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Andreas Sanders daringly returned to Ashford City in order to escape from his engagement party that was to be held in Paris. He would never accept an arranged marriage that would clearly trap him further in his own family's game. Therefore, he realized that there was only one thing to do now. That is to secure a beneficial marriage. Love and fairy tales were unnecessary. The only thing Andreas needed was an intelligent woman who could engage in mentally stimulating debates with him. Luckily, Andreas found her in the form of his friend's secretary. She was tall and elegant, dressed in a tailored suit with long pants, supported by seven-centimeter-high heels, with wavy hair, red lipstick, and, of course, a sharp tongue. A truly perfect combination. The woman that Andreas desired. Vlora Anderson. * 2nd Book of seri 'The CEO'
"Marry me."
Two words, one sentence. Straight to the point, without beating around the bush. One thing Vlora Anderson, a smart woman who worked as executive secretary to the CEO of Greatech, appreciated was getting to the point without unnecessary complications.
She despised all things that were full of pretense. She preferred to get straight to the point without the fuss that could give anyone a headache. But this? "Marry me?" Oh, dear. Vlora could only freeze for a moment, staring at him. She wondered briefly if the man before her was sane.
But no, he was perfectly sane, and he could convince Vlora that he was sane enough to utter that sentence.
Blinking once, Vlora's forehead creased slightly as she looked into his shining eyes. The look there seemed to mix temptation and mischief at the same time.
"Forgive me," Vlora's voice trembled slightly. She even had to take a deep breath before she could continue. "What did you just say?"
"Oh, God."
The man's deep voice seemed choked. Combined with his eyes rolling briefly before closing dramatically.
"I've said it many times, Vlo. Just call me by my name. No need for 'sir'. Call me by my name."
Eyes opened. Gaze directed. A name spoken.
"Andreas."
Vlora tried to keep her composure. She nodded. "Yes, Mr. Andreas Sanders."
"Andreas. Just Andreas, Vlo," Andreas corrected for the umpteenth time. A passing thought crossed his mind and a crooked grin appeared. "Is it so hard to say my name?"
Vlora did not answer. Ignoring Andreas, she shut down her computer. In a relatively short time, she had packed her work bag and was getting ready to leave.
"Are you ready to go home?" Andreas asked.
Nonchalantly, Vlora replied, "It's almost two hours past my usual departure time, sir. Office hours ended a while ago."
"Oh dear," Andreas sighed in frustration. "Sir, sir, sir. Really. Why do you like to call me 'sir' so much? It's too formal for us, Vlo, and we don't have a formal relationship. You're not my subordinate and I'm not your boss. So why be so formal?"
What Andreas said was true. There was literally no formal relationship between them. They were neither boss nor subordinate. Unfortunately, in Vlora's eyes, they were not close enough to call each other by their first names.
Vlora's hand, reaching for her work bag, suddenly stopped. It seemed that Andreas' words had hit a nerve.
"Although, of course, it is a very charming idea to have a subordinate like you. So how about it? Would you really like to be my subordinate? I can offer you a 'subordinate' position that will please you."
The implied meaning in Andreas' words was all too real. Vlora pursed her lips tightly and tried to regain her composure.
"I hope you can keep your manners, Sir."
"Manners?" Andreas scoffed. "I was perfectly polite. Remember? I want you to marry me. Then I'll make you my subordinate. So, what part of that was rude?"
Vlora stared at Andreas without blinking. Her face hardened.
"I think you've tried hard enough to be polite to me," she said.
Andreas grinned. "Of course. At least I want us to get married first. You know, not many men are brave enough to propose marriage to a woman."
The thought of marriage immediately filled Andreas' mind. His imagination ran wild and he smiled as if he did not care about Vlora's annoyance.
"Marrying you would be a wonderful experience, especially if we had a child as beautiful as you. Oh, God. I'm getting more and more excited."
Vlora was surprised.
"What?" Andreas asked again. The mischievous grin on his handsome face widened as he continued his teasing. "Let's get married and see. Will our child be as beautiful as you or as handsome as me?"
Vlora raised her face, but unfortunately her gaze met Andreas' teasing expression. It was not just the crooked grin; it was the mischievous look and the seductive aura that felt incredibly thick.
