Vebby Alison Quill would do anything to save her younger sibling's life. Even if it means entering a contract marriage with Leonardo Osborne. It only takes 365 days for Vebby and Leo to be married. After that, they will go their separate ways. Can they let go of each other when the 365th day arrives? Or will they end up entangled in love after 365 days? * 1st book of seri 'A Year'
"Come here, Sweetie. Come with me," he said.
Eza Alison Quill's spine shivered. When his voice landed in her ears, an instant sense of dread emerged. It trapped her body swiftly, making her tremble.
"No," Eza refused.
For her rejection, she received a backlash. It gripped her hand tightly, denying her permission to escape as she wished.
"Let me go!"
Eza struggled with all her might, attempting to free herself, but the grip only grew stronger. Slowly fading her hope of escaping.
Laughter echoed. It came from the middle-aged man who felt delighted at the sight of fear on Eza's face. It made his grip tighten second by second.
"I won't let you go. I won't. You know, right? Tonight, I will take you to my house."
The question was drowned out by booming laughter. Eza shivered. She shook her head, but that was the reality that awaited her.
"You will be my mistress."
Eza swallowed her saliva. She shook with a body that trembled even more.
"No," Eza rejected. "I will not be your mistress. I will never be the mistress of an old man like you."
The uproarious laughter ceased. It vanished instantly when Eza's words struck him. Making the face of the fifty-three-year-old man turn red.
His face hardened. It looked fierce.
"W-what? What did you say just now?"
Eza did not answer. She could not say anything when the grip on her wrist felt even stronger, bringing unbearable pain.
A grunt escaped, indicating immeasurable pain. However, that tangible proof seemed to mean nothing.
"Answer, Eza! What did you say just now?! Did you call me an old man?!"
This time, it was not just the grip that hurt Eza, but also the jolt that made her stumble. Dizziness came. It trapped the clear focus of her eyes, replacing it with a blurred vision.
Eza closed her eyes. She was dizzy and afraid to witness the eruption of anger in front of her.
"I beg you," Eza pleaded at last. "Let me go. I don't want to marry you."
She did not want to imagine it, but the fear had already formed a shadow in Eza's mind. Spinning around and making her stomach feel sick. How could a twenty-two-year-old girl become the mistress of a fifty-three-year-old man? Were not they more suited to be father and daughter rather than lovers?
However, it was not just the age difference that was the reason for Eza's rejection. Because she knew that she would become one of Sergio Alexander's many mistresses.
There was a legitimate wife and at least six other mistresses that Sergio had. If Eza accepted that cruel fate, she would become the seventh mistress.
An utterly illogical act. However, that was Sergio's life. When power and wealth were in his hands, no one could resist him. Ironically, they sometimes even begged him.
A sad reality for Eza. Because her father, Dean Jonathan Quill, was among those who begged Sergio. And it all started from the fraudulent investment he participated in.
The loss suffered by Dean amounted to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Clearly, it was not a small amount of money. He was desperate. At that time, Sergio came forward and offered help.
Sergio did not expect his money back. He could help sincerely, but not without selfish motives.
It was Eza that Sergio desired. Dean's youngest daughter, famous for her beauty. A virgin from an esteemed family, what more could he ask for?
Thus, it was not strange when Sergio and his men came to Dean's residence that night. He would take Eza so that the promised money could land in Dean's account the next day.
At least that was the guarantee to ensure Dean did not break the agreement. That's what Sergio said.
Unfortunately, Sergio's plan did not go smoothly as he had hoped. He could predict that Eza would refuse. However, he did not anticipate that Eza would resist with all her might.
"Shut up!" Sergio shouted.
Sergio had run out of patience. Anger had blinded his eyes and heart. Without thinking twice, he slapped Eza on the cheek, causing her to fall silent.
Eza's groans and whimpering disappeared. The girl's head spun. Her vision became blurry. However, her ears could still hear clearly.
