kensuson

"I can't stay still, walking back and forth. If only someone was with me now, I know their eyes would hurt watching me. I've been waiting for him since earlier, but he took so long to come. Feeling tired, I sat on the couch, but I stood up immediately as the front door opened, and he walked in. He's finally home. "Where have you been?" I asked my husband as he arrived late. Yes, I've been waiting for him. It's already 2:03 in the morning, and he just decided to come home now. Nothing new in his actions. I even get home earlier than him – from work, while he comes from his school. No emotion showed on his face, and he just continued walking without responding to me. "Lazel Hyrroz," I sternly uttered his name. I followed him into his room. He unbuttoned his uniform after casually dropping his backpack on the bed. "I'm tired. Don't bother me now," he said coldly, avoiding eye contact. "That's why I'm asking why you're only coming home now and where you've been at this hour," I questioned him firmly. He took off his white polo, leaving only his undershirt. "You know? You have a lot of roles in my life," he sarcastically remarked, facing me. His face remained emotionless, and the way he looked at me seemed indifferent. "You're not just a mother, sister, or brother. Now, your role is a strict father who waited for his son who didn't come home last night but decided to show up now," he added, grinning. "You've grown up, Lazel Hyrroz. Even if you're no longer under your parents' care, remember that there's still someone who cares about you," I stated. "You? Do you care about me? I'm just your husband on paper, and I never asked you to worry about me. I told you from the beginning not to interfere, and I'll do the same to you," he said sternly. That's just how he is – hard-hearted and indifferent to me or my feelings. "Lazel Hyrroz..." "If you have nothing else to say, leave, Lola," he insultingly called me Lola this time. I sighed, acknowledging his disrespectful behavior. I turned away as he removed his white undershirt. "You've seen my body. So, why are you still avoiding me? I know you liked what we did last night, didn't you? You took advantage of me while I was drunk," he insinuated, and those words felt like a slap. My chest tightened violently. "Before you sleep, take a bath or wash your body. If you haven't eaten, just heat the food that I cooked earlier," I said, hearing his mocking laugh and the creaking of the bed as a sign that he sat down. "Yes, Manang," he said mockingly, using another insult this time. I closed his room door gently, pausing for a moment before leaning against it. Tears threatened to spill, weighing heavily on my chest. Is this the reason he came home so late? Because in over a year, something happened between us only once? We were both drunk, and I can't remember anything about that night. I questioned myself. How long will we be like this, Lazel Hyrroz? *** When I wake up every morning, my uniform is neatly prepared on the sofa bed, and my black shoes are polished. In the kitchen, there's food ready, with a sticky note on the fridge. I took it and read the neat handwriting. Despite that, I still dislike it. "Don't forget to eat your breakfast before you go to school, Lazel Hyrroz." -Calysta After reading it, I crumpled the paper and threw it in the trash bin. I opened the fridge, grabbed a cold water bottle, and finished its contents. I glanced at the prepared breakfast on the table, but as usual, I left it untouched. I entered the university with an empty stomach, but it's okay; Hanemira usually shares her food with me. That's where I usually have my breakfast. "You didn't have breakfast again, huh?" I just smiled at her question and slowly smiled. Simultaneously, she held my hand, handing me a spoon. She also had my lunch box. "I still cooked it." Her cooking wasn't the best, but I appreciated it because she's the girl I like. *** When I got home, I expected to find her in the living room, busy with her laptop, drinking coffee. "You didn't eat your breakfast again. You didn't even touch them," she greeted me. I raised the corner of my lips. I've memorized those words since she always says them to me. "Who told you to cook my breakfast?" I asked, hearing her sigh again. Honestly, I don't feel anything for her. I don't like her, and I will never love a woman ten years older than me. We only got married because she's wealthier than my family, and our company needed her. That's the only reason I endure living in this cramped house. That's what I feel. I ignored her and went upstairs, but before that, I stopped to ask her about this. "For you, what is love?" She furrowed her brows, confused by my question. "Why are you asking me that?" she asked back. "I just want to know your opinion. What does love mean to you?" I asked, genuinely interested in her perspective on love. "Love ruins a person's life." I raised an eyebrow at her statement. How does it r

