Maya is a 23 year old orphan girl who has lived in multiple homes since the death of her parents. She had one passion. To reach the highest height in her career. A few years after reaching the mid-height of her career, she comes in contact with Mark, a well known billionaire betrothed to the heir of the largest shipping and logistics company. Mark is arrogant, wealthy and yet, breathtakingly handsome. These two fall in love but Maya hides her feelings, fearing rejection whiles Mark hides his, because of pride. He calls Maya a low life girl who is not worthy of his love. As the tables turn, Maya meets Tom who is a perfect embodiment of her description of a dream man but will she be able to let go of her feelings for Mark? Will Mark be able to love her and give up the heir of the largest shipping company? Will Maya be able to reciprocate Toms' love or will she forgive Mark for how he despised her? Let's find out as the story unfolds....
My mind was was a complete state of confusion when the cab I arranged to pick me up disappointed me. The driver called just 30 minutes before the pickup time to inform me that he had to rush his wife to the hospital because she was in labour.
God, I indeed sympathized with him but also was angered with the fact that he could have called earlier. Either way, I just hid my disappointment and told him that it was fine but I cried internally. I stepped out of the shower and dressed at high speed to save time to get a cab on a busy Monday morning. I knew about the traffic situation too so my head was spinning with thoughts of how I could make it to this interview which meant the world to me.
I worked over the years from start-up to multinational companies, yet I never had the chance of being promoted beyond Senior Officer, no matter how hard I worked. I am very ambitious and have worked throughout my college days either as a part-time typist or secretary so I gathered so much experience.
For the first time, I got an interview for an assistant manager role. If I got this job, I would work hard to get promoted to a manager if I complete my Executive Masters in Business Administration course. I was so excited when I received a call from the lady who introduced herself as Ruby, inviting me to attend the interview. I wanted to make a good impression.
I finally managed to dress up as fast as I could, with simple makeup. I tried ordering another cab via Uber but there were no available cabs at the time. I had to try a taxi then. I got to the street and luckily, someone has just dropped out of a taxi so I wave to the driver to stop as I gave him the direction card attached to my invitation for the interview. He glanced at it, wrote his fee on it, and returned the card to me.
My eyes widened with so much surprise when I saw the fee he had written.
"Are you taking advantage of me or what? Why are you charging this much for a journey of less than an hour?" I asked him.
"Ma'am, you know the traffic situation and I can't do anything about it," he said genuinely.
"Okay, let's go," I said, making myself comfortable in the back seat. As we began the journey, I decided to double-check a few details about the company when my eyes caught the cloudy sky ahead of me. 'What now, haven't I had enough already? Is nature also against me?' I thought to myself. There was no doubt with the level of thickness of the cloud that it was going to be a heavy downpour but my mind was so occupied with the interview that, I didn't notice it earlier to even pick an umbrella or a raincoat. I said a quick prayer in my mind asking God to at least hold the rain till I get to the venue but it seemed that even God was against me as the rain started pouring, making the traffic worse due to low visibility.' At least I got a taxi before the rain started so I should thank God right? Maybe it might reduce or probably stop by the time we get there.' I encouraged myself.
During the ride, my mind wandered to when my mum passed away. It was also on a rainy day like this. Dad had gotten into a terrible car accident and mum had preterm labour upon hearing the news. Aunty Joy called an ambulance but there had been some fallen trees due to the heavy rain, which had caused a truck to run over a Mercedes. This made five other vehicles collide in the same spot. There were no survivors. It was one of the most horrible incidents of my life. We could not even have my Dad's body to give a befitting burial because it was burnt beyond recognition.
We couldn't get an ambulance so Aunty Joy drove my mum through some unauthorized route to the hospital since the main roads were closed. This made the journey twice longer and mum passed on ten minutes after reaching the hospital. Since then, my life has moved from a fairy tale princess to what I can't even describe. The two people who loved me so much both died on the same day.
Aunty Joy took me in but it wasn't long before she was diagnosed with cancer. It was already at stage three by then so I lost her in two months. No family member wanted to take me in after that because they saw me as being cursed. They didn't even want my parent's properties so one day when class was over in school and I made no attempt to go home, Sir Maxwell as we usually called him, asked me why I didn't want to go home.
