Discharged from the military, Ray Lee finds himself as the bodyguard to the daughter of a wealthy man. He meets a lady whom he discovers he shares a similar past. Will they join forces to avenge their past predicament, or will they choose to move on?
CHAPTER 1: SEMPER FIDELIS.
Hateful eyes trolled the galant Corporal of the United States Marine Corp, Ray Lee. Everyone disliked him, even his superiors disliked him. He was an asset to the Corp, and there was no denying it.
Ray Lee's feats and achievements in the Corp were known by all, and even across the other branches of service. He had been awarded a medal of honor by the former president of the United States, for his selfless bravery on a mission in Afghanistan, a couple of years ago.
As such, his court martial was one that made news on major news channels all around the country.
Ray Lee sat on a chair situated outside the military court room, as they were on recess, with his head bowed down, and in dismay, when he heard a voice beside him.
"Hey buddy." A voice spoke, as a hand was placed on his shoulder. Ray looked up, slowly, and sighted a familiar face. It was Scott. As a matter of fact, that was the only face he wanted to see at that moment. Scott went ahead to sit beside Ray.
"It's time." Ray declared, as he looked at his wrist watch. "Let's get this over with." Ray said, as he stood up from his seated position, going back into the court room.
Scott sat in his seat, as Ray also sat in his, further away from Scott's. The military jury had confered and made a decision. Ray had pled guilty, without remorse, and was ready for whatever punishment.
"Corporal Ray Lee, stand up." The officer presiding over the court martial, Colonel Sanders, ordered. Ray stood up swiftly. His brown evening dress uniform was fitting on him. His muscular physique could be seen bulging from within the uniform.
Ray looked intimidating to most of the soldiers, and was intimidated by no one. Yet, he respected all who were worthy of respect, be you his superior, or junior. Ray's medals accounting for his achievements and heroic deeds hung on his uniform.
Colonel Sanders had hoped for a different outcome, but Ray wanted out, for good. Colonel Sanders knew for good that the Marine Corp would lose a valuable asset.
"Based on the evidences, and testimony from credible witnesses, and your own testimony, which didn't deny any of the charges laid against you, which includes dereliction of duty, a direct and willful disobedience of an order given by a superior, and assaulting a superior, you have been found guilty, as charged."
Colonel Sanders declared, as his heart broke from within, but he didn't express it outwardly. "You are hereby stripped of your rank as a Corporal of the United States Marine Corp, and discharged." Colonel Sanders continued.
As he spoke, two officers marched forward and began stripping Ray of his insignia and medals. Although Ray had been acting all tough, tears welled up in his eyes. What he lived and was willing to give his life for was being taken away from him.
Ray held back his tears from rolling down his cheek, as he sniffed in. He has learned to keep his emotions in check.
"For your years of dedicated and sacrificial service, you will not be jailed for any of these charges. You are to immediately hand over every valuable item that belongs to the Marine Corp before you vacate barracks. Thank you for your service."
Colonel Sanders ended reading out the verdict, as he slammed the mace on a wood, ending the trial of Corporal Ray Lee.
Ray saluted Colonel Sanders, as Colonel Sanders stood up to leave. The Colonel saluted back, and was escorted out of the court room. Everyone else in the room stood up to leave, staring at Ray. Some, in pity, while some found joy in his downfall. Chief of which was 1st Lieutenant Glover.
Scott walked up to Ray, and firmly grabbed his shoulders, consoling Ray. Just then, they were interrupted by a voice that Ray sure didn't want to hear. "Look what we have here. If it ain't the disgraced soldier." 1st Lieutenant Glover mocked Ray.
Ray closed his eyes as though he winced in pain, clenching his fists, and slowly turning around. Ray looked Glover right straight into the eye, as wicked thoughts ran through his head.
The duo, Ray and Glover, stood facing each other as though they were about to have a stand off in a kick boxing ring. Glover smirked scornfully at Ray, with disdain in his eyes. Ray stood seething with rage, but held himself back from punching Glover.
