In a world where Gemini must navigate her shattered sense of self after losing her mother, two men enter her life, pulling her in opposite directions. Gustavo ignites feelings of inadequacy, while Simon empowers her to be true to herself. As circumstances force her into a contract marriage to prove a point to her distant father, Gemini is faced with unraveling the dark secrets and lies that surround her. With everything her parents built on the line, she discovers the haunting truth about human nature and the tangled web of love and deception.
(Stop treating me like a child)
My eyes are fixed on the garden, and thanks to the transparent view, I can easily silence the voices around me, just got admitted into NYU and I feel like my whole life has already been planned out for me. The sun cast a warm glow on each rosy flowerbed, they were my mom's favorite, still shaken by her sudden death, I wish she never left that night, if only I knew it was the last time I might get to see her, I would have held on longer.
"Are you even listening" my dad's cold and husky voice interrupted my thoughts as I glanced around the dining table, all eyes were on me.
"Excuse me" I manage to say, my voice calm. Ignoring the mocking smile from my stepmother and sister, God I hate them both, I held my head high, refusing to let their doubt defeat me
"S-sorry got distracted" trying to look prepared for whatever earful he has in store for me
"Are you even ready, your mind seems to be somewhere else, am I boring you Gemini" I knew this was a trap, my dad's way of showing me that I am incapable of handling simple tasks, I couldn't believe he thought so little of me, I know I have caused him a lot of trouble in the past but it disappointing when he vandalisé me in the presence of others. Nanny Laura walk-in before I could answer, all eyes now on her, giving me enough time to gather my thoughts
"He is here" Sir
"Let him in, thank you nanny Laura" he smiled briefly as he drifted his attention back to the newspaper he was reading
"Dad, I believe the next contract should be signed immediately to avoid...." I was interrupted again, what was the essence of trying when no one even listened to you, I dropped my cutlery in annoyance, and as the sound echoed, they were all startled as they stared at me.
"Good morning everyone" Gustavo greeted addressing my father, my stepmom, Tiara, and I. My attention briefly shifted to Gustavo, who had brought some documents over for my father. As always, he excluded a captivating aura of handsomeness. His Emerald Green eyes were relentlessly piercing, rendering him perfect in my eyes. I found myself stealing glances at his toned torso, which was accidentally revealed as the fabric of his pristine white shirt threatened to rip under the strain. His dark hair was impeccably slicked back, enhancing his overall charm. I could spend hours uninterrupted, merely admiring him, if it wasn't for the wicked stare, Tiara shot my way, quickly reminding me of the situation at hand.
As tension lingered in the room, I let out a cough, hoping to relieve some of the nervousness. My dad's gaze turned wary but he remained focused on scanning through the stack of documents in front of him. Meanwhile, tiara eyes were fixated on Gustavo, a shameful display of admiration.
Amid this awkward silence, my phone chimed, drawing my attention away from the strained atmosphere. Impatiently, I tapped my finger on the perfectly designed dining table, a luxurious gift from one of my dad's numerous foreign clients. As I looked around, I could not help but notice that almost everything in the living room, kitchen, and dining hall had been gifted to my dad by numerous clients, all in an attempt to earn his favor. It struck me as absurd that his insatiable desires for money and fame made him so appealing to others. Mama always said it was a good business strategy, but it seemed to come at the cost of a genuine connection.
I stood up about to take my leave. "Going somewhere" his voice was cold, commanding, my eyes focused on my dad trying to look for a reasonable excuse to get myself out of this house before I lost my mind.
"Yes, I have lectures to attend" I quickly added
"Sit down, I already called Mr. James to cancel all your lectures for today".He must be joking or I misheard him, finally grateful for getting admission to NYU, I thought my days of being in this house and my dad's grips and control were over, but who am I kidding, he made it his life mission to make my life miserable even in college, I barely sleep at the dorm I requested and paid for, I miss two to three classes a day just because my dad always want me around with him on every meeting and business trip, I just clock 20 but yet I feel like my life is over.
"You can't keep doing that, it's my life and I should have a say" my voice fueled with bitterness.
"How dare you speak to your father like that young lady, he is only doing what's best for you and the company. sacrifice must be made" In a sudden burst of anger, I found myself locked in a heated argument with my stepmom. The tension in the room was detectable as her words pierced through me. she defended my father's actions claiming he was looking out for my welfare and the success of the family company but deep down I knew sacrifice shouldn't feel like an obligation, fueled by her words, I raised my voice, demanding her to keep silent. The entire house fell into a heavy silence as if holding its breath. Gustavo, our calming presence in times of chaos, attempted to intervene. yet my emotions were too overwhelming to be eased, and I brushed off his comforting touch.
"You are being too much, Gemini, how dare you yelled at my mother, you ungrateful bitch" I was taken aback by Tiara's audacity as her disrespectful words hung in the Air. the room grew tense as her spiteful comment echoed through the otherwise calm atmosphere. Fighting back the urge to give a harsh response, I found relief in realizing that distance prevented an immediate confrontation, my father engaged in his work, remained ignorant to the escalating pressure within the room, and was engrossed in the weighty documents sprawled before him. his lack of attention fueled my judgment to maintain self-control in the face of such obvious disrespect.
"That's enough" a thunderous sound interrupted us as we all stared at my father, who was now on his feet, his height was imposing, sending fear among each of us. " Gustavo, Gemini will be learning from you today, do well to teach her the proper ropes and as for you Tiara, watch your tongue" he quickly added as he walked away, nanny Laura followed behind with his briefcase and suit jacket
"Mom, aren't you going to say something" Tiara faced her mom who sat down in anger, her face all red as she stood up, she was an inch close to my face this time, I leaned back a little giving us room.
