Since the beginning, Rayyan Malik had firmly locked his heart on Mayza Safeeya. The only woman he had loved since sitting in junior high school. Separated by more than a decade from his first love, it didn't make the man give up on searching for the whereabouts of his beloved. Until one time, the presence of Riana made Rayyen's determination waver. As he began to turn his attention towards Riana, new problems arose. Mayza, who had long disappeared, coincidentally met Rayyen again at a party. Rayyen's heart began to be torn. The truth was that his feelings for Mayza never completely vanished. So, to whom did the man's heart finally anchor?
One Year Earlier.
"I'm sure Daniz won't expect the surprise I'm about to give him," Riana murmured softly, looking satisfied with herself after decorating her boyfriend Daniz's television room. Today, the man she had been dating for two years was celebrating his birthday. Riana had prepared a surprise by secretly visiting Daniz's apartment while he was at work this afternoon. Earlier, she had lied about being sick and apologized for not being able to join him for a special dinner on his birthday.
Since Riana had a spare key to Daniz's apartment, she could freely visit without his knowledge. She had prepared various decorations and a birthday cake to support the surprise.
With full concentration, Riana set everything up – decorating and transforming the TV room into a romantic place for an intimate dinner.
After everything was neatly arranged according to her plan, it was time for Riana to get ready. While waiting for Daniz to return, she dimmed the lights and hid in a corner of the room.
Thirty minutes passed, and according to the schedule, Daniz finally came home. Riana felt anxious and excited from her hiding place, impatiently waiting to see his reaction to the surprise she had carefully prepared.
However, it seemed her hopes were dashed. Instead of surprising Daniz, Riana surprised herself. She witnessed her boyfriend entering the apartment while embracing a seductive woman. They kissed, and Daniz even carried the woman and gently laid her on the sofa.
"No need to rush, why don't you take a shower first, and then we can have dinner together?" the woman said in between their kisses. She even helped Daniz unbutton his work shirt, revealing his muscular upper body.
"Not in the mood," the man replied. "I miss you so much, Tasya Adelina. I just want to feast on you," Daniz teased, planting short kisses on the woman's lips and neck. "Or maybe we should shower together?"
Tasya laughed and playfully glared at him. "No way! What if your girlfriend finds out?"
Daniz shook his head. "No chance she'll find out. Riana said she's sick. I invited her for dinner, but she couldn't make it. She's always making excuses and causing trouble."
"Yeah, why are you still with her then? I heard you two are even planning to get engaged, right?"
Daniz nodded. "You know how it is with Arab families. They like to arrange marriages for their children. My parents intentionally arranged this with her to preserve our lineage. Besides, I'm willing to accept the arrangement because she's wealthy. She has been supporting me financially for a while. It would be a waste to let her go just like that."
"And funny enough, you use the money she gives you to treat me." They both laughed. "You're so wicked, Za," the woman teased.
"What can I do? I've loved you all along."
In her hiding spot, Riana tried to hold back her tears. It hurt so much to hear all the conversations between her boyfriend and his lover, but she tried to keep her emotions in check and continued listening in silence.
"Then, if you really marry her, what will happen to us, Za? We can't be together anymore, can we?" Tasya's face suddenly looked sad, and she seemed skilled at pulling at Daniz's heartstrings.
"Don't worry; you'll always be the one I love the most," Daniz confidently replied. "I'll still visit your apartment regularly."
Tasya smiled happily and pulled Daniz closer. Without hesitation, she hugged and kissed him, and Daniz let it happen, seemingly enjoying the intimacy.
"I just don't want to break up with you," the woman said again.
Daniz shook his head, using his hand to move a strand of hair covering Tasya's cheek. "I could never leave you, my dear. Besides, Riana is so complicated and overly religious. She won't even sleep with me like you do. She considers it a sin, saying it's not the right time. Such a hypocritical woman. She refuses to enjoy life. Besides, she's still stuck in those old-fashioned beliefs."
As they both laughed again, Riana decided to reveal herself. She switched on the light, which was close to her hiding position, and the room suddenly became bright.
Daniz and Tasya, realizing Riana's presence, were shocked. Moreover, they were now half-naked.