After narrating to him the story of my life, he took me to meet his family. They were foreigners but they gladly accepted me and once again, I found a place to call home. Little did I realize that Sir Maxwell was the breadwinner of the family. He had two sisters and a brother. His mum and dad were both pensioners so he took up a chunk of the responsibilities. I didn't want them to continue with this suffering so, with careful thought, I made my suggestion. I was eight and the realities of life were gradually making me mature as the only child of my parents.
Flashback.
"Sir Max," I called.
"Maya. Is everything alright?" He asked with concern.
"Yes," I smiled. "I am just thinking that, since you are taking care of me now, you should sell off my parent's house and cars to use to take care of all of us," I said.
"What?, No way," he refused with an angry look.
"I insist because my parents wanted me to have a good education and a good life. If you do so, you can take better care of us. I don't mean to sound ungrateful. I know that you are trying your best but that can help too. After all, what is a house and car to an eight-year-old? I can't live alone or drive those cars anyway."
Upon further deliberations, he agreed. A month later, he handed me some documents and told me to keep them a secret and since then, we moved to a bigger house. Not as big and luxurious as my parent's house but we were comfortable and happy. Then life was great, almost perfect until one day, Sir Maxwell and his family had to move back to their country. They wanted me to come along but I didn't want to go far from where I will have memories of my parents so I couldn't accept the offer.
To my surprise, he understood and didn't force me. Instead, he entrusted me with his best friend Jude. He gave him a lot of money which surprised me because the money he got from the sale of the house and car should have finished by now.
It has been five years since then. Yes. Five whole years. Jude, his mum, brother, and I went to the Airport to see Maxwell and his family off. It was one of the saddest moments of my life. As I hugged him and kissed his cheek goodbye, he whispered in my ears. "DO NOT MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT THOSE DOCUMENTS TO ANYONE". Then he handed me a card. "Call me anytime", were his last words.
We got home from the airport before the realization hit me, that Jude's family was not like Sir Maxwell's. They were so arrogant, selfish, and inconsiderate. Perhaps that was why Sir Max wanted me to keep those documents a secret. I was twelve years old by then but I was smarter than a fifteen-year-old. Maybe it was due to Sir Maxwell's training. He gave me extra tuition at home and always made me take tests in the advanced class so I was already in my senior year in high school when he left.
Jude was always busy in the office so I offered to help him whenever I came on vacation because he was the only one who cared for me. I was never comfortable alone with his family because his brother Alex was making illicit advances at me, which made me uncomfortable. His mum was always engrossed in one fashion photo or the other. Bags, shoes, make-up, jewellery, whatever you can think of. His dad was always with the newspaper. House helps did all the chores so I had nothing much to do other than study my books.
Jude had a big office and made HR hire me as an intern to be his assistant so he thought me a lot about office practice, letters, mergers, and all. It made me sad when I had to go back to school but I knew that I needed my education as well. As the years went by, Jude got Married and his wife didn't like me so I decided to rent a one-room apartment. I was fifteen but very mature. He got me a decent and well secure apartment even though he had wanted me to continue living with his family till I completed college but I knew I wouldn't be able to live with them, so I insisted and he didn't have a choice to agree. Sir Max called from time to time and I explained to him as well so it was fine.
Life was extremely lonely so I used the time to do a lot of research which helped me well in college. Only then did I remember the documents Sir Max gave me. For the first time, I gently opened the envelope and my eyes could not believe what was inside.
Inside that envelope were documents for the complete insurance of my education to the master's level. There was another kiddy account that had an investment made for me. So my whole education was being funded by the insurance he did. Then the cash investment could only be assessed when I was eighteen. So I got a part-time job to support myself when I got to college. By the time I completed my undergraduate, I could assess my investment account but I was so used to working that, I never touched my investment account till now. The only change is, I am working full time now, doing my EMBA part-time.
End of flashback.
I currently worked as a senior administration/procurement officer. When it was time for me to be promoted to the role of Administrative Manager, I was transferred to another branch. Not only was it far from my home, but it was also extremely difficult to get to school from there so I started applying for a new job. That is why this interview means so much to me.
"Ma'am," I was startled when someone tapped me on the shoulder. It was the driver so I gave him my full attention. "We have arrived".
"Ohhh, thank you," I said to him, as I got out of his taxi.
"Payment Ma'am," he said harshly.
"Sorry," I murmured, shoving my right hand into my bag, removing my purse, and bringing out money to pay him.
"Keep the change," I said while walking away. I didn't miss the broad smile on his face.
"You can take my number Ma'am, anytime you need a taxi, call me". He yelled behind me. I could feel him grinning.
