I was shaking, shivering like a leaf in autumn as the cold water cascaded over me, I wanted to feel clean, I did, but no matter how much I scrubbed, it seemed I wouldn't be. Tears gathered at my eyes and fell, mixing with the water. "I love you, Avery, and nothing can change that." Came the soft voice from behind me, the voice that always knew how to calm me, I could feel his solidness behind, the warmth radiating, seeping into my freezing body. His arms wrapped around me and I leaned back, he was gloriously bare and I could feel every inch of him press against me, it was haven. I didn't feel so scared anymore, I wasn't so alone, he was right beside me and his presence reassured me. I let the water pour down, washing away my tears and fears and.... "I want a divorce." I heard him whisper and my heart stopped.
Death has a stench, and one that isn't very sweet smelling. It has a smell of hopelessness and despair, I would know, I've tasted it more than thrice in the last decade. My parent had died in an auto crash years ago and although I couldn't say I was still grieving, I still felt their presence once in a while. I was not ready for my grandfather to pass on too. No, I was not.
And it hit so hard, standing over his coffin that I could feel fresh tears bubble to the surface, threatening to spill and I held it in, I had to be strong, the whole paparazzi of Florida was right there, waiting for the cameras to flash on any moment of weakness, I was not willing to give them that.
"Avery, the pastor wants to speak with us," my elder sister, Sasha said as she came beside me by the grave side, it was then that I notice that the crowd had dispersed and I was left standing there alone with the eager camera men.
"I don't think I want to speak with anyone, Sasha " I replied, indeed I was not in the mood to hear any seemingly encouraging words from a man of God about my grand father being in a better place, I knew he would be, he was one of the few good people in the whole world, if he didn't make it to a good place then I could swear no one would.
"Cut the drama, Avery, the whole family is waiting." Sasha said stiffly and turned around to go back into the duplex.
I almost chuckled at the word, "family". There was no family, it was just me and her and a bunch of greying old men who thought because we were women that we could easy sway and play to their tunes, well Sasha was the prim and proper child, I wasn't, never had been and least of all on days like this, when I was missing the warmth of the last semblance of a guardian, I was not in the mood to be diplomatic.
But then, it was either that or stand with the annoying camera men who were eager like kids awaiting candy.
Pulling the sunglasses down from my forehead where it perched, I signaled the security who stood a few feet away.
"I don't want them here when I come, make sure they're gone or you'll be gone," I stated and then moved into the building, I didn't have a choice, I wanted the funeral to be as peaceful as it could, he deserved that respect.
The building was tastefully decorated, white linen hung everywhere, a large and handsome photograph of my grandfather hung on the wall, he had on a wide smile, the infectious sort that never failed for make me smile back.
Sasha was standing by the mantle, her hands in the firm grip of an elderly woman I did not know, she was all teary and I almost rolled my eyes. Everyone was pretending to be sad just to make us feel better. They didn't have to, it was our loss and we could handle it.
"Oh, you must be Avery, Sasha said you schooled away from here, I guess that's why I haven't seen a lot of you," the woman said and beamed at me, I smiled back, hoping it was not a sneer.
"I've been away, I spent most of my holidays and vacations here in Florida with Pa Harry." I replied and touched her old wrinkled hands as she held onto me.
With one last look around the room, I as already feeling suffocated and ready to head outside and into my Bentley go drive off, my Bentley, the last gift Pa Harry had given to me the past summer. Somehow getting on the leather seat awoke memories, in a less than three weeks, it had become my favorite car, somehow, I felt a sense of closeness to my late Grand father once I was behind the wheel.
"There are people here to speak with us," Sasha said as the elderly woman moved away.
"Oh please, can I quit acting like a doll? You know if rather be anywhere than here." I stated, factually and exhaled.
"You took a clean two weeks off work, Avery, where would you rather be?" She asked with a scolding tone.
"Does it matter? I just need to be away from here," I replied and looked outside, truly, the security was more or less dragging the paparazzi out of the compound.
"Could you please just dedicate the next two hours to Pa Harry? He deserves that much," she said, mirroring my exact thoughts. I stared at her, she was wrong, the moment he was put in the ground, it was no longer about him, all this was for looks and I wasn't ready to play host.
"Sasha, I know you keep telling me how I need to look good for everyone, I can't do that right now, not today, I can't play perfect princess," I argued, itching the leave the whole place.
