/0/27066/coverbig.jpg?v=7f8e4c5f97abe4fe94ad42cd265ca50c)
After her tragic past; Alexa Torres, a 40-year-old woman, meets Chase Hudson, a 25-year-old who wouldn't stop saving her from every trouble that falls her way. Chase is the look alike of Mateo, the guy that ruined Alexa and separated her from the people she had once called family. Which made her hated and avoided him even more. With time, destiny brings Alexa and Chase together on a love boat. While Xavier Torres; Alexa's son got into a tug-of-war with his best friend, Chase; over having an affair with his mother, in order to be the next heir and CEO to Unity Cooperations. What drama unfolds next in this story of hunting past, betrayal, greed, love and mystery? Is Chase meant to guide Alexa, as prince Cinderella for the boss lady that she is, or maybe he's just the one?
The night was chilly cold. As if the angel of death would ascend from the sky. The night sent chilly feel to human skin animals play hide and seek to escape its torturing presence. Thunder claps strikes through the air, making it feel like the other work fired at the Earth, a thunderbolt, but the sky protected it from touching the earth. I looked through my window hoping the rain would stop soon or probably, and help would come. Turning back to my sick, asthmatic mother. I watched how she struggled to live. All thanks to the inhaler I had pumped down her singing throat.
It sounded like the fading sound of a whistle. I just had to watch as sleep took over her heavy eyes. About to stand again, I felt a tightening in my guts. My head felt heavy, my eyes went shut and then blurry. As if everything reeled before me, I placed my hand to my head, trying to stand, at least.
I stood and the feel of bitterness twisted my tongue, like the taste of camphor; the sour spit that hunger released into my dry mouth drizzled around in an uncontrolled manner.
"Mum-" I called, but she had fallen asleep.
I'd spent three hours stilling by her bed, watching her sleep. And now I had to wake her because I was in so much pain.
"Mother!" I tapped her hand lightly.
Her red, swollen eye opened to mine as she turned her head to the other side. As if she wanted to say, don't disturb me. But instead of words, a spiteful hiss escaped her lips. I know she didn't hate me. My mother was the best in the world. She'd always told me that... I was a princess in my little world. And I believed her. That wasn't until I got pregnant with Mateo. My highschool boyfriend. Life could change in a split of seconds. You wouldn't know what happen until it hit you hard to your face and vanishes like a dream.
"Mother!" I called aloud this time.
"What's it Alexa? Aren't you asleep?" She asked me in her most lazy, yet motherly, voice.
"I think it's time. The baby is coming."
"What?!" She rushed to me, still in pain. Hand me the touch, let me find my purse.
"No, mother. You can't go out in this condition. Your breathing might just get worse. It's icy cold outside." I begged, but she paid deaf ears.
"Come on, lean on me, I'll help you out." She persuaded, finally finding her way up, to stand. Leaning my tired body against hers, I could still heart the noisy breath she had. My mother walked even though she wasn't very stagnant. I grabbed my purse too as we walked outside. Side by side.
"Ugh! It's hurting!" I cried.
"Take one step at a time, my dear. You'll be alright." She persuaded once more.
My stomach churned, and it felt as if they strangled my intestines, as though a snake had twirled around them and slit them with its sharp and jagged teeth, releasing a potent poison that irritated the surface of my innards. But despite it all, we made our way to the gate until mum held her head again.
"Please mum. Go inside... Don't worry about me. I'll find help outside." I begged.
The drizzling rain poured heavier. I could feel my mum shivering like a convulsing child.
"L...let's go...Allie." She held her chest and suddenly collapsed.
Lost on what to do. I helped her back inside. If felt as if I'm already having contractions and before the next, I'd want to reach the road to get a taxi, maybe.
My EDD should be next week but now, this. Walking out of the compound, my eyes blurred for what seemed eternity leading me to the subconscious of my mind. Staggering and dripping wet, I pulled myself to the pole stand. Looking down the street, everything was dark and silent. Like scenes of a horror movie. I made my way northwards, towards where the busiest area along the streets.