"So, how does it feel to be disgraced and lose everything, Corporal? Oh! I'm sorry, you're not a Corporal anymore." Glover scoffed, mockingly. The degree of punishment meted to Ray Lee wasn't exactly what he had hoped for, but then, Ray still got punished, so he relished in that fact, as a consolation.
"You've got what you wanted. Haven't you?" Ray asked, with a blank expression. "I always get what I want." Glover replied, still wearing that scornful smirk. "Yeah, you do. As long as daddy is the one pulling the strings from up there. Little Glover is nothing without his daddy, you spoiled little brat." Ray said, purposely provoking Glover.
"Knock it off, you two." Colonel Sanders stepped in. "But sir, he wanted to-"
"Enough! I don't want to hear a word from your mouth." Colonel Sanders yelled, ordering Lieutenant Glover, interrupting him. "Ray, my office. Now." Colonel Sanders instructed Ray.
Scott went along with Ray but stopped at the entrance of Colonel Sanders office, since he wasn't asked in, as Ray went in. Colonel Sanders sat down in his reclining chair and sighed, removing his cap, as he stared intently at Ray.
"So what now? What will you do as you return back to civilian life?" Colonel Sanders asked. Ray sighed, honestly not knowing what to answer.
Ray looked down, cracking his head to think, but nothing was forthcoming. "Well, all I know is, I'll survive. There's no doubt about that." Ray said optimistically. "That, I know for sure." Colonel Sanders affirmed.
"Thank you for your years diligent service to the Corp. I wish you all the best. Semper Fi." Colonel Sanders stood and saluted. "Semper Fi, sir." Ray saluted back. Both men showed respect for each other.
As Ray turned to leave, Colonel Sanders spoke out. "Soldier? Whatever you need, you let me know. Okay?"
"Duly noted, sir." Ray replied, cracking up a mild smile, and he continued outside the office of the Colonel. He truly was unhappy, and unsure of what laid ahead of him, but something more awaited him outside the Marine Corp.
_____
"So, this is it huh?" Scott, said sadly, as he stood with his friend Ray, at the bus station, as Ray was about boarding the vehicle to head home. Ray spent the previous night in a motel, as he wasn't expected to remain in the barracks for more than three hours after his court martial sentence.
"I guess my friend. Well, don't cry for me when am gone." Ray replied. "Thanks for everything man. Thank you." Ray appreciated, as they both hugged each other. "We'll be in touch." Scott said, as they broke their hug, and Ray walked into the bus. Ray nodded, with a smile, as he walked in and took his seat.
The bus began it's transit from Paris Island, Pennsylvania, to Miami, as Ray waved at Scott from the window. Ray sat back relaxing, as he went to his playlist and played some music. He wondered what awaited him at Miami, a home he hadn't been to for years.
Having suffered betrayal and injustice from the ones he trusted when he was most vulnerable, Michael Belsky shuts his heart from the subject of love, fully embracing a heritage of violence, affluence, and power, making him a force to be reckoned with in the business and underworld. With his rise to eminence, was also the rise of enemies. By virtue of an old agreement, Michael is compelled to take for himself a bride, but he chooses a stranger, Ivana, in defiance of his father, as she felt indebted to him. With time, Michael found himself falling helplessly for the cheerful and upbeat Ivana. But little did they both know that they both had secrets, and their lives were intertwined way before they ever met. Will their secrets and past come in between the love they've built, breaking them apart? Or will they draw strength and be even more bonded in love, facing the challenges that they encounter?
It wouldn't be out of terms to say that the life of the billionaire playboy, Trevor Munroe, was rudely interrupted on a fateful night, by a stranger. But falling in love with that stranger was the least thing he could ever imagine, even in his wildest fantasy. But such was the complication he found himself in. And being given an ultimatum by his father, he is left with no choice but to dance to the tone he had set. With time, secrets gets revealed and truths are laid bare. Will this love stand the test of time as loyalties are tried? Was all this but just a game? And did fate bring them together to tear them apart?
