"Marriage was never on Ariana's mind. Living a lifetime with a man, residing in the dream home, having children who resembled her, and a partner - these were all beautiful daydreams that other girls might entertain, but not her. Ariana decided to live a single life and enjoy the rest of her days alone. However, what if she was compelled to step into her twin sister's shoes, who disappeared right before the wedding, and marry a man she didn't know? While some might consider her lucky to marry the CEO of an international venture company, Ariana didn't feel that way. So, will the marriage proceed as planned by the people pressuring her? Or will it turn out differently?"
I stared at that luxurious house. The house that caused my mother to leave me and my father. A house like a palace but filled with monsters inside. I smiled bitterly. If only my father hadn't forced me to come here to deliver the wedding gift. I didn't want to come on my own.
I exhaled and got out of the car. How long had it been since I last saw the woman who was supposed to be my mother? A year? Two years? Ah, yes. Fifteen years. Once again, I smiled bitterly. I didn't hate my "mother," or more accurately, my father forbade me from hating her. A wicked woman who took my sister and left my father just because he went bankrupt and hit rock bottom.
My father, a good man, always forgiving but ultimately abandoned. Sorry, I'm not a gentle-hearted girl like my father. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Because even though my father instilled goodness in me, I grew up to be a cunning girl like my mother.
The servants looked at me with their mouths agape. Why? Are you surprised? Of course, they would be shocked to see me, the famous bride-to-be known for being gentle, loving, and ethical, walking freely. Hmm, one more fact I need to tell you. My sister and I are twins. Identical twins. I, the older one, was born five minutes before her, the obedient and gentle girl.
Ugh. I even want to spit on her. Like mother, like daughter. See, even when we were ten years old, my younger twin knew what would benefit her more. Living with a poor and miserable father or choosing to leave with her mother and prepare for a more comfortable life. Hate? No. My father said I shouldn't hate. "It will only rot your heart," he always said.
Okay, I won't hate. But if I feel disgusted? Is that okay?
My stiletto tapped the marble floor with a resounding echo. Only in my ears, of course, given the crowd's noise; it couldn't possibly be quiet, right?
The large teakwood door with intricate carvings swung wide open, and the bustling sounds of servants moving around with their decorations filled the air. With confidence, I entered the magnificent house, searching for someone I hoped I could still recognize after not seeing her for nearly a third of my life.
"Mommy, that's Karen!" A young boy pointed towards me. I glanced in his direction. Judging by his stature, he might be around 10 or 11 years old. His shout made several adults turn their gaze towards me. Smile? I'm not a friendly person. Sorry about that. My smiles are expensive.
"Sorry, I'm not Karenina," I replied cynically. "I'm here to find Mrs. Caitlyn," I said flatly.
A beautiful woman with a well-maintained face, an undoubtedly expensive and sleek dress, looked in my direction. "Ariana..." she whispered softly. Apparently, she still remembered my name. Should I smile? Or laugh?
With a quick yet graceful movement, the woman approached, extending her arms as if to hug me. But I recoiled. Sorry, it's just a reflex. To me, she was more like a germ to be avoided than a 'Mother' to be loved.
"Don't. Dare. Approach. And touch me," I said, enunciating each syllable. The woman froze. So did the people around. "I didn't come here to be warmly welcomed. I just came to deliver this." I handed over a gift, a check left by my father for my sister. Where's my twin? I didn't see her.
The woman in front of me reached for the paper, then began to cry softly. Sad? My heart had gone numb a long time ago. That's why I didn't feel touched at all. "Alright. My business here is done. I have to go." I turned to leave.
"Wait," she pleaded. I paused for a moment. "Please, Ariana. Please, Mama." She begged softly. I turned to look at her. She gazed at me with hopeful eyes. "Ka-Karen. She's gone. Please help Mama." She asked again.
"Gone?" I asked cynically. "Your daughter is missing? So, what's that got to do with me?" I turned away again, but someone held me back. I tried to push them away roughly. There was a crash and gasps of surprise filled my ears. Then something bumped into me. I stumbled, but luckily, I had good balance. I only staggered a couple of steps.
"Why are you being rough with Mommy!" the boy shouted angrily, looking at me. I saw a man already helping the woman.
"Can't you see they're fine, your Mommy, I mean. Instead of bumping into me like an angry rabbit, why don't you help her stand? Good child?" I replied with sarcasm. The boy looked at me with fear. Sorry, I'll say it again; I'm not a gentle girl. And I don't like troublesome things.
"Ariana. I beg you, please help me. Just this once." She begged with a whimper.
"Why should I help you? You were gone for fifteen years, and now, shamelessly, you're asking for my help? 'I have no connection with you and your father anymore. My daughter is only Karenina. Whatever happens to your father, I no longer care.' Those were your words back then, Madam. So, I'm sorry. I have no business with you and your daughter." I turned and walked away. But once again, someone held me back. This time, they grabbed my leg. What was this? The selfish woman was begging to me now? What kind of drama was she trying to pull off?
