"Sign!" He demanded. A signature. Just a signature's going to change both our lives. My decision might make OR ruin both our lives.... *** Nicholas Perkins, the most wealthiest and ruthless businessman, and the city's No.1 Playboy who wants nothing more than his selfish needs to be fulfilled at any cost. But there is one condition that is required to be satisfied. Evelyn Katherine Linard, just a simple girl enjoying her father's money under his care. All she finally wants is to be free like a bird and live her life. Though enjoying all the luxuries of life, both have had a past which presents itself in front of them playing with their minds. They have no choice but to stick together. What could be their final decision? The playboy is finally in search of his bride. But is this arrangement going to work out? Is the Bride ready to be tied down? Read to find out!
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this story's author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.
Do not copy paste my story or publish on your own. This is my book and before you ask let me tell you I don't allow any translations.
People might not like my characters, some weak, some arrogant but whatever. That is how I have created the character to make my story. If you do not like weak characters or mature scenes, then I might have to warn you this is not the book for you. I encourage all kinds of comments, whether it be good or bad. I believe criticism helps in getting better.
There might be many grammatical errors, but I will be editing the book after I complete it. If you do not mind the slight errors, then you may continue. Thank you! :-)
Before 5 years
EVELYN KATHERINE LINARD'S POV
"Mom, will you just stop this? I've had enough! All you want is your son, other than that you don't find happiness in anything. I'm just so done with you."
"Why? Why should I? All you do is sit at home and enjoy your father's money. You just want to go to some university in NYC, against all our wishes for what? Just to sit at home like this or to live with your Dad's money like always?" My said bitterly, like always. Why does she hate me so much? Am I her daughter or...?
"Why is it bothering you so much that all I do is sit at home or waste your husband's money? Because if I remember correctly, it was him, your husband who doesn't want me to study any further because I'm a girl and I need to get married soon!" I said mockingly with clenched teeth.
Yes, you're right. I'm sure you would have guessed by now. I'm eighteen. I want to go to New York to visit my old friend Caroline. University? Well yeah.... That's just a reason. I just want to go as far as possible from this woman. And her husband. And her daughter. And her son! Argh! Why can she not get her eldest daughter married first? Why me? So yeah.... Caroline has been my best friend since ever. My only best friend. My only friend. But we moved out here to Greece because my Dad suddenly decided to move his business here. Strange! But we kept in touch. The thing is I can NOT tolerate these people anymore. I want to live my life on my own terms. So I'm going to New York, may be there's no relative I have there. Nor do I have many friends. But I'm sure I can create a life for myself there. Because once I'm settled, I won't come back here. I won't even show my face to these people. You might be thinking why I hate my family so much? Wait and watch you'll get to know yourself.
"I don't know anything. That's between your Father and you. But we both have promised this one friend of ours that we'll get you married to their son. Be ready by... 7? Anyways you only take 5 minutes to get ready but please make yourself look presentable." She said ending with a sigh.
"OK. I will be ready. But why not Rosie? Why me? She's the eldest" I argued.
"That is mysterious to me as well. They didn't want anyone else but you. I just don't understand why. Their son is so handsome, rich, who deserves so much better. Don't mind me darling, but you are in need of a serious make over. But they want you just like you are, they say they love you just like you are" She closed her eyes as though it burnt her saying that. She thankfully left.
Marriage? It doesn't sound so bad. You know why? I always had such big dreams about marriage and my husband. I felt like he was the one who could get me out of this hell. The one who will love me. Me ONLY! If I can't escape to New York, then this marriage proposal is really my final escape. And if that person says that he likes me the way I am then I'm sure this is one true love. Cause believe me there's not one guy who has taken a like towards. Guys! All they do is throw nasty looks at me. I'm sure I'm not that bad looking right?
OK. I need to get ready quickly. I should wear a simple skirt, right? Gown would be too much. And just as Mom said I don't take too much time.
I went with a Blue skirt, a brightly dark red lipstick with too much of gloss. Thank god! My braces are gone, just not my glasses. I chose lenses today though they cause slight irritation in my eyes. But I want to look pretty for my to-be husband. I'm not looking fat, am I? A bit plump? Oh God I hope I'm looking pretty! By the time it was 7 I was ready and waiting for them to arrive.