I was holding my heart when I felt the pain again. My breathing increased because I thought I was going to run out of air in my chest. "Engineer Mergus, Ms. is feeling really bad. Ann," I heard my secretary say from outside my room. Is he here again? "Where is she? I want to talk to her.” I slowly got up and leaned on the headboard of my bed. I closed my eyes tightly because my stomach hurt more. I took a deep breath and wiped the sweat from my forehead, I was still sweating even though it was cold inside. "Engineer Mergus..." The door opened loudly and I just waited for him to enter. "May Ann..." he uttered my name emphatically and I looked up at him. "What are you doing here?" I asked him coldly. Instead of answering me, he asked me, "How much do you hate your brother?" "What do you mean?" "Your sister is in the hospital and she needs a donor. You know your sister is sick and she was rushed to the hospital but you still stay here as if nothing happened? You are so angry with your sister and you didn't even go to see her?!” he shouted at me. I only felt worse because of the way he showed my anger. "Engineer Mergus..." I signaled Ruthy to go out first. He hesitated because he knew my situation. He did nothing but follow me. "Go to the hospital right now and save your sister, May Ann!" he shouted at me again. My jaw dropped. He is forcing me to go to the hospital just to save the girl he loves? And my brother? Even though I am hurt by what he showed me today, I will not follow him and I will not go to the hospital just to be a donor for my younger brother. "I don't want to," I said emphatically and his jaw tightened. He stepped closer to me and I bravely met his cold eyes. "What do you want? Do I still have to kneel in front of you just, so you can come with me to the hospital now and save Arveliah?” he asked. I wanted to smile at what he said. Is he really ready to kneel to me so that I agree to what he wants? “I am only human, Engineer Mergus. I'm not God so I can save my brother," I said without emotion. "It's just you... Your brother's only hope is you. Only you can save him. Your blood is compatible so you can also be his bone marrow donor... Help him... Put aside your jealousy and anger towards him... I'm the one begging you..." he pleaded and he did what he wanted to happen. Without a doubt he knelt down in front of me so I felt a pain in my chest. They are right, you will do anything even if your pride is stepped on. You don't care as long as the issue is the safety of the person you love. But even if I love him... Even if I love Mergus, I will not follow him. I will not give him what he wants. "No. I'm not mad at my sister and that's not the reason,” I said weakly and held my womb. "May Ann..." "I can be his donor because once... I donated blood to him once when we were young but... But I can't help him right now. I'm sorry..." I said and avoided looking at him. "That's how you are... what a selfish person... You're a liar, that your anger is not the reason why you don't want to save Arveliah. You want her gone... You want her to never...get better... It's because of me, isn't it?” he asked me mockingly and I looked back at him. "No. No one wants to lose their only sister, Engineer. But now...I can't help her. You will not be blessed by me," I promised and he stood up from his kneeling position. "Save Arveliah... That's what I'm asking you... I'll do... I'll do everything you want... If it's my heart in exchange, I'll give it..." "I thought too... I thought I got that from you. But I was wrong. If it's not really for me, if it's not meant for me, just don't. We'll still suffer in the end and be hurt more... We can't force something that's not for me, that wasn't given to the two of us...” I thought I had won his heart because I could feel his gradual fall. It started with him taking care of me and appreciating me but... I only experienced that temporarily. "Of all the people in this world... You... you are the only one I know who is so selfish and doesn't care about people, even if they are close to you. You..." It's okay to be selfish, because of the two most important people to me, I'll choose the one who I know won't leave me in the end. That I know...he can love me as much as I love him. I will not sacrifice him just because the man I love and my brother want. I will stand up for my selfishness. "I'll ask you, Engineer... If two people... both are important to you... You would choose one of them, similar to our situation... Who would you choose? The first person you loved, appreciated and gave color to your dark world or the second person that you yourself are the reason why he came to this world and gave him life?" I asked him meaningfully which stopped him. He couldn't speak immediately and just crossed his eyebrows. I thought he wasn't going to answer anymore but...what he answered hurt my heart so much. "The person I first met and appreciated is still heavier,

