Nothing in life is certain. Nobody can guarantee you sunshine, rainbows, and happiness. Nobody said life would be simple. When life becomes difficult, you learn to survive. Emily Jane Lockett is no stranger to the working world. Dreaming of a brighter future and a better life for herself and her brother is what motivates her every day. Daniel Steven Rhiner has it all. He never had to labor for anything. When Daniel's father's firm wants to combine with a competing company, the only way for that to happen without a contract is for Daniel to marry the daughter. Daniel has no interest in this; he wants a lady who would love him for himself, not for his money or social standing, or for a business transaction. The only way out is to marry within the next six months before the competitor company's father returns to consummate the deal. This makes him sign a marriage contract with Emily Lockett, who is in desperate need of cash. Will Emily regret this decision, or will Daniel fall in love in the process?
"Shit! I'm going to be late!" I muttered as I dashed to the bus stop.
When I eventually arrived at the bus station. The bus travel was lengthy and monotonous. This gave me time to reflect and be concerned about everything.
"So, I dropped Collin off at school. I completed the bills and checks for half of the ones due this month. The restaurant will pay me next week, so that will cover some of the other expenditures." I told myself, trying not to stress out more than I was.
Since our parents died in a car accident five years ago, I have taken the responsibility of caring for Collin. Collin was only 10 years old and I was just 19 years old. The horn jolted me back from my thoughts.
As soon as I alighted, I dashed over to the nearby restaurant.
I've worked at the restaurant since I was a senior in high school and am now 24 years old.
When I walked in, Mrs. Ranker my boss emerged from the rear with a grin on her face. She is a chubby old lady who always maintains a lovely smile on her face.
"Oh, Emily, I'm delighted you made it to work today. You are aware that you are five minutes late."
"Sorry for the delay, Mrs. Ranker. Today's bus ride took a bit longer."
"Child, what happened to your car?" she said, looking at me.
I was not the one who shied away from the way I lived. I worked hard for all I owned and everything I could offer to my brother. Since my parents died and left me in the care of my brother, I've accepted the label "poor" or "lower-middle class." But, for some reason, selling my vehicle to generate money and my smartphone to obtain a cheap flip phone makes it seem more genuine rather than simply a misunderstanding categorization.
"I had to sell the automobile, Mrs. Ranker. Collin and I were in desperate need of money." I tell her, my head bowed. I felt humiliated and ashamed.
I could see her adoring eyes as I raised my head. "It's unfortunate to hear that, honey. If you need me to move your time back, I can do it."
"I'd love to, but I won't be able to since I won't have enough time to go to my other work. But thank you once more." As she pulls me out of her embrace, I tell her.
"You work too hard, sweetheart. You must re-enter society and return to school to complete the degree you were working on."
I needed to weep. I wanted to complete school; it was never my plan to drop out, but I had to in order to take over the expenses and assist my brother. I wanted to give him a better shot in life. I wanted him to go to a good institution and be successful in life.
"Perhaps after Collin finishes college, I'll return," I tell her without allowing my tears to fall. I move away before I begin to weep.
Mrs. Ranker allowed me to serve tables so that I might earn more tips. I was quite fortunate to have such a boss. She became my second mother.
When I glance up, I find that my shift has finished, so I run to the rear and change into my other clothing. I hurriedly board the bus and go to the movies.
I worked at the restaurant and I also work at the theatre in the evenings to make extra cash.
I check in and take a seat behind the ticket counter.
I'm halfway through my third hour of work when the manager summons me to his office.
As I walked, all I could think was, "Oh sh*t, what have I done?"
When I knock on the door, I hear a voice say, "Come in."
When I opened the door, there he was, my biggest nightmare. No, he wasn't a bad boss; only that being here meant I might be fired.
"You summoned me, Mr. Fintch."
Mr. Fintch is my supervisor at the theatre. He is in charge of the staffs and he has been really kind to me. He helped to increase my work hours at the theatre so I could make extra bucks.
"Yes, I wanted to speak with you about your working hours. I'm sorry to inform you that I cannot work the hours you requested. I would have to reduce it beginning next week. I have too many workers who accuse me of favoritism by giving you additional hours each week."
"Mr. Fintch, I need all of these hours! I'm not trying to be self-centered; I simply need to support my brother and myself. This is my second job, yet we're still struggling to make ends meet! Please don't reduce my hours; I need all your help!" I'm bawling at this point. I couldn't care whether he saw me. I was so unhappy that I couldn't handle it any longer.
He arose from his sit. "I'm very sorry, Emily. I realize you need the hours, and I wish I could help, but my supervisor has told me to reduce your hours, and everyone else's so everyone has the same number. However, you will be paid as if your hours had not been reduced for this paycheck. That's all I can do for you."
