In "Wynne's Wish," Wynne Sommers finds herself at a crossroads in life with no job, no money, and no place to live. Desperate for a solution, she comes across an advertisement for the Cinderella Ball, a chance for her to find a husband by the end of the month. Against her friend Laura's protests, Wynne decides to take a leap of faith and marry a complete stranger. With determination and a belief in the power of fairy tales, Wynne sets out on a journey to find her knight in shining armor. But will this unconventional approach lead her to true love or bring a whole new set of challenges into her life? Find out in this heartwarming and enchanting romantic tale.
Isabella Rosewood sat on the floor of her apartment and cupped her chin, her pale brows
drawn together in thought. "Do you know what I really need, Sophia?"
Her friend snorted, folding clothes into a large moving box. "Sure I know. You
need to have your head examined if you still intend to go through with this ridiculous
idea."
"No...What I really need is a knight in shining armor. A protector."
Sophia shoved the box to one side and glared. "Oh, for crying out loud! Why don't
you just wish for Perfect Match, a beautiful palace and a million dollars while you're at it? It's
just as realistic." She threw up her hands in despair. "Listen to me talking about realism,
and to you of all people. A woman planning to marry a complete stranger wouldn't
recognize reality if it bit her on the-"
"Yes?" Isabella questioned, amusement clear in her voice. "Bit me where?"
"Oh, forget it," Sophia muttered. "Why do I bother?"
Isabella smiled, not in the least offended by her friend's bluntness. "Because you
care. And in case you've forgotten, I know all about reality and being realistic. It hasn't
worked for me, which is why I'm willing to give the alternative a try."
"I know," Sophia said, contritely. "But to marry a complete stranger-"
"My point exactly. Since I am going to marry a complete stranger, why not pick
one with all the qualities I need?"
"Because it's crazy. It's just asking for trouble." Sophia's gaze grew concerned.
"Please, don't do this. There has to be another solution."
"You know there isn't," Isabella said with calm finality. "I've lost my job, my
apartment and I'm out of money. This is the only option left. It'll work out, you'll see."
Sophia frowned. "What do you mean you're out of money?" she demanded. "What
happened to your savings?"
"I spent every last penny on my ticket to the gala. I had to. It was the only way to
find a husband by the end of the month."
A long silence stretched between them. Isabella Rosewood knew she'd upset her friend, but
she had no choice. From the moment she'd found out about the enchanted gala, she'd
known it was the answer to her prayers. It had been a fluke that she'd seen the
advertisement at all-a newspaper left at the restaurant where she'd worked, a gust of
wind from an open doorway, pages of newsprint blowing to the floor and...And there it
was. A small, elegant ad that had caught her eye and offered a chance of a lifetime.
The enchanted gala, it had read. Find romance. Find your Perfect Match. Find
the woman of your dreams. The enchanted gala offers the opportunity for immediate
matrimony. Come to the gala single and leave happily wed. And it had given a phone
number, a number she'd called that very night. A ticket to the gala had been exorbitant,the application form detailed and thorough. But she'd apparently passed whatever
investigative process they required and been accepted as a guest to the gala.
Unable to resist, Isabella crossed to the scarred dining table at the far end of the
room and stared down at the thick gold-embossed envelope she'd placed on her best
remaining china plate. It had arrived earlier that day, hand-delivered by a liveried
messenger along with a card that read, "The Montagues wish you joy and success as
you embark on your search for matrimonial happiness." Taking a deep breath, she
opened the envelope again, removing the white velvet pouch inside.
Reverently she ran a callused fingertip over the pouch, then slid the surprisingly
heavy gilt "ticket" from its nest. The metallic wafer caught the light from the overhead
bulb and shimmered as though alive, flooding the drab room with a brilliant, golden
promise. She'd done the right thing, she assured herself, made, the only possible
decision. Just holding the engraved ticket filled her with that certainty.
Sophia came to stand behind her. "I'm sorry, Isabella," she said. "I didn't mean to
criticize. It's just...I worry about you. You don't always see people the way they really
are, and I'm afraid one of these days someone will take advantage of you."
'I suppose that gives me even more incentive to tie the knot. With a husband by my side, he can ensure that such a situation never occurs."
