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Her dad was a playboy with a string of mistresses who left her mom when she was five. Her bestfriend got jilted by her playboy boyfriend after he was busted hooking up with different girls. Her favorite celebrity couple broke up due to the same reason... and she herself experienced being cheated by her first love. She lost her trust on men. She thought they're all the same, polygamous by nature. They could not stick to one woman. She would rather be an old maid and live with a cat than bear the burden of having a playboy husband. But it only took one night and a few shots of tequila to change her opinion of men. She was dazzled, swirled in euphoric ecstasy and swept off her feet like that in a fairytale movie. She met a guy she thought was very different from all the other men. A real life prince charming! Too bad, the man was Daniel Monteiro. The biggest player in the planet who doesn't hook up with a girl twice. Like a mouse trap, Kate falls for the playboy's game.
Chapter One
"Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart, and the senses." - Lao Tzu
Kate's POV
I don't want to open my eyes, the sun is too bright, glaring directly at me. But I don't care at all, I can stay here forever.
A soft smile touched in the corner of my lips.
I don't have to worry waking up early today and catching the eight fifteen bus. I can sleep till noon. Lying here in this secluded beach is like living in paradise. And what makes everything perfect is that, I'm with Adam.
Adam Parker. The only loyal, faithful, one-woman man I know living in this planet. A one in a million from all the hungry lady killer playboys in the world.
"Adam..." I turned to him but the sun was too blinding that I could not see him. "Adam?"
My phone rang so loudly, it felt like my head was about to blow. I rolled at the side and my sleepy hand reached for my phone.
"E...llo..." I answered in my very sleepy voice.
"Kate! You're still sleeping?"
Hearing my prince charming's voice made me open my eyes wide. Reality immediately sank in. I was lying on my bed here in an apartment in Soundview New York that I shared with my besties-- my cousin Jerry and recently my best friend Julie.
"Adam?"
"Where are you? It's nine thirty and the customers are coming."
"It's nine thirty?" I checked the time on my alarm clock. "It's nine thirty! Oh my God, my alarm failed!"
I heard him groaned. "I need you here Kate, Mr. Doherty is looking for his suit, I can't find it in the claim section."
Mr. Doherty? Our grumpiest and oldest costumer in the tailoring shop.
I threw my blanket and pillows as I scrambled out of bed. "Did you ask Wendy?"
"She can't report today, her baby is sick."
"Oh... poor baby."
"What about Michael?" I asked him about the other Sales Personnel.
"He asked yesterday to report after lunch, remember? He has to fetch his mom in the airport."
"Oh, yeah..."
Adam must be frantic. It's Friday, the busiest day of the week in the shop and he was alone. Many clients would pick up their custom-made suits, shirts, pants and other items of clothing today. Darn it, I shouldn't have watched 'Bird Box' last night.
"I need you here in the shop, I have to be in the sewing area. We're rushing a dozen suits for next week's wedding." He drawled.
I always find Adam's drawling so damn sexy. And every time he said that he needs me was enough to make me feel so giddy over him. He's so kind, so sweet, so nice and so handsome that I could not leave my job as his shop supervisor to a higher paying job in New York.
My mom keeps on telling me that I needed advancement in my career and working in the tailoring shop made me stagnant. It's even out of my league after earning the Bachelor's Degree Programs in Marketing.
I work for Adam for three years already. It's my first and only job since I graduated university. I just can't leave Adam because he's too nice. I know he would be very devastated, he relies on me in running the shop.
Besides, it's true. My crush on him often goes too far. I imagine that someday, there could be something more between us.
"Kate? Did you hear me?"
"Yeah.. yeah, of course. I'll be there as quickly as I can."
The moment we hung up the phone, I jumped out of bed and headed directly to the shower. After five minutes, I was back in my bedroom hurriedly choosing a dress to wear. It was Friday, wash day for the uniforms, so all employees could wear whatever decent clothes they have.   
Jerry, Julie and I were planning for a night out after office hours, so I needed an outfit that would take me from day-to-night. We'd be going to a very high class bar that only socialite members could enter. Lucky that Jerry's new boyfriend worked in there as a bouncer, he could help us get inside.