"I gazed up at this kind and compassionate guy. Thank you, and please accept my apologies for my breakdown in your office."
"Apologies are unnecessary. If you and your brother ever need a home-cooked supper, my wife, myself, and our two children would be delighted to have you join us."
I embraced him. "I really appreciate it."
"Please come by at seven o'clock tomorrow night." As he handed me his address and phone number, he added. "I'm sorry to spoil this moment, but you're done for the day."
I gathered my belongings and proceeded to the bus station. As I sat there, I pondered how I would inform Collin that my hours had been reduced. I was concerned about how we would get by next month.
Scarlett Woods assumed her life would always be dismal, drab, and unwelcome. She was lonely and silent, haunted by the painful recollections of her terrible past. But she had no idea there was a guy out there. A guy who was smitten by the rain Xavier Thorn is every woman's fantasy and every man's nightmare. CEO, billionaire. He has everything, yet he is nothing. When he compares himself to his name, he sees his existence as unpleasant and unwelcome as a thorn. He had no idea that roses required their thorns to defend them. And one day, he discovered his rose. He also pledged to be her thorn. He would defend her even if it meant putting his damaged heart in danger. What happens when a beautiful, lonely girl meets a dark, strong man? Will a lethal Thorn be able to defend something as fragile as Scarlett? Will Scarlett be able to surrender whatever remains of her broken heart to Xavier? Will they put everything on the line or let it go? Follow Scarlett and Xavier as they go on a journey filled with stunning revelations, painful pasts, betrayals, and grief, only to discover that love awaits those who persevere long enough to attain it.
He bent down to meet mine, his fingers gripping my chin, still unsatisfied with our physical touch. "Fiancée?" he inquired, his voice soft. As the stress from our physical touch increased, I nodded. I locked my gaze on his attractive features. "Do you consider yourself my fiancée?" I nodded once more. Of course, I was his fiancée, and I'd keep it no matter what. "Let's see whether you truly are," he said gently between breaths. His tone conveyed a threat, and I shuddered. "A fiancée is allowed to kiss her boyfriend. Let us see if you can—-" In the blink of an eye, he mashed his lips on mine. *********************** He is my only true love. I've loved and admired him from the first time I lay eyes on him, and becoming his wife is the ultimate fantasy of my life. But he despises me. He has despised me from the first time he saw me, and he is determined that shattering my heart and driving me away will be his crowning accomplishment. Despite all the turmoil, heartache, and heartbreak he has given me, I am still engaged to him —- this cold, distant, and cruel guy. Yes, he is my only true love. But he is also my greatest obstacle. Will I be able to give my heartless heartbreaker a heart?
Amy didn't expect that her husband whom she had loved and trusted earnestly for many years would be cheating on her by having sex with his secretary. When she confronted him, he and his secretary mocked and ridiculed her, they called her barren to her face, afterall, she had not conceived for the past three years that she had been married to her husband, Callan. Terribly Heartbroken, she filed for divorce and left to the club, she picked a random gigolo, had a hot one night stand with him, paid him and dissapeared to a small city. She came back to the country six years later with three identical cute boys and three identical cute girls of the same age. She settled and got a job but soon find out that her CEO was the gigolo she had sex with six years back at the club. Will she be able to hide her six little cuties from her CEO, who happens to be the most powerful man in NorthHill and beleived to be infertile? Can Amy and the most powerful man in NorthHill get along considering the social gap between them.
“You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don’t we get married?” Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful tycoon. Jayden thought Elyse only married him for his money, and planned to divorce her when she was no longer of use to him. But after becoming her husband, he was faced with a new dilemma. “She keeps asking for a divorce, but I don’t want that! What should I do?”
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.
Lucia Balstone thought she had chosen the right man to spend the rest of her life with, but he was the one who ended her life. Their ten-year marriage seemed like a joke when her husband stabbed her with a dagger. Fortunately, God is never blind to people's tears. Lucia got a second chance. She was reborn at the age of 22, before all the terrible things had happened. This time, she was determined to avenge herself and let those who hurt her pay! She made an elaborate list of her goals, and the first thing on her list was to marry her ex-husband's enemy, Alonso Callen!
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."
Desperate to handle her grandmother's towering medical bills, Gianna agreed to a contract marriage with Tristan, the enigmatic man she'd once shared a one-night stand with. She assumed they'd fulfill each other's needs and dissolve the arrangement once the terms expired. Unbeknownst to Gianna, this marriage was a dream Tristan had clung to for ten relentless years. Certain she was just filling someone else's role, Gianna prepared to leave when that other woman returned. But Tristan, his eyes burning with unspoken emotion, seized her trembling hand and declared, "You’re mine. Now and always."