Beatrice Pagett has always deeply loved Edward Maddock, even though they married by contract. After a year of passionless marriage, she decides to seek a divorce, longing for a life away from the pain of unrequited love with Edward. Edward realizes too late the grave mistake he made and decides to fight with determination. He wants to undo the past and win back Beatrice's love. He strives to regain her affection and rebuild the lost time. Now, the question is whether Beatrice will give a new chance to the man who rejected her. In this story of second chances, their fate is shaped by the desire to start anew and the caution that comes from the scars of the past.
Beatrice
The morning sun gilded the stone paths leading to the imposing church. As my heart beats rapidly, I approach the church entrance. I grip the arm of my dear father, concerned that the groom may not be waiting for me at the altar.
Three long years had passed since the last time I saw Edward Maddock. And now, here I am, ready to seal our fate in a marriage that, despite being formalized by a contract, carries the promise of a life together.
With each step towards the church, my pulse quickens, my heart pounding like a drum announcing the unknown. The soft music fills the air, accompanying the rhythmic beat of my chest. And then, I see him.
Edward stands next to the priest, imposing in his dark tailcoat, the epitome of elegance and masculinity that always impressed me. His dark hair is meticulously combed, his forehead slightly furrowed as he gazes ahead. I hold my breath, feeling a lump in my throat at the sight of him there, waiting for me.
Relief washes over me as I realize my fears have not materialized. Edward is waiting for me. A genuine smile plays on my lips as I walk down the church aisle and face Edward, hoping his eyes will smile back at me.
Finally, as I reach the altar, my gaze meets Edward's firmly, and my smile fades as I notice the expression on his face. His eyes, once filled with promises, now display a hardness that makes me hesitate. He watches me intensely, his gaze penetrating the depths of my soul. The familiarity of his features contrasts with the emotional distance he seems to create at this moment.
As I approach, a sense of joy mixes with growing uncertainty. The gentle touch of our fingers meeting at the altar sends an electric shock through my body, but the intensity of Edward's gaze is like a cold that makes me question everything that brought us here. The man who has always been the great love of my life is before me, yet something in his eyes makes me wonder if accepting a marriage by contract might have been the biggest mistake I've ever made.
The celebrant's words, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. What God has joined together, let no man separate," echoed powerfully, making me shiver. I look at Edward, searching in his eyes for the same flame that existed when we were young, growing up together in Kent. However, all I find is a cold, emotionless gaze. I wait for what feels like an eternity, but the kiss I expected to receive at this moment does not happen.
The applause echoes, and Edward holds my hand as we exit the church. We walk slowly, forming a group with the guests awaiting us outside. Flower petals fall like rain, and laughter and hugs fill the air. Our family and friends are radiant with joy at our union.
From this point on, everything unfolds like a movie, where I am just a spectator, observing closely but not truly feeling a part of it. At the wedding reception, toasts, a brief speech by our father, who is visibly happy to fulfill an old dream: the union of his daughter with the son of his best friend and lifelong business partner. Dances also fill the night.
"Do you want to leave?" Edward asks, maintaining his usual courtesy.
"Yes," I responded with a sigh of satisfaction. "I believe no one will mind if we depart now."
He says nothing more, only holding my hand and guiding us to the table where our parents are, to bid farewell properly. No discreetly escaping from our wedding celebration.
"You haven't told me where we're going for our honeymoon," I comment with a smile when we're already inside the car. "I haven't even had a chance to pack because I have no idea about your plans."
I didn't intend to sound critical, but Edward's expression makes it clear that's how he interpreted my words.
"I haven't informed you of our trip's destination because there won't be a honeymoon - at least, not for now," he responds without looking at me. "We need to address the delicate financial situation of your father's company first. Once everything is sorted out, and the company is back on track, then we can travel."
I was breathless upon hearing his direct refusal.
"No honeymoon?" I couldn't hide my surprise.
"As you know, our marriage was motivated by the precarious financial situation your father's company is facing. I need to resolve these issues first. When everything is sorted out, and the company is back to where it was before, then we can travel."
