Matilda's future was written as soon as she was born. However, she has no idea of her true role and the only thing she knows is- she needed to stay in the mountain until her eighteenth birthday. Knowing the freedom is in the corner, Matilda gladly played the assumed role... she offered in the mountains and prayed fervently. But then... In the middle of her prayer, she heard a series of howling. Scared for her life, Matilda ran as fast as she could. But her effort is in vain because in the end she is captured by the unknown abductor and wakes up in a dark place. "Now that your awake, play your part... Undress and give your untainted body to me!"
"Mother, do I need to make an offering in the mountains?" Matilda asked her mother while glancing at the sky. At the moment, the sun is about to set. If her mother insists, she needs to walk in the forest in the middle of the dark alone.
"You've been doing this for six years. Are you still scared now?" Matilda's mother responded with raised eyebrows. She handed the basket full of offerings to Matilda and added. "If the villagers find out that we did not make the offering, they will surely blame us for the disasters or calamities that may come to our town!"
Matilda let out a deep breath, a sign of her resignation. "Mother, calamity is part of human life, so they can't blame us if it comes to our village!" she reasoned while being forced to reach the basket full of offerings.
From the time she reached the age of thirteen, it became Matilda's obligation to give offerings to the mountains. For the previous years, she had no complaints. She was also not afraid of walking in the middle of the night, but something was not right this year. She senses something is different this year. That's why she has been begging her mother for several days that, if possible, she would not be the one to make the offering.
"Don't complain because this is the last time you need to do that..."
Matilda halted on her way out of the house, immediately turned to her mother with wonder in her eyes.
"Well... You're turning eighteen at midnight, and I wanted to tell you about my surprise tomorrow... but I don't want you to greet your birthday with a frown..."
Matilda caught her breath with intense anticipation... She is excited about what her mother means. Nonetheless, she already has an idea of what it is. Matilda's been nagging her mother to allow her to go to the City because she has never been there. Since she was a child, Matilda was not allowed by her mother to leave. The chance that she reached the village could be counted on the fingers.
"I talked to your uncle, and he agreed... He will pick us tomorrow." The uncle referred to by Matilda's mother lives in the city itself. "Technically, we are scheduled to leave this mountain after securing the transfer of obligations. But since the mother of your replacement is from the clan, we don't have to."
"Mother! Are you for real?" Matilda screamed in delight. In joy, she rushed to her mother and gave her a tight hug."Thank you!" she uttered while suppressing her crying.
"I should be the one thanking you... For the past eighteen years, you were imprisoned by the obligation of our family and I am sorry for that..."
Matilda shook her head and broke free from her mother's tight embrace. "Mother, don't be sorry... It's not your fault. I know you were forced just like others before us," she said and sighed as she gave her mother a wide smile.
Generation by generation, their clan was assigned to do the offering. The girl born in the New Moon must live at the bottom of the mountain and at the right age, she will perform the offering. The only consolation is that their obligation ends when they reach their eighteenth birthday. At least, that's what Matilda knew. Since her mother never explained to her the complete details.
Because of the good news given by her mother, Matilda left their home with a big smile on her face.
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The silence in the forest is deafening. The only thing that can be heard is the rustling of the wind that hits the leaves of trees and plants, the chirping of crickets hiding in the thickets.
"It's ok... Matilda, you're doing just fine!" She uttered to herself as she stepped carefully. The only light on her path was the light coming from the torch she was holding. Then she looked at the sky and frowned. The moon was covered by thick clouds, "Huh! It's fine! I don't need your help! Hide for all I care! This is the last time I'm going to this mountain! After this, I'm free!"
After a few minutes of walking, Matilda reached the enormous tree on the edge of the cliff. Seeing this, she let out a smile. "Finally!" Matilda uttered while observing the tree. She couldn't help but be amazed while staring at it. According to her mother's story, this tree was already standing before civilization was established.
"This is goodbye..." Matilda uttered and began to take out the offering in the basket. She arranged them in front of the tree. She also placed candles around it before kneeling down and starting the ritual.
In the following moments, Matilda's mind became occupied with prayer, because this was the last time she would perform the ritual. Her prayer became solemn. Although she hated the idea of doing this, Matilda still believes that their prayers help to ward off disaster in their city.
"Crick!" Sound of a broken branch.