Abandoned as a baby, Trevor Rowe is no stranger to rejection, but he hits rock bottom when he finds out his partner's betrayal. Just trying to get by, he encounters a stranger, and his life turns around for good. Or for bad? Will his new found life and fortune be his undoing, or will he rise above it all and thrive?
A scorned and timid son-in-law of a small family, loving and pampering his wife, was all he wanted to do. Acknowledgement and care from his wife and family, was all he needed and wanted. What did he do when he didn't get what he needed? He endured, all because he was sold off to marriage but had to deal with it. One night, he stumbled on his wife and foster brother and saw what was meant to be kept hidden, but do they really want to keep their acts hidden? He became lost and felt betrayed, he wandered around and finally got to the only place he finds solace. After that night, he changed. He became stinkingly rich and divorced his wife. Wondering how this is a fairy tale? But it was no fairy tale, because with riches came it's tribulations. He had to hone his skills and became extremely cold hearted, controlling the largest mafia group in New York, with a chain of legal businesses. He became a killing machine, trampling his enemies and his ex-wife, wanting to find peace but he couldn't find peace. It was a completely new life for him. What happens when a new ray of light, shines on to his dark world? Will he embrace it? Or will he remain cold-hearted?
After three loveless years, Neil's betrayal deeply wounded Katelyn. She wasted no time in getting rid of that scoundrel! After the divorce, she devoted herself to career pursuits. Rising to prominence as a top designer, skilled doctor, and brilliant hacker, she became a revered icon. Neil, realizing his grave mistake, tried in vain to win her back, only to witness her magnificent wedding to another. As their vows were broadcast on the world's largest billboard, Vincent slid a ring onto Katelyn's finger and declared, "Katelyn is now my wife, a priceless treasure. Let all who covet her beware!"
Linsey was stood up by her groom to run off with another woman. Furious, she grabbed a random stranger and declared, "Let's get married!" She had acted on impulse, realizing too late that her new husband was the notorious rascal, Collin. The public laughed at her, and even her runaway ex offered to reconcile. But Linsey scoffed at him. "My husband and I are very much in love!" Everyone thought she was delusional. Then Collin was revealed to be the richest man in the world. In front of everyone, he got down on one knee and held up a stunning diamond ring. "I look forward to our forever, honey."
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.
Daisy is the illegitimate daughter of Mr. Hubert. His company went bankrupt, so he asked for help from Drkov's house. They agreed to help Mr. Hubert but with one condition. One of his two daughters must marry their nephew - Atlas Drkov. Atlas Drkov is a billionaire but he is disabled and uses a wheelchair. Yaretzi - daughter of Mr. Hubert's official wife - does not accept marrying a disabled man. She and her parents made a plan. They kidnapped Daisy's mother, threatened her, and forced her to marry Atlas. To save her mother, she accepted. However, after getting married, she fell in love with this man, and so did he. Difficulties start from here.
To the public, Arabella was Owen's trusty secretary who catered to all his needs and served as the primary blood donor of his beloved, who was in a coma. Behind closed doors, she was Owen's submissive wife. Arabella was quiet and obedient, and she endured every humiliation without a word of protest. Rumored to be a neat freak, Owen had tossed the last woman who had dared to kiss him into the river. Yet he pinned Arabella against the wall and demanded, "Give me a child, and I’ll let you go!" Arabella pushed him away and flashed him a cold smile. "You are not worthy!"
It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mistake of falling in love with Kristopher. When the time came that she needed him the most, her husband was in the company of another woman. Enough was enough. Carrie chose to divorce Kristopher and move on with her life. Only when she left did Kristopher realize how important she was to him. In the face of his ex-wife’s countless admirers, Kristopher offered her 20 million dollars and proposed a new deal. “Let’s get married again.”