There are a thousand questions I would like to ask, but the presence of the driver in the front seat prompts me to save them for a more appropriate moment. I don't want to discuss something so intimate in that manner. Edward had already mentioned that we would spend our first night as a married couple at his home in London, which brings me some relief. Perhaps, in the privacy of our new home, the atmosphere between us can return to what it was before.
I realized I was mistaken when he mentioned he would be in the library if I needed him. Edward took off his blazer and vest, leaving only his dress shirt and pants, right upon entering the luxurious mansion, something understandable as it was his home. I still needed to adjust to the place.
"Are you going to work today?" The question escaped my lips before I could stop it.
"I'll be brief," he replied, walking down the corridor. "That way, you can feel more comfortable getting ready."
When he mentioned "getting ready," my heart raced, and a spontaneous smile lit up my face. Of course, he was just being considerate, giving me a moment of privacy to change out of my wedding dress into something more suitable for our wedding night.
My bags and personal belongings were already in the house, something I had organized myself before the wedding. Edward arrived in England just the day before. I congratulated myself on my efficiency because if it had depended on him, nothing would have been planned. He did not get involved in any decision regarding our marriage.
These thoughts swirled in my mind as I put on the delicate lingerie I had chosen for our first night as a married couple. My first time with a man. I had always dreamed of this moment, the one where I would completely surrender to the man I loved. The man I was about to give myself to, Edward.
Hours later, with swollen eyes from crying so much and exhausted from waiting for my husband, I finally fell asleep. The weight of all the expectations I had created weighed on my shoulders. These were shattered by Edward, and I found myself facing an uncertain future, trying to find my place amid this new reality.
Nicolas: The man of dreams. Single, young, and a multimillionaire. But above all, he longed for something deeper: to find true love, build a family, and share his fortune with someone special. Laila: A young and hardworking girl with a humble heart. She wishes to provide a better life for her family and prove that dreams can come true. A fleeting encounter sparks an overwhelming passion between them, but fate separates them, turning their love into bitterness. Can love overcome the hurts and bring redemption to their broken hearts? Come be enchanted by the second couple in the "Insensitive Hearts" series and dive into a story
Adriel, the son of a renowned Brazilian senator, didn't want any distractions during his political campaign for the Senate. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he realizes that he is hopelessly in love with Manuela, his best friend and confidante. For Adriel, Manuela is not the right woman to be by his side at this time. Manuela doesn't accept being kept as Adriel's dirty secret either, as she is faced with the opportunity to start her life again with Logan, someone who offers stability and security, and ends up opting for the person who really wants her. However, when fate brings them back together, Adriel finds himself determined to fight for Manuela's love, even if it means defying social conventions and sacrificing his political career.
Cassandra and Tiffany have been friends since they were children and only one thing has managed to separate them: Tiffany's marriage to Noah Abrantes the most unpleasant CEO Cassandra has ever met. But when Tiffany decides to get divorced, Cassandra offers to be her lawyer and fight for her interests, making Noah pay for all the hurt he caused Tiffany. However, Cassandra didn't expect Noah Abrantes to be the only person capable of stirring up her emotions and breaking down all the barriers she has built around her heart. And the fact that he is Tiffany's ex-husband is not the only obstacle to this seemingly impossible relationship. Will love be able to overcome intrigue and betrayal? This story will show us that the heart has its own reasons, even when the path seems full of challenges.
After a heartbreak, Lizandra Ferreira decides to turn her life around and heads to Rio de Janeiro, the city full of promises. But everything goes wrong when she falls for a scam and finds herself alone in an unfamiliar city. However, an unexpected accident brings wonderful people into her life, maybe even a new family. The problem is convincing the handsome and arrogant Heitor Alves de Bragança that she's not a scammer, but rather someone who has learned to trust the people who helped her in tough times.
