

Before George could stop him, the stranger walked out.

Celine stared at the photograph.

Her father had been hiding something, George knew more than he admitted, and dangerous people were now searching for her.

She turned toward her husband.

"Tell me the truth, George. Did your family kill my father?"

George opened his mouth, but his phone suddenly rang.

He answered.

"What?"

Daniel's voice came through urgently.

"Sir, we've found the original report concerning Mr. Carter's death."

George froze.

"What does it say?"

Daniel hesitated.

"Your father's signature is on the report."

George's face went pale.

Then Daniel delivered the words that changed everything.

"Sir, the report also says your father wasn't alone when he died."

George slowly looked at Celine.

She stared back at him, trembling.

"Who was with my father, George?"

He had no answer.

And somewhere in the city, the person responsible for the secret was preparing to strike again.