"I, Nikolai Kensington, will make you so rich, you'll walk on money. I'll place you above your enemies and make them worship at your feet. You'll no longer be known as the timid Adira, but you'll become known as one of the most powerful women in the country." Those were the words that changed Adira's life forever. Adira Ravenswood was heartbroken when Lancelot divorced her to be with his second lover. They had been friends from childhood, so she had loved him so dearly and didn't know how to move on without him. While Lancelot was from a very rich home, Adira was very poor, and she felt that was part of the reasons he had quit the marriage. Everyone ridiculed her, Lancelot's mother froze her accounts so she couldn't have access to the money she had gotten from him. Adira's own family mocked and looked down on her. They said she could never amount to anything. Adira was broken and dejected and was at the verge of taking her life when the most powerful, but cold-hearted man in the country showed up and offered her a juicy proposal - one that would make her trample on every single person that's ever hurt her. But it came with a condition - a condition that was very easy, yet so difficult.
Adira knocked on the door of her family's house, her luggages beside her on the floor. As she waited weakly for the door to get opened, she kept blinking back the tears that burnt at the back of her eyes.
The door creaked open, revealing her sixteen year old sister.
"Mum! Adira is home!" Elara said with a streak of sadism.
Since the door was wide open, Adira was able to take a peek into the house and found her family seated round the dining, having dinner. Their faces got lit up with mockery upon seeing her at the door.
"Oh... The rejected wife is finally home to her rejected family!" Her twenty-three year old step-sister hooted with laugh, pausing on the meat she had been trying to pieces into several parts.
"Dear Adira, you've finally signed the divorce papers, haven't you?" Her step-mother taunted.
Her father and step-brother just stayed quiet on the dining, throwing glances at her.
With a sniff, Adira picked up her luggages and began rolling it into the old creaky house. Her eyes were red and swollen from the tears that had been falling freely before her coming to the house.
The room was lit only by the flickering light of a solitary candle, casting eerie shadows on the walls. Stepping further into the room, her family's eyes followed her every move, watching her with suspicion and mockery. Adira couldn't help but feel like an outsider in her home.
"The nerves of you to ever think you could remain married to a powerful man like Lancelot," her drunken father muttered. "I told you, Adira, we're poor and not meant for the rich. If you had listened to me a year ago and just stayed away from him, I'm sure none of this would have happened."
"Don't say that, father. I'm definitely going to marry a rich man. I just wonder how Adira thought she could do same," Freya smirked.
At that moment, Adira wished her mother was there at that table. She had lost her mother at a very tender age, and in less than three months after her death, her father had gotten married to her step-mother who bore him three children. They always treated her like an outsider and made her wish she was never a part of them. Unfortunately, she had no other place to go.
"I'll just be in my room," she mumbled beneath her breath and turned towards the wooden staircase.
"What room are you talking about?" Freya snapped behind her. "You've been away for a year, Adira. So, I'm in charge of your room now."
Adira said nothing but continued climbing up the stairs, and her step-mother threw a spoon at her.
"Hurry up and come clear this table. You should make yourself useful around here," she gruffed, but Adira didn't stop as she continued walking.
Getting into the messy room that used to be hers, twenty-six year old Adira plonked herself on the bed and bursted into tears. Her heart ached heavily, she brushed her fingers into her hair as she cried out in pains.
Memories of how Lancelot had sent her parking from the house kept replaying in her mind
"I'm sorry, Adira, but you need to leave. Jardine plans on coming over tonight. I told you she's sick," his voice still sounded fresh in her head.
Adira had gone on her knees to beg him. The divorce papers had been lying on the floor.
"Please, Lancelot, you can't do this to me. I did nothing wrong, you can't just push me away like this," she had pleaded, clutching onto his knees.
"Yes, you did nothing wrong. And trust me, Adira, I did love you. But can't you see this isn't working out? It's been a year, yet my family still doesn't accept you. I endured a lot for you, Adira, and you know it. I believe it's best if we just moved on. Please. Here's a check of a hundred thousand dollars, this should be enough to get you started."
Adira had remembered tearing the check in front of him, letting him know she wasn't interested in the money, but was interested in him. She had continued pleading, but in the end, he sent her out, along with the divorce papers which he had asked her to sign within the week.
Adira was beyond hurt as she kept wondering how she could possibly live without Lancelot. They had known each other since they were kids and had gotten married about a year ago. God, they were so in love, she never thought a day would come that he would ever divorce her.
His parents hated her 'cause she was poor and when Lancelot had gotten married to her, his father caught him off from the company. Things became really tough for them as they had to fend for themselves. But they were doing just fine.
It all started a month ago when he started sleeping out, coming home at late hours and acting detached towards her. It didn't take long before Adira noticed he had another lover - a certain rich lady. This had broken Adira, and when she confronted him, he started talking about a divorce.
Now, there she was - broken and pregnant with his child. Even when she had told him about the early pregnancy, his cold words were: "You should get rid of it. I won't be such a great father, Adira."