"I'm sorry, Sir. I think this is a bit much," Vlora said. "So, I'll tell you once again. I hope you can watch your manners with me."
The teasing expression disappeared for a moment. Andreas was startled. His eyes widened and curses echoed in his head.
Damn it!
Vlora's attitude was really different this time. She looked tense and her face was flushed. It was clear to Andreas that he had completely exhausted Vlora's patience.
This time Vlora really grabbed her work bag. She stood up and spoke quietly, but with emphasis.
"I'm not the woman you think I am."
The sound of Vlora's footsteps echoed as she walked away. She really had left Andreas alone, who was now frustrated.
How could I say that? You see? Now she'll certainly keep her distance from me. Damn it!
Andreas decided to follow her. With long strides, the tall man had no trouble catching up to Vlora.
Perfect timing. Andreas managed to catch up with Vlora as she entered the elevator. He turned around and was surprised to see Andreas entering the elevator and immediately closing the door.
"I'm sorry," Andreas apologized without hesitation, in sync with the elevator's slow descent.
"M-Mr. Sanders."
If Vlora had to be honest, she would say that she was quite surprised by Andreas' apology. She had not expected him to apologize.
"I apologize."
Andreas continued. He approached Vlora with an intense look. His measured steps made Vlora unconsciously step back.
"I apologize for my inappropriate behavior. Please forgive me. But you need to know that ..." Andreas locked eyes with Vlora. "... I'm not joking about what I said. I'm absolutely serious, Vlo. I want us to get married."
Vlora could not back away any further. Behind her was a cold elevator wall. She had no choice but to raise her face and meet his gaze with caution.
"I ... I can't accept your offer."
Andreas grimaced. "What? My offer? Oh, Vlo. It's not an offer. It's a proposal."
"A proposal?"
*
Azera Cordelia Ross thought her life had reached its maximum limit of misfortune, but it turned out that fate still had surprises in store. Yesterday she was a poor college student running away from a drunken father, and now she was a future Luna locked in the golden room of the Alpha, Oscar Donovan. The prophecy had come true. The herd rejoiced. The ceremony and the feast were ready. Only Era was lost in a question. Am I a werewolf?
The clawless luna, that's what they called her. Vione Celestie Munest had reached a point where she no longer hoped for destiny. Living without a clear origin and claws was painful enough for her. She didn't want to add to her suffering by being humiliated by her Alpha, Usher Thorne. So when Usher decided to sever their bond, Vione's only words were. "I, Vione Celestie Munest, accept your rejection as luna and mate, Alpha Usher Thorne."
Get a job while running into an ex? Oh no! Vanny never expected this to happen in the script of her life. But for Vanny, exes were a species that should be extinct from human civilization. For Haris, on the other hand, it was a different story. For him, exes were a species that should be preserved, especially if it was the only ex he had. So, would Vanny be willing to give up the job to avoid her ex? Or would Haris manage to use the penalty clause in the employment contract? Money or love? Which would they choose?
Elzi Amelia Collins was indeed fortunate. She had a happy family, graduated from college, and immediately found a job, and was engaged to a handsome and wealthy man. Envious, right? However, hold on a moment. That was just the beginning. After that disastrous night, a series of calamities seemed to rain down on her alone, as if from the heavens. It all started with a high school reunion. In the early hours of the morning, Elzi woke up innocently next to a guy, both covered with just a single dimly lit blanket in one room. No forensic examination was needed to know what had happened to her while she was drunk that night! Hoping she would not get pregnant, Elzi found her world turning even more chaotic. On another night, her fiancé attempted to violate her. Luckily, she managed to escape. Ironically, she ended up being helped by the one who took her virginity! Her younger brother pronounced his judgment. The engagement was called off! And as if that was not enough, another disaster struck at her workplace. When a beautiful woman, resembling a model, assumed that Elzi was stealing her man. Now, Elzi found herself trapped between them all. Her high school friend, who kept offering his responsibility; her ex-fiancé, who was trying to apologize; her protective younger brother, and the woman who thought Elzi was stealing her future “prospective husband” (remember: future “prospective husband”).