"Riana, I-I can explain this-"
"Enough!" Riana interrupted Daniz. "I don't want to hear anything from you!" She pointed directly at his face. Oh, sorry, correction. Perhaps Riana no longer considered Daniz her boyfriend.
"Riana, but this is not how you think it is. All of this-"
"Enough, Za!" Riana emphasized. "You don't need to explain. I've heard everything."
Daniz stood up, not caring that his upper body was exposed without any cover. His main concern was to explain everything so that Riana would listen to him.
"I apologize; what you heard isn't true."
Riana stepped back cautiously and deliberately avoided getting closer to where he stood.
"Here, I should be the one apologizing because it turns out I'm not up to your taste. But don't worry, I'll ask Dad to cancel our engagement plans immediately. And as for our relationship, we better end it today."
"No, Riana!" Daniz shook his head. "I don't want to break up with you."
"Whatever," Riana replied quickly. "If you don't want to break up, that's not my concern. The important thing is, from now on, I consider us to have no relationship at all."
****
Riana let out a long sigh and brought her hand to gently massage her aching chest. Once again, tonight she had a terrible dream, a dream she had been trying to bury deep inside her for a long time.
Remembering the event from a year ago when she caught her boyfriend being affectionate with another woman, Riana felt her own trauma. Because of that incident, she had tightly closed her heart to any other man, including Rayyen, the guy who was currently close to her. She was afraid that the old wounds she had tried so hard to bury would resurface and shatter her life once again.
"Why?"
Alana, her twin sister, who realized she was awake in the middle of the night, spoke to her.
"Another bad dream?"
Riana nodded, closing her eyes, trying to neutralize the painful feelings attacking her heart.
Alana, who understood her twin sister's condition very well, immediately sat up and approached her, then hugged her tightly.
"Don't think about it. It happened a long time ago, right? Besides, no one will hurt you like Daniz did back then."
In Alana's embrace, Riana nodded.
"I'm just scared, Sis. I've tried so many times to forget it, but that incident keeps appearing in my dreams."
"That means you're still holding a grudge against Daniz. Remember, no matter how bad he was, you must sincerely forgive him so that there's no burden left in your heart and mind."
Riana let out a heavy sigh. It wasn't easy for her to forgive, let alone forget. Her heart was still in so much pain because of the betrayal he had committed.
"It's not easy, Sis, to just forget like that."
"Well then, you have to move on quickly. Find someone else to replace Daniz so you can forget about that scoundrel as soon as possible," Alana said with a playful tone.
Riana chuckled softly.
"A person with trauma, and you're asking me to find a replacement quickly. Seriously! Besides, it's not like you've moved on from Elfathan."
"Arghh..." Alana pouted. "Why bring up Elfathan? You and I are different!" She pursed her lips, feeling annoyed because her twin suddenly brought up the guy she used to like.
"I'm just making a comparison, Sis. It's not easy for both of us to forget someone who once entered our hearts."
Alana sighed softly.
"Well, if it continues like this, you'll remember Daniz until the end of time. Do you want that? To be stuck thinking about Daniz your whole life? I don't!" She emphasized.
"I'm scared, Sis," Riana murmured softly. "I'm afraid of being hurt again, like before." She fell silent again, repeatedly sighing before speaking again. "You know Rayyen, right?"
Alana nodded.
"Who doesn't know a handsome guy like him?"
"Yesterday, he proposed to me. He even asked when I'll be ready for engagement."
Alana was surprised. The information she just heard caught her attention.
"So, what did you do? Did you accept? Don't tell me you refused."
Riana shook her head.
"I didn't answer him. Like I said, I'm traumatized. I'm afraid Rayyen is just playing around."
"But Rayyen comes from a wealthy family. Moreover, it's impossible for him to hurt you."
Riana smiled faintly. There was some truth in Alana's words. Rayyen came from a religious family. His way of treating his mother and sisters showed that he was caring, responsible, and highly respectful towards women.
"Nothing is impossible."
"But Rayyen doesn't seem like the kind of person who would hurt you." Alana argued confidently. "Let's bet."
Riana shook her head. She still doubted Rayyen's sincerity.
"I still can't take the risk."
Alana slid down from the bed and walked to the closet. She grabbed a prayer mat and returned to Riana.