"I'm not asking you to play princess, frankly no body is, all I'm saying is that an hour more of mixing won't hurt, Pa Harry is gone, all these people came here to pay their last respects, the least you can do is appreciate them," She said, and she was making sense, but then, we both knew it wasn't exactly the truth.
"Between me and you, these men are here to form ties and try to milk what they can out of us while his corpse is still warm, I'm not ready to play stupid like I don't know what they want." I retorted.
"Does it matter? We can't exactly cut open their hearts and see, courtesy demands we act nice, that's all, you'll be fine within the hour, it's rude to leave before your guest Avery, I'm sure mum taught us that." She said.
A low blow, yes but then it was not unlike her, I wasn't really living by her books and that always made me the wild one.
"There's something I need to tell you, Sasha," I began, there was no point trying to drag it forward, there was no way to butter it up.
"Can this wait? Please, we have forever to talk, can we see to our guests first?" She asked, clearly frustrated.
"No, Sasha, it can not wait, you no why? I don't care about our guests, the same way none of them truly cared about Pa Harry, he was a powerful man and half his friends were sycophants and disloyal pricks. I don't care what they think of me, I can assure you the feeling is mutual. I bought a ticket." I blurted, better now than later.
Sasha looked at me like my head was not seated correctly on my neck, it was not a new look.
"With everything that has happened, I need a fresh start I'm heading to New Orleans, I've booked a flight, it's due in less than an hour" I stated.
"What? You're moving?" She asked, her voice high and doubtful.
Maybe it was the best time for us to stick with each other, but no, I had a different plan, to be alone.
I flinched as his breath fanned my face, my body trembled in his arms. This was the chance, but was I scared? His eyes affected me in so many ways, as they held grief, pain and regret. Our stare was our way of communicating. It was intended, emotional and agonizing. I was hiding the knife behind me, picturing the perfect place to stab him. His searing heat sent a gush of lust inside me. I shouldn't fall for that. This was a revenge plan, not a romantic show-off. "I'm engaged, and I have a child with him", I remembered, barely recognizing my cold voice which had become soft and weak. He let out a dirty smirk, lowering his eyes to my lips as we exchanged breath. "I know, but I can't stop myself from falling" he whispered, and before I could blink an eye, he captured my lips, twirling them to his taste. It was a long liquid kiss that made me wet so that I couldn't fight back. The knife slipped off my hand as my body yanked on his. We both dried up where we stood when her voice resounded in our ears. "Mom?" *** Her fantastical life with Dante was a shadow. She left everything behind just to be with him, but he never loved her back. She lost her life because of him. Fortunately, she survived and looks forward to exerting her revenge plot on him. However, she never found him nor heard from him. Forgetting the painful memories that he never existed, she moves on and wins over a powerful man, Peris, who establishes her. She gives birth to her daughter and anticipates her wedding with Peris. However, what happens when Dante shows up three days before her wedding?
Blurb: Millie Matthews was willing to give up everything to be with the one she truly loved. Three years ago, she left home to be with her lover, Rovan Marlowe, whom her family were strictly against. But after finding out she could never replace his first love in his heart, she was forced to leave when he heartlessly chose his first love over her. She returns to her family and takes her place to start her life afresh, only for Rovan to return and beg for her to come back. After realizing that he was a fool to let her go, Rovan became determined to get her back as his wife.
It was a cold night, her family was brutally murdered alongside the love of her life, and taken captive by the ruthless Alpha in all of Windertown. Latina is forced to pay the ultimate price for her betrayal. Little did she know, her destiny was somewhat tied to his just as he was tied to her, but the realization was too late as the damage had already been done.
Amanda's world crumbled when she received the eviction notice. Her family's financial struggles had reached a boiling point, exacerbated by her mother's mounting medical bills. Desperation Desperation was the beginning of everything. Will her desperation lead her to the right path? – or otherwise? Faced with mountains of problems, with no option. She went for the easiest solution – or so she thought Amanda jumped at the only available opportunity. Getting married to the cold hearted billionaire. No strings attached, just appearances. Awaiting the time her marriage would be dissolved and she would be free again. But what becomes of her when she starts falling in love with the cold hearted man? A man whose only interest is his company and appearances. Will her love be reciprocated? Or will it be crushed to pieces and blown away like dust into the earth?
