THE SPITEFUL BRIDE: Marry To Rival's Son novel Chapter 73

Chapter 73

The next morning, Mia stirred awake, her lashes fluttering slowly.

The first thing she felt was heat….familiar and comforting. The second thing she felt… was muscle. Solid, warm, unmoving muscle.

Her cheek was resting on Stefan’s bare chest. Her right arm wrapped tightly around his, and her other hand was splayed across his chest like she’d been holding onto him in her sleep.

No. Not again.

She squeezed her eyes shut like that would undo it. Like if she wished hard enough, she’d wake up on the other side of the bed, not stuck to her husband like a needy koala.

Hoping he was still asleep, she lifted her head slowly.

He wasn’t. Stefan was already awake, his eyes were open, staring down at her with that unreadable expression that somehow made her feel like a criminal caught in the act.

Mia’s heart stuttered. “You’re awake.”

A pause. Then, with the calmness of someone who knew exactly what he was doing, he said, “You promised not to touch me in your sleep.”

“I didn’t touch you,” she lied quickly, heat rushing to her face.

He raised a brow. “So my arm just found its way under your body on its own?”

She opened her mouth, then closed it. Her brain searched for a comeback and found nothing.

“That was on purpose. I’d never touch you with my complete senses in tact” she mumbled.

“Oh?” Stefan’s lips twitched with a smirk. “And my chest happened to be? Something that’s been touched when your senses are off?”

“Don’t take this the wrong way,” she grumbled, trying to pull away, but his arm only tightened slightly, like he wasn’t quite ready to let go.

“I believe what I see. This is a physical evidence right here. You can’t help yourself around me.” he murmured, amused.

Mia’s eyes widened. “What….what are you saying? Don’t flatter yourself” She scoffed.

“I stayed in one place all night. You moved to me.”

Her cheeks turned crimson. A memory flashed, her hand sliding across his abs that other night while he slept. She’d hoped he never find out.

“I didn’t do it on purpose,” she muttered, now avoiding his gaze entirely. Then she hurriedly got up, before she said what she never intended to.

The next few days had been a whirlwind, fast, full, and overwhelming in the quietest ways. Everything was happening too quickly, and yet it felt like it had been building for a lifetime.

The morning they got back from the fair, a sleek black car was already waiting at the hotel. Stefan had called someone to pick them up from the hotel, and they’d returned home together

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73 MIA AND DAVE KISSED A NIGHT TO HER WEDDING

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There was a strange gentleness in Stefan lately. He didn’t say much, but he looked at her more, touched her more, like he was letting himself breathe around her. Even if it was just in silence.

Elena’s mom had come around that afternoon. She brought gifts, warm hugs, and excited chatter about the wedding. Mia and Stefan had gone to visit his mom too, and she’d hugged Mia like she was already her daughter. The doctor said she was responding to treatment. Everyone around them seemed genuinely happy.

And the wedding… it was all set. The hall was booked and glowing with gold accents, flowers already delivered. The cake, the dress, the table settings, done. Mia didn’t have to lift a finger. Elena had helped a lot. Mia was glad her friend was there for her to assist.

It should have been easy to relax. But she couldn’t.

Something was off.

Though, tomorrow was the wedding.

But, it wasn’t about the preparations. It was the silence. The wrong kind of silence.

Her father hadn’t reached out. Not once. No last-minute drama, no bitter warnings. Nothing.

Jeremiah too had gone completely quiet. That alone was more terrifying than anything else. Knowing them, they wouldn’t just sit back and watch her get married. Not without a fight.

She tried talking to Stefan about it. But as always, he just told her not to worry. Told her to focus on the wedding. But it was how he said it, so calm, so certain, it felt like maybe he knew something too.

Stefan had agreed to a pre-wedding party. Instead of bridal shower and bachelor’s eve. They did something casual but classy and different. Just their circle. Mia had been surprised at first, Stefan Sterling and a party didn’t seem to go hand in hand, but he said yes without hesitation.

They hosted it at the hotel lounge.

It was Mia’s first time meeting Stefan’s inner circle.

en de men she’d

seen at that when she was out with

Bafouspe

their names were, Brandon smith and Jace Murphy.

All of them were big shots. Confident, well-dressed, and with the kind of presence that made people look twice. But none of them were as close to Stefan as Mose. It was obvious. Mose moved like Stefan’s shadow….close, silent, always watching. His loyalty ran deep, and Stefan didn’t hide his trust in him.

The others? They were warmer. More talkative. They brought their women, who were just as polished…. but far

less subtle.

Their eyes lingered on Stefan too long.

Some didn’t even bother pretending not to stare. One even brushed his arm while laughing too hard at a joke she hadn’t told. Mia had to bite her tongue not to throw her drink.

She didn’t blame them. Stefan was sharp in a black shirt with his sleeves rolled up, standing like he owned the night. But still… they were shameless.

Mia had invited a few people too. Elena had helped spread the word, and some of their friends from the city showed up. Dave too was around.

It was going fine. Too fine.

People danced. The music played. The drinks flowed. Laughter filled the room. From the outside, it looked like the perfect pre-wedding celebration.

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13 MIA AND DAVE KISSED A NIGHT TO HER WEDDING

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But inside, Mia was restless.

Her mind wouldn’t shut off. Her heart wouldn’t settle. It all felt like a setup, like someone was waiting for her to drop her guard.

So halfway through the night, with a fake smile and a polite excuse, Mia quietly slipped out of the crowd and retreated to their suite upstairs.

She stopped in front of her door, her heels clicking softly against the hotel floor when she heard her name behind

her.

“Mia….wait.”

She turned to see Dave jogging slightly to catch up. He looked uneasy, hands tucked into his pockets, eyes darting before resting on her.

“I just need five minutes. Alone,” he said quietly.

Mia blinked, surprised, what was so important that couldnt wait till after the wedding or on phone. But she agreed. This was Dave….her best friend after Elena. The one person who’d seen her cry, scream and laugh over nothing.

“Okay,” she nodded, though her heart was already craving her bed.

She opened the door and let him in. The quiet hum of the party down the hallway faded as the door shut behind them.

Dave stayed standing, pacing slowly, like he was building up courage.

“You good?” Mia asked, kicking off her heels and rubbing her feet.

He didn’t answer at first. Then he stopped.

“I can’t hold it in anymore, Mia.”

Mia glanced up at him, confused. “Hold what in?”

His eyes locked with hers, his voice low, rushed, trembling. “I….. I….love you.”

Mia laughed without thinking, a short nervous chuckle, like it was a joke. “What?”

“I love you. I’ve always loved you,” he said again, firmer this time.

Her smile faded. “Dave… are you okay? This is a prank right?”

“I’ve been pretending,” he went on. “Pretending to be just your friend. Watching you try so hard to love people who don’t deserve you. But I can’t pretend anymore.”

Mia stood frozen by the edge of the bed, the air suddenly thick.

No. This wasn’t happening. Not now. Not from Dave.

“You… you like Elena,” she said, almost grasping for air. “You’ve always said…..”

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