"Here, you should pray. Ask for guidance from God. If I were you, I wouldn't waste this opportunity. When else would a handsome, rich guy like Rayyen propose to you?"
Riana laughed lightly. Her twin sister was quite daring to provoke her like this.
"Okay, then you should marry Rayyen. He won't be able to tell the difference between the two of us anyway."
"Unfortunately, I don't love Rayyen. So, I'll gladly give him up to you."
Riana rolled her eyes in annoyance. Why was her twin sister so confident? But because some of what she said was true, Riana decided to follow her advice and find the best position to go back to sleep.
Being born a billionaire did not make Tristan Quartararo's life happy. The tragic deaths of both his parents filled him with a deep sense of vengeance. Raised by his uncle, Raphael Shadow, Tristan grew into a powerful and influential man in the business world. Using his wealth and handsome charm, Tristan seeks to attract Olivia Walters, the daughter of Rudolf Walters, who is believed to be responsible for his parents' deaths. To win Olivia's heart, Tristan acts like an angel. But once he successfully marries her, he transforms into a terrifying devil, ready to destroy the Walters family completely. Will Tristan be able to fulfill his dream of revenge? Especially after Rudolf Walters reveals another secret about Raphael Shadow, who is not as good as Tristan thought? And what will happen to his relationship with Olivia once he learns about all the sacrifices she has made?
Bella Stone has never imagine in her life intended or aspired to rent out her womb to anyone. Due to a necessity, she reluctantly agrees to carry the future baby, the seed of the famous model and entrepreneur couple, Julia Estelle and Edward Darkwood. Bella thinks everything will go smoothly. In her imagination, after carrying and giving birth, she will receive a lot of money and be able to leave. However, who would have thought that because of one night's mistake, Bella and Edward accidentally got involved. Worse still, Bella ends up carrying his seed without Julia's knowledge. So, can Bella keep this significant secret tightly sealed and continue pretending that the baby she is carrying is the result of Julia and Edward's seed? And when the baby she is carrying eventually comes into the world, will Bella be willing to simply give her baby to Julia?
Aurora Harverwood thought her married life was already perfect. Especially with her husband, Alex Wildblood, known for being incredibly affectionate and attentive. However, everything turned out to be different from what Aurora had imagined. In a deliberate sign, she caught her husband in an intimate act with Amanda Nicole, who happened to be her cousin. Aurora was furious. She vowed to seek revenge that would not be forgotten.
Ashton Wolf is a renowned contractor who initially married Miranda Stone. At one point, his wife's condition weakened due to her long-standing battle with stage four brain gland cancer, with a prognosis that she wouldn't survive much longer. Realizing that her time was limited, Miranda insisted that Ashton marry again. The choice fell upon Alice Ashborne, Miranda's step-sister, who was currently a senior college student. Ashton vehemently rejected this request. Apart from the significant age difference, he had no intention of marrying a girl he clearly did not love. However, under Miranda's pressure, even to the point of threats and demands for an immediate divorce, Ashton found himself unable to refuse and eventually accepted the request to marry Alice as soon as possible. Throughout their marriage, Ashton made a conscious effort to maintain distance. He deliberately kept the news of his remarriage from people outside, trying to conceal the fact that he had married again. Despite Alice's evident effort to graciously embrace married life and be a devoted wife, Ashton remained displeased and continued to keep his heart closed. To add to the complexities of their marriage, someone from the past resurfaced, throwing Ashton and Alice's lives into further turmoil. This situation left them grappling with a dilemma—whether to continue fighting for their marriage or to bring it to an end.
Repeated disappointments and even being deceived by the woman he deeply loved turned Randy Anthony Walters into a playboy. Randy is determined not to engage in serious relationships anymore due to the trauma of always being played. His mother, Verona Walters, stressed by her son's behavior, took matters into her own hands and decided to find a suitable female prospective daughter-in-law according to her preferences. She presented Randy with several candidates to choose from. In the end, her son chose a young girl named Gea Rose Donovan. Among many candidates, Randy intentionally chose Gea, who is still a student and 12 years older than him. Randy thought that by marrying a much younger girl, he could control and handle his wife as he pleased, making her obedient. However, Randy's assumption turned out to be wrong. Once they got married, Gea revealed many surprises to him. Not to mention, there is a big secret that this woman has been tightly guarding, and Randy eventually discovers it. So, will their marriage go smoothly, or will it end in the middle of the road?