Ashley is a 19-year-old waitress working at a bar to make ends meet and provide for her father who is suffering from chronic illnesses. She's mortified and feels her life has been turned upside down as she's forced to marry the wealthy CEO, Jackson. She hates Jackson and tries to avoid him at all costs. However, when she starts to know him better, she begins to see the kind and loving person he truly is. Over time, their love for each other grows stronger, and they overcome the obstacles that stood in the way of building a happy family.
Alfredo Romano is the only son and heir to Don Romano, the head of the most powerful mafia family in New York. He meets and falls in love with Elena, a stunning, sexy young woman. Elena's father, Mr. Barnes, a wealthy businessman, was killed by stray bullets during a mafia war between The Romanos and another mafia family. Convinced that the bullets that had ended her father had come from one of the Romanos' goons, she sets out to seek retribution for her father's death and destroy the Romanos, but instead finds love and makes a shocking secret that forever changes her life. What did Elena find out? Does it stop her from getting her revenge on the Romano family? Find out in this captivating story of love, loyalty, and betrayal.
Rumors claimed that Fernanda, newly back with her family, was nothing more than a violent country bumpkin. Fernanda just flashed a casual, dismissive grin in response. Another rumor suggested that the usually rational Cristian had lost all sense, madly in love with Fernanda. This frustrated her. She could tolerate gossip about herself, but slander against her beloved crossed the line! Gradually, as Fernanda's multiple identities as a celebrated designer, a savvy gamer, an acclaimed painter, and a successful business magnate came to light, everyone realized they were the ones who had been fooled.
After hiding her true identity throughout her three-year marriage to Colton, Allison had committed wholeheartedly, only to find herself neglected and pushed toward divorce. Disheartened, she set out to rediscover her true self-a talented perfumer, the mastermind of a famous intelligence agency, and the heir to a secret hacker network. Realizing his mistakes, Colton expressed his regret. "I know I messed up. Please, give me another chance." Yet, Kellan, a once-disabled tycoon, stood up from his wheelchair, took Allison's hand, and scoffed dismissively, "You think she'll take you back? Dream on."
In her previous life, Kimberly endured the betrayal of her husband, the cruel machinations of an evil woman, and the endless tyranny of her in-laws. It culminated in the bankruptcy of her family, and ultimately, her death. After being reborn, she resolved to seek retribution against those who had wronged her, and ensure her family's prosperity. To her shock, the most unattainable man from her past suddenly set his sights on her. "You may have overlooked me before, but I shall capture your heart this time around."
"Sign the divorce papers and get out!" Leanna got married to pay a debt, but she was betrayed by her husband and shunned by her in-laws. Seeing that her efforts were in vain, she agreed to divorce and claimed her half of the properties. With her purse plump from the settlement, Leanna enjoyed her newfound freedom. The constant harassment from her ex's mistress never fazed her. She took back her identities as top hacker, champion racer, medical professor, and renowned jewelry designer. Then someone discovered her secret. Matthew smiled. "Will you have me as your next husband?"
Due to the plight of her family, Phoebe had no choice but to embark on the path of selling herself. In an accident, she had a tangled night with Alexander. Everything began to derail, and even if she fled to the ends of the earth, she would still be found by him and entangled... *** Phoebe screamed in frustration, "What do you want from me?" What was this supposed to be? He raised an eyebrow wickedly. "What do I want? You'll find out soon enough." With that, he hoisted her up and carried her back into the office. The door slammed shut with a kick, and he cleared the desk with a sweep of his arm before laying her down on it, his body pinning hers in place, completely trapping her in his grasp. Every cell in his body was telling him he wanted her. He wanted to claim her again. This time, there would be no escape for her-he wouldn't let her slip away. Never again. If he had suffered for five years, then this woman wouldn't get off easily either!
She was a world-renowned divine doctor, the CEO of a publicly traded company, the most formidable female mercenary, and a top-tier tech genius. Marissa, a titan with a plethora of secret identities, had hidden her true stature to marry a seemingly impoverished young man. However, on the eve of their wedding, her fiance, who was actually the lost heir to a wealthy dynasty, called off the engagement and subjected her to degradation and mockery. Upon the revelation of her concealed identities, her ex-fiance was left stunned and desperately pleaded for her forgiveness. Standing protectively before Marissa, an incredibly influential and fearsome magnate declared, "This is my wife. Who would dare try to claim her?"