My best friend, Julie Paige just broke up with her boyfriend for five years. We would paint the town red and help her get over that jerk!
I told her that Ethan Conway was not an exemption from all the playboys in the universe but she would not listen. She caught him countless times hooking up with different girls, but she was so martyr always forgiving and allowing him another chance!
Too many times I wanted to bump her head on the wall so she would wake up and realize that Ethan was a certified asshole playboy! But she would not let him go, claiming that she could not live without him in her life. He was her strength, her happiness, her rainbow and heaven... but she never acknowledged the fact the he was also her weakness, her sadness, her torturer and demon from hell.
Julie was always the prettiest and the smartest in class during university days but when it came to love, sad to say, she was the dumbest hanging on to that playboy.
The recent one finally opened her eyes. It was a big blow for her when she caught Ethan having sex with their teenage neighbour on their bed! Totally, it was chaos. I never thought Julie could be so violent. She burned all his clothes in the fireplace and his important documents. She also almost castrated Ethan!
It was another traumatic and phobic experience for me. My hatred for playboys escalated from a hundred to a million percent. I swear, I would never ever trust any guy.
In my opinion, ninety-nine percent of single straight men beyond my age (excluding those who practice celibacy) are playboys. The 1% are gems and rare to find. Not too lucky though that I found one -- and that's Adam. Because he never asked me for a date until now.
I grabbed the conservative-cut black dress and put it on in a hurry before I'd change my mind. I've bought the dress two months ago but I've never worn it ever before. It just stayed there hanging inside my closet. It was my just-in-case dress. Yeah, it sounded stupid. I reserved it for my future date with Adam.
A date that never came.
           
It was quarter past ten when I entered the shop. I was catching my breath after running across the pavement when Adam suddenly stood up behind the reception counter.
I was caught off guard standing too close on him. He was looking so sinfully handsome as usual in his dark business suit and satin gray tie. I was easily drowned in his deep blue eyes, mesmerised by his tantalising smile and transported to another planet when I smelled his wonderful fresh cologne scent.
           
"Hi." Adam greeted me after making a brief glance of my appearance.
"Hi." I managed to answer after being dumbstruck for a moment.
"Whew! Glad you're here. I'm going out in a minute, I have to catch a business meeting." He checked the time on his watch before he looked at me again with concern eyes. "Can you manage here alone?"
"Yeah... yeah. I'll be fine, Michael will be here soon." I've done it several times though.
"Good. Um... I really have to go." He strode passed me then paused at the sensor glass door. "You're looking very lovely in that dress, are you going out tonight?"
My heart pounded so hard in an instant. What does that mean? Is he going to ask me out? Should I lie or tell the truth? My mind was debating.
"Just a night out with the girls." I gave him my warmest smile and popped up the question. "Want to join us?"
He returned the smile and shrugged his shoulders. "No, I don't want to ruin your night with the girls. I'll just stay home and watch Bird Box."
When he left, my shoulders slumped with disappointment. See? We're the same. We both enjoy watching Netflix and Bird Box.
If only I could, I would ask him out for a dinner date. But the problem is, he's a conservative guy. And another thing, it seems like he's not yet ready to date, three years after his wife died.
***
My gay cousin Jerry, (in my mother's side) came to the shop to fetch me at five. I needed a ride because my car was broken and still at the automobile repair shop.
Jerry worked as a makeup artist of top celebrities and oftentimes he travelled with them during shootings, concerts, promotions and international guesting.
"Oh... your wearing that for-Adam-only black dress. Girl, what's wrong? Tired of the waiting game already?" Jerry greeted me with a provoking smile. "Admit it bitch, you won't be Adam's Eve. His wife brought his heart with her six feet under the ground."
"Will you stop? I'm not pushing myself onto Adam. And please, lower your voice," I glanced at my colleague, Michael who made body measurements of a client. "Michael can hear you."
"Hmm... talking of Michael, I can smell that he's one of us." Jerry whispered back when Michael was out of earshot.
"Michael is straight. I hate him sometimes for being a player."
"A player? That's a joke. Na-ah! I swear, that's only his disguise." He wiggled his fingers in front of my nose. "I can tell from his appearance."