"I don't care. Whether you want it or not, it doesn't matter. In the end, I will still have you," Sergio said triumphantly. "You can't refuse. Besides, your father has already agreed to it."
Disgusting. The nausea in Eza's stomach intensified. How could Dean allow his daughter to marry a man even older than himself?
It was truly nonsensical. However, that was the reality.
Eza refused to believe it, but this was what was happening to her. Trying to deny the disaster felt useless. The cries for help that she had been shouting since earlier yielded no results whatsoever.
H-how is this possible, Dad? How could you be so heartless to me? Trading your own flesh and blood for money?
Images of Dean's love filled Eza's mind. They flickered, displaying a time when they were a happy father and daughter. Loving and protecting each other. But now?
"Come on! Wake up!"
Sergio's shove shattered all those beautiful memories in Eza's mind. It brought her back to the terrifying destiny that would soon become her life story.
"N-no. I beg you."
Another slap landed as a response to Eza's plea. Followed by another burst of laughter. Then, with utmost arrogance, Sergio spoke.
"Get up. It's better if you obey me before I completely lose my patience. Surely you don't want me to ruin your beautiful face, do you?"
Eza shook her head in despair. Her eyes opened, and Sergio's face filled her vision.
Sergio smirked. Extending his free hand, he tried to caress Eza's face. But she pushed it away.
"No," Eza shook her head again. "I don't want to. I won't go."
The fear Eza felt could not be expressed in words anymore. It was so overwhelming that at one point, she thought it would be better if she died.
Oh God. Please help me.
All she could do was pray. Eza had lost all hope. The longer time passed, the thinner her hope became of escaping that reality.
"Dad!" Eza cried out in desperation. "Help me, Dad! I beg you!"
Eza's voice sounded hoarse. Amidst fear and pain that she endured, there were tears that she could not hold back.
It seemed impossible. Yet, Eza held onto a flicker of empty hope. Perhaps Dean would come. Perhaps her father would change his mind. Maybe.
"Damn it!" Sergio shouted angrily. "Your father won't come, you bitch!"
Biting her lower lip, Eza held her ground as Sergio attempted to drag her. She clung to the bedpost, desperately trying not to let go.
"I beg you! Anyone, help me! Dad!" Eza shouted again.
However, Eza's screams yielded no results. It was not just Dean pretending to be deaf. Even all the residents in the house did the same. They acted as if they could not hear Eza's heart-wrenching pleas.
"I told you! No one wants to help you!" Sergio shouted again.
Taking a deep, exasperated breath, Sergio's patience had truly run out. Eza's rejection and defiance made his blood boil with anger. And without hesitation, he called his guards who were standing outside Eza's room.
"Monte! Bernard! Come here! Help me!"
With tears streaming down her face, Eza shook her head. She clung to the bedpost even tighter.
"N-no. Please. I beg you."
This time, Eza had truly lost her hope. The dark cloud became even more tangible in her mind.
"Dad," Eza whispered finally. Now she had no more strength. Perhaps it was time for Eza to surrender. "Please help me."
There was no strength. There was no hope. Eza could only cry and let the tears flow down her cheeks.
The door to Eza's room opened. Simultaneously, Sergio's laughter filled Eza's ears. The form of joy as he felt he was on top of the world.
"Now it's time for you to leave, Eza."
Saying that while laughing happily, Sergio was completely unaware of something. That it was not his guards who entered. It was not Monte or Bernard who entered and now stood behind him.
Sergio was caught off guard as he tried to pull Eza, who clung even tighter to the bedpost. He knew nothing. He thought everything was going according to plan. He believed everything was going well.
Praaang!
Sergio's plan crumbled to pieces. Along with the shattering of a fairly large vase on his head.
Flowers scattered everywhere. Along with Sergio, who fell to the floor and lost consciousness.
Fresh blood flowed, flooding the floor and almost reaching Eza's feet.
