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Natalie accepts to play the role of billionaire Mateo Logan for a price, falling in love while wondering how he is connected to her brother's bogus conviction. Natalie Linden's brother is imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, and she would do any job to help him get out. Soon, she's agreed to pretend to date wealthy Mateo Logan for $10,000 to relieve his mother's pressure on him to find a marriage. But once Natalie is immersed in Mateo's world, he falls for her, and she begins to feel the same way. Natalie learns that the Logans are somehow implicated in her brother's conviction despite her infatuation with Mateo as she draws closer to them. As she delves further into a world of luxury and intrigues, Natalie is forced to depend on Mateo, even if it may cost her everything
I looked up from where I was reclining on my VIG Chesterfield couch in the middle of a shift. I'd taught myself to do this, to avoid indenting the material. My mother stood at the foot of it. She gave me such a deep disapproving look that I almost made an effort to sit up properly. Her look was the epitome of dissatisfaction. Her slim nose cocked, devilish red lips twitching. With a sigh, I let my face fall against the soft leather, knowing where this talk was going.
"This again?" I inquired.
"You're nearly thirty, Mateo," she murmured, putting her arms over her chest. Her numerous diamond-studded bangles jingled as she moved.
I cocked my brows at her. "I'm twenty-five years old. That's not even close to thirty."
"It's past time for you to quit causing controversies and making our family look bad."
"I don't ruin our family's reputation-"
"-And it's time for you to have your own family so we can give the next generation of our company a head start," she said.
Finally, I forced myself into a sitting posture. I made sure to smooth out my waistcoat; so she wouldn't have anything more to complain about. "So you're expecting me to meet someone today, fall in love with them, marry, and have children? That is not how it works. Maybe it does today, with all the dating apps available, but I'm not like that."
"There are several young ladies who are interested in you. Since you were five years old, Cecil's daughter requested your hand in marriage. She's also rather lovely."
I cocked my brow at her. "Legal arranged marriages are no longer practiced in the United States. The year is 2015, not 1765. I don't want to marry someone for only business.
"You want a marriage built on love?" she questioned, her voice hardening. "To retain their fortune, wealthy families marry into other wealthy families. It's what our forefathers did before us and what we shall do in the future. That is how we keep our company going."
It was pointless to argue with her. "I'm just not interested in marriage right now."
She approached the little gap between us, hanging intimidatingly over me. "I've granted you twenty-five years of liberty. I've provided you with everything you've ever desired. All I want is that you compensate me by promising to keep our company running."
The company was not going anywhere for a long time. We were like the new Hiltons. What was it that was bothering her? Why was she now attempting to impose this on me?
"You no longer have an option in this situation. If you don't calm down, I'll take your vehicle and home."
"This home and this automobile are mines. You can't intimidate me in that way."
My mother's wicked grin sent shivers down my spine. "Do you think I won't figure anything out?"
I knew she wasn't kidding, as much as I hoped she was. I sprang from the couch, my hand over my pocket, where the keys were. "Wait a minute."
"What are you waiting for?" she asked.
"Isn't this a bit sudden? I will need time to think. You can't simply go in and expect me to agree to this."
"It shouldn't surprise you, Mateo. That is something you can thank your brother for."
My body was flooded with heat. I clenched my fists so tightly that my fingernails dug into the flesh of my palm. I cautioned myself not to fall for it. She only desired that I back down.
And she was aware of where it stung the most.
"Your brother wouldn't bother me like this."
"How are you going to use Lee against me?" I said firmly.
"It's all up to you, Mateo."
"I'll... I'll find someone...." I didn't have much choice.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Good." She nodded with some satisfaction.
"However, I'd want you to give me a year."
Her pupils constricted. "One year? For what purpose?"
"I'd prefer to meet someone on my own. After a year, I'll bring her to you and speak about marriage. You can't expect me to meet someone and marry her on the spur of the moment, can you? Allow me to meet with a couple of the other prospects first."
As my mother considered my suggestion, the room became quiet. If she'd only agreed to my plan, I'd have had more time to figure out what to do about the request she'd issued. What could I argue against her if she said no when using Lee as leverage?
"Six months," she answered eventually. "Not another day extra. When the time is over, you must bring the girl of your choice before me, and I will determine whether or not she may marry into our family. If she fails, you'll marry anybody I choose."
Of course, there would be requirements. Conditions were always present. "Fine," I said, knowing she'd get her way.
She smiled as the lines on her brow softened. "Good. You are free to keep your automobile. Make certain that you arrive at work today. There is someone you must fire."
"I understand," I said as I saw her turn on her heel and click away from me.
