"You've always wanted to give a name to our rivalry. I didn't realize it would be this." "Nonsense! I wouldn't imagine this even in my worst nightmare." "Then Miss Rosette, be ready because I'm going to make this a fucking tempting nightmare that you won't be able to resist having fun in." "Never in this life!" "Probably all your life." Her snarl met his smirk and began the next level of their rivalry. Jackson Carter, when entered his thirties, was rich, successful, and famous. The owner and CEO of JC group, which had many businesses under their umbrella, had always been unapproachable and aloof. No one knew why. There was bare minimum information about his past, specifically about his family and he wanted it so. But when that one person he considered family announces their plan, Jackson's past is at risk of exposure. Will he be able to protect the secret he's been hiding while honoring the promise made to an elder? Especially when the secret is almost at the edge of his enemy's lips, the very lips he'd dared to taste back in the past. Cordelia Rosette had everything in her life, loving parents, a classy social circle, a rich and extravagant lifestyle with compulsory holidays abroad, and a loving boyfriend. But one fine day everything came crashing down when her father refused to hand over their family business, something she'd always been aspiring for. The reason he gave shook the ground she was standing proud on. Being optimistic, Cordelia decided to find a way out of the current complications. But is she ready to pay the price? Especially when the price is in a form of sin she'd promised herself she'd never commit again, the sin of loving the rude and arrogant Jackson Carter, her number one enemy. Jackson and Cordelia have always been at odds with each other since childhood. The rivalry grew and followed them to college but often fire attracts temptation and this engulfed them both. Days were about troubling each other to the point of insanity and nights were about being embroiled in passion to the point where they could set the house on fire. But all of this ended the day Cordelia decided to cut ties with both the rivalry and the passion-savory relationship between them. Only if this was that easy. What was to be a simple conversation became a public event on their graduation day and Jackson decided he wanted to hold a grudge. This fructified when he got a chance to redeem himself as Cordelia's number one rival and things became ugly between the two. Both decided not to see each other ever again. But when has fate been the way you wanted it to be? Turns out they had something in common, Akira Takahashi, a man both respected and were now under his promise that they will have to marry each other. Stunned and shaken, as soon as they recover, it is decided that they will enter into a contract marriage for a year and will end when both of them have got what they want from the old man, money. With this Jackson and Cordelia are given a chance to sort out their misunderstandings. Will they realize their love for each other or will their rivalry continue until they're both hurt and destroyed beyond repair? To find out read, 'It's Billionaire Vs Ex Heiress Now!'
Jackson
'Mr. Carter there's a phone call for you.' My secretary's voice told me through the phone.
'Who is it?'
'The London client who we wanted to invest in our Star-Dream Project.'
My eyebrows furrowed. 'Weren't talks with them already done and dealt with?'
'Um.....They want to renegotiate.'
'Tell them it's not possible.'
'Sir, their investment is important for the project.'
'And so is my opinion on this.'
'But sir....' She was about to say something when my phone beeped. I unlocked it to check the message.
'Claire.'
'Yes, Sir?'
'Cancel the deal.'
'But....all of a sudden.'
'Things are always uncertain in business. Just make sure the London client know we're no longer interested.'
I pressed the button to end the call to not give her a chance to pursue me. Claire had been my secretary for nine years and I was sure she was going to be for more because she was the only one who'd got the guts to reason with me. No one in this office said anything against my word. It was almost as if they didn't have an opinion. But she didn't shy away from doing so. It was mostly because of her strong and independent nature but also because of the little something that we had in common, the scars of the past.
Buttoning the suit when I got up, I looked out the window. My company's building matched the one in front. Pride filled my chest. I've made progress, some phenomenal progress in past nine years. So much so that I've become what boys from the place that I come from only dream about. L.A. had become my home now but I craved for more. I wanted to rule it. Let's just say I'm one step away from achieving my dream. Then, the building in front of me would seem small.
As I walked out I was met with Claire's hawking eyes. 'What?' I asked.
She scoffed. 'Sir, London clients are important.'
'What if I tell you, there's even a bigger client?'
'Is there?' Now she wanted to listen.
I chuckled. 'There is and we're going to meet them right now.'
'Right now?! But I didn't get a chance to prepare myself.....'
'There's no preparation required. It's a done deal.'
'Have you met them before?'
'I have.'
'I see.'
The drive to the restaurant was quick. I would've asked Claire to book this same place but my guest's secretary had beaten me to it. You see, both me and my guest had a history with this place. Our story together had progressed greatly right here from this restaurant ten years ago.
I found myself opening the door to the private section booked especially for this meeting, as I was told. He was sitting in there quietly staring at the empty glass in front of him. I'd received a text from his secretary that he wanted to meet and there was no way I was going to say no. I can never say no to him. For he's the reason I'm well and alive today, not to mention the successful business I'm running.
His head turned and a warm smile formed on his face when he saw me approaching. 'It's been long, Jackson.' His low but clear voice greeted me.
'Very Long, Mr. Takahashi.' Tears were to their brim in my eyes. It felt hell to cry as a grown ass man but that I'd got a chance to see him again was nothing but emotional.
