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.
Vonda Raveena Scott walked gracefully, adorned in an off-white knee-length gown that mesmerized many with her tall, slender, and beautifully curvaceous figure. The gown's design appeared simple, yet it exuded a seductive and tempting allure, perhaps due to its low-cut neckline, revealing her smooth shoulders and back. Complemented by the elegance of her long legs supported by black seven-centimeter heels, Vonda appeared as a model rightfully stealing the spotlight.
Especially when eyes fell upon the shimmering wavy hair intentionally let loose and the clutch she held in her left hand. It would not be wrong to say that Vonda's appearance was utterly flawless. Her lips, adorned with a shade of expensive red lipstick, faintly moved into a thin smile as she stepped into the luxurious hotel ballroom.
The wedding celebration was grand, exceeding the expectations of both Vonda and the other guests. Few people could pull off such a magnificent wedding in such a short time without meticulous preparation. Vonda had heard it from the circulating gossips; the CEO of Greatech, the company she worked for, was truly head over heels in love with his wife, who had once been his subordinate in Vonda's department.
Their love story carried a sense of drama, arousing the enthusiasm of the invited employees, including Vonda, who was eager to enjoy the festivities. She hoped to spend the night in joy and forget the sorrow she had experienced just yesterday.
Yes! Everyone here is having fun. Who knows? Maybe I could meet a handsome available guy tonight. Hm, what if Mr. Lucas Hernandez is drop-dead gorgeous? Surely, his family is just as fabulous as he is. Oh, how should I approach him? I'm not any less beautiful than Velia Angelica Howell, who now holds the title of Mrs. CEO. Hahaha.
Vonda grinned, feeling her confidence levels soaring, urging her to raise her chin as high as possible, striding with grace like a world-class model on a catwalk. She truly looked...
"Shh! Look, Ms. Scott has arrived."
"Oh, my goodness, she looks stunning."
"Seriously! Her figure is just wow!"
Vonda's smile widened. Hearing those voices, she purposefully flicked her hair a bit, hoping her radiance would spread throughout the party until...
"But Andrew is still clueless, huh? Can't he see that he's openly holding Livy here?"
What?!
Vonda's steps were instantly halted. Her head and eyes now swiveled, searching for the source of the whispers, and... gulp!
Vonda saw them. Not too far away, at a guest table, Andrew Phillips and Livy Barnes were sitting together with their friends, who happened to be Vonda's subordinates as well.
Oh, God. Vonda froze. She could not say anything now, except for the sound she heard in her ears.
Crack!
"Ugh!"
Vonda winced, even the sound of her broken heart was audible. It was truly heartbreaking. This time, she was not sure if her legs could still carry her gracefully, as they did when she first entered. Her knees felt shaky and weak.
Vonda took a deep breath, trying to remain standing upright instead of collapsing to the floor and crawling away. She attempted to keep walking, just before...
"Tsk! Even though Ms. Scott looks absolutely stunning, it's just... Andrew and Livy are way out of line!"
"Exactly. They're showing off their affection shamelessly, even after getting caught in such an embarrassing situation just yesterday."
"I wonder how Ms. Scott must be feeling right now."
My feelings?
Vonda tried to remain calm.
Want to eat glass, huh?
Suddenly, Vonda's confidence began to wane. It gradually diminished, and finally, she turned around. The door was still open for her to leave.
"Hei, Von!"
Vonda turned to see a Human Resources Department employee named Sarah Roberts walking towards her.
"Sarah, I-"
"Wow!" Sarah's eyes widened as she saw Vonda that night. "Oh... my... God! You look so beautiful, Baby."
Vonda winced. She felt like stuffing Sarah's big mouth with the swan-shaped ice sculpture in the middle of the room.
Her head? Her wings? Ah!
Vonda nodded her head.
Maybe I should stuff my whole body into Sarah's mouth. So, she won't be able to breathe anymore!
However, even if Vonda really wanted to do that, it seemed too late. Sarah had already reached out and spun Vonda around to get a better look at her dress. Vonda spun around, torn between wanting to escape from seeing Andrew and Livy's affection or because of Sarah's embarrassing behavior.
Sarah whispered in Vonda's ear, asking softly, "How many installments did you use?"
"It's cash, by the way-"
Sarah covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes darting. "Oh."
"But it was paid using a credit card."
"Huh?"
Sarah looked puzzled, blinking her eyes.
"Listen," Vonda said then. "I don't know what your intentions were to act crazy tonight, Sar."
Sarah's lips pouted.
"It's just... I know you can be a bit wild sometimes. But for tonight, please." Vonda gave her a pleading gaze. "I want to live peacefully without any disturbances."
"Peacefully?" Sarah asked, feigning innocence as she raised her hand to point at a spot, before continuing, "By watching your ex-boyfriend getting cozy with his mistress after catching them red-handed in a compromising position on a chair?"
Vonda took a deep breath, wondering why she ended up with a friend as brainless as Sarah.
"How can you possibly stay calm, Von?"
Vonda winced. "Thank you so much for reminding me of the exact reason Andrew and I broke up, Sarah."