"I don't think so."
"Girl! Are you blind? His foundation is thicker than mine. I'll bet you my bum implants if he's not gay."
"Many guys are wearing foundation nowadays."
"You're right, but not with eyebrows, mascara, cheek and lip tint." He rolled his eyes heavenwards in exasperation.
"I still don't think so. He said he hooks up with different girls every weekend."
"That's what he said... but they are all lies. I've infected him, sister." Jerry flipped his bob cut ash blond hair out of his face followed with a roar of laughter. "Let's make a deal. If I can prove to you tonight that Michael is gay, you bitch will hook up with a hot guy in the bar."
"Hook up with a guy? That's too much! You know I hate playboys."
"I know. But that's the deal, bitch."
I laughed at him for being overly confident. I always won in our beating game. The last time, I got his whole month salary.
"Okay, what if I'll win?" I held my chin up daring him.
"Well...    I'll pay next month's rental in our apartment. You won't pay anything, and that bitch Julie." He lifted one of his eyebrows and shrugged his shoulders.
"Not good enough. Make it two months."
"Two months! You're so savage."
"Come on, you chicken out already?" I held my laughter when Jerry's eyes widened.
"Of course, not! You know how I hate being called chicken... okay bitch, listen to me. Two months including the light and water. Is that a deal?"
"Okay queen bitch, it's a deal!" I answered confidently not knowing that the said deal would change my life forever.
Joanna didn't hesitate to return to the Philippines to fulfill her closest friend's request. Her mission: to seek revenge on the eldest child of the Villa Franca couple. Upon arriving in San Andres, where Hacienda Villa Franca is located, she stayed at a resort for a few nights. The opportunity seemed fitting as the Villa Franca siblings were present. The challenge was that she didn't actually know which of the two handsome men had hurt her friend Ivy, and Ivy never mentioned a name before disappearing from the world. So, Joanna observed discreetly and felt her way through. Until the mischievous-looking guy called his brother 'Kuya' without moving his lips for a smile. The one with the dangerous look, yet so damn gorgeous and hot: Nash Villa Franca. Joanna executed her plan without hesitation... Will she succeed?
"Just stay by his side until he remembers everything." "No. I have money, Ylona. I don't need your money," I told her coldly. "Why are you so hard to get? We need your help because Hercules is finding you! I'm his fiance but he can't remember anything! why does he have to look for you and not me." Frustration filled her face "That's not my problem anymore. If this is all we're going to talk about, I don't want to. I'm leaving," I told them coldly. I stood up and walked towards the door. I was about to go out when I was stunned by what he said. "You don't want? Then just wait, Talitha. Your money will disappear." I clenched my fist because of what he said. I didn't look at them anymore and walked straight out. I didn't pay attention to the way they looked at me. this is the last step I will take again. I traveled again towards La Consalancion because I had a lot left to do. It's been a few days since we talked to Hercules' family. They didn't bother me again and that's a good thing. I followed him with a smile while he smiled as he waved the toy. Caitlin is not here because she has a job at the resort that I also own. After we broke up, I left and started my own business. "You want more?" I asked him smiling. He quickly nodded. "Lithaaaa!!!" I stopped eating Baby Hero when Leon, my gay friend, came. "Why, Leon?" I asked him in wonder "Mrs. Galvez was at the resort. I'm looking for you and have companions, rich people." I felt my heart beat because of what he said. Rich? Maybe it's not them. I took Baby Hero from the chair and lifted him up. "Alright, I'm going. Come with me." Mrs. Galvez is the owner of the land where my resort is located. I just held my breath before I got on Leon's tricycle. In less than a few minutes we arrived. I see Caitlin who is outside the resort and seems to be waiting for someone. when he saw me, his face seemed to light up and he quickly approached me. "Litha, good and here it is. Here are the parents of your ex-husband," he whispered to her. I bit my lip before I gave him Baby Hero. Take care of him first. I first kissed Hero who was now smiling at me. "Mrs. Galvez," I called the lady. It quickly stood up and looked at me. "You're here, Ms. Fernandez. I want to talk to you about the land that you haven't fully paid yet," she said. I didn't look at them and only at Mrs. Just Galvez. "Can you straight to the point, Mrs. Galvez?" He sighed first. "I'm selling it to the Guevara couple." "We have something to talk about, Mrs. Galvez," I said emphatically. "Business is Business, Ms. Fernandez." got up and left so the three of us were left. My fist clenched because of the anger I would feel. Heartless! "What are you doing this to me? You said I don't want to enter your world! Haven't you put me through enough?" I told them without emotion "Even me, I will never let you into my daughter's world, Talitha. But because my daughter needs you, I will do it for her, even though I hate it." "I hate it too, Ylona. I hate it because I became your mother-in-law," I told her without emotion. he quickly looked at me and glared at me. "You hate me but you're here in front of me now and you're forcing your son to care for me?" "Because he needs you, Talitha! I'll pay doub—" I was startled by a small hand resting on my thigh. I looked down and a smiling child was looking at me while he was presenting something. "M-Mom!" "Hero..."
