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Alexander Reid is a ruthless billionaire, but when Penelope Burton is forced to marry him, she hopes to find the mercy behind his cold green eyes and strong hands. *** Alexander Reid, an imperious billionaire, is someone you don't want to get close to. Regrettably for 23 year old Penelope Burton she doesn't have much of a say, or luxury of a choice. Always at the mercy of her family's legacy and Seemingly perfect family name. Penelope has to do as her Father orders. So when her father forces her into a business arranged marriage with Alexander Reid, she rebels and disapproves of the marriage making it the first time she'll ever oppose of her Father's biddings. But she soon comes to terms with what had to be done, she gets married to Alexander. Regardless of their differences, interests and morals. But what would happen when she learns of her family's secrets and dark truths of this ruthless stranger she is forced to marry... would she be able to handle them when she falls deeply in love with him?
Friday end of September, Two in the afternoon.
***
Seattle was beginning to get warm as the rain subsided, even though it seemed like it would fall for the whole day an hour ago with how heavy it was.
The scent of the rain mixed with soil and dust still lingered in the atmosphere and in a kind of way brought a cool and comforting feeling that Penelope loved.
She traced her finger round the rim of the cocoa mug she had in her hands, the cooling sensation it sent from her palms to the rest of her body was welcomed. Raquel, the housekeeper has made it a personal assignment to always bring Penelope a cup of hot cocoa with tiny marshmallows, on certain days. Be it when it's cold, when she's sad, or even on cheat days aside general celebrations. Raquel is always there to present her with a cup of hot delicious, creamy goodness.
She moaned in delight of it's richness and sighed, "How did Raquel keep it being this delicious all these years?" She thought out loud to herself.
"She makes it specially for you because she likes to spoil you." Her Mother's voice coming from the door distracted her from the garden view she found herself lost in that she didn't even notice when her mother walked in to her room. She looked back, past the french doors to see her Mom's seemingly ageless face, her Black hair styled into bouncy curls was beautiful and vibrant and her lips were pink and plush. Her Mother was very beautiful, and she admired that about her. "She doesn't give the rest of us hot cocoa gifts like she gives you," her Mother eyed the mug In her hands before taking in her daughters outfit. Penelope walked back into her room. " You're like her favorite, she's always bringing you presents" she once again eyed the mug but this time she got a look at it's contents
"That's just because I help her out" Penelope smiled and her Mother Samantha just returned it with a smile of her own
"yeah, I remember. You were like her little apprentice as a kid, always helping out in the kitchen." Her Mother looked over at her dressing room "I used to help you keep it a secret from your Father and have you clean up before he got home".
Penelope smiled while nodding, " I do remember that"
Her mother nodded "uhm, don't you think you should slow down on the hot cocoa?" She eyed her taking a sip of the cup's contents with distaste this time, "I mean, you wouldn't want to have to deal with gaining a few pounds" she watched her daughter slowly drop the cup on the table nearby.
Penelope always thought her Mother made people feel bad about doing something just to make them stop doing it to please her and she always acted like she felt bad for herself when in actual sense, she didn't. But she knows better than to start a disagreement with her Mother. She looked inwardly at how her body was, she had slim toned thighs, slightly round hips but had a round bubble butt she was always conscious of. She had toned abs she's proud of herself for maintaining over the years, round and perky C cup breasts and a slim face. She came to the conclusion that her Mom like most Mother's was an exaggerator and perfectionist.
"Thought you were going into town today?" Her Mother asked looking at her daughters expression.
"I wanted to," she glanced over at the still hot cup of cocoa before continuing "but, Dad once again found out about my plans to open a cafe and ruined all my preparations and work." She gave a defeated sigh and sunk into her bed "he once again forbad me from doing something I love, said the daughter of an important figure shouldn't own a cafe." Penelope thought back to the time he nonchalantly said to her not to use her law degree to practice, she thought she was heartbroken then but each time he refused her from doing something she felt more heartbroken.
"I'm sure your Father only means well, Penny" her Mother reassured. "He has great plans for you" she patronized. Penelope sat up properly and watched her Mom take a sit next to her on the bed. She gave her daughter a thin smile.