"I beg you. Please help me. Karenina is gone. She ran away while her wedding is tomorrow. Ariana, please help me. I begs you"
"I've already told you that I'm nobody to you. You have no right to ask anything of me. Not even the smallest help is appropriate."
"I will pay you, whatever you want," the voice came from the man who had helped the woman and was now being begged by her.
"How much can you pay?"
"Whatever you want. Or whatever you ask for," he replied confidently. A smile appeared on his face.
"Anything?" I challenged. The man's face lit up even more, nodding eagerly. "Anything," he replied assuredly.
"What if I ask for your child's heart as a replacement for the request your wife made?" I asked. The man furrowed his brow. The woman's grip on my leg weakened. "Why? You said you were willing to give 'anything,' right? Doesn't that mean you'd ask for something important to you? So, in return, I'm asking for something you consider important as well," I replied with a warm smile I could offer.
"Ariana..." my mother sighed. I crouched in front of her, aligning my face with her beautiful yet age-weathered face, which still appeared youthful due to expensive treatments.
"Why should I help you? You said 'anything' to me. Doesn't that mean you'd ask for something important to you? So, in exchange, I'm asking for something you consider important too." I answered with a warm smile I could muster.
She turned to look at me with her golden eyes, exactly like mine. I offered the warmest smile I could muster. "I'm sorry, ma'am. But I'm not the poor girl you abandoned back then. So, if you offer money to me, it means nothing to me. Even if I'm still poor right now, I won't accept a single cent you offer." I stood up, letting my voice grow louder. "Dignity?" I shifted my gaze to the man in front of me and the woman now crying at my feet. "To hell with dignity. We lost that when you left us, begging and pleading for you to come back. And your dignity? It's your business. Not mine." And without further ado, I chose to leave.
"Believe me, destiny won't run away. Even if you drown in the Congo River and parts of your body are eaten by Goliath Tigerfish, if she's meant for you, she'll accept you just the way you are." ~ Gladwin Hampton ~ "If it's truly meant to be, it won't go anywhere. Even if we run to the ends of the earth to avoid it, God will always provide a way to bring His creatures together. But... we can choose to avoid it if there's a chance." ~ Bella ~
To fulfil her desire to study in Manhattan, Elara Fulton is forced to accept her mother's condition to stay at Adaline Quirino's residence while Elara hates Adaline's youngest son Rayyan Quirino. Rayyan, Elara's step-uncle who is seven years older than Elara, is a playboy. He changed lovers as easily as he changed clothes. Elara hates and curses her uncle's behaviour and believes that she will get a husband with a good and loyal character, not a playboy like Rayyan. But the problem arises when Rayyan deliberately mentions that Elara is his fiancée. Initially, Rayyan used that status to stay away from the woman who was pursuing him. But who would have thought that Rayyan's words would make Rayyan and Elara's family decide that they should get married as soon as possible. How is their story? Don't forget to rate and comment positively.
Altezza Quirino, a young Italian-American billionaire, desired to have offspring. However, his girlfriend of the past six years consistently rejected his marriage proposals, providing various reasons that eventually led Altezza to give up and decide to part ways. Adaline Scott, a young woman facing difficulties due to her mother's ailing health, sought a loan from the company to save her mother's life. However, the loan offered was too substantial, leading her superior to propose an alternative: borrowing directly from the Chief Operating Officer, Altezza Quirino. Altezza agreed to assist Adaline, but with the condition that she must marry him and provide him with unlimited offspring. "I will help you by saving your mother's life, and in return, you will give me another life, a child for me." - Altezza Quirino
Ignazio Quirino's first marriage had to end because his wife Gretta died not long after giving birth due to cancer. Gretta's death broke Ignazio's heart, so he chose to run away from his family, leaving behind a baby he never even named. Five years it was passed. Due to Ignazio's father's health condition, Antony Quirino, Ignazio finally returned. Still, he did not dare to show himself because he felt too ashamed of his selfish actions in the past. Meanwhile, Mrs. Claire Quirino asked Olivia Grint, the girl she had trusted to look after her grandson, to help Ignazio get close to Gianna, whose biological daughter is now five. But who would have thought that Ignazio and Olivia would be attracted to each other? Not to mention the presence of the late Gretta's sister, who suddenly claims she is more suitable as a mother for Hanna, a new problem for Ignazio and Olivia's love, which has just grown. Who will Ignazio choose? Olivia or his late wife's sister?
One Side Love Story Nathaniel Chayton is Haisley Smith's first love and teenage obsession. For Nathaniel's sake, Haisley studied hard to follow Nathaniel to the country where the man lived. Years passed, and Haisley managed to achieve her dream. When she was able to live under the same roof as Nathan, instead of successfully getting the man's love and attention, Haisley was disappointed because it turned out that Nathan was in a serious relationship with a beautiful woman named Loretta. Nathan's attitude seemed cold and evil towards Haisley, and Haisley's pessimism about being able to conquer Nathan made her give up. But when she said that, Nathan suddenly became impulsive as if he didn't want Haisley to leave him, but at the same time, the man also couldn't leave his girlfriend. How does the story end? Keep reading because you will get lots of surprises in it.