"Where did that go?" I asked myself again. We're not friends but we're pretty close to each other, and I know he rarely goes out or leaves his office. "Maybe it's just there." I answered myself again and then searched. The whole library is spacious because this school is also large. Some students here are sons and daughters of business tycoons and politics so it's not surprising. I've almost gone around all the bookshelves with their backs to each other but I still don't have mika, so does Arries, it's amazing, especially since I feel different. Girls instinct matches. in the back I could not go so I went there when I heard someone talking, as if whispering. I know Mika and Arries, because I haven't seen anyone else yet and go home, especially since Mika is the only librarian here and I also saw Arries enter here. I was about to turn around to prove that they were when I heard a growl. "Ahh Arries maybe someone will see us here." The woman growled at Arries. My chest throbbed with excitement, "No! This cant be!" My brain objected. Arries was inside and if I'm not mistaken Mika was the woman who moaned earlier. my tears are already dripping, I can't accept, but my mind is trying to focus that it's not them, that other Aries and Mika are inside, but who did I fool? There are no other names for those two here who are our co-teachers, if there is a student it is very impossible. "Ohh shit! I really love you Mika." The man growled. There I stopped sobbing when Aries proved that my boyfriend was doing nonsense right inside the library, he was still the principal but he acted like a pig. I still accept that he hangs out outside but what he does right here inside the school is too much. To hurt myself even more and prove to myself that my boyfriend and my co-staff are doing the miracle, I peeked, I saw that Mika's uniform was almost open as well as Arries who was in a hurry to get down and remove the belt and open the zipper of the dress. I tried not to make any noise, during the time that Arries and I were together I didn't even notice anything strange about him, he was as tender as the first time we were so it was hard to accept for me. We've been together for four years but I think that's not enough when it comes to talking about the flesh. the entire staff as well as the students knew the relationship between the two of us, others were expecting the wedding we were going to but it wasn't. that's why he hasn't processed yet, he already has someone else, I didn't pay attention to that before because maybe he just had a plan but this is the answer. anger took the place of the love I felt here, so I hurriedly took my cell phone to take a picture of them just in case I could use him. To the two of them. It's bad if it's bad but I'm just hurt too. it's a good thing they were so greedy for each other that they didn't even notice my presence, but that's good too. Slowly I took the steps towards the exit door and when I thought I was far away from them I slowly ran out. I don't care if it creates a sound, even if they chase me they won't see me anymore. They are also far from the door so I have a strong feeling that they will not be able to chase me. the gate show is still shedding my tears, it's a good thing the sandal I used is only 2 inches high so it's not hard for me to run. Fortunately, there were no students, staffs, only the guard was there but I didn't pay attention when I heard him greet me. I just wanted to leave, get stuck in that place.