Being a billionaire and having good looks are not guarantees that Nicholas Alistair's love story will unfold smoothly. Feeling very disappointed because his previous fiancée had betrayed him, Nicholas closed himself off and acted aloof. He believed that women were creatures to be avoided. However, this caught the attention of an assistant named Kimberly. She, who had just taken up the position of Nicholas's private assistant, harbored a secret love. The cool and indifferent attitude displayed by Nicholas posed a significant challenge for the young woman in her quest to win her boss's heart. Can Kimberly, a young woman full of secrets, thaw Nicholas's heart as effectively as the ice in Antarctica?"
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!"
Madisyn was stunned to discover that she was not her parents' biological child. Due to the real daughter's scheming, she was kicked out and became a laughingstock. Thought to be born to peasants, Madisyn was shocked to find that her real father was the richest man in the city, and her brothers were renowned figures in their respective fields. They showered her with love, only to learn that Madisyn had a thriving business of her own. "Stop pestering me!" said her ex-boyfriend. "My heart only belongs to Jenna." "How dare you think that my woman has feelings for you?" claimed a mysterious bigwig.
This is a story about two damaged people who came together because of one's desire and the other's fear. Cassandra She was young, innocent, loving, and pretty with big eyes that showed her soul. She was stunningly beautiful but broken and alone, trapped in a world of monsters. Then he appeared. People say he is the worst monster of all, someone you pray never to meet. Will she escape him, or will he become her whole world? Dominic He was ruthless, aggressive, and merciless. Everyone feared him, and he was proud to be the king of his world. But he was also broken. Then she appeared. She was like a fragile doll, his doll. Will he take what he wants and move on, or will she become his life? "Let me go, please," she begged. He buried his face in her neck and tightened his grip around her arms. "Shhhh... breathe, love," he whispered. She cringed at his nickname for her, and he continued, "You are mine, and I am never letting you go. I will give you everything, my love, except your freedom from me."
Sophia Anderson was adopted by an old woman and grew up in the countryside. At she was 18 years old, her original family found her and got her back to the city. However, she was looked down upon by other family members, especially her stepmother and stepsister. At that time, she was so stupid that she was framed by her stepsister and die tragically. Maybe God has sympathy for her, she was reborn and she was given rich medical knowledge and professional skills! In this life, she works hard on studying medicine and saving people. She becomes a top-professional woman, which is out of reach for most people!
Feared by many but seen by few, Alpha Dominic Grimstone is a name whispered with trepidation across the world. His reputation for cruelty is legendary, his ferocity and that of his pack the stuff of nightmares. Stories of those who have crossed his path and met their end at his hands are countless. Katarina Nightshade, the Beta's daughter, has led a life of simplicity within her pack. But as the Moon Ball approaches-a gathering of every pack in the United States-an overwhelming sense of dread begins to consume her. What will happen when Katarina is thrust into the arms of the most feared and ruthless Alpha known to mankind? Will she be the one to defy his cruel nature, or will she fall victim to the same fate that has befallen so many before her?
After Ellie reclaimed her true identity, she found herself in an unexpected marriage with Mr. Thorpe, a man perceived as unpopular and crippled. Her scornful ex-boyfriend awaited her regret, while others looked on with ridicule. To Ellie, her acclaimed bar was just a side project. Her vast jewelry collection seemed trivial. Top designers were at her disposal. She owned luxury cars, expansive mansions, and even private islands. She had the power to win prestigious awards and exact revenge on her cheating ex and his spiteful mistress. Yet, to outsiders, her life seemed dull, overshadowed by her husband's disability. One day, Mr. Thorpe stood up from his wheelchair, unable to keep the facade any longer. "I can't pretend anymore. My wife is too extraordinary," he declared. Ellie, hands on her waist and teeth clenched, confronted him. "What about the divorce you promised?" Gently touching her slightly bulging stomach, Mr. Thorpe replied softly, "That's not happening!"