***
20 Minutes Later.
I saw a taxi and tried to stop it but it zoomed away, with water splashed on my body.
Looking down the road, I noticed all the shops were closed. I didn't need anyone walking along the street as usual, except black stay cats and mice squeaky sounds from the dustbins.
"Ugh!" I gritted my teeth to the pain engulfing my body.
Knowing I might probably not survive this, I moved to the corridor of a white-painted kiosk that stood along the road like a ghost or rather, a saviour.
With a painful grin, I sat on the cold, bare floor with nothing to hold myself on. A sudden shit of electricity strike at me. My eyes widened and as if something dropped from me. I looked down at my gown to see it was wet. It wasn't the wetness of the rain; it was something different. Probably my water just got broke. In fear that I might lose my life. I unzipped the small purse I had on me and brought out my phone to fail 911. Eager for a reply, but I got nothing. Only the electronic, robotic sound replied me.
Beep-beep-beep
I dialed it repeatedly. Just then, the rain increased. And I was the only one there, fighting for survival.
Well, It wasn't my fault I got drugged and raped by someone I trusted. I'm just in 10th grade and I'm a 15-year-old. My dad left my mum ever since I was a baby. I have little or no memory about him... Except the stories mum told me whenever she misses him.
Me being in this condition today is disappointing. I'd put her through a lot when we face Drake, but he rejected being responsible for any of it. His dad is the sheriff, and wouldn't listen until we have an evidence at least.
Lost in the thought about these, my phone vibrate as I jerked to the sound. It was a call from 911. I picked immediately. Thought my immediately right this moment wasn't anything close to fast. I felt so weak and tired, but I managed.
"I need help... Please." I begged, but my voice sounded so low and cracky.
"You said what?! I can't hear you!" A baritone voice yelled over the phone.
"My water just broke.. there's no one here." I tried to explain but another sharp pain pulled through me. "Uhhh!"
"Don't worry, we'll be right there!" He answered and ended the call. Looking down between my legs streamed more water. It felt warmer. I tried to endure the pain, but it was difficult. Everything was. Looking again, my eyes caught a pool of blood. My mind flipped every moment as a different assumption displaced every new thought.
Crying turned to weeping and the yelling. For help, that never came. I lost my voice. "My breath. My... Baby."
A soft moan whooshed out of me.
I don't want to lose my baby. Any other girl in my position would want to abort a bastard child, but I want to keep this. I deserve to suffer and probably die for my mistake, but not this child. It's innocent. Clean and sinless, unlike me.
Controlling my breath all by myself. I fought through the pain and weakness. I breathe... Yes; I need to breathe. That was the world I kept telling myself until I felt something flop out of me. As if half of me was taken always. The burden, the pain.
'Waaaah Waaaaaah Waaaaaaah'
Too weak to move, I heard the baby cry. A smile formed on my face as I knew, somehow, I'm not a mother. My hand stretched afar, to reach for my purse, which mistakenly dropped from my hand. I zipped it, my fingers shivering at the weakness, but I pulled through. I deepened my fingers and brought out a nail scissors. Hoping it was sharp enough. I used it to cut the edge of my silky gown and tied it, making a knot on the umbilical cord. Leaving enough space between the tight and the cord, I made a cut on the umbilical cord.
It's a boy. I held him close to my chest, feeling the warmness of his body. Tears lingered in my eyes as I kissed his forehead. Taking out my sweater to give him comfy, unwrapped it over his tiny body. Waiting for the police, or probably, an ambulance that never came. I don't know what happened but... I passed out.
Still not sure how long it was, I heard a faint beep of siren wails. 'That must be help. That must be it.'
I suddenly opened my eyes, realising that they were closed; simultaneously, I opened by eyes to the blurry sky. It was still far. It was still night. My eyes turned to where the sound was coming. I noticed the neon lights of blue and red from two vehicles.