"When will I be back, Jov? Govan and I are already at the airport. Why... Why did you change your mind? Do you want to leave me here?" I asked my husband from the other line. I looked at our son whom I am carrying now. This is the day I've been waiting for. The day we'll return to the Philippines, and I've tried convincing Joavani several times to bring us back. I was so happy when he told me that. That we can finally go home with our child. But he called because he wanted... Only Govan, only Govan to go back, not me. "Just follow what I said, Gotchelle... Govan will come home first. Don't worry, I'll still set a schedule for when you'll come back," he said, and I let out a sigh. "I've waited for this day for months, Jov..." I said, and tears welled up immediately. My chest tightened, and it felt hard to breathe. "Please... When I choose a day to bring you home, I'll be the one to pick you up, Gotchelle..." "Why are you doing this to me, Joavani? I thought... I thought everything was over for you? After you... had our child undergo a DNA test and found out that you... you're really his Dad and not someone else--" "We're only talking now, Gotchelle. So don't let us fight because of that. Yes, all that is no longer with me. I understand, and I know the truth. Just please, follow me," he pleaded. I sighed again and caressed my son's face. "Don't you wonder, Joavani? Why I only sent you the DNA test results of our child? Why until now you still don't know what Govan looks like?" I asked with a smile, and tears started to fall. My chest tightened, and I felt the pain. "Gotchelle..." "He's just like you, exactly like you, Joavani. No doubt... he's your son. That's why I didn't send you his photos because I want... I want you to meet him as your son without any doubts... Jov... Okay, I'll follow what you said. Just... just take good care of our child while... while I'm not here, okay? I love him so much, Jov. I love our child so much," I said and kissed Govan's head wholeheartedly before handing him over to his babysitter. "Gotchelle?" "When they arrive, call me immediately, Joavani. Go on..." I said and ended the call. "Ma'am, are you sure you won't come with us?" my son's babysitter asked with concern. I shook my head. "I hurt my husband so much before, and I didn't appreciate him just because... I wanted someone else. But he's not hard to love, so I'll follow what he wants. His orders for me. Just please, take care of my child, okay?" I said, and she nodded. Govan extended his hand as if he didn't want me to go, and when I held it, he gripped it tightly. "Mam-ma..." "See you when I see you, my son. Mommy loves you, always," I said with teary eyes as they started walking away, and it felt like a heavy stone was pressing on my chest. My tears fell like rain due to the continuous dripping. I waved to him even though he tried to look away and was already crying. This is what Joavani wants, what my husband wants, so I'll follow. I still hope that someday I'll leave this country, but it didn't happen. Because when he called me and said he would pick me up, I refused. How will I go back home? How will I face him when... I'm useless? Because when I was about to go home from the airport, I didn't expect that an accident was waiting for me, causing me to become disabled. I can't walk anymore, so if I go home to my family, I'll just be a burden to them. So, I chose to stay here... for several years. Yes, it lasted that long. I often tell Joavani that I'll come home next month, but it just passes without me fulfilling it. Because I deliberately avoid continuing... He won't need a wife in a wheelchair anymore.

At my best friend's birthday party, I drank tainted wine and passed out. When I woke up, I heard the doctor say it could cause severe nerve damage. I teased my fiancé Cayden Hewitt, asking who I was and where I was. He hesitated, staring at me, then called my rival Liam Hewitt. "You're Julia. He's your fiancé. You're getting married soon." I froze, thinking he was joking too. My best friend, Vivian Green, slipped her arm through Cayden's, looking every bit like a couple in love. Eventually, I was about to marry Liam. But Cayden, with eyes red from emotion, stood in front of the car to stop it, pleading, "Julia, don't marry him. I've realized I can't let you go."