Stunned, for a moment Eza stood silently, looking at the helpless Sergio. The middle-aged man no longer moved, and Eza immediately turned away. She looked at the person who entered her room and performed that act.
"V-Vebby."
*
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'
Rejected by her mate, who had been her long-time crush, Jasmine felt utterly humiliated. Seeking solace, she headed to a party to drown her sorrows. But things took a turn for the worse when her friends issued a cruel dare: kiss a stranger or beg her mate for forgiveness. With no other choice, Jasmine approached a stranger and kissed him, thinking that would be the end of it. However, the stranger unexpectedly wrapped his arms around her waist and whispered in her ear, "You're mine!" He growled, his words sending shivers down her spine. And then, he offered her a solution that would change everything...
To the public, she was the CEO's executive secretary. Behind closed doors, she was the wife he never officially acknowledged. Jenessa was elated when she learned that she was pregnant. But that joy was replaced with dread as her husband, Ryan, showered his affections on his first love. With a heavy heart, she chose to set him free and leave. When they met again, Ryan's attention was caught by Jenessa's protruding belly. "Whose child are you carrying?!" he demanded. But she only scoffed. "It's none of your business, my dear ex-husband!"
Scarlett was left betrayed and broken beyond repair when her best friend Megan set her up with the male escort who stole her virginity...Or at least, that's what she thought he was. There was something odd about the strong and strikingly beautiful man that she spent a night with. Despite the pure hatred she felt for him, the deals he ended up offering wasn't one she could refuse. Scarlett always thought she'd marry her soulmate but turns out, that won't be the case for her. But could her mysterious husband make his way through her broken heart and fix it? It's hard to imagine but love has funny ways to manifest in places where it's least expected....
Bailey seems to be never destined to fit in, a little geeky, but under it all, a hidden beauty that so many seem to miss, but still not what her pack Alpha is looking for in a fated mate... so he is determined to reject her and make her life hell. Bailey, knowing her life will likely never be the same focuses on what she can control, her future, and heads off to study; becoming a teacher. Asher is the Beta of Autumn Valley Pack, a neighbouring pack. A broken man having suffered the loss of his mate after a rogue attack, Asher is slowly crumbling. Falling to pieces. A shadow of his former self, and not a man that anyone wants to be around anymore... Until, Autumn Valley Pack require a new teacher, and Bailey finds herself there and pushed together with the Beta. Is there a connection building or is that in their imaginations? And what will happen when Bailey's mate comes back to claim what is his?
Jennifer Bennett, the rightful heiress to the Bennett legacy, fought hard for her family's recognition, only to be eclipsed by an impostor. Faced with false accusations, bullying, and public humiliation, Jennifer eventually gave up trying to win their approval. Vowing to rise above the injustice, she became the bane of those who wronged her. The Bennett family's efforts to break her only fueled her success, leading her to heights her rivals could only dream of. Someone asked, "Do you feel let down by your parents?" With a calm smile, Jennifer said, "It doesn't matter. In the end, power prevails."
Sandra Hill, the long-lost real heiress of the Hill family, was shunned by her own kin. Instead of embracing her, they bestowed their affection upon an impostor. They even arranged her to marry a vegetative man in place of her so-called “sister”. Sandra sneered, refusing to put up with this humiliation, cut off ties with the Hill family immediately and ran into the flash marriage with Wesley Cooper, her unconscious billionaire husband. With her incredible medical skills, she defied the odds and revived him. Little did she expect that her husband spoiled her with all his love... A medical genius, a computer prodigy, a national treasure in painting, and a racing legend... Her husband revealed her various identities, leaving the Hill family regretful. Her father came pleading, "It's Dad's fault. Please come back." Her mother wept, "Mom will protect you from now on. Please come back." Even her five brothers knelt before he, begging for forgiveness. Yet, Sandra's smile held a hint of mockery as she vowed, “Never!”