All Vivian wants is to go through college without the drama of dealing with debts and angry creditors. Desperate for a way out, she reaches out to her friend, Cynthia, for help. Overnight, Vivian is introduced to a world of pleasure and influence beyond her wildest imagination. Within months, she's debt-free and living her best life. Just when she thinks life can't be better, she meets Oscar, a reclusive billionaire who is hard to please but generous with money. What started as a business arrangement quickly transforms into a whirlwind romance. However, their fairy tale love story is suddenly cut short when Vivian is kidnapped and everything spirals downwards from there. Is this a ploy by Oscar's opponents to torment him? Or are the lovebirds dealing with a familiar enemy who is determined to keep them apart at all costs?
"Oh my gosh. I'm going to collapse!" Vivian gasped just as she crashed against her friend's front door. She began to pound on it with her fists.
"Vivian! What are you doing here?" Cynthia asked in surprise when she opened her front door and saw her friend looking panicked.
"Are you ok?"
"Please Cynthia, let me in. I'll explain everything to you, please," Vivian panted.
Her eyes darted around fearfully as if she was expecting someone to jump out of the walls and grab her.
Cynthia opened the door wider to let her friend in. She couldn't help but wonder who or what Vivian was running away from at this ungodly hour.
It was a few minutes past 1 a.m. Cynthia had been watching a rom-com movie on TV before she was interrupted by the loud knocks on her door. She noticed Vivian's rumpled oversized T-shirt, stained denim shorts, and dirty sneakers.
Even her curly wig was messy and nearly falling off her head. The only accessory she had on was her knockoff Chanel fanny pack.
Vivian stumbled over to the couch and sat down heavily on it. She took off her wig to reveal her neatly done cornrows.
"Do you want some water to drink?" Cynthia asked.
"Yes, please," Vivian replied almost breathlessly.
After she'd taken a generous drink of water from the glass that her friend offered her, Vivian sighed with relief.
"So, you want to tell me what all of this is about?" Cynthia asked.
Vivan's lower lip trembled when she tried to speak. "I had to run away, Cynthia. I had to run away from it all."
"Run away from what?"
"From the madness that is my life. I can't do it anymore, Cynthia. The debts keep piling up and I don't have any means to pay them up. Now I must be on the run every time like a criminal, to avoid getting caught by my creditors. I just want to be a normal girl; go through college, graduate, and move on with my life. Is that too much to ask for?"
"No, it's not," Cynthia replied. "Who are you owing?"
"Everyone ā a bunch of girls at the hostel that I borrowed money from, my cousin, and even the school. I still haven't finished paying my tuition and time is running out. You have to help me Cynthia; I don't know where else to go. I need help!"
"What about your parents?"
"Dad has been out of work for months now. The little money my Mom makes from her small business goes into the upkeep of the home and taking care of my younger ones."
"Oh..."
"Exactly. I can't go to them for money right now because they don't have any to spare. I can't continue like this."
"That's sad," Cynthia said sympathetically.
"One of my creditors sent some thugs to harass me at the hostel. Luckily for me, they went to the wrong room, but I got to know that they were looking for me. That's why I came here. I know I can't hide here for long, so I need you to help me. Please!"
Cynthia sighed. The lack of adequate security at the off-campus hostels was disturbing but the university management didn't seem to care.
"What do you want me to do then? I don't have money to lend you because I know there's no guarantee that I'll get it back any time soon," she said bluntly.
"I ā I understand," Vivian said sadly.
"You know I'm the one putting myself through school. So, every single dime in my bank account is very precious to me. Plus, there's also my family to consider. They depend on me for their upkeep too."
Cynthia's mom was a widowed civil servant who could barely take care of her three children on her meager salary. Thankfully, Cynthia had been able to help her family stay afloat with the regular cash she sent to them monthly.
"I know," Vivian admitted. "And I'm not here to ask you for money either."
Cynthia was surprised. "You're not? What do you want me to do for you then?"
