Lovers
Mia's head spun, and time seemed to stand still for a moment. Her whole body shook violently, and her teeth clattered uncontrollably.
She clenched her hands into fists, digging her fingernails into the flat of her palms.
With a cracked voice, she asked in disbelief, "What did you just say?"
Her eyes brimmed with tears, and she desperately hoped that his words wouldn't break her heart again.
"I'm sorry, Mia. I can't do this again," he uttered, his voice low and calm, but the words reverberated loudly in her head.
The tears she had been fighting so hard to hold back broke loose, streaming down her face.
Mia sobbed uncontrollably while Max watched her in utter silence.
Suddenly, the weather changed, and it started to drizzle. Even nature seemed to share her sorrow.
Max and she had known each other for more than half their lives. They practically grew up together. Even as kids, they had harbored feelings for each other, and at the age of fourteen, Max had asked her to be his girlfriend. She accepted without hesitation.
Mia's heart wrenched, and she felt as if her life was being squeezed out of her. Her world revolved around him; how could she live without him?
She had noticed the change in his attitude long before this moment. He hardly had time for her. He was always busy. If she didn't initiate contact, he wouldn't bother looking for her.
Even when they were together, he seemed eager to leave.
She had observed everything and had done her best to hold on to him, to salvage their relationship.
She saw this breakup coming, but she hadn't expected it to happen so soon. She had tried her utmost best to prevent it, but here they were.
She continued to cry, her heart aching with every sob.
If only she had known what he wanted to say, she wouldn't have stepped out of the dorm to meet him.
It was already late at night, and she was about to go to bed when she received a message on her phone, telling her to come outside. It was from him.
Surprised and excited because he had initiated contact for the first time in a while, she hopped off her bunk bed and looked at herself in the mirror, running her fingers through her midnight black hair.
"Where are you going?" her bunkmate and best friend, Martha, keenly asked.
Martha was always curious about everything concerning her best friend, so Mia replied without holding anything back. "Max is here-I'll be right back."
She grinned, displaying a neat row of white teeth.
Slipping on a pair of flip flops, she rushed out without waiting for Martha's response.
But when she stepped out into the cold to meet her boyfriend, the expression on his face drained all color from hers.
He looked restless and impatient, and the moment he spoke, "Let's break up," Mia's heart shattered.
***
Mia cried for a while until her head started to ache terribly.
Sniffing, she looked up into his eyes. The eyes that once held love and endearment for her were now empty. He looked at her emotionlessly, and her heart constricted tightly in her chest. This wasn't the Max she knew.
Sniffling, she asked in a hoarse voice, "Who?"
A sweet, melodious voice suddenly came from behind Mia. "Max? Is that you?"
Max looked past Mia, and his eyes lit up.
Mia noticed that the same eyes that had looked at her with emptiness were now filled with admiration. He used to look at her that way...
Instinctively, she turned around in the direction of the
voice and saw a silhouette approaching them.
It was dark, and the light was dim. She squinted her eyes, trying to figure out who it was. As the person drew nearer, their form became clearer.
"Martha?" Mia's voice trembled when she saw her best friend standing beside her.
Thank God. She heaved a heavy sigh, and fresh tears began to pour from her eyes. "Martha, Max is breaking up with me."
"Please, plead with him on my behalf. He's my life; I can't live without him. I really can't," she cried helplessly, her whole body quivering. "Please..."
"Oh, Mia." Martha's face filled with concern, and she closed the space between them.
She drew Mia's head to her shoulder and began to pat her head. "Poor thing."
Martha sighed, while the girl cried uncontrollably, staining her dress.
"Max, why would you do such a thing?" Martha asked calmly, staring directly into Max's eyes.
Mia sniffled, her crying subsiding slightly. Now that her best friend was here, she would help Mia talk to Max and sort everything out. She sighed, sobbing softly.
Thank goodness she had Martha.
Max panicked as soon as he heard Martha's statement. Wasn't this what...
"I told you to let me know when you were about to tell her. How can you break her heart like this?" Martha scolded, her voice calm.
Martha's words sank in, and Mia lifted her head from Martha's shoulder.
"You knew?" Her voice quivered with disbelief. "Martha, you knew he was going to break up with me?"
Max let out a sigh. "I'm sorry. I texted you as soon as I got here," he replied to Martha.
Martha gave him a sad smile before turning to face Mia. "Mia, I'm sorry-but yes, I knew. I'm so sorry." Her expression turned somber.
Martha shook her head, denying the truth. This couldn't be real. Her best friend couldn't have known. She tried to calm herself, but the truth was glaring at her.
"You knew, Martha? Why didn't you tell me?" Mia sobbed.
If the breakup news had shattered her heart, the words she heard next completely shattered her.
"I didn't tell you because I'm the one Max is in love with."
"We tried to suppress our love for each other, but it just wouldn't die. That's why we decided to tell you."
"We didn't want to keep you in the dark any longer." Martha began to sob.