With this, a cold and slimy substance oozed its way up to my view as my eyes fell on my baby. He looked silent. I knew he cried just a while ago.
'What had happened?'
My hand crawled to him as I held him up. Still breathing, but bleeding. It drenched both of us in water from raindrops, tears, sweat, and also blood.
Two police officers packed beside the road and walked towards where I was. I raised my head with a loud groan, but the police officers looked at themselves in total shock. And instead of them to offer me help, they told me something. Something I would never forget for the rest of my life.
"You're under arrest for murdering your baby, miss! You killed him!"
I couldn't even stand or speak. The next thing I noticed was that I got handcuffs chained to my wrists as they dragged me like a bag of trash, away from my baby. Leaving him there, in the rain. Bleeding to death.
It was just a week before Asena's wedding when she suddenly died of heart cancer. Heartbroken, Alpha Asher, her mate, almost committed suicide by adding wolfsbane into his drink. Lilah, Asena's immediate sister, caught him in the act and drank the alcohol instead. Intoxicated, they both woke up the next morning in bed. This was a secret and a terrible memory until Lilah discovered she was pregnant with her late sister's mate. How would Conan, Lilah's mate react to these? Would true love prevail? Hearts would shatter, rules would be left, un-followed, in this romance-filled werewolf story.
Susanne Fashorun, a woman who marries into the wealthy Balogun family, is rejected by her arrogant CEO husband and treated as a slave. Despite being his wife, Micheal Balogun refuses to share his bed with her, leaving Susanne to accept a life of luxury while feeling unloved and unwanted. Susanne wonders why he married her in the first place and pleads for a divorce, but her husband refuses. One day, Susanne discovers a girl named Grace Oyinlola who bears an uncanny resemblance to her. She eventually learns that Grace is her long-lost twin sister, Susanna. Susanne devises a cruel plan to destroy her twin sister's life, and convinces Grace to take her place in the Balogun mansion for a couple of months. Despite being deceived, Grace changes the mansion's hostile atmosphere into a paradise and never wants to leave. However, she does it out of sisterly love and has no intention of deceiving anyone. As time passes, Susanne realizes that her arrogant CEO husband has unknowingly developed feelings for Grace who he thought was his wife. This revelation leads her to question whether she should remove Grace from the picture to continue living as Mrs. Balogun. The book Replica details the events that unfold as Susanne's true intentions are revealed. Read to find out in Replica.
After an arranged marriage to seal a business deal at 18, Evelyn lives an almost perfect life with Daniel Beckett, whom she grew to love. Two years after their marriage, on her 20th birthday, Daniel got shot by drunk police officers. Meanwhile, the incident shattered Evelyn. Making her cold-hearted as she was already three months pregnant with Daniel. She vowed not to love again. Twenty-one-years later. Hazel Beckett, Evelyn's daughter, got into a prestigious university to study business management. Evelyn, now a successful CEO, throws a home party for her daughter when she meets 28-years-old Adam Hudson. A rich, cocky player. Boyfriend to Hazel's closest friend who is crazily obsessed with him. Things turn into a web of complication as the school's bad boy falls in love with the arrogant boss lady. What happens when unpredictable destiny takes its wheels? This novel shows the importance of working out our differences. The push and pull of the characters are interesting to read and creates a likable chemistry.
Trying to survive an endless curse cast upon the earth by the gods, humans sought freedom and revenge upon those whom are closest to them- the Giants. Attacking with powerful sleeping spells and with only 24 hours to escape. Planing to escape, dwarfs ascended from the spirit world, hoping to find the twin golden egg which hold over a thousand power and spells. Meanwhile, the city surrounded by Ninki Nanka, creatures who to become Dragons if the twin eggs get into their possession. How far would humans go in order to protect humanity? Would this be the end of Human kind? Survival of the cursed involves mythical creatures, magical spells, action and romance. What happens when fantasy comes to your fingertips?