Matilda stopped in the middle of her prayer when she heard the sound. He immediately turned in the direction from which it came. However, brought by the darkness, she found nothing. That's why she ignored it and continued praying.
"Ah-wow!!!"
Hearing this howling, Matilda couldn't stop the horror and shiver. "No... It can't be... God, please..." she uttered and quickly picked up the torch buried in the ground. Matilda knows the mountain is safe since no wild animals live here. But the howling from earlier indicates the opposite.
"Aw-wooh!!" The howling that rose from the mountain was exceptionally long and went on for some time.
Matilda was overwhelmed with fear, unable to think any further. She hastened away from the massive tree with speed. She persevered down the mountain, ignoring the sharp branches that ripped through her clothing and scratched her skin.
'What is going on? Why are there wild animals on the mountain? Matilda asked herself while looking behind her, checking if the animal followed her.
After making sure that nothing was following behind her, Matilda stopped running fast. She hid in a tree to catch her breath.
"This is bad... Probably this animal is a new inhabitant of the mountain. The people of the town need to know this," Matilda whispered. She took a deep breath again and prepared to run fast.
But before she could even step, something grabbed her mouth while a powerful force wrapped around her waist.
"Ugh!" Matilda moaned when her head hit the tree before completely losing consciousness.
"So, you're asking me to sacrifice my life, mother?" "And what of it? Are you so proud of your pitiful and disgraceful life? You are a blight and a curse! This is the only way you can redeem yourself!" "By dying?" Winona asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, by dying and performing a noble act to cleanse your sins and curses. Perhaps you might be blessed with good karma in your next life," her mother retorted harshly. Winona knew her mother would never wish her well. What good karma? Her mother would likely wish she had never been born in the first place! Winona cast a fleeting glance at her supposed mate, but his eyes were filled with hatred and... threat. It was as if he would rip her to shreds if she dared refuse to comply. Did he despise her that much? That was the moment when she began to accept the harsh reality that she was alone in this world. She had nothing and no one. She was despised by her own mother. Rejected by her mate. Mocked by her sister. Perhaps, she wasn't meant to be alive.
Daniel Ford is a man haunted by the ghosts of his past, a past that was robbed from him ten years ago. He's spent the last decade constructing a formidable empire, embedding himself deep within the underbelly of the criminal world, all in pursuit of one goal - retribution. But an unexpected obstacle stands in his path - her. The moment Kathryn Chandelle steps into his world, his intricately planned schemes begin to disintegrate, leaving him with an unshakeable conviction: she is irrevocably his. Kathryn Chandelle is a woman who has learned to stand her ground, no longer willing to be subjugated by any man. But everything changes when Daniel Ford makes his entrance, turning her world upside down and challenging everything she's held dear. He's cynical, he's merciless, and with a single touch, he sets a wildfire blazing within her. But when duplicity emerges and hidden agendas are exposed, can these two seemingly incompatible forces find a way to merge, or will everything they've worked for be in vain?
'I hate when people don't do what I say! I'll make sure you never go against what I say again!' Celine's dress was torn without any warning from Leon. As she covered up, Celine's eyes got bigger. Leon is so angry that it makes her feel uneasy. 'Leon, please...'begged Celine as she moved away... As she watched Leon take off his clothes, her whole body shook. Celine tries to get out of bed, but Leon is quick. He quickly pins his naked body to her, so Celine has no choice but to stay under him. 'You are mine!' Leon said, 'Those are mine!' and grabbed Celine's lips with force as his hand touched a sensitive part of her body. Leon is bigger and stronger than Celine, so her fight is pointless... 'Leon Bridgerton, I hate you! "I despise you!' Celine remarks. Because Leon bit her a few times, she can taste the blood in her mouth. 'You can hate me all you want, but you will do what I say!' Leon answers and then puts his hand on Celine's breast.
"You are mine, so you are not allowed to die!" Thunder declared. His eyes are glaring while holding Scarlet in his arms. "I wish I can do that..." Scarlet responded, trying to smile as broad as she can. Although the demon is taking over her, she wanted to assure Thunder that everything is okay. "I'm forever in depth to you..." Thunder hold her hand . "NO! I will save you!" After his remark, Thunder hug Scarlet tighter. Then the fire ignite. Thunder and Scarlet body envelope by the flame.