I sank back onto the couch as soon as she departed, feeling a headache building. Why was she so set on marriage? I was delighted with how I was spending my life-satisfactory and alone. I had no desire for a relationship. Even if I had those requirements, I could find a willing companion at the neighborhood pub.
For the time being, I needed to find someone who could fool my mother into believing she was my girlfriend. It wouldn't be too difficult. I didn't lack the physical attractiveness to persuade someone to do it. I knew I was an excellent catch because of my conditioned, friendly, and pleasant nature. If that weren't enough, I'd show them my bank account.
Then it struck me.
The strategy was straightforward. Find a lady, pay her to date me for six months, stage a break-up just before introducing her to my mother, and then pretend I was too distraught to go on. That way, I wouldn't be compelled to marry a stranger and could remain single until I found the one I was destined to be with. My mother would pity her son, who was experiencing his first heartache. It would be simple.
I smiled.
Let the games begin.
"Get moving, or I'll throw soap in your eyes." As Jordan continued to obstruct my stride, I issued a warning. "You're the one getting in my way... YOU get up." With a chuckle in his voice, he instructed. "I'll nipple cripple you if you don't move..." I threatened to make him raise his arms to conceal his chest. "Why would you want to violate mine when I always look after you?" I put my palm over his face before he could say anything. ——A pack enclosed by high walls. Nobody could get in, and no one could get out. An Alpha who is well-known for utilizing weapons instead of claws. Why? Nobody knows. Allison had suspected Jordan of keeping something from her when they first met. What? She couldn't wait to find out. She was, after all, an Alpha. It was unusual for two Alphas to imprint on one another. But there was nothing typical about Jordan and Allison. They were remarkable people with incredible secrets and responsibilities. But they need to find out what they're doing soon before time runs out. Before someone much more powerful catches up with them. Someone who has lived for centuries.
The stories will blow your mind, your imagination will be put to the test, and you will be thrilled to read these Romantic tales
For ten years, Daniela showered her ex-husband with unwavering devotion, only to discover she was just his biggest joke. Feeling humiliated yet determined, she finally divorced him. Three months later, Daniela returned in grand style. She was now the hidden CEO of a leading brand, a sought-after designer, and a wealthy mining mogul—her success unveiled at her triumphant comeback. Her ex-husband’s entire family rushed over, desperate to beg for forgiveness and plead for another chance. Yet Daniela, now cherished by the famed Mr. Phillips, regarded them with icy disdain. "I’m out of your league."
I'm a Luna. After three years of marriage to Alpha Nathaniel Blackwood, I'm finally pregnant with his pup. But he's unclaimed me for his first love. I'm leaving the pack with this secret, praying he never finds out. Nathaniel Blackwood is a handsome, powerful Alpha. In a world where humans and werewolves coexist, he has it all: a billion-dollar empire, untold power, a massive pack, and, most importantly, the perfect Luna. But the return of his first love shattered our marriage. When he finds out the secret I've been hiding, will he regret rejecting me? Will I ever be able to forgive him? Dive into this gripping serialized novel to find out more-Enjoy the ride!
Janet was adopted when she was a kid -- a dream come true for orphans. However, her life was anything but happy. Her adoptive mother taunted and bullied her all her life. Janet got the love and affection of a parent from the old maid who raised her. Unfortunately, the old woman fell ill, and Janet had to marry a worthless man in place of her parents' biological daughter to meet the maid's medical expenses. Could this be a Cinderella's tale? But the man was far from a prince, except for his handsome appearance. Ethan was the illegitimate son of a wealthy family who lived a reckless life and barely made ends meet. He got married to fulfill his mother's last wish. However, on his wedding night, he had an inkling that his wife was different from what he had heard about her. Fate had united the two people with deep secrets. Was Ethan truly the man we thought he was? Surprisingly, he bore an uncanny resemblance to the impenetrable wealthiest man in the city. Would he find out that Janet married him in place of her sister? Would their marriage be a romantic tale or an utter disaster? Read on to unravel Janet and Ethan's journey.
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.
Bailey seems to be never destined to fit in, a little geeky, but under it all, a hidden beauty that so many seem to miss, but still not what her pack Alpha is looking for in a fated mate... so he is determined to reject her and make her life hell. Bailey, knowing her life will likely never be the same focuses on what she can control, her future, and heads off to study; becoming a teacher. Asher is the Beta of Autumn Valley Pack, a neighbouring pack. A broken man having suffered the loss of his mate after a rogue attack, Asher is slowly crumbling. Falling to pieces. A shadow of his former self, and not a man that anyone wants to be around anymore... Until, Autumn Valley Pack require a new teacher, and Bailey finds herself there and pushed together with the Beta. Is there a connection building or is that in their imaginations? And what will happen when Bailey's mate comes back to claim what is his?
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.