Vivian looked her friend dead in the eyes and said, "I want you to show me how you make your money. I want to be financially independent like you. I want to be able to afford a nice apartment like yours. I want to make enough money to take care of myself and help my family. Please, Cynthia. Don't say no. I desperately need your help."
"If I remember correctly, you once said that you could never sell your body to make money," Cynthia said with a smirk.
"Yes, I did. But what has that got to do with this?"
Cynthia smiled. "What do you think I do to make money?"
Vivian was a bit confused. "You said you were into customer service, right?"
"Right, but do you know the kind of customers that I service?"
"I don't know," Vivian replied sincerely.
"And did you ever ask me?"
"Stop with the suspense, Cynthia. What are you getting at? Who are your customers?"
"Men. My customers are men," Cynthia answered matter-of-factly.
"Men? I don't understand."
"My dear Vivian, I sleep with men for a living. I am an escort."
Vivian gasped. "A what?"
"You heard me, Vivian. The customers I service are men who pay me well for what I do."
Vivian was shocked into silence. She couldn't believe that her soft-spoken, well-mannered, decent friend was a hooker.
The same Cynthia that couldn't stand it when people used swear words around her. The same Cynthia went to church regularly and was even an active member of the youth fellowship on campus. This was so unbelievable!
"I can almost see the wheels turning inside your head and I understand your surprise," said Cynthia calmly.
"But you wanted to know how I make money and I needed to tell you the truth from the get-go. That way, you don't start having any false hopes," she added.
"To be honest, I'm shocked," Vivian admitted. "You don't look like a prostitute."
"Escort," Cynthia corrected her firmly.
"What's the difference?"
"Prostitutes are those raggedy dressed urchins that stand by the roadside at night, waiting to be picked up by random men. An escort is a lady who has a list of high-profile clients that she meets with on an appointment-only basis.
"An escort can even travel abroad to meet with a client if needed. Does that sound like the same thing those girls on the streets do?"
Vivian shook her head slowly. She was mystified by this straightforward explanation that Cynthia had given her.
When explained like this, the whole escort thing didn't sound so bad. Besides, if she was honest with herself, she'd admit that she had always admired Cynthia's composure.
Vivian liked how her friend spoke so eloquently and carried herself with so much dignity. Cynthia's school fees, house rent, and other bills were always paid on time.
Her house was always loaded with food. She had the choicest pick in clothes, shoes, and handbags ā some of which were even original designer pieces.
Vivian had naively assumed that her friend was able to afford all that luxury from her generous salary as a part-time customer service staff in whichever company she worked at.
"So?" Cynthia asked, breaking into Vivian's thoughts. "Are you interested, or do you still think sleeping with men to make cool cash is disgusting?"
Love is not part of why billionaire CEO, Kane Beaumont marries his virgin bride, Emilia Taylor. It was purely a contract deal to him and nothing more. Saving her family's business from the claws of evil loan sharks is Emilia's motive for marrying a man she barely knew. However, she doesn't count on being hopelessly attracted to him even when he treats her like a worthless peasant. Their relationship is chaotic, thanks to Kane's lover who is determined to ruin any opportunity of their romance ever blooming. Even if it means putting Emilia's life in danger, setting her up and turning the world against her. When sparks begin to fly between Kane and Emilia after an unfortunate accident, their relationship goes through a tough test that destroys the tiny flames of love burning between them. Will love eventually find a way in the end or will this marriage continue to be a high-stakes business deal with dangerous rewards?
"You are truly here," said the man softly, his eyes running over her as if trying to make sure she was who he thought she was. Erin couldn't hide her confusion. "Do I know you? I'm not sure we've met before.ā āNot in this lifetime, but you are mine," he replied confidently. āExcuse me?" Erin asked in utter confusion. Who was this guy, and why the heck was he saying this weird stuff to her? āI know you don't know me yet," the man continued.āBut you will, Edvana. You will know me because you are my mate.ā ************ When Erin agreed to take Devon up on his claim of being her destined mate, she did not expect to be transported back in time to a pre-civilization era during a werewolf civil war! How was she going to make it back to the future/present alive, when she was now caught in the middle of an apocalyptic battle?