"What if he manipulates you for his own gain?"
Isabella laughed. "I wouldn't settle for a man like that. That's precisely why I'm eager to attend the Enchanted Gala. The man I encounter there will be remarkable." She smiled with dreamy certainty.
"He'll be good and kind, patient and loving. Strong. Fair."
"Yeah, right. A knight in shining armor. A protector."
A small frown creased Isabella's brow. "I know women aren't supposed to need
protection. They're not even supposed to want it anymore. Do you think he'll mind? It
won't be for long. Just until Mrs. Harper is taken care of."
"You aren't going to tell him, are you?" Sophia Kensington demanded bluntly. "Not
everything?"
"It's only fair."
Sophia planted her hands on Isabella's shoulders and turned her around. "Listen, my
friend. I'll go along with this crazy scheme, I'll even help in any way I can. But there's
one condition."
"Only one?" Isabella teased.
"Just one. You aren't to tell him the truth until after you're married."
"But-"
"Look what happened when Caleb found out. He ended your engagement."
Isabella grimaced. "He obviously wasn't the man I thought he was."
"Nor was Julian. Nor was Lucas. The minute they found out, they both dumped
you, too."
"All that means is that knights are in scarce supply these days," Isabella insisted.
"My point exactly. So if you take my advice, you'll pick out your knight, wed him,
bed him, then tell him the truth. That way he won't have any choice but to help you."
Reluctantly Isabella shook her head. "I can't lie, Sophia. You know I can't."
"Fine. Just don't give him all the details. Be vague." Sophia glared. "You can be
vague, I know you can. I've seen you do it often enough."
Isabella peeked up at her friend. "I believe that's thoughtful, not vague," she
offered.
"Trust me. I know vague when I see it and you're vague."
"Okay, but I can't lie."
"I'm not asking you to lie. Just be selective in what you tell him. I'm not joking,
Isabella. I want your promise. I know how seriously you take promises. Swear to me that
you'll keep your mouth shut until the ring's on your finger."
Isabella frowned, hesitant to commit to something so contrary to her nature. "I
promise I won't tell him until after we're married...unless he asks." She lifted an
eyebrow. "Is that good enough?"
"I guess it'll have to do." Sophia sighed. "Let's just hope he's so enthralled by big
green eyes and white-blond hair he doesn't think to ask too many questions."
"It'll work out, you'll see," Isabella consoled. "Why, with any luck at all, he'll be
vague, too."
Deep within the majestic surroundings of the Grand Canyon, nestled amidst untamed beauty, resides a wealthy and reclusive billionaire. Jeffrey Benson, a man of unparalleled riches and power, finds solace in his luxurious retreat. With a multi-billion-dollar empire instantly at his command and mistresses whisked away at his beck and call, he commands an air of dominance and authority. No one crosses the formidable Jeffrey, as he has become disillusioned by the deceptive and perilous nature of women he's encountered in the past. Enter Bethany Sinclair, a young and innocent soul, reminiscent of a delicate English rose. Driven by the desperate need to save her fledgling business, she ventures into Jeffrey's grand lair, seeking his support. However, Bethany's fate hangs by a thread, with a mere ten minutes to convince the ruthless billionaire to extend his aid. Within these fleeting moments, Bethany must navigate a life-altering decision, one that could shape her destiny indelibly. She can choose to depart, succumbing to defeat and allowing her debts to consume her ambitions. Alternatively, she can embrace the audacious gamble, brave enough to step into Jeffrey's opulent world and settle her debts in the depths of his embrace. The stage is set for a captivating dance of power, desire, and unforeseen consequences. As Bethany and Jeffrey collide in a perilous game, the undeniable pull of their mutual attraction becomes irresistible. Yet, can they navigate the treacherous paths of their own pasts and find solace in each other's arms? Will their arrangement be a fleeting respite or ignite an unquenchable flame?