Yelena discovered that she wasn't her parents' biological child. After seeing through their ploy to trade her as a pawn in a business deal, she was sent away to her barren birthplace. There, she stumbled upon her true origins-a lineage of historic opulence. Her real family showered her with love and adoration. In the face of her so-called sister's envy, Yelena conquered every adversity and took her revenge, all while showcasing her talents. She soon caught the attention of the city's most eligible bachelor. He cornered Yelena and pinned her against the wall. "It's time to reveal your true identity, darling."

Trigger/Content Warning: This story contains mature themes and explicit content intended for adult audiences(18+). Reader discretion is advised. It includes elements such as BDSM dynamics, explicit sexual content, toxic family relationships, occasional violence and strong language. This is not a fluffy romance. It is intense, raw and messy, and explores the darker side of desire. ***** "Take off your dress, Meadow." "Why?" "Because your ex is watching," he said, leaning back into his seat. "And I want him to see what he lost." ••••*••••*••••* Meadow Russell was supposed to get married to the love of her life in Vegas. Instead, she walked in on her twin sister riding her fiance. One drink at the bar turned to ten. One drunken mistake turned into reality. And one stranger's offer turned into a contract that she signed with shaking hands and a diamond ring. Alaric Ashford is the devil in a tailored Tom Ford suit. Billionaire CEO, brutal, possessive. A man born into an empire of blood and steel. He also suffers from a neurological condition-he can't feel. Not objects, not pain, not even human touch. Until Meadow touches him, and he feels everything. And now he owns her. On paper and in his bed. She wants him to ruin her. Take what no one else could have. He wants control, obedience... revenge. But what starts as a transaction slowly turns into something Meadow never saw coming. Obsession, secrets that were never meant to surface, and a pain from the past that threatens to break everything. Alaric doesn't share what's his. Not his company. Not his wife. And definitely not his vengeance.

Her marriage wasn't perfect. Infact, it wasn't anywhere close to being perfect. But she always had hope and tried to make things work. She had expected it to last forever, no matter how bad it was. But her hope came shattering down when he dropped the divorce papers on the table right in front of her. "Sign them." He had said coldly. That was five years ago. Now Alexandra was back, as the CEO of the fast rising clothing and apparels company, Velvet Vixen. This time, she came for revenge on the man who had broken her heart into several unmendable pieces. But she wasn't alone anymore. "Mommy, we saw a man who Jace looks like." She was back with two tiny accomplices in tow. Liam wanted to be the father of his kids and change back to the old times. Would he be able to accomplish his mission of making Alexandra fall in love with him again? Would Alexandra give in to this man who had once broken her heart and all the promises he made to her before? Would Jace and Jade accept their unknown father back?

**Mature Content!** "I'm so sorry, Mr. Lawson, you can marry my daughter Marga but Sabrina is an exception." "Why? She's your daughter I thought you and my parents had already arranged this marriage. And I choose Sabrina. I won't marry anyone but Sabrina." "Then why Sabrina?" "Let's say that Sabrina and I have a special thing back then," Gabriel said with a little smile. Ferdinand frowned and was curious. "Well, she might deny it." Sabrina Mondragon Alvarez – is a mute rich woman. She's an introvert and hated getting along with rich people who always talk about senseless stuff. She was bullied by socialite but never they knew that behind that innocent-looking woman hides a strong and powerful aura. Being quiet doesn't mean weak but is something more dangerous than anything. Silence would lead all of her enemies to one place that can also be called danger. Soon, she'll have them in the place that she's secretly reserving for those who made her life and family miserable. She said to be someone who can't speak not until he came and chose her to be his wife. Gabriel Lawson - a rich powerful tycoon with a strong background. He fell in love with the woman he had a one night stand with and chose her to be his wife. He would do anything for her. And for those people who hurt her--they must pay a thousand folds.

