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.
Adriel
The scent of fine whiskey filled my nostrils as I raised the glass to my lips, watching the amber liquid dance inside it. A grand party was happening at the Ricci family mansion, and I was among the guests. However, despite the evident joy around me, I felt restless, almost impatient.
Everyone seemed to be in ecstasy, celebrating the news of Cecilia and Liam's baby, Frederico and Valentina Ricci's first grandchild. Laughter echoed through the halls, champagne flowed, and smiles were contagious. But for me, something was amiss.
I accepted another pour of the high-quality whiskey that was generously served. The Ricci family certainly knew how to throw a party, that much I couldn't deny, even though I had never harbored any fondness for Frederico Ricci, the father of one of my best friends.
Logan, my other close friend, approached, casting me a disapproving glance at the glass in my hand.
"Maybe it's time to stop, Adriel," he suggested, with a concerned expression. "You've had enough."
I brushed off his advice with a smirk, but deep down, I knew he was right. Perhaps I was trying to drown out my thoughts, or simply avoid facing the reality that seemed to loom over me like a persistent shadow.
"I know perfectly well when it's time to stop," I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt.
However, my response only seemed to further irritate my friend.
"You've been acting strange lately, Adriel. What's going on?" Logan inquired, fixing his intense gaze on mine as if he could decipher my thoughts with just one look.
Before I could formulate a response, something that would convince Logan that there was nothing wrong with me, Manuela approached us. She noticed the tense atmosphere between Logan and me, and her concerned expression didn't go unnoticed.
"Is everything okay here?" Manuela asked, her soft voice trying to dissipate any tension. "It seems like I'm missing something."
Logan didn't hesitate to explain, his voice laden with frustration.
"I'm trying to understand what's going on with our friend here. He's been acting strange lately," Logan said, shooting me an accusatory look.
Manuela's eyes met mine for a brief moment, and I could see understanding reflected in them. Trying to steer the conversation in a lighter direction, she commented:
"You guys noticed how everything looks so beautiful? I've never been to a party like this, and I'm amazed!" she said, smiling.
Logan raised an eyebrow, not allowing himself to be distracted. He spoke directly, as he always did.
"I know what you're trying to do, Manuela. I'm sure you know what's going on with Adriel."
Manuela couldn't disguise the discomfort on her face, and as she looked at me, her eyes begged for understanding. It became evident that she was somehow involved, and I knew I could no longer avoid facing the reality I had been trying to hide behind every sip of whiskey.
I took a deep breath, determined to put an end to the speculations and tell the truth. I looked into Logan's eyes, ready to speak the truth.
"I haven't been well lately, something has been tormenting me."
Manuela widened her eyes in explicit horror, already anticipating what would come next. She had made it clear her opinion on the matter, believing that I shouldn't reveal the truth, that I should keep my feelings hidden. However, I couldn't bear to keep it to myself any longer.
Manuela's face became a mask of concern, her eyes pleading for me to consider my words. She knew what was coming and didn't agree with it. Logan, on the other hand, grew curious, as was his investigative nature.
"Is it related to your future senatorial candidacy? The upcoming elections?"
Logan's question made me hesitate for a moment. The idea of my senatorial candidacy was indeed linked to my dilemma, but there was more than just politics involved in it. I took a deep breath before finally finding the courage to speak.
"No, Logan. It's something more personal than that," My voice was firm but laden with emotion. "It's related to Cecilia and Liam."
Logan frowned, repeating the names of our friends in a tone of confusion.
"Cecilia and Liam? What does it have to do with them?"
Manuela let out a restrained sigh, and I was sure she regretted that I hadn't followed her advice. Logan, on the other hand, kept pressing, eager to understand what was tormenting me.
I sighed, preparing to reveal the truth that had consumed me for so long.
"It's related to them, Logan. Directly."
Logan's expression shifted to a determined look.
"So it's something simple. You need to talk to them. It's not fair that they're not aware of what's going on."
Manuela smiled, but it was a forced smile, agreeing with Logan's words. With a hurried gesture, she grabbed my arm and said:
"You're right, Logan. Adriel needs to talk to Liam and Cecilia," she agrees, "But first, there's something I need to tell you. Now."
Logan looked at her, confused by the sudden urgency in her words.
"You're acting strange too, Manu!" He complained.
She just shook her head, her eyes conveying a silent message to me.
"What I have to tell Adriel is really urgent. We'll be back soon."
Without waiting for a response from Logan or even for my agreement, Manuela held onto my arm even tighter and discreetly insisted that I follow her, pressing me with a determined look. I already guessed what she had to say, so I decided to do what she wanted and followed her.
Manuela led me to a balcony further away from the main hall of the party, where the music became a distant murmur. Making sure we were alone, she turned to me with a disapproving expression.
"You shouldn't have let slip to Logan about Cecilia. That was a mistake."