On the first day of school the large gate of Axford University opened early for students required to enter. there are transferees and most are former school students. But all attention was taken away when a young woman got out of an expensive car. "Angel" "Pre am I in heaven yet?" "Shit. She's beautiful!" "The smoothness is damn." "Pres. The student and the transferees are complete, the gate has been closed and they have all been gathered in the auditorium." polite promise of his right hand. He nodded and stood up. He was Devin Lance Hellias .. the President of the Council and known as the King of Axford University because everyone was obedient to him and everyone was afraid to oppose him. he is Ruthless man, a devil one and he don't know the word mercy .. He can kill you in a snap once you break his rules in this school and he don't give a damn if you begged for your life .. But what if this Devil, ruthless man meet the girl named Alliann Leannah De Villa? the Innocent Angel who break the one and only rule of this President? What will happen?
She is Shia Sheridan. She has no dreams. She doesn't know what she wants. No plans for life. But because of a mistake she owned up to, she ended up in a place she despised. The Titan Academy of Special Abilities. A school for those like her with special abilities. A place for extraordinary people she will never be like. Welcome to Academy of Special Abilities. "Because it takes more than power to be special."
"Then who owns you?" he asked, I could feel and smell his hot and fragrant breath. "I-i-it is yo-you sir," my lips parted as he suddenly came closer to me, bringing our bodies closer together, it's too late for me to close my mouth when I feel his lips on mine. when our lips parted, we both gasped, "then stop making me jealous, because you don't want to know what this friend can do to you."
"You're my wife in name only, on paper only. My heart and love will never be yours." Edward made it clear to Daisy that she was nothing to him. They were both victims of family greed -- the marriage was arranged for them. Six years passed. She remained quiet, gaining a reputation in the army as a tough-as-nails colonel. When she walked into his life again, Edward fell in love with this woman, unlike any he had known. She surprised and delighted him. But will Daisy take him back? Can their son keep them together? Can the rift between them be healed? Pick this one up and find out!
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?"
Rachel used to think that her devotion would win Brian over one day, but she was proven wrong when his true love returned. Rachel had endured it all—from standing alone at the altar to dragging herself to the hospital for an emergency treatment. Everyone thought she was crazy to give up so much of herself for someone who didn’t return her feelings. But when Brian received news of Rachel’s terminal illness and realized she didn’t have long to live, he completely broke down. "I forbid you to die!" Rachel just smiled. She no longer needed him. "I will finally be free."
Betrayed by her mate and sister on the eve of her wedding, Makenna was handed to the ruthless Lycan Princes as a lover, her indifferent father ignoring her plight. Determined to escape and seek revenge, she captured the interest of the three Lycan princes, who desired her exclusively amid many admirers. This complicated her plans, trapping her and making her a rival to the future Lycan queen. Entwined in jealousy and vindictiveness, could Makenna achieve her vengeance in the intricate dance with the three princes?
22-year-old Evelyn Carter is attempting to start over in California while avoiding her past. She will be embarking on a new career path as a private school teacher. She is smart, attractive, and doesn't put up with nonsense. Who wouldn't notice her? However, what happens when she attracts the attention of someone unwilling to let her go? Who wants her and nothing else after falling in love at first sight? A 25-year-old billionaire CEO and single father, Lucian Carrington. He takes what he wants and he is also a very dangerous man. All it needed was one look at a stunning woman to realize she was HIS, even though he doesn't believe in relationships because they always end. Preview: Miss Carter, you will be mine. I say firmly. "Release my arm, Mr. Carrington, before I force you to." She says, seeming to smile at me. I give her a sly smile. Squeezing my wrist with her other hand, she twists it uncomfortably. I gave a painful hiss. "Don't underestimate me, Mr. Carrington." "This is the only time I will allow you to walk away from me, Miss Carter." She glared at me as she turned. "Mr. Carrington, I am no possession of yours." I was left standing there when she opened the classroom door and left.
Rosalynn's marriage to Brian wasn't what she envisioned it to be. Her husband, Brian, barely came home. He avoided her like a plague. Worse still, he was always in the news for dating numerous celebrities. Rosalynn persevered until she couldn't take it anymore. She upped and left after filing for a divorce. Everything changed days later. Brian took interest in a designer that worked for his company anonymously. From her profile, he could tell that she was brilliant and dazzling. He pulled the stops to find out her true identity. Little did he know that he was going to receive the greatest shocker of his life. Brian bit his finger with regret when he recalled his past actions and the woman he foolishly let go.