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?
I wasn't sure I wanted to get involved with someone so powerful. The energy he exuded the last time he was around was frightening as well as fascinating. But my curiosity got the better of me. "Go ahead then. I'm all ears." Right when I believed he was going to go ahead and spill it out, he took an unexpected action. Something so obnoxious and with so much authority. He says in a shrill voice. "I'd like to meet you tomorrow by two at Kincaid. I have a deal for you." And hangs up immediately after saying that. Adriana is faced with a choice to accept the Lycan king's proposal and take revenge on her ex-mate and Alia, her home wrecker or live like a rogue for the rest of her life. Everything was taken away from Adriana. She was heartbroken and dejected, so she left. Circumstances bring her back and she meets Alpha King Ares. The most feared and revered Lycan. He was feared in both the human and Lycan world. He presents an offer before her but she feared for the result of getting involved with such a man. What happens when their path is deviated by fate and they realize that they can't do without each other? Will they succeed in defeating their enemies and conquering the challenges that life will throw their way?
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."
The kiss grew more passionate as he felt her warm supple body pressing against his chest. He couldn't believe how soft she was. He was gentler this time, making love to her with a slow, languorous pace, pausing now and then to check the expression on her face. Kira was. transported. She no longer felt the fabric of the sheets underneath her. One moment, she was floating in the air, cuddled by cotton candy clouds. The next, she'd become one with a dinghy, bobbing up and down with the undulating waves. His scent enveloped her. He was on top of her, using his arms to support his weight and avoid crushing her. She snuggled up closer to him, safe and snug, cocooned in his warmth. Kira had always marvelled at Austyn's stamina, but he outdid himself tonight. In the midst of overwhelming rapture, Kira still had the presence of mind to broach the subject she'd been meaning to bring up. 'My dad's medical bills.' Austyn paused. He frowned as he looked into those beseeching eyes. 'It'll be taken care of by the end of business day tomorrow,' he said with a bit of an edge in his voice. Kira breathed out. ****** She is a 21-year-old college student who dreams of becoming a journalist. He is the heir of the McCarthy family and president of a business empire. She is bright-eyed and vivacious, a glass-half-full kind of gal. When life throws her a curveball, she knocks it out of the park. He is the archetypal alpha male, aggressive and domineering. Endowed with both brains and brawn, he steamrolls over his enemies and rules his company with an iron fist. The two would never have crossed paths if not for a cruel twist of fate. Kira's world was turned upside down when her father was hospitalised after a car accident. The medical bills were astronomical. Austyn McCarthy offered her a way out. The price: becoming his contract wife. At night, he consummated their marriage but called out another woman's name. Who was she? Why did Austyn marry Kira if he was in love with someone else? Kira was his lawful wife, but she had no right to ask these questions. Then one day, the woman showed up in front of her.
In their three years of marriage, Chelsea had been a dutiful wife to Edmund. She used to think that her love and care would someday melt Edmund's cold heart, but she was wrong. Finally, she couldn't take the disappointment any longer and chose to end the marriage. Edmund had always thought that his wife was just boring and dull. So it was shocking when Chelsea suddenly threw divorce papers at his face in front of everyone at the Nelson Group's anniversary party. How humiliating! After that, everyone thought that the formerly-married couple would never see each other again, even Chelsea. Once again, she thought wrong. Sometime later, at an award ceremony, Chelsea went onstage to accept the award for best screenplay. Her ex-husband, Edmund, was the one presenting the award to her. As he handed her the trophy, he suddenly reached for her hand and pleaded humbly in front of the audience, "Chelsea, I'm sorry I didn't cherish you before. Could you please give me another chance?" Chelsea looked at him indifferently. "I'm sorry, Mr. Nelson. My only concern now is my business." Edmund's heart was shattered into a million pieces. "Chelsea, I really can't live without you." But his ex-wife just walked away. Wasn't it better for her to just concentrate on her career? Men would only distract her—especially her ex-husband.
Marrying her best friend was a dream come true for Kelly, but everything truly has a limitation. Pierce is Kelly’s first love, but as his best friend, she knew well there was always another woman deep in his heart. Lexi Gilbert. The woman Pierce could never forget even if he had already been arranged to marry Kelly. *** Kelly finally realized their happy marriage of the last three years was just a beautiful dream when Pierce asked for a divorce just because Lexi returned. She could only be his best friend even if she was carrying his baby. *** Since their friendship had become a cage, Kelly chose to set him free, as well as the miserable herself. But why then, it was Pierce who became the one who refused to move on? To make matters worse, her devil stepbrother also domineeringly stepped in at the same time, asking her to be his. *** Her Prince Charming vs. Her Devil Stepbrother? How could Kelly save her heart in this battle of love and hate?