Avery never wanted to marry David, the arrogant heir who thrived on dominance. But after a deal gone wrong, she was forced into an unwanted union. Neither of them had expectations for their marriage, and Avery was already plotting her escape-until something unexpected happened. Can they find a way to accept each other, or will the manipulations of the vengeful Alexander Park and Emily Downs tear them apart? Would there be room for love to blossom? What would happen to their relationship when they find out that they may share the same ex-lover?
"Do you, David Park, take Avery Downs to be your wife, pledging to stand by her side through all the triumphs and trials of life? Will you cherish her, nurture her dreams, and walk beside her as an equal in every moment of this journey?"
The priest's voice echoed across the picturesque wedding venue, drawing all eyes to the groom. David's gaze locked on Avery, his expression unreadable. The silence that followed felt suffocating, a weight pressing down on everyone as they waited for his response.
David took a deep breath, his voice low but steady.
"I, David Park, wholeheartedly choose Avery Downs as my partner, my friend, and my equal. I vow to cherish her, support her, and-"
Avery's heart hammered in her chest, barely hearing the rest of his words.
"This is ridiculous," she thought. 'We met barely a week ago, and he's giving me a speech about love and commitment?"
Her mind raced, bitterness twisting inside her. She was here, at this altar, not because of love, but because her mother had orchestrated it. An arranged marriage.
David's vow went on, filled with promises she doubted he would even remember a week from now. Avery's eyes flicked briefly over the crowd. There were impressed smiles, nodding heads. She finally found her mother's face, smug and satisfied.
"This is your doing," she thought bitterly.
Her lips curved in a practised smile as David finished his speech. He looked proud, sincere even. But all Avery could think was, "A simple 'I do' would have sufficed." She inhaled sharply, forcing the bitterness down.
'How did I even get here?'
***Two Weeks Earlier***
Avery lay tangled in warm sheets, her fingers brushing through Tiffany's soft hair. The quiet of the room wrapped around them like a cocoon, the aftermath of their lazy morning together. The world outside didn't exist for them here.
"I missed you," Avery whispered, leaning in to kiss Tiffany's bare shoulder. "A whole month without you felt like forever."
Tiffany sighed, rolling over to face her.
"I missed you too. But... there's something we need to talk about." Her voice had a strange edge to it, one that instantly put Avery on alert.
"Go on," Avery said, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Tiffany bit her lip, hesitating.
"I've been struggling, Avie. Business is slow, and the bills are piling up. My siblings' tuition, my mom's medical expenses... It's all too much."
Avery blinked, surprised. Tiffany had never asked her for anything like this before.
"You need money?" she asked, her tone soft but cautious.
Tiffany nodded, eyes filling with unshed tears.
"I hate asking you for this, I really do. But I don't know where else to turn. I'll pay you back, I swear-"
Avery silenced her with a kiss, pulling her close.
"Stop. You don't have to explain yourself. You're my partner, Tiffs. What's mine is yours. Don't ever feel like you need to ask for my help."
Tiffany's breath hitched, her eyes searching Avery's for reassurance. "Are you sure? I don't want to be a burden..."
"You could never be a burden to me." Avery smiled, stroking her cheek. "Transfer what you need. We'll figure it out together."
Relief washed over Tiffany, her eyes glistening with gratitude. She wrapped her arms around Avery, holding her tight. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
Avery smiled, feeling the familiar warmth of love bloom inside her chest. But that warmth would soon be replaced with a chill she hadn't seen coming.
Later that day, her phone buzzed in her pocket while she was grocery shopping. Glancing at the screen, it was her dad calling.
It was unusual for her father to call during the day, but what really caught her attention was the second name flashing beside his-Mom. She frowned.
"What does she want now?"
She didn't answer both calls and a few minutes later, her phone buzzed again, this time with a text from her father:
"I just wanted to check on you. Call me when you can."
Before she could even process that, her mom's message followed: "Be home by 6 PM. We have important matters to discuss."
Avery groaned inwardly, already dreading whatever confrontation her mother had in store for her. Her mother only called for "important matters" when she was plotting something.
"It hasn't been up to three months, has it?"
*
"Why are you late?" Mrs. Downs asked sharply as Avery walked into the dining room.
Avery shrugged. "I'm here now. Isn't that what matters?"
"Good evening, Daddy," she greeted her father, ignoring the rest of her family.
Her father's face lit up. "How are you, my girl?"
"I was fine... until now," Avery sighed, her gaze briefly resting on her mother before turning back to her father.
His smile faltered. "My poor baby. Come, have a seat, eat, and you can leave soon."
Mrs. Downs scoffed. "Of course, she can leave after gracing us with her presence."
"Really?" Robert sneered, unable to resist. "Late and dressed like you rolled out of bed. What are you even wearing?"
Avery glanced down at her black cargo pants, white t-shirt, and black flats.
"Something comfortable. Maybe try it sometime, Robert. Or go knock your head on a wall, whichever works for you."