"Sure." I turned around and took just in case of any emergency. I headed to the tall building in front of me. It was drizzling so I needed to hurry. Just as I got to the security I froze at what had just happened...
When Zora was sick during the early days of her pregnancy, Ezrah was with his first love, Piper. When Zora got into an accident and called Ezrah, he said he was busy, when in actual fact, he was buying shoes for Piper. Zora lost her baby because of the accident, and throughout her stay at the hospital, Ezrah never showed up. She already knew that he didn’t love her, but that was the last straw for the camel’s back, and her fragile heart could not take it anymore. When Ezrah arrived home a few days after Zora was discharged from the hospital, he no longer met the woman who always greeted him with a smile and cared for him. Zora stood at the top of the stairs and yelled with a cold expression, “Good news, Ezrah! Our baby died in a car accident. There is nothing between us anymore, so let's get a divorce.” The man who claimed not to have any feelings for Zora, being cold and distant towards her, and having asked her for a divorce twice, instantly panicked.
He said to her, “why can’t you be like other women? Have a make-over, do your hair, nails and facials. Wear the best designers and accompany me to functions.” She smiled sweetly, “I will, if only you will leave all those women.” He said, "I’m very attractive and women are naturally drawn to me. I can’t promise you that.” She was hurt but she took his advice. The day Abigail stepped in and out of the beauty parlor, four cars crashed because of her and every man in M city wanted her to be theirs. He said, “You belong to me alone. Now I have to keep you caged.” She responded with a wink, “beauty must be admired by all, I can't be a caged bird you know..."
Godiva's attempt to escape from her cruel fate of being sold to seven Alphas, turns interesting when she is rescued by Alpha Rock who promises to protect her, only if she bears his mark. He is everything she hates. Cold, unspoken, wild and ruthless but if she was going to bear his mark, then she needed to tame him. Alpha Rock was known in North America as the Alpha of Alphas due to his ruthlessness. Luck shines on him when he goes to redeem his purchase and ends up rescuing her when he recognizes her as his mate. She agrees to be marked by him but the mark soon disappears because of an error of his past. Now how does he protect Godiva from six ruthless Alphas' while he tries to correct the errors of his past?
He was stunned when I caressed his wounds with my mouth. "Does it hurt?" I asked, staring into his dark gaze. Amusement shadowed his eyes. "You never asked for my surname. Do you want to know?" I nodded my head, my mind wild with expectation. He cupped my face in his big hands, his glowing red gaze, boring down my bright blue ones. His voice sounded deep and breathy, "Pain. Pain is my surname. I invented pain," Jade smirked. His wounds were healing fast and I couldn't control my urge. Not caring about the consequences, I pressed my lips on his. ******** On the death of the Mage King, he betrothed Isabella to Prince Marcus on her 18th Birthday. Not having any mage powers, she was tasked to prove herself worthy of her crown, by seducing the Supreme Alpha to avenge her late father. Supreme Alpha Jade of the Moon Star Pack remained unmated at twenty-eight because of an untold legend. However, when he rescued Isabella from one of his ditches, things were bound to change when he realized that she was his mate. He doesn't want her and he won't accept her yet, he can't let her go. But what happens when he finds out Isabella's true identity and her real intention for appearing at his pack? Betrayal was punishable by death, so what does fate hold for Isabella?
He accused her of seduction and was mean towards her after a one night stand. In retaliation, Mercedes threw a $1 note at him as payment for his service and a measure of his performance, which she graded to be below average. Meanwhile, her body ached terribly and her walls felt sore. Two days later, she walked to her new office and was sent to the board room to begin her job as a personal assistant to the President. Her heart stopped when she realized that the man she ridiculed was Nathan Legend. The multi-billionaire devil everyone whispered about. Graciously, he pretended to not know her to her great relief. Yet, when she entered his office, he locked the door. His face carried no emotions, his eyes piercing, his voice chilled like ice. "You shall spend the rest of your life, paying for the insult you threw in my face, till I tear that $1 note off the wall." She shivered to his word and as if to read her mind, he seethed, "don't even think about resigning because, I would make sure, that no company employs you and if you run, I will find you."
R18. Danica wakes up beside a strange man in the morning. The next day, she finds herself becoming the surrogate to a mysterious man, in the bid to save her twin sister Daniella from a ruthless mafia boss. But what she doesn't understand is, why did he change the rules? He wants her body once every month till she conceives yet; she can’t see him face to face...