He got up to embrace me. When we separated he said, 'Call me Grandpa. I've told you this before.'
I nodded shyly. 'I'm too old to call you that now especially when....'
'Blood ties are not always important Jackson. If they were I wouldn't have come here only now.'
'What do you mean?'
Placing a hand on my shoulder he said, 'Sit. Let's eat first.' I obliged happily. Sushi was the first thing I had in mind when we were to order but instead he ordered steak. 'What? I've not travelled all the way from Japan to have sushi again. I eat that plenty in my home.'
'And you don't eat steak?' I asked playfully.
'Ah...now I eat that too.' Both of us laughed.
'So, Mr. Taka....I mean...Grandpa....do you mind if I ask about the reason for your visit this time?' He usually stayed in his family home in Japan and rarely came to America. Last time he was here was seven years ago probably which is why the wrinkles on his face seem more evident to me now.
He nodded. 'Of course not. There is someone I have to help.'
'Someone? I thought you came to see me.' Jealously hit me like the corner of a table, it doesn't bleed but hurts a lot.
His wrinkled skin lifted up from the corner of his lips. 'I did. I came to see both of you.'
'So do I know this someone?' Now I was curious. He was here to meet someone else too. I thought the old man had no family and I was the only one he was close to. Then who's this other person?
'Jackson, being jealous at thirty doesn't suit you.' He said calmly and I composed my expressions.
'Sorry.'
He started laughing. 'I was kidding, son. When had there been an age to express emotions?'
'Grandpa.' I muttered.
'Okay, let's do this. Since you're curious to know who this person is, I'll ask her to join us.' Was he serious? He was going to call her here? Wait a second, he said, 'Her'. He knows some woman? I hope this is not one of those gold-diggers who're ready to empty his bank accounts.
'I didn't know you were dating someone.'
My comment made him press his lips in a thin line. Holy Shit....did I offend him?
'I meant.....'
But he laughed harder this time. 'Oh Jackson, why would you think that?'
'We haven't seen each other since past seven years and have had minimal contact. Maybe you started seeing someone...'
'I'm afraid my ship had gone long past that harbor. But it was nice that someone thinks I've still got it that a woman would be kind enough to see me as a romantic partner.'
'If it's not someone you're seeing, then?'
'It's my granddaughter.' The breath was knocked out of my body. Mr. Takahashi has a family. He has his own blood running into other people. I closed my eyes and it was barely tolerable fact. For years even when he didn't contact me I still thought I was his only family and felt....safe. There was always a comfy blanket to fall on even when I never intended to fall on it. Now that he's mentioned he has a granddaughter, what does that makes of me?
'I see. How come you didn't mention her before?'
'I, myself, wasn't aware of her existence up until now.' He met my eyes and then continued, 'About two months ago I got a call from this girl who claimed to be my granddaughter. For obvious reason I didn't believe her. But she kept on insisting and I finally decided to run a DNA test.'
'So it's confirmed. She is related to you.' He nodded. 'If you knew about her since two months then why are you coming here only now?'
'Jackson, I'm sorry I didn't tell you before but I've been in L.A. for past one month. I came here to meet her immediately after the test confirmed our relationship.' Something pierced in my heart. He flew down from Japan to meet her the every moment he realized she is his own flesh and blood but didn't bother to return my calls when I asked for his help while facing difficulties with the Star-Dream project.
'Looks like she's your new favorite.'
Mr. Takahashi chuckled. 'She must be here anytime soon. You should decide after meeting her if you want to be jealous of such a beautiful lady or not.' The moment he said that, I had a feeling he was trying to set us up. I sighed hoping desperately he does not ask me to date her or anything because I'm not made for this. Casual has always been my style. This was TMI for grandpa and he didn't need to know this. Maybe I should just tell his granddaughter when we're alone that she can reject me, that I wouldn't mind.....
I was busy in my own head that I didn't realize that some had entered the private section. It was when a familiar voice hit my ears that I knew there was no escaping from this hot mess.
'Grandpa, I'm here.' I didn't dare to look. No, this cannot be true. Please no, this is not happening to me again.
Mr. Takahashi's introduction left no space for introspection. 'This is my beautiful granddaughter Cordelia Rosette.' My ears were on fire to hear the name I hated. If Satan had a synonym it was Cordelia. The very girl who turned out to be the granddaughter of the man I respected the most. Oh, god definitely has his ways. 'And Delia, this is the young and dashing Jackson Carter.'
I swear I wasn't going to look at her even if Mr. Takahashi had thought of me to be a psycho but then she snorted. 'Young and dashing?' Her questioning my looks made me turn my head and glare at her. Her brow shot up but she had the look of amusement and not that of shock. She knew I was going to be here!
'Cordelia.' That's it. This was my greeting to her.
Instead she crossed her arms in front and smirked. 'Hello there Jackson.' A strong stare game began, leaving Mr. Takahashi in confusion.
'You guys know each other already?' He asked.
I scoffed. 'I wish I didn't.'
'The feeling is mutual.' Satanic princess remarked.