"You are one lucky spoiled brat, but not for long" Her eyes furrow as she walks away in anger
"Lily"
"Yes ma"
"Prepare my handbag, am going shopping"
I watch her exit the front door, Returning my gaze to Tiara whose eyes bear hatred
"You better watch your back sister, Daddy won't protect you forever" A wicked Grin appears on her face as she heads upstairs
"Who do they think they are, can you imagine those bottom feeders, if not for my father I don't think they would have experienced this luxury, how dare they act big and mighty, what do you think Gustavo" I stood now facing him, his eyes gave me a pitiful stare, I hate it when he looks at me like that, how he makes me feel useless and pitiful, he had no right to pity me, no one does.
"Are you okay Gemini" he tries to touch me as I lean back.
"Don't....don't give me that look, you have no right Okay, you are just like them, so you have no right, everyone should stop treating me like a child, I don't need anyone's pity" My eyes filled with tears, but I held it in, you can't be weak Gemini, try and prove him wrong, you are more than a rich spoiled brat.
I brushed past him, as I headed towards the black Suv parked outside the mansion. I felt like the whole world was against me, but I never expected Gustavo to look at me like I was something to be pitied for. Maybe they all had the right to pity me, I was a laughingstock anyway.
My eyes burn as I try to withhold the burning tears
"Gosh, Mama I miss you" I whispered
18 years old Diana has lived her life trying to fend for herself and her family after the tragic accident that happened to her elder brother, who was the initial supporter of the family, leaving him incapable of taking care of the family. Diana had no choice but to step in, even losing her virginity to a stranger just to pay her family's debt. Albert is the only son and Heir Albert Corps Group, known for his ill-tempered, cold behavior and how rooted he is in the mafia world. Albert is feared by many and hides a very deep secret that haunts him. As both paths cross once more Diana's heart is filled with hatred towards Albert after being fired by him and Albert can't stop thinking of Diana as she is the only one who treats him differently from others. As their love bloom will Diana be able to overcome Albert's dramatic past and love him despite or will Albert do the right thing by letting Diana go to protect her from the pain?
Keisha West is known for her calmness, grace, and carefully maintained image. But when she meets Floyd Salvador, the charming heir to a billion-dollar empire, her carefully constructed facade begins to crumble. Their innocent attraction soon turns into an all-consuming obsession, leading them down a treacherous path of forbidden love and moral dilemmas. As their bond deepens, Keisha finds herself torn between her faith and the overwhelming pull of her heart. Will they succumb to the dangerous allure of their illicit desires, or will keisha find the strength to overcome the ultimate test of her beliefs and values?
6 years ago, Lydia suffered a brutal betrayal orchestrated by her own husband and step-sister, who drugged her and framed her. In a twist of fate, she ended up having a one-night stand with a stranger. Don't even remember what he looked like. Later, in the throes of death, she discovered the truth about her mother's death all those years ago. In the blink of an eye, she lost everything. 6 years later, Lydia returned with her genius son, vowing to exact revenge on all her enemies! Little did she know, she encountered an incredibly familiar man at the airport! *** The man was briskly pushing open the door to the restroom, heading to the urinal. Even with such a mundane action, he did it with unparalleled elegance and grace. Lydia, following him in a daze, saw his fierce lower body and suddenly snapped back to reality. She let out a high-pitched scream, instinctively covering her eyes with her hands, her cheeks flushed, and stood there stiffly, unsure of what to do. Lambert furrowed his brows slightly but remained calm as he continued to relieve himself. The sound of water hitting the urinal made Lydia's face even redder. She angrily shouted, "You pervert!" Little did Lydia know that Lambert, seeing her in this state, had a flicker of recognition in his eyes. Memories from many years ago flashed through his mind, and his heart couldn't help but stir. It was her!
Kara Martin was known as Miss Perfect. She was a beauty with good personality and successful career. Unfortunately, her life changed at one night. She was accused of adultery, losing her job, and abandoned by her fiance. The arrogant man who slept with her did not want to take responsibility. He even threatened to kill her if they met again. What's worse, Kara was pregnant with twins and she chose to give birth to them. Four and a half years later, Kara returned to work at a large company. As the secretary, she would frequently face their notorious CEO. Kara thought it wouldn't be a problem, but as it turned out ... the CEO was the father of the twins!
After three years of loveless marriage, Kira was slapped with divorce papers. She has shown him her unrequited love throughout her entire marriage with him, but he decided to turn blind eyes all because of his lover. Distraught and heartbroken, Kira choose to sign the divorce papers with bitter heart. But then and there, she promised herself that when she's back, he will come crawling to her, but she will make him pay for hurting her. Join Kira as she transform to a wealthy heiress and soared as the CEO of a multi-billion-dollar empire, a remarkable healer and make her ex-husband pay!
Charlee was left at the altar and became a laughingstock. She tried to keep her head high, but ultimately lost it when she received a sex tape of her fiance and her half-sister. Devastated, she ended up spending a wild night with a hot stranger. It was supposed to be one-time thing, but he kept popping up, helping her with projects and revenge, all while flirting with her constantly. Charlee soon realized that it was nice having him around, until her ex suddenly appeared at her door, begging for another chance. Her tycoon lover asked, “Who will you choose? Think carefully before you answer.”
After three loveless years, Neil's betrayal deeply wounded Katelyn. She wasted no time in getting rid of that scoundrel! After the divorce, she devoted herself to career pursuits. Rising to prominence as a top designer, skilled doctor, and brilliant hacker, she became a revered icon. Neil, realizing his grave mistake, tried in vain to win her back, only to witness her magnificent wedding to another. As their vows were broadcast on the world's largest billboard, Vincent slid a ring onto Katelyn's finger and declared, "Katelyn is now my wife, a priceless treasure. Let all who covet her beware!"
"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?