Quinlan, a restless and determined individual, finds himself at odds with his mother's constant lectures on being a role model. Faced with the impending arrival of his mom, he swiftly takes action, locking his bedroom door in an attempt to buy himself some time. As his mother's voice echoes outside, Quinlan contemplates the possibility of moving out and becoming roommates with his best friend, Teagan. Despite Teagan's persistent rejections, Quinlan remains confident in his ability to sway her. Just as he contemplates his next move, his mom's voice cuts through the barrier, mentioning a conversation about his younger brother, Jersey. Though Quinlan feels the weight of responsibility to set an example for his brother, frustration tinges his response, emphasizing his preoccupation with more immediate concerns such as homework.
"Who is she?" I asked, feeling tears well up in my eyes. "He met her at the Alpha training camp," he said. "She is a perfect suitor for him. It snowed last night, indicating that his wolf is happy with his choice." My heart sank, and tears made their way down my cheeks. Alexander took my innocence last night, and now he is taking that thing in his office as his Luna. **** Emily never shifted on her 18th birthday and became the laughingstock of the pack. When her old crush, Alexander Black, returns from Alpha Training, she never expected him to be her mate. After a night of passionate love, Emily finds out that young Alpha Alexander has taken a chosen mate. Heartbroken and humiliated, Emily runs off and disappears from the pack. Now, five years later, Emily is a high-ranking warrior in King Alpha's army, specializing in sensitive matters. When her best friend invites her to a night of music and laughter, she never expects to run into her mate, Alexander. Will Alexander figure out it is Emily? Will he chase after her, and most of all, will Emily be able to keep her secrets safe?
After spending a night with a strange man on the day before her wedding, Arianna left the country to start her life afresh. The 22-year-old Arianna Jason lived her life pleasing those she loved the most, without knowing that she was simply a prey being nurtured for the day of her ruin. Her life has tasted the butter pill of betrayal. She wants to give back to the world what she's got but how can she change her good, innocent personality to fit into a cruel society and world? Can her sweet nature be contaminated, or will she make it through, paddling on the right path?
Janet was adopted when she was a kid -- a dream come true for orphans. However, her life was anything but happy. Her adoptive mother taunted and bullied her all her life. Janet got the love and affection of a parent from the old maid who raised her. Unfortunately, the old woman fell ill, and Janet had to marry a worthless man in place of her parents' biological daughter to meet the maid's medical expenses. Could this be a Cinderella's tale? But the man was far from a prince, except for his handsome appearance. Ethan was the illegitimate son of a wealthy family who lived a reckless life and barely made ends meet. He got married to fulfill his mother's last wish. However, on his wedding night, he had an inkling that his wife was different from what he had heard about her. Fate had united the two people with deep secrets. Was Ethan truly the man we thought he was? Surprisingly, he bore an uncanny resemblance to the impenetrable wealthiest man in the city. Would he find out that Janet married him in place of her sister? Would their marriage be a romantic tale or an utter disaster? Read on to unravel Janet and Ethan's journey.
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."
Katie was forced to marry Dillan, a notorious ruffian. Her younger sister mocked her, "You're just an adopted daughter. Count your blessings for marrying him!" The world anticipated Katie's tribulations, but her married life unfurled with unexpected serenity. She even snagged a lavish mansion in a raffle! Katie jumped into Dillan's arms, credited him as her lucky charm. "No, Katie, it's you who brings me all this luck," Dillan replied. Then, one fateful day, Dillan's childhood friend came to her. "You're not worthy of him. Take this 50 million and leave him!" Katie finally grasped Dillan's true stature—the wealthiest man on the planet. That night, trembling with trepidation, she broached the subject of divorce with Dillan. However, with a domineering embrace, he told her, "I'd give you everything I have. Divorce is off the table!"
Three years ago, Cecilia was left battered and alone by the man she loved most, Alston, yet she bravely completed the wedding ceremony while pregnant. Three years later, although they were married, they grew apart over time. Cecilia focused on her career, no longer foolishly believing in love. But her transformation instantly threw Alston into a panic... And what is the secret from 11 years ago that Cecilia has always been reluctant to reveal? *** "She went to a law firm, met with a lawyer..." A lawyer? Is Cecilia suing someone? Who? Is there any recent litigation against the company? Alston suddenly chuckled coldly, "Who could she sue? I'm the CEO of this company. How come such a matter doesn't come to me first?" The assistant swallowed nervously, speaking softly, "Sir, there's no litigation against the company. She met with... a divorce lawyer."