'Well, it seems you two aren't on the best terms. But what to do, this has to change. After all, I plan on getting you two married.'
'Married?' Both I and the one-whose-name-I-hate shouted together.
Valarie is going to be the new moon goddess and attain the responsibility of ruling the Lunar kingdom. But she loves something more than the title she is being awarded, her freedom. Tired of her status, she wishes to live a life of a normal person, something that is only possible on earth. So, the mission is set, run away on the day of the crowning ceremony and settle peacefully on the earth. Only, she is unaware of the consequences, she will no longer have her memories. Caden is the mighty Alpha who belongs to the Dead vlei tribe. His only aim is to become the leader of the tribe and achieve an exalted status. But roadblocks await him in the form of his grandfather and other tribe elders, who believe in a prophecy that predicted Caden will die if he becomes the leader without finding his mate. Caden does not want to wait but his grandfather is adamant and refuses to let him become the king. An opportunity arises when Caden is given the responsibility of bringing Valarie back to the Lunar kingdom and in exchange the current Moon Goddess agrees to make him the leader of his tribe. Power is all Caden wants, and this is a lucrative offer, will he bring Valarie back against her wishes? Or will he fall for the princess of the very moon his tribe prays to? The Alpha and his moon goddess are set for a forbidden romance where dark secrets will be unveiled, villains will rise, allies will protect, and everlasting love will begin.
Belinda thought after divorce, they would part ways for good - he could live his life on his own terms, while she could indulge in the rest of hers. However, fate had other plans in store. "My darling, I was wrong. Would you please come back to me?" The man, whom she once loved deeply, lowered his once proud head humbly. "I beg you to return to me." Belinda coldly pushed away the bouquet of flowers he had offered her and coolly replied, "It's too late. The bridge has been burned, and the ashes have long since scattered to the wind!"
For two years, Ashton had poured his heart into his marriage, yet Emalee's heart remained cold. Despite his dedication, Emalee presented him with divorce papers. She bluntly stated she could not remain married to a man whose net worth was less than a million dollars. Ashton signed the papers, closing one chapter of his life and stepping into a new beginning. Then, Ashton revealed his secret identities: a music mogul, a medical expert, and a martial arts master—each persona impressive enough to stun the world. As Ashton’s true capabilities came to light, Emalee was overwhelmed with deep regret.
"I am flawed in every way possible," she said. "Good, I never asked for perfection," he replied immediately. When Sapphire Conrad, the wayward daughter of the Conrad Family, was called back to New York after running away from home to Gisborne, she only had a plan. Appear at the mansion, listen to whatever nonsense she had to say and say no to it, put up a strong font, then go back to her kids in Gisborne. Using her energy while trying to get revenge on all of them is a total waste of time even though they deserved to be trampled upon for what they did to her. It sounds like an easy enough plan until she got there and was asked to get into a marriage of convenience. Staying at New York was risky, she would be forced to face her ex-fiance who she had a nine years relationship with, the ex-best friend who snatched her fiance, her sister and mother who hate her with passion, and the list was longer than just that. But she couldn't leave her twin brother who is in danger there and there is this tiny little fact that Mr. Alexander Antonio Aldine, the CEO of Triple A Group definitely won't let her go.
Marrying her best friend was a dream come true for Kelly, but everything truly has a limitation. Pierce is Kelly’s first love, but as his best friend, she knew well there was always another woman deep in his heart. Lexi Gilbert. The woman Pierce could never forget even if he had already been arranged to marry Kelly. *** Kelly finally realized their happy marriage of the last three years was just a beautiful dream when Pierce asked for a divorce just because Lexi returned. She could only be his best friend even if she was carrying his baby. *** Since their friendship had become a cage, Kelly chose to set him free, as well as the miserable herself. But why then, it was Pierce who became the one who refused to move on? To make matters worse, her devil stepbrother also domineeringly stepped in at the same time, asking her to be his. *** Her Prince Charming vs. Her Devil Stepbrother? How could Kelly save her heart in this battle of love and hate?
Rumors said that Lucas married an unattractive woman with no background. In the three years they were together, he remained cold and distant to Belinda, who endured in silence. Her love for him forced her to sacrifice her self-worth and her dreams. When Lucas' true love reappeared, Belinda realized that their marriage was a sham from the start, a ploy to save another woman's life. She signed the divorce papers and left. Three years later, Belinda returned as a surgical prodigy and a maestro of the piano. Lost in regret, Lucas chased her in the rain and held her tightly. "You are mine, Belinda."
"Never let anyone treat you like shit!" I learned that the hard way. For three years, I lived with my in-laws. They didn't treat me as their son-in-law but as a slave. I put up with everything because of my wife, Yolanda Lambert. She was the light of my life. Unfortunately, my whole world came crashing down the day I caught my wife cheating on me. I have never been so heartbroken. To have my revenge, I revealed my true identity. I was none other than Liam Hoffman—the heir of a family with trillions of dollars in assets! The Lamberts were utterly shocked after the big reveal. They realized what fools they had been for treating me like trash. My wife even knelt down and begged for my forgiveness. What do you think I did? Did I take her back or made her suffer? Find out!