Mia stood in a daze for a couple of seconds. She couldn't comprehend the words her best friend was speaking.
A wave of nausea washed over her. "Wh-what... did you just say?" she stuttered.
Martha's voice cracked. "I'm sorry, Mia. I'm really sorry. We couldn't help it; it's a natural feeling. We can't cheat nature." She wailed.
Mia stopped crying at that moment. She stood still, her eyes empty, void of emotion. Slowly, she raised her hand and pointed her finger at Martha, then at Max. She chuckled, a sound devoid of sanity, and turned around. With staggering steps, she began to walk back into the dorm.
"Mia!" Max called out, attempting to go after her.
Although he no longer loved her, he couldn't bear to see her like this.
But right at that moment, Martha's wailing grew louder. Max halted, his footsteps freezing, and rushed to her side.
"Why are you crying?" Max furrowed his brow, genuine concern etched on his
face.
"Mia hates me now," Martha sobbed between her tears.
"Don't think that way, Martha. She'll understand. It couldn't be helped-it can't be helped," he comforted her, wrapping his arms around her.
Martha clung to him, holding him tightly, and continued to cry.
Max bit his lower lip, hating to see her in pain. "Wipe your tears. I'll take you to Domino's."
She sniffled, and her tears ceased immediately. She loved Domino's so much. "Look at how much power your words have over me. So, you think I'm a glutton..." She pouted her lips playfully.
Max laughed. "No," he said, and she playfully hit his chest.
"But what about Mia?" she hesitated.
Max pursed his lips. "She'll be fine. She'll understand."
Mia Thomson, an eighteen-year-old high school student, is heartbroken when she learns her longtime boyfriend has fallen for her best friend. Overwhelmed, she collapses and is rushed to the hospital. There, she unexpectedly encounters Shawn Mandez, the CEO of Beats Corporation, who urgently needs a spouse. Despite her predicament, Mia decides to help him out, only to be swiftly served divorced by him immediately after they finish signing their marriage certificate: “I’ll have my personal assistant send you the divorce papers," the CEO, who was not a man of many words, uttered coldly. Right at this moment, a sleek black Maybach pulled up in front of them. Without sparing the girl as little as a second glance, the demi-god stepped into the luxurious car and it soon disappeared out of sight. Mia was stunned.
"Hi, I’m Ethan Moore. You're mine from this moment onward," he declares, holding the car door open for her. “What?—” Elizabeth exclaims. “Get in the car,” Ethan commands, unfazed by her protest. “What—I don’t even know who you are—you think having a baritone voice can make you stand in front of me and spout rubbish from that godforsaken thing you call a mouth?!” Elizabeth's irritation is palpable. Ethan smirks. Nice, she’s got a sharp tongue—he likes sharp tongue. Turning to the nearest bodyguard, he orders, “get her in the car.” Meeting Elizabeth's gaze, he adds, “if she resists, throw her in the trunk.” .............................................. Pressured by his parents to marry, Ethan Moore is forced to kidnap a stranger. He offers her a deal to pose as his wife whenever necessary. *** All Elizabeth Claire wants is to escape the clutches of the crazed billionaire who kidnapped her. She tries various tricks to break free, but her attempts are thwarted when…
"Hi, I’m Ethan Moore. You're mine from this moment onward," he declares, holding the car door open for her. “What?—” Elizabeth exclaims. “Get in the car,” Ethan commands, unfazed by her protest. “What—I don’t even know who you are—you think having a baritone voice can make you stand in front of me and spout rubbish from that godforsaken thing you call a mouth?!” Elizabeth's irritation is palpable. Ethan smirks. Nice, she’s got a sharp tongue—he likes sharp tongue. Turning to the nearest bodyguard, he orders, “get her in the car.” Meeting Elizabeth's gaze, he adds, “if she resists, throw her in the trunk.” .............................................. Pressured by his parents to marry, Ethan Moore is forced to kidnap a stranger. He offers her a deal to pose as his wife whenever necessary. *** All Elizabeth Claire wants is to escape the clutches of the crazed billionaire who kidnapped her. She tries various tricks to break free, but her attempts are thwarted when…
Ameera was suddenly hit by a billionaire’s car and went into coma for three months. When she woke up, she realized that she’d not only lost her pregnancy, but even her fiancé was getting married to her manager in a couple of days. Her life was over. Her career as a model was over. The billionaire had ruined her and she despised him for it. She wanted revenge—and she would get it. She decided to sign a contract with him, and when she does, she’s met with the unexpected. Akurrrrr!
He's the most influential in South Korea, She has five part-time jobs. When fate brings them together, they don't start on good terms. *** Emily Chen gets hit by Joel Manchester —the CEO of Empire World Corporation. He helps her to the hospital and offers her money, as compensation for the accident, and to shut her up about it. But she rejects his money and asks for something else. Any idea what her request is? Come along, now!