Misfortune in both work and love seemed to be Vonda Raveena Scoot's constant companion. Just when work pressures had her on edge, she had to endure a broken heart as she witnessed her boyfriend, who also happened to be her subordinate, indulging in a romantic affair within the empty confines of their office space. These two factors were compelling reasons for Vonda to unleash all her emotions at her company's CEO's wedding party. She drowned her sorrows in glass after glass of alcohol until she was intoxicated and decided to call for a ride-hailing service. However, little did she know that her inebriated state would lead her to board the wrong car. “Uh... I'm a bit tipsy. But just because I'm tipsy, I feel like I'm riding in a red Lamborghini taxi.” Vonda laughed heartily. Eventually, she found herself pouring her heart out and ended up asking a crazy question. “Sir, you don't have to drive tonight, okay? How about just accompanying me instead? After all, I'm quite pretty, right?” In the days that followed, Vonda came close to considering checking herself into a Mental Health Institution.
Cast aside and humiliated, Elice McLean never imagined she would endure life. She was on the brink of giving up. Until that night led her to a crazy revelation. That she still held value. His name was Garrett Alexander Morales. A stranger who proved to Elice that in his eyes, she was still immensely precious. Through his gaze, through his way of speaking, and through his ... touch. * 1st book of seri 'The Billionaire'
After being kicked out of her home, Harlee learned she wasn't the biological daughter of her family. Rumors had it that her impoverished biological family favored sons and planned to profit from her return. Unexpectedly, her real father was a zillionaire, catapulting her into immense wealth and making her the most cherished member of the family. While they anticipated her disgrace, Harlee secretly held design patents worth billions. Celebrated for her brilliance, she was invited to mentor in a national astronomy group, drew interest from wealthy suitors, and caught the eye of a mysterious figure, ascending to legendary status.
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!"
Chandler Su who had cheated by her boyfriend then got drunk at a bar. To take revenge, she grabbed a man randomly and took him to the room. After a crazy night, Chandler found the strange man was a super handsome guy the next morning. Shy and shocked Chandler run away after leaving 150 RMB and scorning the man of his poor bed skills. However, she never thought the story would become so dramatic as the next day, she found out that the new coming president of her company was exactly the man she slept the last night! Worse than that, this new boss seemed very narrow-minded as he asked Chandler to come to his office on the first day.
The dream of everyone with regards to marriage is to be able to find that special someone and settle down with them. Even arranged marriages grant you an opportunity to meet your partner briefly before the wedding. How will you feel about waking up in the morning with someone sleeping next to you who is not just anyone but your legally married partner yet with no memory of how that had happened in just a few hours of going out the previous day? This is the story of Jason Haward and Julia Harrison, two strangers trapped in a marriage they never planned. The quest to find out why led to the unfolding of a mystery which made them realize they are both living a lie. To find out more, read this amazing story of love, betrayal, revenge and murder.
Blurb "Part your legs for me, princess" Alpha Damian humored huskily like he was intoxicated, I whimpered as he voice sents a jolts of emotions round my body. An emotion that I wasn't supposed to feel. Selene was 18 years old when she found out that Alpha Jasper of the Silver Crescent pack was her mate at her Awakening ceremony. Being a reject with no parents she lived with him for over one year as a slave and he never acknowledged her as his mate because he couldn't accept a reject as his mate. On her 20th birthday, her mate not only rejected her and chose her best friend; Imogen, as his new mate, but he also sold Selene to the most feared Alpha; Alpha Damian of the Crimson Moon pack whom everyone referred to as a beast. Not knowing why Alpha Damian chose to buy her, she can only resign herself to fate. What has the moon goddess installed for me again? Is this the freedom she solely crave for? Will she be tied down with the shackles of the unknown?
In Lothlann Continent, talent in martial arts won cultivators respect. Darren Chu, a mediocre talent in martial arts, was deemed a loser by everyone. His status changed when a fireball fell from the sky and hit him on the head. He cheated death. Empowered with the ability to assimilate other creatures' talent, Darren sought to better himself and seek vengeance against those who had wronged his family, including his little sister. "You will kneel in front of me one day," swore the future lord of martial arts.