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.
"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!
Yelena discovered that she wasn't her parents' biological child. After seeing through their ploy to trade her as a pawn in a business deal, she was sent away to her barren birthplace. There, she stumbled upon her true origins—a lineage of historic opulence. Her real family showered her with love and adoration. In the face of her so-called sister's envy, Yelena conquered every adversity and took her revenge, all while showcasing her talents. She soon caught the attention of the city's most eligible bachelor. He cornered Yelena and pinned her against the wall. “It's time to reveal your true identity, darling.”
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?
In her previous life, Kimberly endured the betrayal of her husband, the cruel machinations of an evil woman, and the endless tyranny of her in-laws. It culminated in the bankruptcy of her family, and ultimately, her death. After being reborn, she resolved to seek retribution against those who had wronged her, and ensure her family's prosperity. To her shock, the most unattainable man from her past suddenly set his sights on her. "You may have overlooked me before, but I shall capture your heart this time around."
Elena, once a pampered heiress, suddenly lost everything when the real daughter framed her, her fiancé ridiculed her, and her adoptive parents threw her out. They all wanted to see her fall. But Elena unveiled her true identity: the heiress of a massive fortune, famed hacker, top jewelry designer, secret author, and gifted doctor. Horrified by her glorious comeback, her adoptive parents demanded half her newfound wealth. Elena exposed their cruelty and refused. Her ex pleaded for a second chance, but she scoffed, “Do you think you deserve it?” Then a powerful magnate gently proposed, “Marry me?”
Rena got into an entanglement with a big shot when she was drunk one night. She needed Waylen's help while he was drawn to her youthful beauty. As such, what was supposed to be a one-night stand progressed into something serious. All was well until Rena discovered that Waylen's heart belonged to another woman. When his first love returned, he stopped coming home, leaving Rena all alone for many nights. She put up with it until she received a check and farewell note one day. Contrary to how Waylen expected her to react, Rena had a smile on her face as she bid him farewell. "It was fun while it lasted, Waylen. May our paths never cross. Have a nice life." But as fate would have it, their paths crossed again. This time, Rena had another man by her side. Waylen's eyes burned with jealousy. He spat, "How the hell did you move on? I thought you loved only me!" "Keyword, loved!" Rena flipped her hair back and retorted, "There are plenty of fish in the sea, Waylen. Besides, you were the one who asked for a breakup. Now, if you want to date me, you have to wait in line." The next day, Rena received a credit alert of billions and a diamond ring. Waylen appeared again, got down on one knee, and uttered, "May I cut in line, Rena? I still want you."