Sarah quickly nodded. "You're welcome." Her hands clasped together on her chest. "By the way... when you broke up, Andrew's... masculinity was still inside Livy, right?"
Vonda glanced at the swan-shaped ice sculpture again.
Okay, it's still not melting.
"Listen," Sarah said, placing her hand on Vonda's shoulder. "You can choose to leave now through that wide-open door." Sarah pointed at the door. "Or you can enjoy this party. Running away means you lose, Von."
"Please, Sarah. This is not a competition."
"It's not, but... it's about your dignity."
Oh!
That statement widened Vonda's eyes.
"You're beautiful, Von. You're not at fault here, so why should you back down?" Sarah asked. "They're the ones creating a scandal, why should you be the one embarrassed? What's there to be ashamed of?"
Vonda blinked again.
"This is one of the reasons why Oceana is becoming more backward. Every time there's a case, the victims are the ones feeling ashamed. Meanwhile, the criminals roam freely without any shame. It's like they've lost their sense of decency. But it's the victims who have to ignore their shame, Von. They didn't do anything wrong."
Vonda's forehead furrowed as Sarah's words started to sink in one by one. She nodded along with the increasing number of words Sarah uttered.
"So, you, as a revolutionary figure, Von. You have to change people's mindsets. Don't let the wrongdoers become the main characters."
Vonda's lips closed. Her face also hardened, and she nodded.
"So, don't run away. Show them your beauty. Your charm, Von," Sarah said with a serious face, just like a criminal figure trying to hypnotize her victim. "The Vonda I know has always been able to turn things around."
"That is it." Vonda nodded again. "I am an undefeated female warrior."
"Yes! That's it, Von. This is the real Vonda."
As a result, Vonda straightened her posture, giving Sarah a cunning glance. "Wanna watch the show, Baby?"
Sarah returned an equally cunning look. "I'll record it, Baby."
*
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”).
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'
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'
There was only one man in Raegan's heart, and it was Mitchel. In the second year of her marriage to him, she got pregnant. Raegan's joy knew no bounds. But before she could break the news to her husband, he served her divorce papers because he wanted to marry his first love. After an accident, Raegan lay in the pool of her own blood and called out to Mitchel for help. Unfortunately, he left with his first love in his arms. Raegan escaped death by the whiskers. Afterward, she decided to get her life back on track. Her name was everywhere years later. Mitchel became very uncomfortable. For some reason, he began to miss her. His heart ached when he saw her all smiles with another man. He crashed her wedding and fell to his knees while she was at the altar. With bloodshot eyes, he queried, "I thought you said your love for me is unbreakable? How come you are getting married to someone else? Come back to me!"
It took only a second for a person's world to come crashing down. This was what happened in Hannah's case. For four years, she gave her husband her all, but one day, he said emotionlessly, "Let's get divorced." Hannah's heart broke into a million pieces as she signed the divorce papers, marking the end of her role as a devoted wife. Within Hannah, a strong woman awakened, vowing never to be beholden to any man again. Embracing her new life, she embarked on a journey to find herself and command her own destiny. By the time she returned, she had experienced so much growth and was now completely different from the docile wife everyone once knew. "Is this your latest trick to get my attention?" Hannah's ever-so-arrogant husband asked. Before she could retort, a handsome and domineering CEO pulled her into his embrace. He smiled down at her and said boldly to her ex, "Just a little heads-up, mister. This is my beloved wife. Keep off!"
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.
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!"
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!"
My name is Katia, and I am just trying to survive until my fated mate arrives. Which may be easier said than done. Rejectection is the last straw. Whispering my acceptance of his rejection. I run through the pack house, out across the manicured lawn into the forest. "I'm sorry, my sweet girl," I say to my wolf. I'm sorry you have been stuck with me and have had to suffer everything I have. She whispers," it's not your fault, Katia. We came to a cliff with a waterfall. The hurt keeps pounding at me. I need it to stop. My sweet girl, and I just want peace, I keep running and leap off the cliff. Spreading my arms wide, with tears streaming down my face, I fall, not making a sound, waiting for sweet oblivion where we feel nothing ever again. "I love you, my sweet girl! Until we meet again, "My wolf replied just before we hit the water, "I love you too, Katia. I have never regretted a moment with you." The Snow Moon pack is having their last barbecue of the summer next to the waterfall on their land. The adults are laughing and joking while watching the pups play. The alpha, beta, and gamma are swimming with some of the older children and playing a game of Marco Polo. Someone yells, "Oh my goddess, someone just jumped over the waterfall!" Everyone is frozen as they watch what looks to be a child falling arms spread wide, no one makes a sound. The small body hits the water like a plane crashing into the side of a mountain. The alpha, beta, and gamma, spring into action, swimming towards the area the person went under. The alpha is screaming his wolf is going crazy repeating, "Find her. Find her...find her!" They dive and the beta surfaces with a small person in his arms. Alpha takes the girl from his beta, laying her on the ground. The men are shocked by what they see. She is covered in scars and injuries. Her body is twisted and broken. The Beta asks, "Who could have done this to someone so defenseless?" Alpha drops to his knees, repeating, "MATE...MATE...MATE!"