"More like hiding who you really are," Robert shot back. "You're still a loser who's into girls?"
Avery's heart tensed, but she didn't let it show.
"My daughter's sexuality is none of your business," Mr. Downs snapped. "One more word and you're leaving this table."
"Don't shout at my son!" Mrs. Downs interjected. "Why shouldn't he speak his mind? A girl with another girl... it's unnatural."
Avery cut in before her father could react.
"Dad, let them talk." She turned to her mother. "Now, what do you want? You said there was something important."
Dinner arrived, and Avery noticed her plate-broccoli and cauliflower salad, while the rest of the family had pasta.
"Seriously?" Avery muttered, glancing at her mother. "You know I hate this stuff. What's the game now? Mocking me?"
"Grass for the goat," Robert quipped.
"Robert!" Mr. Downs warned.
"Leave him," Avery said, staring at her mother. "You wanted to talk, so talk."
Mrs. Downs smirked, savoring her control. "One word-Tiffany."
Avery stiffened. "And what about Tiffany?"
"We had a deal. I told you if she proved unworthy, I'd intervene. It hasn't even been three months, but it's clear now."
Avery narrowed her eyes. "What did you do?"
Mrs. Downs signaled to her assistant-and Avery's ex-Simon. Avery's stomach twisted as Simon handed her his phone. On the screen were photos-Tiffany kissing another man.
Avery's heart sank, but she kept her expression cool. "So?"
"So?" Robert mimicked. "Looks like she found what she was missing."
"These mean nothing," Avery said, her voice steely. "That could be her ex for all you know."
Robert barked a laugh. "Please. You're delusional."
Avery stood, her patience gone. "I don't care what you think. I trust Tiffany and your games won't change that."
Mrs. Downs' voice turned cold.
"As per our agreement, Tiffany has failed. Your match has been arranged. Expect my call soon."
***
Back at her house, Avery immediately called Tiffany and asked that they meet at a coffee shop, saying she missed her.
Avery arrived at the coffee shop first, her nerves frayed. She was sipping a drink when Tiffany walked in-wearing the exact same outfit from the photos.
Her heart clenched.
"What is it? Who sent it?" "It's the usual," Lucy replied with a shrug. "Ah," Adrienne took the package from Lucy and opened it. Inside, there was a red, sexy dress and matching heels, along with a note. The note read, "Wear this tonight ~ BOSS." ***** Adrienne is a woman who has it all - brains, beauty, money, power and a heart that's been closed off for years. Adrienne's past has left her crippled emotionally, and the only constants in her life are her successful business and personal assistant, Daniel. But when Ryan, the heir to a conglomerate, enters her life, she feels a spark of curiosity, not love or infatuation. As their relationship develops, Adrienne is confronted with the painful reality of her past and the people responsible for it. She's faced with a choice: to follow her heart or seek revenge. Will she find peace or further heartbreak?
They don't know I'm a girl. They all look at me and see a boy. A prince. Their kind purchase humans like me for their lustful desires. And, when they stormed into our kingdom to buy my sister, I intervened to protect her. I made them take me too. The plan was to escape with my sister whenever we found a chance. How was I to know our prison would be the most fortified place in their kingdom? I was supposed to be on the sidelines. The one they had no real use for. The one they never meant to buy. But then, the most important person in their savage land-their ruthless beast king-took an interest in the "pretty little prince." How do we survive in this brutal kingdom, where everyone hates our kind and shows us no mercy? And how does someone, with a secret like mine, become a lust slave? . AUTHOR'S NOTE. This is a dark romance-dark, mature content. Highly rated 18+ Expect triggers, expect hardcore. If you're a seasoned reader of this genre, looking for something different, prepared to go in blindly not knowing what to expect at every turn, but eager to know more anyway, then dive in! . From the author of the international bestselling book: "The Alpha King's Hated Slave."
"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!
For ten years, Daniela showered her ex-husband with unwavering devotion, only to discover she was just his biggest joke. Feeling humiliated yet determined, she finally divorced him. Three months later, Daniela returned in grand style. She was now the hidden CEO of a leading brand, a sought-after designer, and a wealthy mining mogulâher success unveiled at her triumphant comeback. Her ex-husbandâs entire family rushed over, desperate to beg for forgiveness and plead for another chance. Yet Daniela, now cherished by the famed Mr. Phillips, regarded them with icy disdain. "Iâm out of your league."
"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?
Melanie married Ashton out of gratitude, but she quickly found herself entangled in a web of relentless challenges. Despite these struggles, she stayed true to her commitment to the marriage. In the hospital room, Ashton indifferently attempted to draw her blood, disregarding her discomfort. This callous act was a harsh revelation for Melanie, awakening her to the grim reality of their relationship. Resolved to prioritize her own welfare, she decided to sever ties. With newfound resolve, Melanie filed for divorce. In the process, she unveiled her concealed identities, leaving everyone in shock. Throughout these turbulent times, Melanie realized that Derek, Ashtonâs uncle, had been discreetly protecting her all along.
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?"