Rachel Lane is a part-time dance instructor and YouTube content creator. Derek Fraser is a successful businessman at the head of a billion-dollar tech empire who works hard and plays even harder. They meet in a club where he is hanging out alone after a busy day at work, while she is there with her friends to celebrate her birthday. They run into each other at the bar, sparks fly and they leave the club together and end up having a one-night stand at his place. Two months later, she shows up at his office, pregnant. Derek is shocked and denies being responsible for Rachel's pregnancy. Disappointed and heartbroken, she leaves his office, determined to raise her baby on her own. One year after, he comes across her YouTube channel and sees that the baby he had rejected is now an adorable toddler and he yearns to have the child in his life. Derek tracks down his baby mama, trying to mend bridges with her, but she would have none of it. Now, he has to find a way to woo her and convince her that he is a changed man and he is ready to build a family with her. On the other hand, Rachel cannot help but feel that he is only trying to buy her affection, even though she is beginning to get attracted to him and he is turning out to be a great dad to their child. Should she give him a second chance or would that turn out to be a mistake that she might regret forever?
COALESCENCE OF THE FIVE SERIES BOOK ONE: THE 5-TIME REJECTED GAMMA & THE LYCAN KING BOOK TWO: THE ROGUES WHO WENT ROGUE BOOK THREE: THE INDOMITABLE HUNTRESS & THE HARDENED DUKE *** BOOK ONE: After being rejected by 5 mates, Gamma Lucianne pleaded with the Moon Goddess to spare her from any further mate-bonds. To her dismay, she is being bonded for the sixth time. Whatās worse is that her sixth-chance mate is the most powerful creature ruling over all werewolves and Lycans - the Lycan King himself. She is certain, dead certain, that a rejection would come sooner or later, though she hopes for it to be sooner. King Alexandar was ecstatic to meet his bonded mate, and couldnāt thank their Goddess enough for gifting him someone so perfect. However, he soon realizes that this gift is reluctant to accept him, and more than willing to sever their bond. He tries to connect with her but she seems so far away. He is desperate to get intimate with her but she seems reluctant to open up to him. He tries to tell her that he is willing to commit to her for the rest of his life but she doesnāt seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that heās different; and a chance to love her. But when not-so-subtle crushes, jealous suitors, self-entitled Queen-wannabes, an old flame, a silent protector and a past wedding engagement threaten to jeopardize their relationship, will Lucianne and Xandar still choose to be together? Is their love strong enough to overcome everything and everyone? Or will Lucianne resort to enduring a sixth rejection from the one person she thought she could entrust her heart with?
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!"
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!"
Kallie, a mute who had been ignored by her husband for five years since their wedding, also suffered the loss of her pregnancy due to her cruel mother-in-law. After the divorce, she learned that her ex-husband had quickly gotten engaged to the woman he truly loved. Holding her slightly rounded belly, she realized that he had never really cared for her. Determined, she left him behind, treating him as a stranger. Yet, after she left, he scoured the globe in search of her. When their paths crossed once more, Kallie had already found new happiness. For the first time, he pleaded humbly, "Please don't leave me..."Ā But Kallie's response was firm and dismissive, cutting through any lingering ties. "Get lost!"
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.
Ava Adler was a nerdy omega. People bullied her because they thought she was ugly and unattractive. But Ava secretly loved the bad boy, Ian Dawson. He was the future Alpha of the Mystic Shadow Pack. However, he never gave a damn about rules and laws, as he only liked to play around with girls. Ava was unaware of Ian's arrogance until her fate intertwined with his. He neglected her and hurt her deeply. What would happen when Ava turned out to be a beautiful girl who could win over any boy, and Ian looked back and regretted his decisions? What if she had a secret identity that she had yet to discover? What if the tables turned and lan begged her not to leave him?