I heard some shuffling downstairs followed by my Mom's voice "Evelyn! Come down! They're here" She said in a fake cheerful voice.
I quickly trailed down the stairs but slipped on the floor, I tried to hold on to the person in front of me, but he moved away and yes, I fell I on my butt. Shit! I quickly scrambled to my feet and came in contact with a pair of beautiful deep blue eyes who didn't catch me! I couldn't even take my eyes off him.... So handsome and so tall.. Is he going to be my husband? But then the softness they held suddenly vanished. All he had in his eyes was anger and betrayal. I couldn't take it that his narrowed eyes were pointed at me, so I quickly looked down.
"Oh my God. She's all grown up and so very pretty" Aunt Nina hugged me tightly choking me to death.
"Oh dear. You're suffocating the poor girl. Let her go...." I heard a man's voice that's Uncle Nathaniel. And the women let me go immediately. Both of them smiled at me and then looked at son. Look? Nooo.... Glare is the right word. And all this arrogant hunk in front of me did was to smirk at them. Hmm.... He knows how to rile his parents.. I should learn too..
My mom as usual trying to change the topic said that dinner is ready. I didn't even look up from my plate because that man sitting opposite me didn't take his eyes off me. I just knew it; I could feel his eyes on me the entire time. When they were finally leaving both my parents ordered me to just go in since they wanted to have some private talk. I went inside my room which upstairs at a corner, but the good thing was that I could see anyone coming in or going out. It felt like the son was having some argument with his parents so I opened my window so I could hear them. But I shouldn't have done that..
***
"Have you even seen that girl properly? She's just not my type. I don't know what you even saw in her, she's just so boring. All I saw her doing the entire time was eat! That clumsy.... uneducated, illiterate girl is never going to be my wife. And I told you I can't get married, at least not now, not in this age. You called me back here urgently from different country only so that I could meet this girl?! I'm already against this marriage and this girl was a bonus... I definitely am not agreeing to this shitty proposal." he screamed.
"Nick!" his mother yelled at his name.
"You do remember that I said we'll disown you, remember? You will lose your inheritance!" His father reminded him cruelly. Nick stood there for a minute thinking about I don't know what and then he went around the car to sit in and slammed the door hardly.
I didn't know I was crying until I felt something warm drop on my hand and I closed my window. I thought when Mom said that they like me the way I am, it meant that he liked me. But he is blackmailed to marry me. He or me can never survive this marriage. It's going to keep both of us unhappy. But there's no choice now, he definitely will say yes because he needs his inheritance and me? Well my parents will force me to and they will never allow me to go to New York now. Only choice that's left is to run away.
NICHOLAS PERKINS'S POV
The car was facing away from their house and I could see her face in the rear-view mirror. I said all kinds of hurtful things purposely so that she'd listen and reject my parent's proposal. But I thought why would she do that? I mean she's behind me money as well. I didn't need my father's inheritance, I could build a company on my own, a successful one! But I feel so guilty now.
I would never treat a girl like that..... and I never thought that she'd take such a drastic step. Sure, I'm a playboy like everyone says but I know I really hurt the girl. The first time she saw me, she looked into my eyes, I saw trust and hope in her eyes. And now Mom gets a call by Uncle Gregorios and Aunt Elena, her parents saying that she left.. she just left with a note saying 'Don't try to find me'. I broke her trust and hope. I need to find her!
***
It's been a month and there's still no news about that girl. I don't even know her name. When I asked Dad, he said he and Uncle Gregorios will take care of it. I don't think Uncle Gregorios even worries about her, he spoke so carelessly. I just don't understand what to do. I feel like I'm the reason. Of course, I'm the reason why all this happened. I need to return to New York next week....... But will she be found? Will I ever see her again?