In the eighteen years of her life, Brianna had endured relentless abuse from her family, living in constant fear. One fateful day, two dignified figures approached her and revealed a shocking truth: she was their long-lost daughter, heiress to the wealthiest family in the city-the Owens. Desperate for love and acceptance, Brianna hoped to escape her past. Instead, she fell victim to Cassie, a cunning impostor who manipulated their parents against her while feigning distress. Rather than forging a connection with her real family, Brianna found herself betrayed and isolated. When a car accident left Brianna in a vegetative state, she found herself able to listen to everything around her, though unable to respond. Bitterly, she realized her parents didn't care for her; they visited just once. A month later, Cassie visited, disconnecting the ventilator before leaning in to whisper coldly, "Goodbye, my dear sister. You shouldn't have come back. You are meant for that despicable, wretched family." Somehow, fate granted Brianna a second chance. Reborn and fueled by rage, she vowed to make everyone who had wronged her pay dearly. This time, she would seize the life that had been stolen from her.

My world revolved around Jax Harding, my older brother's captivating rockstar friend. From sixteen, I adored him; at eighteen, I clung to his casual promise: "When you're 22, maybe I'll settle down." That offhand comment became my life's beacon, guiding every choice, meticulously planning my twenty-second birthday as our destiny. But on that pivotal day in a Lower East Side bar, clutching my gift, my dream exploded. I overheard Jax' s cold voice: "Can't believe Savvy's showing up. She' s still hung up on that stupid thing I said." Then the crushing plot: "We' re gonna tell Savvy I' m engaged to Chloe, maybe even hint she' s pregnant. That should scare her off." My gift, my future, slipped from my numb fingers. I fled into the cold New York rain, devastated by betrayal. Later, Jax introduced Chloe as his "fiancée" while his bandmates mocked my "adorable crush"-he did nothing. As an art installation fell, he saved Chloe, abandoning me to severe injury. In the hospital, he came for "damage control," then shockingly shoved me into a fountain, leaving me to bleed, calling me a "jealous psycho." How could the man I loved, who once saved me, become this cruel and publicly humiliate me? Why was my devotion seen as an annoyance to be brutally extinguished with lies and assault? Was I just a problem, my loyalty met with hatred? I would not be his victim. Injured and betrayed, I made an unshakeable vow: I was done. I blocked his number and everyone connected to him, severing ties. This was not an escape; this was my rebirth. Florence awaited, a new life on my terms, unburdened by broken promises.

Livia Shelby, 19, is forced into marriage with Damian Alexander - a ruthless CEO with a cold heart. Hate simmers beneath the surface, and sometimes it blurs the line between resentment and desire. But what happens when the love that grows between them is bound by a contract... and forbidden to be spoken? Author's Note: This book has been previously published on several platforms. This version is a revised and improved edition.

Dorothy was forced to marry Stefan Everest, the man known as "the crippled mute." Everyone thought her life was over, especially as she endured the mockery and whispers. But one night, everything changes. At a lavish event, Stefan proves he is far from what people believed. Looking at Dorothy, his words are simple: "You stood by me when no one else did. Now, it's my turn to spoil you."

He called her boring. He said their marriage was a mistake. Then he left her bleeding, heartbroken... and pregnant. Lily devoted seven years of her life to a man who only saw her as a convenience. When her husband, Alex, demanded a divorce, she begged him to stay only to discover he'd already proposed to his ex... and planned it all behind her back. But betrayal wasn't the end, it was just the beginning. Left for dead, humiliated, and crushed by the ultimate heartbreak, Lily had nothing, until a billionaire stranger offered her a deal: a contract marriage, a new identity, and a chance to make the man who shattered her beg on his knees. She accepted. Now, Lily is no longer the soft-spoken housewife he threw away, she's the storm he never saw coming. Beautiful. Untouchable. Dangerous. And Alex? He's about to learn that the woman he underestimated is now the one who holds all the power. He broke her soul. Now she's coming for him...