"Helena Starr." I stopped when he mentioned my full name. "Yes?" "Your name is appropriate for you since your blue eyes shine brightly like stars." It was unexpected, so I bent my head and blushed again. "Oh, thank you." If he kept saying sweet things like that, how could I survive? My heart, oh, my heart, I was in danger! *** As an orphan, Helena doesn't know her real parents. She only knows they have passed away. Living with Freya, her adoptive mother, and having a relationship with her boyfriend, Kenneth, is the peaceful life she wants. Until Kenneth ends the relationship. But it is the moment Helena meets Ethan that her life is turned upside down. As an Alpha King, Ethan lives his life to lead his people. A bitter past hinders him from finding his true mate and love until he meets Helena. Ethan cannot resist the instant connection and affection with Helena, but his secret will put her in danger. He knows he must protect Helena at all costs. Will Helena find out Ethan's secret and have the happily ever after she longs for?
~ Helena ~
I visited Kenneth's apartment on a drizzling day in Moon City. Kenneth William had been my boyfriend for six months. I brought a picnic basket because I always wanted to picnic with him. But so far, it wasn't fulfilled yet.
From my house to Kenneth's, I used a bus. It took a half-hour. It was a sunny day when I left my home, but it was drizzling suddenly after arriving at the bus shelter. Fortunately, I brought an umbrella.
I knocked on the door. It took Kenneth a while to open the door. When he opened the door, he wore no shirt, and sweat was all over his neck and chest.
"Are you exercising? Have you finished yet?" I opened my purse, took a tissue, and wiped it on Kenneth's neck. I almost placed the tissue on his chest, but then I blushed.
"Exercise?" Kenneth laughed. "Yeah, you're right. I'm in the middle of an exercise."
"Oh, do you want me to return after you have finished?"
"Sure, babe." Then Kenneth stared at the basket. "Hey, where are we going later?"
I giggled. "It's a secret! But we're going for a picnic today. I'm excited about this since I've planned for a week."
"Picnic? It's rainy outside. We'll only get wet. Maybe it's better for another time, okay?"
I sighed. Kenneth's rejection instantly ruined my mood, but what he said made sense. Maybe we could go picnic another time. "So, what should we do for our date today?"
"How about this? Let's meet an hour from now at the Moon Bridge." Kenneth stared at his wrist. "At 2 p.m., okay?"
"Where will we go from there?"
Kenneth shrugged. "We'll think somewhere." Then he pushed me to go. "I must continue my exercise. See you an hour from now." Then Kenneth closed the door immediately.
My knee-length pink dress was a little damp because of the rain. I'd better change my clothes if I wanted to stay comfortable on my date. While the pink dress was my favorite, I had no choice. I might get cold later if I insisted on wearing the pink dress. So, I opened my umbrella and walked to the bus shelter again.
The bus came fast. Fortunately, I got a seat. Then my mind wandered to Kenneth again. Six months after dating me, Kenneth hadn't introduced me to his parents or family. In contrast, after dating for a month, I had already brought him to meet with my adoptive mother, Freya Ross.
After four months of dating him, my mother stroked my hair when I complained. "Sweetheart, men and women are different in their approach to relationships. Men usually take a lot of time before introducing their partners to their family and parents. But it doesn't mean they aren't serious with you."
"But Mom, I'm wondering if Kenneth has someone else."
My mother raised her eyebrows to hear that. "Why are you thinking like that?"
"He has never mentioned he loves me. He often buys me expensive gifts, but it's nothing for him. I mean, Kenneth is super-rich. So buying me those gifts for him is easy."
"I see. Are you happy with Kenneth, sweetie?"
I stared at my mother and then let out a long sigh. "I don't know. Sometimes I think I do, but I am not so sure of my feelings when I'm with him."
"Sweetie, you're still so young. Take your time. Don't rush things." My mother took my hand and patted it. "If Kenneth is for you, then you'll know it. But if he isn't, don't push yourself to stay with him. There is plenty of fish in the ocean."
I smiled as I recalled the conversation with my mother. Though she was my adoptive mother, I loved her so much. The feelings were mutual. I had no birth parents since they passed away. Yet, having Freya in my life was indeed a tremendous blessing. Never did I doubt her love for me. My mother was always there for me, giving me all the love and support I needed.