Karen's life, a dedicated nurse, crumbles upon discovering her fiancé's betrayal. Seeking healing for her emotional wounds, she decides to seek refuge in Fernando de Noronha. On the island, Karen becomes involved with Othon, a charming doctor, in a passionate night that unfortunately proves to be yet another disappointment when a supposed pregnant fiancée unexpectedly appears. Returning home pregnant, Karen makes the courageous decision to raise her child alone, keeping the paternity of her baby Otávio a secret. However, destiny weaves new paths for Karen seven years later. Othon becomes the director of the hospital where she works and also her neighbor, while Otávio considers him his best friend. Now, Karen faces a dilemma: reveal the truth about Otávio's paternity or continue to silence this reality that unexpectedly binds them.
Can two strong-willed individuals with overwhelming chemistry be conquered by love? Rachel Mitchell is an extremely selfish girl, and her primary goal is to win over a wealthy husband who fulfills all her desires. Enrico Bianchi has always dreamed of success in his profession. He needed to prove to his father that he was capable of reaching the highest level of world motorsport and becoming the best Formula One driver. However, a revenge plan ends up bringing Rachel and Enrico together. Despite being complete opposites, they share something in common: they don't care about what others think and will do whatever it takes to achieve their desires.
There was only one man in Raegan's heart, and it was Mitchel. In the second year of her marriage to him, she got pregnant. Raegan's joy knew no bounds. But before she could break the news to her husband, he served her divorce papers because he wanted to marry his first love. After an accident, Raegan lay in the pool of her own blood and called out to Mitchel for help. Unfortunately, he left with his first love in his arms. Raegan escaped death by the whiskers. Afterward, she decided to get her life back on track. Her name was everywhere years later. Mitchel became very uncomfortable. For some reason, he began to miss her. His heart ached when he saw her all smiles with another man. He crashed her wedding and fell to his knees while she was at the altar. With bloodshot eyes, he queried, "I thought you said your love for me is unbreakable? How come you are getting married to someone else? Come back to me!"
Belinda thought after divorce, they would part ways for good - he could live his life on his own terms, while she could indulge in the rest of hers. However, fate had other plans in store. "My darling, I was wrong. Would you please come back to me?" The man, whom she once loved deeply, lowered his once proud head humbly. "I beg you to return to me." Belinda coldly pushed away the bouquet of flowers he had offered her and coolly replied, "It's too late. The bridge has been burned, and the ashes have long since scattered to the wind!"
To fund her father's medical bills, Helena stepped in for her half‑sister and wed the city's notorious deaf heir. On their wedding night, as she bared herself, he dismissed her hope with, "This is strictly business." Living beneath the weight of his unpredictable moods, she learned to fear every moment. When everyone bet on her ruin, he became her fiercest protector. But as their contract expired and she gathered her things, tears shimmered in his eyes. "Please… don't leave me."
The whispers said that out of bitter jealousy, Hadley shoved Eric's beloved down the stairs, robbing the unborn child of life. To avenge, Eric forced Hadley abroad and completely cut her off. Years later, she reemerged, and they felt like strangers. When they met again, she was the nightclub's star, with men ready to pay fortunes just to glimpse her elusive performance. Unable to contain himself, Eric blocked her path, asking, "Is this truly how you earn a living now? Why not come back to me?" Hadley's lips curved faintly. "If you’re eager to see me, you’d better join the queue, darling."
On her wedding day, Khloe’s sister connived with her groom, framing her for a crime she didn’t commit. She was sentenced to three years in prison, where she endured much suffering. When Khloe was finally released, her evil sister used their mother to coerce Khloe into an indecent liaison with an elderly man. As fate would have it, Khloe crossed paths with Henrik, the dashing yet ruthless mobster who sought to alter the course of her life. Despite Henrik’s cold exterior, he cherished Khloe like no other. He helped her take retribution from her tormentors and kept her from being bullied again.
Becky endured three years of marriage to the cold-hearted Rory. In all that time, she naively reasoned that one day, he'd gradually come to like her. But the second he forced her to kneel down and humiliate herself, she knew she had been wrong about him. This man had no feelings for her at all. So why should she still love him? When Rory gave her the choice between kneeling down and divorcing, she didn't miss a beat and chose the latter. After all, why should she waste her youth on this scumbag? Wouldn't it be nicer for her to just have fun every day with her billion-dollar family fortune?