Natalia Everhart, a charming young woman, endures unrelenting anguish when her once-illustrious family, the Everharts, plunges into the depths of bankruptcy. Fate intricately weaves her path with Christopher Sterling, a powerful billionaire. He presents her with a bold proposal: a ten-month contract marriage. Within this binding agreement, she will assist him in acquiring a 10% stake in his family's company, as outlined in his grandfather's will. In return, he pledges to help her uncover the identity of the person responsible for the devastation of Natalia's family. Will this marriage contract run its course, or will unforeseen twists and turns alter their path when she discovers she's pregnant and falls in love with him?
Amidst the nocturnal embrace of the city, Natalia Everhart stood solitary, her gaze transfixed upon the towering monolith known as "Sterling." Her eyes bore an icy, enigmatic allure, as if harboring an untold narrative. Each step she took with her long, graceful legs exuded an air of poised determination, yet emotions churned like a tempestuous sea beneath the composed exterior.
Inside the opulent chamber, Natalia found herself in the presence of a towering figure, his attention momentarily consumed by the cityscape visible from the penthouse's zenith. Abruptly, he spoke, jolting her from her reverie: "Are you here, Miss Everhart?"
Natalia remained still, her hands clenched in silent resolve. "Yes. I'm here, Mr. Sterling."
With an almost mythical air, the man turned towards her, his countenance graced by a genial smile that rendered him an embodiment of Greek gods, with piercing azure irises. Even though Natalia was well-acquainted with this man, his poised charisma still enthralled her.
This man was Christopher Sterling - one of the most formidable young billionaires, owner of the city's tallest skyscraper, and a figure of undeniable power and influence.
Christopher couldn't help but notice Natalia's beautiful face. Her doe-like amber eyes and her innocent-looking face, as if she had never experienced any tragedies.
Christopher Sterling gently placed a contract before Natalia and instructed, "Take your time to read it thoroughly and make your decision today. I'm not a patient person."
Natalia took the contract and took a deep breath. Her heart pounded louder as she laid her hand on its cover. She began to read, word by word, the terms and commitments that Christopher wished her to undertake in the coming months.
As Natalia turned each page, the contract details became increasingly apparent. Christopher proposed a ten-month-long sham marriage. In return, she would receive $100 million and become the creative director of his fashion company.
Christopher observed the tension in her face, then suddenly chuckled, "So, how do you feel about this contract, miss Everhart?"
Natalia hesitated for a moment, her gaze still fixed on the contract. The weight of this decision bore down on her, and she understood that the significance of this signature would alter her life. She knew she was in a difficult situation, and the sum he offered was substantial.
Taking a deep breath, she finally looked up and met his gaze. "Why do you want a fake marriage with me?" she asked.
Christopher held her gaze, his eyes unwavering. "You don't need to know why. You just need to understand that this arrangement will benefit both of us. I will help you figure out the truth behind your family's downfall. Is that what you want?"
His nonchalant expression left her feeling stifled. She felt like she was standing at a crossroads, an opportunity to unearth the truth and restore her family's honor. She had once been the promising heir to a cosmetics empire, but in just two short years, she had lost everything. Her parents had taken their own lives, leaving her alone to grapple with the ruthless truth.
She nodded, suppressing the pain that was slowly consuming her thoughts. "Yes, that's what I want."
Natalia's eyes returned to the contract, the specific terms of this ten-month fake marriage. She knew she was entering into a complex agreement but also believed it could be her chance at redemption.
"Very well," Natalia finally said with a confident smile. "I agree."
Christopher smiled in response, his gaze unwavering. "I won't let you down."
Christopher Sterling continued to gaze at Natalia, his eyes deep and solemn. "Very good," he said, then smiled gently. "We'll begin the process as soon as the signatures are on paper."
One of his assistants, standing nearby, handed them a portfolio containing the necessary documents and a pen.
Christopher Sterling and Natalia Everhart placed their hands on the paper and signed their names. Their presence and the gentle touch of the pen on the piece marked a new beginning for both.
Natalia held the contract and asked, "Is this because of your grandfather?"
Christopher's eyes showed a hint of surprise at her question as if he hadn't expected her to know about the connection. "That's right!" he admitted after a moment,""That's all you need to know."
Natalia nodded. Her guess was correct. The fact that her grandfather had been a close friend of Christopher's grandfather explains some of the mystery surrounding this arrangement.
Natalia stood up from her chair and looked at Christopher.
"I need to go home," she said. "I hope we can become good long-term partners."
Christopher assured her, "I'll have my driver take you home."
But Natalia firmly refused with a smile. "I can manage on my own," she replied and gracefully walked out of the city's most luxurious building.