"Love is friendship that has caught fire. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weakness." - Ann Landers. *** Going for gardening outside the school compound; Sapphire Blac, An elementary school teacher saves a strange old man from the hands of death. Not knowing he is her fairy Godfather. Being grateful, He repaid her with something unique; his spoilt and rude grandson, Jade Alejandro. The 32-year-old CEO of Blue Bird Hotel. Tall and handsome, but with his clumsy nature, no one dares relate with him. Jade is the definition of bad luck but... Would Sapphire be able to handle the short-tempered CEO? Would he be a blessing or a curse to our Sapphire? Read to confirm what drama unfolds next between the kind-hearted, elementary teacher and the bossy CEO...
For as long as Emily can remember, she has wanted to overcome her shyness and explore her sexuality. Still, everything changes when she receives an invitation to visit one of the town's most prestigious BDSM clubs, DESIRE'S DEN. On the day she chose to peruse the club, she noticed three men, all dressed in suits, standing on the upper level, near the railing. Despite her limited vision, she persisted in fixating on them. Their towering statues belied the toned bodies concealed by their sharply tailored suits-or so she could tell. The hair of two of them was short and dark, and the third had light brown-possibly blond-hair that reached the shoulders. The dark, crimson background incised their figures, exuding an air of mystery and strength. They stood in stark contrast to the unfiltered, primal energy that pulsed through the club. Shocked by the desires these men aroused in her, she was disappointed to learn that they were masters seeking a slave to divide and conquer. She couldn't afford the fee, and she also realized that they were outside her league. Emily hurriedly left the club, feeling disappointed and depressed, unaware that she had also caught the group's attention. A world of wicked pleasure, three handsome men. Over the years, they have lived a life of decadence, their lavish lair serving as a stage for their most sinister desires. But despite the unending parade of willing subjects, one woman sticks out. A mysterious stranger with white porcelain skin and a killer body, a slave, a name with no address, the first lady to attract their eye and they will go to any length to obtain her no matter the consequences.
“Drive this woman out!” "Throw this woman into the sea!” When he doesn’t know Debbie Nelson’s true identity, Carlos Hilton cold-shoulders her. “Mr. Hilton, she is your wife,” Carlos’ secretary reminded him. Hearing that, Carlos gives him a cold stare and complained, “why didn’t you tell me earlier?” From then on, Carlos spoils her rotten. Little did everyone expect that they would get a divorce.
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."
Life was perfect until she met her boyfriend's big brother. There was a forbidden law in the Night Shade Pack that if the head Alpha rejected his mate, he would be stripped of his position. Sophia's life would get connected with the law. She was an Omega who was dating the head Alpha's younger brother. Bryan Morrison, the head Alpha, was not only a cold-blooded man but also a charming business tycoon. His name was enough to cause other packs to tremble. He was known as a ruthless man. What if, by some twist of destiny, Sophia's path were to intertwine with his?
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."
"There will be no falling in love, we will only act as a loving couple when we are in public, we will share a room to make it believable, but no intimacy, touching is off-limits. We'll only have sex once a month, and that's solely to produce an heir. You won't interfere in my business, and I won't interfere in yours. You will be my wife in every sense and you will not be involved with any other man," he said, arrogance seeping from every word. I watch his mouth move, I'm not ready to fall in love with any man, especially not one as arrogant and egoistic as him. I can handle acting as a loving couple, and as for intimacy once a month. I can agree to that just to satisfy my sexual cravings with no strings attached. "Where can I sign?" I asked since I had nothing to lose. *** Nadine's wedding dreams turned to nightmares when she caught her sister and fiancé cheating! With a secret recording, she's ready for revenge. But then mysterious billionaire Logan West offers a deal: A Contract Marriage to take down her ex's empire. But what Nadine doesn't know is her life is getting complicated as she takes her chance to get revenge or risks everything for a chance at love?"