It took only a second for a person's world to come crashing down. This was what happened in Hannah's case. For four years, she gave her husband her all, but one day, he said emotionlessly, "Let's get divorced." Hannah's heart broke into a million pieces as she signed the divorce papers, marking the end of her role as a devoted wife. Within Hannah, a strong woman awakened, vowing never to be beholden to any man again. Embracing her new life, she embarked on a journey to find herself and command her own destiny. By the time she returned, she had experienced so much growth and was now completely different from the docile wife everyone once knew. "Is this your latest trick to get my attention?" Hannah's ever-so-arrogant husband asked. Before she could retort, a handsome and domineering CEO pulled her into his embrace. He smiled down at her and said boldly to her ex, "Just a little heads-up, mister. This is my beloved wife. Keep off!"
She was a world-renowned divine doctor, the CEO of a publicly traded company, the most formidable female mercenary, and a top-tier tech genius. Marissa, a titan with a plethora of secret identities, had hidden her true stature to marry a seemingly impoverished young man. However, on the eve of their wedding, her fiance, who was actually the lost heir to a wealthy dynasty, called off the engagement and subjected her to degradation and mockery. Upon the revelation of her concealed identities, her ex-fiance was left stunned and desperately pleaded for her forgiveness. Standing protectively before Marissa, an incredibly influential and fearsome magnate declared, "This is my wife. Who would dare try to claim her?"
He has all the traits that you wished for your dream man to have. Power, money, perfection, handsomeness and a body like a Greek God. But he's inlove. He's inlove with her. For him, she was the completion of his dream, a perfect wife and a mother to be with his children. He would give her everything including his own life. He would sacrifice his world for her. But she left him. She betrayed him. She broke his heart into pieces. And he turned into a cold, heartless, rude and an arrogant billionaire, who would do everything to show her that she's no longer important into his life. Even though the truth is the opposite of what he is doing. His heart still aching for her. And that's when he met me. I applied as his Personal Assistant to fulfill my bucket list of dreams. To explore my life and experience everything. He offered me a deal. He asked me to marry him just to show his ex that he already moved on. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "She's pregnant." He blurted out and i almost stumbled on where i am standing. I just gripped the backrest of the couch to support my weight. The pain creeping in my heart is unbearable but i managed to stay calm. "Wow! Congratulations!" I said faking my excitement as i remembered him saying... -cheating would not be the reason to break our marriage- of course i couldn't accuse him of this as 'cheating' because she was the real reason why we are pretending as a couple. He still love her. He's still inlove with her. And that's when i made the biggest decision in my life. Taking all my strength and a piece of my heart that still hanging on a thin rope... I left him. Taking also my biggest secret in me... that i've already fallen inlove with him. And somehow i learned a lesson; 'Loving someone who doesn't love you back isn't as hard as loving someone who still inlove with his ex and who only uses you to get her back again into his life..'
Maria took her sister’s place and was engaged to Anthony, a disabled man who had lost his status as the family heir. At first, they were just a nominal couple. However, things changed when things about Maria were gradually exposed. It turned out she was a professional hacker, a mysterious composer, and the sole successor to an international jade sculpting master… The more that was revealed about her, the less Anthony could rest easy. A famous singer, an award-winning actor, an heir of a rich family—so many excellent men were chasing after his fiancee, Maria. What should Anthony do?
When they met again, Jason cast aside his paranoia and pride, warmly embracing Chelsey. "Please, come back to me?" For three years, she had been his secretary by day and his companion by night. Chelsey had always complied with his requests, like an obedient pet. However, when Jason declared his plans to marry another, she chose to stop loving him and to let go. But life took unexpected turns. His unyielding pursuit, her pregnancy, and her mother's greed gradually pushed her to the brink. Eventually, she endured tremendous suffering. Five years later, when she returned, she was no longer the woman she once was. Yet he had spiraled into five years of chaos.
Ava Adler was a nerdy omega. People bullied her because they thought she was ugly and unattractive. But Ava secretly loved the bad boy, Ian Dawson. He was the future Alpha of the Mystic Shadow Pack. However, he never gave a damn about rules and laws, as he only liked to play around with girls. Ava was unaware of Ian's arrogance until her fate intertwined with his. He neglected her and hurt her deeply. What would happen when Ava turned out to be a beautiful girl who could win over any boy, and Ian looked back and regretted his decisions? What if she had a secret identity that she had yet to discover? What if the tables turned and Ian begged her not to leave him?