"I know, Manu, but I can't keep it to myself anymore. I love her, and she needs to know."
Manuela shook her head vehemently.
"That's wrong! You can't do this. Cecilia is in love with Liam, and they're expecting a child together."
"I know what I'm doing, Manuela. I need to talk to Cecilia, and I'll do it soon."
Manuela tried to dissuade me again, but I stepped away from her, determined to follow my heart.
As I walked away, I saw Cecilia approaching Manuela. They talked briefly, then headed to the garden together. A sense of urgency took hold of me, and I knew it was now or never. After another shot of whiskey to gather courage, I followed them to the garden, determined to finally confess my feelings to Cecilia, whatever the cost.
I found them sitting on a wooden bench, under the shade of a tree. Cecilia seemed curious about my approach, and in her always attentive and gentle way, she quickly asked:
"Aren't you enjoying the party?"
I longed for a different kind of conversation, but I responded to your question:
"The party is delivering what it promised," I said. Then, I went straight to the point, "But I would like to talk to you privately."
Before Cecilia could respond, Manuela intervened, approaching me and firmly gripping my arm. Her gesture didn't surprise me, and I should have anticipated that she would try to stop me.
"This isn't a good time, Adriel..." Manuela said, her voice containing a note of caution.
Cecilia looked at Manuela with curiosity, seeming surprised by her reaction.
"There's no problem, Manu," she said with a smile. "I can talk to Adriel now."
Despite Cecilia's words, Manuela insisted on trying to prevent the conversation between us.
"I know there's no problem, Cecilia, but I'm saying this isn't the best time," Manuela insisted, staring at me with a reproachful look. "Come on, Adriel. You can talk later!"
I would have insisted that that moment was as good as any other, but the arrival of an unexpected couple of guests made me end up agreeing with Manuela. Caíque and Leila were heading towards Cecilia, as well as Liam.
The ideal moment had passed, and it was all Manuela's fault.
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
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.
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.
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.
Allison fell in love with Ethan Iversen, the soon-to-be Alpha of the Moonlight Crown pack. She always wanted him to notice her. Meanwhile, Ethan was an arrogant Alpha who thought a weak Omega could not be his companion. Ethan's cousin, Ryan Iversen, who came back from abroad and was the actual heir of the pack, never tried to get the position nor did he show any interest in it. He was a popular playboy Alpha but when he came back to the pack, one thing captured his eyes and that was Allison.
Madisyn was stunned to discover that she was not her parents' biological child. Due to the real daughter's scheming, she was kicked out and became a laughingstock. Thought to be born to peasants, Madisyn was shocked to find that her real father was the richest man in the city, and her brothers were renowned figures in their respective fields. They showered her with love, only to learn that Madisyn had a thriving business of her own. "Stop pestering me!" said her ex-boyfriend. "My heart only belongs to Jenna." "How dare you think that my woman has feelings for you?" claimed a mysterious bigwig.
They don't know I'm a girl. They all look at me and see a boy. A prince. Their kind purchase humans like me for their lustful desires. And, when they stormed into our kingdom to buy my sister, I intervened to protect her. I made them take me too. The plan was to escape with my sister whenever we found a chance. How was I to know our prison would be the most fortified place in their kingdom? I was supposed to be on the sidelines. The one they had no real use for. The one they never meant to buy. But then, the most important person in their savage land-their ruthless beast king-took an interest in the "pretty little prince." How do we survive in this brutal kingdom, where everyone hates our kind and shows us no mercy? And how does someone, with a secret like mine, become a lust slave? . AUTHOR'S NOTE. This is a dark romance-dark, mature content. Highly rated 18+ Expect triggers, expect hardcore. If you're a seasoned reader of this genre, looking for something different, prepared to go in blindly not knowing what to expect at every turn, but eager to know more anyway, then dive in! . From the author of the international bestselling book: "The Alpha King's Hated Slave."
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!"
Janice, the long-forgotten legitimate heiress, made her way back to her family, pouring her heart into winning their hearts. Yet, she had to relinquish her very identity, her academic credentials, and her creative works to her foster sister. In return for her sacrifices, she found no warmth, only deeper neglect. Resolute, Janice vowed to cut off all emotional bonds. Transformed, she now stood as a master of martial arts, adept in eight languages, an esteemed medical expert, and a celebrated designer. With newfound resolve, she declared, "From this day forward, no one in this family shall cross me."
Kaelyn devoted three years tending to her husband after a terrible accident. But once he was fully recovered, he cast her aside and brought his first love back from abroad. Devastated, Kaelyn decided on a divorce as people mocked her for being discarded. She went on to reinvent herself, becoming a highly sought-after doctor, a champion racer, and an internationally renowned architectural designer. Even then, the traitors sneered in disdain, believing Kaelyn would never find someone. But then the ex-husband’s uncle, a powerful warlord, returned with his army to ask for Kaelyn’s hand in marriage.