Natalia walked to the bus stop, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions. She knew that the decision she had just made would change her life in unimaginable ways.
As she walked away, she couldn't shake the feeling of guilt creeping inside her. She reached for her phone and dialled the familiar number, her heart pounding as she threw it. After a few rings, her boyfriend, Otis, picked up the phone.
Natalia took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Alex, we need to talk," she finally said.
A bit of worry appeared in Otis's voice. "Is everything okay?"
Natalia hesitated for a moment and then decided to be honest. "Let's break up!"
A brief pause was on the other end of the line, and Natalia could sense Otis's tension. "Natalia, what are you talking about? What's happening to you?"
As she spoke those words that would change their relationship forever, tears fell from Natalia's eyes. "I think we should break up. Don't call or text me anymore."
The words hung in the air, heavy and decisive. It felt like the weight on Natalia's shoulders had been lifted, but the pain in her chest was almost unbearable. She hung up, not expecting him to say another word.
Natalia used her hand to wipe the remaining tears from her eyelashes. The two's two-year relationship also ended today.
Natalia's gaze returned to the towering "Sterling" skyscraper, its silhouette now illuminated in the city's night sky.
"I hope this is worth it..." she whispered to herself.
Meanwhile, Christopher sat behind an enormous mahogany desk in his office, holding a glass of red wine. His expression was contemplative, bathed in the warm glow of the golden desk lamp.
He gazed at the photograph of his family on the desk. It was a picture from his childhood, when his mother was still alive and life was simpler.
Christopher was confident that this marriage contract with Natalia would be the key to reclaiming the company his mother had painstakingly built. The weight of his family's legacy bore down on him, and he was unwavering in his determination to do whatever it took to restore their honour. As he took another sip of the rich, full-bodied wine, he steeled himself for the challenges ahead, his resolve unwavering.
Suddenly, the ringing of his phone interrupted Christopher's thoughts. He furrowed his brows when he saw the caller's name displayed on the screen.
Life was perfect until she met her boyfriend's big brother. There was a forbidden law in the Night Shade Pack that if the head Alpha rejected his mate, he would be stripped of his position. Sophia's life would get connected with the law. She was an Omega who was dating the head Alpha's younger brother. Bryan Morrison, the head Alpha, was not only a cold-blooded man but also a charming business tycoon. His name was enough to cause other packs to tremble. He was known as a ruthless man. What if, by some twist of destiny, Sophia's path were to intertwine with his?
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."
Rachel used to think that her devotion would win Brian over one day, but she was proven wrong when his true love returned. Rachel had endured it all—from standing alone at the altar to dragging herself to the hospital for an emergency treatment. Everyone thought she was crazy to give up so much of herself for someone who didn’t return her feelings. But when Brian received news of Rachel’s terminal illness and realized she didn’t have long to live, he completely broke down. "I forbid you to die!" Rachel just smiled. She no longer needed him. "I will finally be free."
In order to fulfill her grandfather's last wish, Stella entered into a hasty marriage with an ordinary man she had never met before. However, even after becoming husband and wife on paper, they each led separate lives, barely crossing paths. A year later, Stella returned to Seamarsh City, hoping to finally meet her mysterious husband. To her astonishment, he sent her a text message, unexpectedly pleading for a divorce without ever having met her in person. Gritting her teeth, Stella replied, "So be it. Let’s get a divorce!" Following that, Stella made a bold move and joined the Prosperity Group, where she became a public relations officer that worked directly for the company’s CEO, Matthew. The handsome and enigmatic CEO was already bound in matrimony, and was known to be unwaveringly devoted to his wife in private. Unbeknownst to Stella, her mysterious husband was actually her boss, in his alternate identity! Determined to focus on her career, Stella deliberately kept her distance from the CEO, although she couldn't help but notice his deliberate attempts to get close to her. As time went on, her elusive husband had a change of heart. He suddenly refused to proceed with the divorce. When would his alternate identity be uncovered? Amidst a tumultuous blend of deception and profound love, what destiny awaited them?
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.”
Kallie, a mute who had been ignored by her husband for five years since their wedding, also suffered the loss of her pregnancy due to her cruel mother-in-law. After the divorce, she learned that her ex-husband had quickly gotten engaged to the woman he truly loved. Holding her slightly rounded belly, she realized that he had never really cared for her. Determined, she left him behind, treating him as a stranger. Yet, after she left, he scoured the globe in search of her. When their paths crossed once more, Kallie had already found new happiness. For the first time, he pleaded humbly, "Please don't leave me..."Â But Kallie's response was firm and dismissive, cutting through any lingering ties. "Get lost!"