"When does he get back from his trip?" She asked and her Mom stood up from her bed having offered the little moral support she could manage
"He just landed and is on his way home as we speak" Penelope widened her eyes in surprise
"oh! So soon," she came to the quick realization " I guess his meetings went well" her lips pressed together into a thin smile.
"They did and he's got good news to share with all of us" she took a hold of her daughters hand and pulled her daughter up, "you should get out of these comfort clothes and get ready" Penelope looked down at her soft purple socks, grey sweatpants and baggy Simpsons top
"you're saying Dad wouldn't like seeing me looking natural at home?" She gave a sarcastic smile "super!"
"c'mon Penelope! Don't say such rude things about your father" her Mother's voice chirped a tone higher and she had no choice but to give a defeated sigh.
"fine Mom, I'll get ready and even give a nice smile" she reassured her and turned slightly to look at her dressing room stocked with beautiful clothes. Her Mom rubbed her arms from behind
"Now, that's much more better," she smiled, content "you know, you're the easiest of my children and I am grateful about that in you" she patted her back softly "don't take too long, and one more thing. Put on a nice dress because your Dad has an important information to tell you." she added before exiting her room.
Penelope thought for a second of her Mom's words, did she mean it as a true complement or as a casual insult. Easiest of my children, did she mean that she was easily manipulated unlike her other siblings? Or just that she was pleasant.
She most times used to think of her Mom as a conceited, manipulative and condescending person. But, she couldn't think that of her, because she's her Mother. She sighed and picked a dress to wear, it was a short and flared blue flowery dress. And she loved it because it fit her and was smart on her.
***
It was late afternoon when George Burton's driver pulled into his estate. He was relieved to be home after his difficult meeting and tiresome flight, he couldn't sleep or rest throughout.
He walked into his mansion and was greeted by his maids who directed him to the living room where his family was waiting, his beautiful wife, his son Aiden who had his two year old son playing on his lap as he spoke to his wife, his first daughter Samantha who sat next to her husband smiled as she saw her father walk in and Penelope, who sat on a single sofa next to their Mother.
"Dad!" His two daughters greeted in glee before going to receive him, they all welcomed him and asked about his meetings and trip but he gave them little of an answer in response and said he would offer more indepth explanation after dinner.
He pulled Penelope aside as the others went back to their seats. "I hope you would have an open mind to what I'm about to tell you" he patted her arm softly and went to sit next to his wife and his words didn't ease Penelope at all, only made her anxious and a bit scared.
She walked to him looking awfully angry "you did this right" she yelled "I'll love to know what you are doing in my office, Miss Lorraine" Dylan said trying to be nice this time "You got me fired!" She snarled. "I'm trying to make your life better" he said simply. "Really! I don't have a house again thanks to you" she scowled. He expected her boss to make her come to him but not to send her packing. "I'll be sincere I didn't mean for that to happen I just need you and clearly you need me too" "What part of I won't marry you don't you understand!" she yelled He walked close to her "I really need this contract between us If you want me to get on my knees I will but I'll warn you I'm not a man to beg" "I'm not going to marry you for money" she shook her head. "if not for money would you at least do it for your mom?" He paused "It's going to be a job that will cost you a little lie and would pay you a great deal of money" "What do you know about my mom" she asked, surprised. "I know she doesn't have enough money to live the life she deserves" he replied simply. "And that's not your problem... So stay away from me!" She yelled, one last time before turning around to leave when he stopped her. "but you have to do this" he said, softly this time. "why me? You have a lot of lovers just pick one of them" "I don't want any one of them" he said, sternly. She shrugged her shoulders "I don't care about that" His face that was cool and gentle when she scolded him turned to its normal stern look when she was done. She went ahead and walked to the door and exited the door. As she walked towards the elevator she heard his voice It was so clear and audible because he was the only one talking at this point. He was on the phone, and with the look of it he wasn't sounding so pleased... ~~~ Dylan Walker is one of New York city's richest business men. He has the reputation of being a ruthless business man, and as hot as he is so is he arrogant, proud and a full time Casanova but not heartless though... His whole business carrier is at stake and the only thing that can save it is something he doesn't see himself doing. Getting married... Dylan turns to Lorraine, who isn't the regular woman he'll go for, she's beautiful and feisty with a voice men call 1-900 numbers to hear. Dylan offers her ten million dollars for a one-year contract. And there's nothing indecent about this proposal. The money will really help with her family's bills. All Lorraine will need to do is keep her attraction to her new husband to herself and avoid his bed. But Dylan's toe-curling kisses and sexy charm prove too difficult for Lorraine to resist. It was a marriage contract that planned for everything...except falling in love.