The bus finally stopped at the shelter. I rushed to get off the bus and then walked to my house. I opened the door with my key, and after putting the umbrella outside, I ran to my room. I undressed quickly and then changed my clothes to a white lacy dress. Since the dress is thin, I put on a bolero too.
Later, I picked up the picnic basket, opened it, and placed the ham, cheese, chocolate, a bottle of champagne, and two wine glasses on the dining table. I sighed, too disappointed with the canceled picnic, but there would be a better time. After storing champagne in the refrigerator, returning glasses to the cupboard, and the basket to the kitchen, I picked up my purse again.
When I almost reached the door, my mother's voice startled me. "Helena, are you home already, sweetie?"
"Mom, I'll go now. Do you want me to buy groceries when I return?"
My mother walked to the living room. "No, we still have a plentiful food supply." When she saw me wearing the white dress, she wrinkled her forehead. "Why do you change your dress? Your pink one is prettier than this one."
"I know, but the drizzle damped my dress. I have to go now, mom. Talk to you later, okay?" I waved at my mother.
"Where are you going?"
"To the Moon Bridge. See you later!" Then I ran outside. I picked up the umbrella, locked the door, and rushed to the bus shelter again.
Fortunately, the bus came quickly, and I could get a seat. But unfortunately, the rain was heavier now. I bit my lower lip. After the canceled picnic, should we halt this date too? I checked the time; it was almost two p.m. I still had ten minutes.
Though I was born and raised in Moon City, I had never had a date at the Moon Bridge. So, I was excited to get there. Yet the heavy rain forced me to stroll.
I arrived at the bridge at five past two p.m. It was five minutes late. I bit my lip since Kenneth once told me he hated seeing women who weren't on time. I immediately ran to the bridge, but I couldn't find Kenneth so far. So, I called him, "Ken, where are you? I have arrived at the bridge."
Kenneth didn't answer immediately. Instead, I heard a woman's voice. "Who's this?" the woman asked.
Emily Brooke (twenty-two years old) fell in love with Jacob years ago. Years later, she finds out that her parents are discussing an arranged marriage for her with the man she loves. Jacob Jefferson (thirty-five years old) starts a new life and becomes a successful billionaire, only to find he is in an arranged marriage. Though he doesn't like it at first, he changes his mind as soon as he meets Emily. However, the chance for a happily ever after is broken with a harsh reality when Emily finds out the real reason why Jacob accepts the arranged marriage. Later, Emily also knows about Jacob's secret identity as a mafia's leader. When everything is messed up, Emily meets with her savior, Harold Montgomery. But then, Harold also has a complicated background. With Jacob and Harold later fighting to win her heart, who will Emily choose in the end? Will she find a happily ever after? *** The book is a crossover (combination) of Billionaire/Romance and Mafia genre) and a spin-off of The Billionaire's Contract Marriage, but both books can be read as stand-alone. For the most enjoyable reading experience, please read The Billionaire's Contract Marriage first.
“What is it? You sighed.” Gabriel stared at Rosalind. “I can’t do it ….” She shook her head. “It will be like I’m selling myself to you if I accept your offer. I’m not a whore, you know.” “Rose, I know you aren’t a whore. I don’t need to offer a whore anything, nor will I be interested in one, either.” He took her hand and kissed the knuckles. “I want you, Rose, only you.” “But why?” *** Rosalind Miller (twenty-three years old) is an orphan and poor. She has double jobs because she wants to get a bachelor’s degree to improve her life. It devastates Rosalind when her boyfriend of five years cheats on her. She goes drunk, only to wake up naked the next day beside a naked guy too, her ex’s uncle. Gabriel Da Costa (forty-five years old) is a transportation mogul in the five countries. Listed as one of the most eligible bachelors in the capital, including in the nearest countries, many women want to be with him, but he stays single for years. Knowing his nephew has been cheating on Rosalind for a long time, he feels sorry for her and brings her to his apartment when she is drunk. What will happen later after that night? Will it be a one-night stand only or will their relationship continue afterward? *** This is the second book of the series The Most Eligible Billionaire Bachelors/The Age-Gap Billionaire Series. The first book is The Billionaire’s Contract Marriage. Despite being a series, readers can read both books as stand-alone.
