Page 56 of The Runaway Bride and the Billionaire

He reached for me and tugged me forward, forcing my midsection to press against the table. I tried to pull my hand back, but his grip was too tight. I wished the waiter would return with our orders but he was nowhere in sight.

Lucas’ grip tightened. “You will marry me, Amelia. You will or I’ll—”

“You won’t do a damn thing to her.”

The deep voice cut Lucas’ threat short. I looked up at the person that had come to my rescue. It was Matteo.

Chapter 28

Matteo

Only a few hours had passed since I dropped Amelia off at work but I still missed her. I didn’t think it was possible, but I loved her even more than I did five years ago. We’d grown over the years and so had the love we felt for each other. I always knew she was my soulmate but now I was more certain than ever.

I reviewed the updates sent to me by Kayla even as my mind thought of Amelia. Ryx Cement was officially absolved of all criminal speculations. They’d made it clear that they had no idea Fitzroy Corp had shady dealings and I stood by them. In the end, everything worked out. Alberto was paying for the things he did and my company was on the rise to being the best in the industry.

This news had come at the perfect time. Things with Amelia were great and the issues with my company had been resolved. To be honest, even if the issue with Fitzroy Corp wasn’t resolved, I would still be happy.

Having Amelia back in my life was enough reason to feel happy. She filled my life with so much light and I always wanted to shine that light on her in return. I thought of ways I could brighten up her day. She probably didn’t go out for lunch because she mentioned that she had a lot of work to get done.

Maybe I could bring something to her office then. I instantly remembered Amelia’s obsession with lemon squares. They were her favorite dessert back when we were together. I was fairly certain her love for them hadn’t changed. I made up my mind to surprise her with a box of lemon squares.

Kayla lifted her head when she saw me walk out of the office. “Off to a meeting sir? You don’t have any on your calendar but maybe I missed it or something.”

“No, I’m stepping out for personal reasons.”

She seemed visibly shocked by that statement. It was rare for me to step out during work hours, especially early in the day. I only ever left if I had a business meeting to attend. But for the first time in a long time, I was leaving for personal reasons.

I offered Kayla a bright smile before walking towards the elevator. As the doors slid closed, I could still see her shocked face.

After picking up the lemon squares I headed straight to Amelia’s office. Unfortunately, she wasn’t around. I guess I was wrong then. She did go out for lunch. I decided to take the lemon squares with me and surprise her with it when she got home.

I was walking out of the building when Ivy came into view. “Matteo! Hi!” she said happily. There was a strange smile on her face but I didn’t know her well enough to interpret it. “Are you looking for Amelia?”

“Yes.”

“I know where she is. I saw her at the cafe nearby. The Daily Grind.”

“Oh, thank you. I’ll just—

Ivy caught off my sentence. “She was having lunch with some guy.”

“What guy?” I asked.

She shrugged and the corner of her lips tugged upward. “I didn’t get his name.”

I walked out of the building and headed straight to the cafe. I’d seen it a few times when I was dropping Amelia off so I knew exactly where it was. My legs couldn’t carry me fast enough as I rushed down the street in the direction of The Daily Grind.

I pushed the glass door open, and I heard Amelia’s voice. “Then there’s nothing I can do. I can’t and I won’t marry you, Lucas.”

Lucas? The man she was supposed to marry months ago? Why was she having lunch with him?

I didn’t have time to think about that because I heard Lucas’ menacing voice. “You will marry me, Amelia. You will or I’ll—”

“You won’t do a damn thing to her,” I said, effectively cutting off his sentence.

Amelia looked up at me and relief flashed in her eyes. My gaze lowered to where Lucas was holding her hand. “Release her immediately.”

Lucas looked up at me with furrowed brows and a deep frown. His expression was conceited. He looked at me like I was dirt on his shoe. I didn’t care what he thought about me but he was not allowed to touch Amelia. I wanted to punch him in the face but lucky for him, he let her go.

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