Katie was forced to marry Dillan, a notorious ruffian. Her younger sister mocked her, "You're just an adopted daughter. Count your blessings for marrying him!" The world anticipated Katie's tribulations, but her married life unfurled with unexpected serenity. She even snagged a lavish mansion in a raffle! Katie jumped into Dillan's arms, credited him as her lucky charm. "No, Katie, it's you who brings me all this luck," Dillan replied. Then, one fateful day, Dillan's childhood friend came to her. "You're not worthy of him. Take this 50 million and leave him!" Katie finally grasped Dillan's true stature—the wealthiest man on the planet. That night, trembling with trepidation, she broached the subject of divorce with Dillan. However, with a domineering embrace, he told her, "I'd give you everything I have. Divorce is off the table!"
Life was a bed of roses for Debra, the daughter of Alpha. That was until she had a one-night stand with Caleb. She was sure he was her mate as determined by Moon Goddess. But this hateful man refused to accept her. Weeks passed before Debra discovered that she was pregnant. Her pregnancy brought shame to her and everyone she loved. Not only was she driven out, but her father was also hunted down by usurpers. Fortunately, she survived with the help of the mysterious Thorn Edge Pack. Five years passed and Debra didn't hear anything from Caleb. One day, their paths crossed again. They were both on the same mission—carrying out secret investigations in the dangerous Roz Town for the safety and posterity of their respective packs. Caleb was still cold toward her. But as time went on, he fell head over heels in love with her. He tried to make up for abandoning her, but Debra wasn't having any of it. She was hell-bent on hiding her daughter from him and also making a clean break. What did the future hold for the two as they journeyed in Roz Town? What kind of secrets would they find? Would Caleb win Debra's heart and get to know his lovely daughter? Find out!
"Miss Brown, I am the butler here at your service," the butler replied. "My master wants to buy the baby in your belly." "What?!" Does that mean the abortion didn't take place? Did they kidnap her from the operating table just to buy the baby? But why her? "You..." Alice was about to ask a question, but the man in front of her calmly continued, as if he had expected her question, "You're pregnant with his child, and he needs a child. That's all I can tell you." Alice was forced to sign a surrogacy contract and eight months later gave birth to two healthy babies. Fortunately, the man was unaware of her daughter's existence. It wasn't until five years later that fate brought them together again...
My family was on the poverty line and had no way to support me in college. I had to work part-time every day just to make ends meet and afford to get into the university. That was when I met her—the pretty girl in my class that every boy dreamt of asking out. I was well aware she was out of my league. Nevertheless, I mustered all my courage and bravely told her that I had fallen for her. To my surprise, she agreed to be my girlfriend. With the sweetest smile I had ever seen, she told me that she wanted my first gift for her to be the latest and top-of-the-line iPhone. I worked like a dog and even did my classmates’ laundry to save up. My hard work eventually paid off after a month. I finally got to buy what she wanted. But as I was wrapping my gift, I saw her in the dressing room, making out with the captain of the basketball team. She then heartlessly made fun of my inadequacy and made a fool out of me. To make things worse, the guy whom she cheated on me with even punched me in the face. Desperation washed over me, but there was nothing I could do but lie on the floor as they trampled on my feelings. But then, my father called me out of the blue, and my life turned upside down. It turned out that I was a billionaire's son.
Warning: This book has high sexual assault displays, but does not support any form of rape. I, Alpha Edward Parker, swear that I will keep you tied to me until I make you pay for what you did to my mate," he swore, gripping my chin in a bruising hold. "Not only will you wish for death, but you will beg for it, and it will be too far from you." I could feel the eyes of the whole pack on us. They probably came to experience a normal wedding, but that couldn't be further from the truth. I was being married off to a groom because he wanted revenge. Tears welled, and I wanted to scream, "I am your mate; I'm the one who saved you, not her." But I knew no one would believe me. I was his mate, how could he not recognize me? Four years ago, Amanda happened to save a total stranger, but due to a string of misunderstandings, her sister took her place. The stranger then promised a vow of betrothal to his savior. Not seeing any use in correcting the error, Amanda allowed it. That was her biggest mistake because the stranger ended up being her own mate. Caught in a web of lies and confusion, she decides to set herself free by speaking the truth. But her plans are thwarted when her sister turns up dead, and she is pinned as the main suspect. A mate out to seek revenge for another, a forced marriage, an underlying plot, a web of lies, and many dark secrets. How can Amanda navigate all these without losing sight of herself? How will she speak the truth when she has already lost her voice and has been destroyed by her own mate?
As a simple assistant, messaging the CEO in the dead of night to request shares of adult films was a bold move. Bethany, unsurprisingly, didn't receive any films. However, the CEO responded that, while he had no films to share, he could offer a live demonstration. After a night filled with passion, Bethany was certain she'd lose her job. But instead, her boss proposed, "Marry me. Please consider it." "Mr. Bates, you're kidding me, right?"