Veronica is an eighteen-year-old omega who falls into an emotional breakdown when her Mate, who was soon to be the Alpha of the Sun crest pack, turns against her, hurls hurtful words at her, and rejects her on the night of the full moon festival because he and everyone in the pack, including her, thinks she is an omega. As if the pain of rejection, helplessness, and worthlessness wasn't enough, she lost her best and only friend to the cold hands of death when rogue wolves attacked their pack. Right in the presence of her mate, she was tagged as someone who always attracted problems and calamities anywhere she went and he turned a blind eye and watched as she was banished from the pack. With hatred for her life, she runs deep into the woods that were off-limits and jumps off to end her life, but in a turn of events, something else happens. What would her mate do when he finds out that Veronica is not who he thinks she is? Will she be able to forgive him? What fate lies ahead for them?
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.
It's true what they say about marriage: one partner's always happier than the other. ~~~ Julie's world is shattered when her husband, Ryan, reveals that he wants an open marriage. His reason: he needs a child as they've been unable to have one. Julie reluctantly agrees to save her marriage. The next day, Ryan returns home with his secretary, confirming Julie's long-held suspicion that their affair was taking place behind her back. Julie, heartbroken and enraged, seeks solace in a bar, where she meets a fascinating stranger named Luke, who changes the game. Julie confides in Luke over drinks, and he proposes a risky plan: he will act as her "boyfriend" to turn the tables on Ryan. Julie agrees, setting off a chain of events that will challenge everything she thought she knew about love, loyalty, and herself.
“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.
"You're mine, little puppy," Kylan growled against my neck. A soft gasp escaped my lips as his lips brushed my skin. My mind screamed at me to push him away-the Lycan Prince who had humiliated me again and again, but my body betrayed me, leaning into him before I could stop myself. He pressed his lips against mine, and his kiss grew more aggressive, more possessive as I felt my legs weaken. What was I doing? In a split-second, I pulled away and slapped him hard across the face. Kylan's eyes darkened, but the smirk on his lips exposed his amusement. "You and I both know we can't fight this, Violet," he said, gripping my wrist. "You're my mate." "And yet you don't want me," I replied. "You told me you were ashamed of me, that l'd never be your queen, that you'd never love me. So please, accept my rejection and let me go." "Never," he whispered, his grip tightening as he pulled me closer. "Soon enough, you'll be begging for me. and when you do-I'll use you as I see fit and then I'll reject you."
In order to fulfill her grandfather's last wish, Stella entered into a hasty marriage with an ordinary man she had never met before. However, even after becoming husband and wife on paper, they each led separate lives, barely crossing paths. A year later, Stella returned to Seamarsh City, hoping to finally meet her mysterious husband. To her astonishment, he sent her a text message, unexpectedly pleading for a divorce without ever having met her in person. Gritting her teeth, Stella replied, "So be it. Let’s get a divorce!" Following that, Stella made a bold move and joined the Prosperity Group, where she became a public relations officer that worked directly for the company’s CEO, Matthew. The handsome and enigmatic CEO was already bound in matrimony, and was known to be unwaveringly devoted to his wife in private. Unbeknownst to Stella, her mysterious husband was actually her boss, in his alternate identity! Determined to focus on her career, Stella deliberately kept her distance from the CEO, although she couldn't help but notice his deliberate attempts to get close to her. As time went on, her elusive husband had a change of heart. He suddenly refused to proceed with the divorce. When would his alternate identity be uncovered? Amidst a tumultuous blend of deception and profound love, what destiny awaited them?