Belle Stone, a high school student at University, has endured constant bullying since she was a little girl due to her old-fashioned clothes and eyeglasses. Despite her embarrassment, Belle was happy with the help of her best friend, Audrey. Because of her appearance, Belle can't fulfill her dream... to be a member of a cheering squad Until that happens... That night, she almost burst into tears because of the embarrassment she received at the hands of her classmates. Belle went out crying alone, and there she encountered a wolf... The wolf bit her and tried to kill her. Fortunately, someone arrived and saved her. Despite her fear, she managed to return home. Belle returned home as if nothing had happened. Yet, when she awoke, she experienced some changes. Her sight began to clear. Her hearing sharpened. But one of the sweetest things that happened, the man who helped her the night she was embarrassed at school, became her neighbor— Zeke Hunter.
"I hate women like you! Yes, I will marry you, but you will live in hell!" He roared while his eyes glared at her. She clenched her fist holding the pregnancy certificate. She doesn't have a choice but to cling to him... He is the only one who can save her and her family from a huge debt. "Thank you... As long as you will acknowledge the child in my belly, I won't ask for anything more..."
Damian didn't believe in love, but he needed a wife to claim the inheritance his uncle left him. Amelia needed to take revenge on her ex-husband, and what better way to do it than a marriage of convenience with his worst enemy? There were only two rules in their fake marriage: no entanglement or sexual relationship, and they would go their separate ways after the arrangement was over. But their attraction for each other is more than they bargained for. When feelings start to get real, and Noah wants Amelia back, will Damian let her go? Or will he fight for what he believes is his?
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....
"Ms. Crawford, it’s time for you to divorce Mr. Larsen and come home. You're the only heiress the Master's waiting for.” ~•~ For the sake of love, Amara accepted the arranged marriage with Tobias William Larsen. She did everything to gain her husband’s heart but when his old love returned, she realized that all her effort was all for naught. Tobias demanded a divorce on the night of their wedding anniversary, even at the price of threatening her. Heartbroken, she finally dropped all her illusions about him and returned home to be the heiress. The next time she met Tobias, they were no longer couples but opponents. "Mr. Larsen, should I remind you again? We've divorced." "Amara, that's the stupidest mistake I've ever made. Please come back to me."
Loraine was a dutiful wife to Marco since they got married three years ago. However, he treated her like trash. Nothing she did softened his heart. One day, Loraine got fed up with it all. She asked him for a divorce and left him to enjoy with his mistress. The elites looked at her like she was deranged. "Are you out of your mind? Why are you so willing to divorce him?" "It's because I need to return home to get a billion-dollar fortune. Besides, I don't love him anymore," Loraine replied with a smile. They all laughed at her. Some believed that the divorce affected her mentally. It wasn't until the next day that they realized she wasn't fibbing. A woman was suddenly declared the world's youngest female billionaire. It turned out to be Loraine! Marco was shocked to the bone. When he met his ex-wife again, she was a changed person. A group of handsome young men surrounded her. She was smiling at them all. The sight made Marco's heart ache severely. Putting his pride aside, he tried to win her back. "Hello, love. I see that you are a billionaire now. You shouldn't be with suckers who just want your money. How about you come back to me? I'm a billionaire too. Together, we can build a strong empire. What do you say?" Loraine squinted at her ex-husband with her lips curled in disgust.
For three years, Jessica endured a loveless marriage while her husband pretended to be impotent. His lies unraveled when a pregnant mistress surfaced. After six months of secretly collecting proof, Jessica threw him out and built her own billion-dollar empire. After the divorce, she transformed into an irresistible figure, attracting admirers. As she left her office one day, she met Kevan, her ex-husband's brother. He stepped in, confronting her. "Was I just a tool to you?" Jessica's lips curled into a calm smile. "How much compensation do you want?" Kevan's voice softened. "All I want is you."
Melanie married Ashton out of gratitude, but she quickly found herself entangled in a web of relentless challenges. Despite these struggles, she stayed true to her commitment to the marriage. In the hospital room, Ashton indifferently attempted to draw her blood, disregarding her discomfort. This callous act was a harsh revelation for Melanie, awakening her to the grim reality of their relationship. Resolved to prioritize her own welfare, she decided to sever ties. With newfound resolve, Melanie filed for divorce. In the process, she unveiled her concealed identities, leaving everyone in shock. Throughout these turbulent times, Melanie realized that Derek, Ashton’s uncle, had been discreetly protecting her all along.