His words had been like poisonous arrows that pierced her heart multiple times. She loved him so much and couldn't imagine life without him. But, now she was hurt with no one to turn to.
****†****†****†****†****†
Adira had slept deeply. She woke up the next morning to find herself on the floor. Sitting up and glancing at the bed, she found Freya on it. Huh? Did she roll her down to the floor without her notice? How dare she?
Adira got on her feet, infuriated. But seeing that Freya was still asleep, she decided to let it slide.
She got into the bathroom to freshen up, deciding she needed to go get some provisions for the family. Thankfully, she had been able to save some money while she was with Lancelot. Thinking of it, she might even move out to her own apartment - no matter how small it may be. She had expected her family to be less hostile, but sadly, they hadn't changed.
Standing under the running shower, Adira closed her eyes as she recalled all the beautiful moments she shared with Lancelot. There had been times when they showered together, and he'd end up kissing her. They made love in so many fun places, the memories were glued to her head. How could she possibly let go of him now? Wasn't it a little too late?
When she first met Lancelot at the age of nine, it was on a day he had saved her. She and Freya had gone playing at a pool. Accidentally, Adira fell into the pool while Freya ran to call for help. There weren't much people on the pool that day. So, there was no one to help.
Adira had passed out, but when she regained consciousness, she found Lancelot beside her, but he was also wet and unconscious. Adira believed he saved her - risked his life to save hers. That was how they became friends.
They shared so many beautiful moments together, she wondered how she could possibly leave without him now. It was clearly impossible.
Done from the bathroom, she stepped out with a white towel around her chest. She found something simple to wear from one of her luggages - a white pair of trousers with a blue top. Then, she brushed her long hair until it shone like black silk in the light. She let it fall around her shoulders, applied a little color to her lips and some to her eyes to conceal her redness.
Adira was a very beautiful lady - her features perfectly symmetrical with high cheekbones, full lips and large expressive eyes. Her beauty was breathtaking, like a glimpse of a rare and exquisite flower in full bloom. Her beauty had men rushing after her, but she had kept it all for Lancelot.
Ready to leave the house, she gave herself one sullen look in the mirror. The thought of work flickered across her mind. Goodness; the heartbreaking event had made her forget completely about going to work. Perhaps, she'd call her boss later in the day to explain things.
She was about leaving the room when she noticed Freya turning on the bed. She yawned loudly and opened her eyes which finally met with Adira's.
"Hey. Where are you off to?" Freya questioned, her eyes still looking dizzy.
"I don't think you should be concerned, Freya. By the way, I woke up today to find myself on the floor. Did you really roll me down?"
Freya laughed. "You're such a dumb sleeper. I did roll you down, Adira. You occupied my space."
Adira fisted her hands beside her. Deciding to let it pass, she started towards the door.
"Where're you going? To beg your ex-husband? Let the poor man be, Adira; he's never taking you back. By the way, mother wanted you to make yourself useful in the house. So, you should go on and wash the dishes."
"You must have lost your senses," Adira glowered her eyes at her before exiting the room.
As she left, she heard Freya's angry words behind her.
"Really? I've lost my senses?! Well, I wasn't the one who got divorced!"
Adira said nothing.
She climbed down the stairs, her entire body feeling so weak. Luckily, she didn't find anyone in the living room. She had been scared she'd find someone who would end up bashing her again.
She walked levelly out of the house but met a huge surprise in front of her. Adira froze immediately, her heart shooting up at the sight of the person in front of her. What?! Was she seeing clearly? What was Jardine doing at her place? The very witch that destroyed her home?
Lyric had spent her life being hated. Bullied for her scarred face and hated by everyone-including her own mate-she was always told she was ugly. Her mate only kept her around to gain territory, and the moment he got what he wanted, he rejected her, leaving her broken and alone. Then, she met him. The first man to call her beautiful. The first man to show her what it felt like to be loved. It was only one night, but it changed everything. For Lyric, he was a saint, a savior. For him, she was the only woman that had ever made him cum in bed-a problem he had been battling for years. Lyric thought her life would finally be different, but like everyone else in her life, he lied. And when she found out who he really was, she realized he wasn't just dangerous-he was the kind of man you don't escape from. Lyric wanted to run. She wanted freedom. But she desired to navigate her way and take back her respect, to rise above the ashes. Eventually, she was forced into a dark world she didn't wish to get involved with.
He was the most dangerous Alpha in the Wolf clan; An Alpha with the rare ability to control shadows. They all feared him, as did I, because he wanted me dead. The last thing I wanted to do was be near him, but I needed something important from him; something I couldn't do without. I needed to get into his team, but the shadow Alpha only accepted males. So, I had to be a man. I was supposed to hate and fear this cruel man, but a part of me wouldn't stop yearning for him; for his touch. And I think he feels the same way, because he wouldn't let me go. If only he knew my secrets... And if only I knew his. We were never meant to be together. NOTE: This is a dark romance!!! My male character enjoys being bad and does not seek redemption. Feel free to read if you're ready to explore a whole new world of romance.