When the past life was tragic, what if the next life offers a new possibility? As an Omega, Anna Warren is reborn from the dead, fully remembering her past life as Victoria Lewis. However, her spouse-Cameron Black who lived as Constantine Night, a royal werewolf, now lives as an Alpha of their pack-doesn't remember his past life. Love is as strong as death since even through all, Anna will strive to win Cameron back. Can Anna make Cameron remember his past life and have the happy second chance of life? The book is a spin-off of The Alpha King and I, but both books can be read as stand-alone. It is the second book of The Moon City Series.
“Uh, sir, maybe it's better for you to get dressed first?” Amy said. “No need, Ms. Brooke. I'm more comfortable this way.” Samuel smiled, pulling Amy's hand so her position was closer to him. “Besides, I won't need the towel for much longer.” Amy frowned to hear that. “What do you mean?” “Please, Ms. Brooke, ah, maybe I should call you Amy instead. After this, we will be more intimate. It will be awkward to call each other by our last name. Agree?” *** Amy Brooke (twenty years old), the eldest daughter of Brooke's family, has everything all women want: youth, beauty, wealth, and a great family. However, she will lose all in an event and changes her life immensely. Samuel Hoffner (thirty five years old), a billionaire, has everything all men want: great looks, wealth, popularity, and power. However, he is an anti-commitment guy. When they will meet each other and tie in a marriage contract, what will happen later? Can Amy make Samuel fall in love with her? Will their marriage survive or will it be only a short-term arrangement?
Blurb: Nina Morrison's life is a relentless struggle, torn between caring for her bedridden father and enduring her stepfamily's cruelty. But her world is shattered when a near-fatal encounter with Lucien Gray-the ruthless, untouchable head of a global consortium-pulls her into a nightmare of possession. Lucien is captivated by Nina's fiery defiance, determined to possess her at any cost. But Nina's will to rebuild herself is stronger than his obsession. As their paths collide, desire and revenge intertwine, forcing them to confront the darkness within themselves. Can Nina reclaim her life? Will Lucien's obsession destroy them both, or will they truly fall in love and live happily ever after?
Linsey was stood up by her groom to run off with another woman. Furious, she grabbed a random stranger and declared, "Let's get married!" She had acted on impulse, realizing too late that her new husband was the notorious rascal, Collin. The public laughed at her, and even her runaway ex offered to reconcile. But Linsey scoffed at him. "My husband and I are very much in love!" Everyone thought she was delusional. Then Collin was revealed to be the richest man in the world. In front of everyone, he got down on one knee and held up a stunning diamond ring. "I look forward to our forever, honey."
"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?"
"I heard you're going to marry Marcelo. Is this perhaps your revenge against me? It's very laughable, Renee. That man can barely function." Her foster family, her cheating ex, everyone thought Renee was going to live in pure hell after getting married to a disabled and cruel man. She didn't know if anything good would ever come out of it after all, she had always thought it would be hard for anyone to love her but this cruel man with dark secrets is never going to grant her a divorce because she makes him forget how to breathe.
"Ahh!" She was in a moaning mess. She did not want to feel anything for this man. She hated him. His hands began to move all over her body. She gasped when he pulled down the back chain of her dress. The chain stopped at her lower waist, so when he zipped it off, her upper back and waist were exposed. "D-Don't touch m-ummm!" His fingers rolled around her bare back, and she pressed her head against the pillow. His touches were giving her goosebumps all over her body. With a deep angry voice, he whispered in her ear, "I am going to make you forget his touches, kisses, and everything. Every time you touch another man, you will only think of me." - - - Ava Adler was a nerdy omega. People bullied her because they thought she was ugly and unattractive. But Ava secretly loved the bad boy, Ian Dawson. He was the future Alpha of the Mystic Shadow Pack. However, he doesn't give a damn about rules and laws, as he only likes to play around with girls. Ava was unaware of Ian's arrogance until her fate intertwined with his. He neglected her and hurt her deeply. What would happen when Ava turned out to be a beautiful girl who could win over any boy, and Ian looked back and regretted his decisions? What if she had a secret identity that she had yet to discover? What if the tables turned and Ian begged her not to leave him?
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.