"Why? I know it's not that you actually care about me. Then why? Tell me." I demanded looking down. "Be MINE, Caroline" he said. I always loved the way my name rolled on his tongue. I saw him coming towards me as I took small steps backwards until my back hit the wall. I could see his face getting closer to mine to reach my lips. Caroline Brook is the daughter of a wealthy business man. She has it all, looks, beauty, intelligence, money-of course! She's a true believer of LOVE. She lived a carefree life until a tragedy strikes hard. Daniel Rochester is one of the richest business man in New York City. He's the perfect definition for a Casanova. He never was a relationship kind of guy. And he rather chose to believe in one night stands. What happens when circumstances make these completely opposite people meet? Is there going to be an explosion of volcano of hatred or rain of love? Are they gonna make it together till the end?
The dream of everyone with regards to marriage is to be able to find that special someone and settle down with them. Even arranged marriages grant you an opportunity to meet your partner briefly before the wedding. How will you feel about waking up in the morning with someone sleeping next to you who is not just anyone but your legally married partner yet with no memory of how that had happened in just a few hours of going out the previous day? This is the story of Jason Haward and Julia Harrison, two strangers trapped in a marriage they never planned. The quest to find out why led to the unfolding of a mystery which made them realize they are both living a lie. To find out more, read this amazing story of love, betrayal, revenge and murder.
Marrying her best friend was a dream come true for Kelly, but everything truly has a limitation. Pierce is Kelly’s first love, but as his best friend, she knew well there was always another woman deep in his heart. Lexi Gilbert. The woman Pierce could never forget even if he had already been arranged to marry Kelly. *** Kelly finally realized their happy marriage of the last three years was just a beautiful dream when Pierce asked for a divorce just because Lexi returned. She could only be his best friend even if she was carrying his baby. *** Since their friendship had become a cage, Kelly chose to set him free, as well as the miserable herself. But why then, it was Pierce who became the one who refused to move on? To make matters worse, her devil stepbrother also domineeringly stepped in at the same time, asking her to be his. *** Her Prince Charming vs. Her Devil Stepbrother? How could Kelly save her heart in this battle of love and hate?
Lucille was one of the most skilled female assassins, and on the previous night, she embarked on a top-secret mission. However, the mission's details were leaked, leading to her untimely demise at the hands of a traitorous companion. She never discovered the identity of the person who betrayed her before her death. But by some miracle, she was granted a new life, and was reborn as a girl with the same name. Determined to uncover the truth and seek revenge for her family, Lucille seized her second chance at life. She planned to avenge her loved ones. However, her plans were complicated by Joseph, an apparently frail man who was actually skilled in martial arts. And he seemed to fall for her deeply, now this newfound knowledge only added to the complications of Lucille's revenge plan...
On the day of their wedding anniversary, Joshua's mistress drugged Alicia, and she ended up in a stranger's bed. In one night, Alicia lost her innocence, while Joshua's mistress carried his child in her womb. Heartbroken and humiliated, Alicia demanded a divorce, but Joshua saw it as yet another tantrum. When they finally parted ways, she went on to become a renowned artist, sought out and admired by everyone. Consumed by regret, Joshua darkened her doorstep in hopes of reconciliation, only to find her in the arms of a powerful tycoon. "Say hello to your sister-in-law."
"Ms. Crawford, it’s time for you to divorce Mr. Larsen and come home. You're the only heiress the Master's waiting for.” ~•~ For the sake of love, Amara accepted the arranged marriage with Tobias William Larsen. She did everything to gain her husband’s heart but when his old love returned, she realized that all her effort was all for naught. Tobias demanded a divorce on the night of their wedding anniversary, even at the price of threatening her. Heartbroken, she finally dropped all her illusions about him and returned home to be the heiress. The next time she met Tobias, they were no longer couples but opponents. "Mr. Larsen, should I remind you again? We've divorced." "Amara, that's the stupidest mistake I've ever made. Please come back to me."
Kallie, a mute who had been ignored by her husband for five years since their wedding, also suffered the loss of her pregnancy due to her cruel mother-in-law. After the divorce, she learned that her ex-husband had quickly gotten engaged to the woman he truly loved. Holding her slightly rounded belly, she realized that he had never really cared for her. Determined, she left him behind, treating him as a stranger. Yet, after she left, he scoured the globe in search of her. When their paths crossed once more, Kallie had already found new happiness. For the first time, he pleaded humbly, "Please don't leave me..."Â But Kallie's response was firm and dismissive, cutting through any lingering ties. "Get lost!"