"What's your name?" He asked, making the managers go shut at once. They followed his gaze and it landed on Mallory. Mallory felt her soul being pierced. Did he just ask for her name? Her Wilder didn't even know her name? "Uh... her name is..." "Let her speak for herself, Arlo" Wilder raised his hand at his cousin who zipped up at once. Then, reluctantly, Mallory muttered: "I'm Mallory Harrington." Wilder said nothing, his gaze on her unreadable. Then, she asked. "Don't you... remember me?" "Am I... supposed to know you?" Wilder asked with an unfeigned doubt. This broke Mallory even more. How can her Wilder not recognize her? Her next breath came raggedly, she had to drop her teary gaze to the floor. "How can you not remember me?" She winced. "We were..." ********* What happens when Mallory goes to work one morning and discovers the new CEO who was the soon-to-be heir to one of the richest companies in the world was her ex-husband who had been missing for seven years? How does she tell him she used to be married to him before he went missing? How does she tell him she was still very much in love with him and wanted him back in her life, even if there was someone else? How does she tell him she had twins at home that looked like him? How does she tell him any of this when he couldn't recognize her and acted very cold towards her? What happened to her Wilder?
When Zora was sick during the early days of her pregnancy, Ezrah was with his first love, Piper. When Zora got into an accident and called Ezrah, he said he was busy, when in actual fact, he was buying shoes for Piper. Zora lost her baby because of the accident, and throughout her stay at the hospital, Ezrah never showed up. She already knew that he didn't love her, but that was the last straw for the camel's back, and her fragile heart could not take it anymore. When Ezrah arrived home a few days after Zora was discharged from the hospital, he no longer met the woman who always greeted him with a smile and cared for him. Zora stood at the top of the stairs and yelled with a cold expression, "Good news, Ezrah! Our baby died in a car accident. There is nothing between us anymore, so let's get a divorce." The man who claimed not to have any feelings for Zora, being cold and distant towards her, and having asked her for a divorce twice, instantly panicked.
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.
Rosalynn's marriage to Brian wasn't what she envisioned it to be. Her husband, Brian, barely came home. He avoided her like a plague. Worse still, he was always in the news for dating numerous celebrities. Rosalynn persevered until she couldn't take it anymore. She upped and left after filing for a divorce. Everything changed days later. Brian took interest in a designer that worked for his company anonymously. From her profile, he could tell that she was brilliant and dazzling. He pulled the stops to find out her true identity. Little did he know that he was going to receive the greatest shocker of his life. Brian bit his finger with regret when he recalled his past actions and the woman he foolishly let go.
The day Raina gave birth should have been the happiest of her life. Instead, it became her worst nightmare. Moments after delivering their twins, Alexander shattered her heart-divorcing her and forcing her to sign away custody of their son, Liam. With nothing but betrayal and heartbreak to her name, Raina disappeared, raising their daughter, Ava, on her own.Years later, fate comes knocking when Liam falls gravely ill. Desperate to save his son, Alexander is forced to seek out the one person he once cast aside. Alexander finds himself face to face with the woman he underestimated, pleading for a second chance-not just for himself, but for their son. But Raina is no longer the same broken woman who once loved him.No longer the woman he left behind. She has carved out a new life-one built on strength, wealth, and a long-buried legacy she expected to uncover.Raina has spent years learning to live without him.The question is... Will she risk reopening old wounds to save the son she never got to love? or has Alexander lost her forever?
Anabel found out she was pregnant and dialed her husband's number to share the good news to him. They have been married for two years without a child. Desmond's mother had been accusing her of being barren and unproductive. When the call was picked, she was flabbergasted and broken. She was hearing a loud moan of feminine voice. "Ohh! Yeah! Don't stop fucking me! Fuck me harder baby!" accompanied with sound of skins slapping against the other. She went home to confront her husband and end up receiving a divorce paper. Desmond divorced him for a lady his mother was rooting. Few months later when he found out that his ex-wife is a billionaire heiress and she is pregnant with twins, he went crazy!
"There will be no falling in love, we will only act as a loving couple when we are in public, we will share a room to make it believable, but no intimacy, touching is off-limits. We'll only have sex once a month, and that's solely to produce an heir. You won't interfere in my business, and I won't interfere in yours. You will be my wife in every sense and you will not be involved with any other man," he said, arrogance seeping from every word. I watch his mouth move, I'm not ready to fall in love with any man, especially not one as arrogant and egoistic as him. I can handle acting as a loving couple, and as for intimacy once a month. I can agree to that just to satisfy my sexual cravings with no strings attached. "Where can I sign?" I asked since I had nothing to lose. *** Nadine's wedding dreams turned to nightmares when she caught her sister and fiancé cheating! With a secret recording, she's ready for revenge. But then mysterious billionaire Logan West offers a deal: A Contract Marriage to take down her ex's empire. But what Nadine doesn't know is her life is getting complicated as she takes her chance to get revenge or risks everything for a chance at love?"