"Mummy, Is the President our daddy?" Layla asked curiously, head tilted sideways. Her brothers listened in attentively, obviously wanting a response. I forced out a chuckle as I crouched low before her to cup her soft cheeks. "Honey, the president isn't your daddy. The President is a very wicked person." "But, we met him today and he was very polite. He even complimented my hair." Layla continued earnestly and my heart hammered against my chest fearfully. "Cupcakes, whenever you run into the President; stay away from him because he's very cruel, okay?" ~~~ Zendaya Montclair unwillingly got into a contract marriage with the President and suffered a great deal in the marriage– from having to break up with her high school sweetheart because of the marriage, to depression, to public humiliation– to her ex-boyfriend whom she was still in love with, getting married to her supposed best friend. Zendaya was heartbroken. She got drunk that night and spent it in her husband's bed, which instantly led to an accidental pregnancy. The President wanted her to get rid of the pregnancy because he never saw her as a mother of his future children and only a wife of convenience. That was the last straw. Zendaya left everything behind and fled, promising herself to come back for revenge on every single person who had wronged her. Including the President, she was going to make him pay!
Zendaya's POV
If pathetic and miserable were a person then there'd be no perfect comparison to those words, as myself.
My life was the perfect description of them. I stared out the transparent glass of my office, watching everyone mingle with themselves, laughing and cheering each other.
Here I am, brooding over my sad and lonely life. I thought it was said that life is hard and tough for the ugly, but I was nowhere near any of that. No hard feelings to anyone, but I am an epitome of beauty. An hourglass shaped body any man would die for, and would undoubtedly make some ladies really jealous.
There's my mesmerizing emerald eyes and high cheekbones, hard to come by. 5 feet 8 tall, full, luscious lips and a symmetrical face. Definitely, I am a complete charm. But, my parents turned out to be the perfect obstacle sent to ruin my perfectly, outlined world.
Everything spiralled the very day I was made to enter into a contract marriage with Asher Smith.
When I first met him, he was running for the presidential post in the country. He got appointed a president afew days after the marriage, where he won the election.
One would think I would have it all, having a solid career as a lawyer and getting married to the number one citizen of the country– the president. That should at least come with a whole lot of nice things. However, my case appears different.
Leaning further into the chair, I twirled it around with my eyes closed. Still trying to brood, but my belly clearly has other plans for me. It growled loudly.
This is the part of my day at work that I hated so much; having lunch. No one seem to want to be my friend or have anything to do with me at work. If I wasn't so bad at making lunch so early on my way to work. I would have chosen to make my own meals and eat here in my office.
Even if that was the case, there was still a need for me to eat in the break room with every other person. It never gets better.
Sighing into resolve, i tapped on my phone for my daily order. They were just on time, as I heard the knock on the door.
"Here is your order ma'am." The delivery boy smiled at me. He seems to be the only one oblivious to my predicament.
"You are always on time. Thank you so much." I mumbled sincerely. Searching my bag, I handed him a tip for being so amazing.
Dragging my swollen feet for having sat for too long, I squared my shoulders as I walked out of the office, down to the break room. Maybe I should have waited a bit longer, that would have left me all alone In the room with no disturbance.
Three young ladies who are clearly trainees and should accord me some respect, being a senior associate and all. But, like every other uncouth person in the firm, they had their nose turned up towards me.
'Breath, Zendaya.'
It's my daily mantra to prevent myself from actually going nuts and beating the shit out of whomever crosses my path. Funny thing is; it's just a thought I have in my mind every passing day just to feel alive.
Terrific!
Settling into the table with my back turned to them. I inhaled the heavenly smell of the fresh burger and chips. My belly rumbled in approval.
'Yes baby, we are about to get some.' I patted my belly.
"I heard he sleeps around with no remorse!" One of the girls who actually thinks she is whispering– or was speaking so loudly on purpose, said to the others.
These silly girls are gossiping about me when I am just a few feets away from them. For goodness sake, who the hell brought up these people?
Fine! I don't want to listen, I shouldn't. But I couldn't help it, even if I wanted to.
Another responded In a lower voice this time. "Who would have thought someone as good looking as herself would be at the receiving end of such treatment?"
They stayed silent and I could feel their eyes on me now, pretending not to hear a thing they said. I kept on with my food, their receding footsteps sounded like music to my ears. They were right about everything and it hurts so bad. At least, they were cautious enough to not say it to my face like my other colleagues do.
Just when I thought the torment was over, some other people passed by my table and I was sure they didn't even realize I was in the room right now, or they did, but chose to act oblivious.
They were all whispering between themselves. There's no doubt it's me they were talking about; words have it that my entire life happenings were juicy contents for gossip.
"I feel so much pity for Zendaya. Do you think he beats her?" One of them, whose voice sounded like she was being choked, said.
The first one who seemed to have started the gossip, responded, "Of course, he definitely beats her. But what woman stays put in a place she isn't loved. I can bet it with you; it's all for his money."
"He sure has money, no doubt." Said another as they giggled lightly. "Her life is such a pain, and a joke. I would never wish for such misery in my life."
When they finally walked away, I let out a relieved breath that I didn't even realize I was holding.
Everytime I remember that son of a gun named Asher whom I was in a contract marriage with, my insides boil so hard, I think I might explode. He is the reason I have become a laughing stock in the whole city. I can't even remember the time I've ever had an actual conversation with my supposed husband.
The only time we've exchanged a few words together, was when we had an official gathering that required my presence, whereby we were both required to put up a faux font for the public image.
It's how he makes me hate my life so much. If I had my way, I would throw a divorce paper in his face and move on without hesitation.
But, as always for a bad written fate like mine, there is a clause.
When my parents made me sign the marriage contract, it was more on a forced will. My own parents thought it right to threaten to cut me off my inheritance and erase my name from the will if I refuse to oblige.
The tears were falling now. My life really was pathetic! I've been trying to keep them at bay, but every time I remember what would become of me if I decide to fight for my freedom, I feel empty.
And it's all Asher's fault.
The humiliation would have been kept minimal if he isn't such a man whore. That bastard sleeps with anything in a skirt that spreads. I've never met someone so shameless in my entire life.
As a leader, he is a terrible example to follow. Anyone who has Asher as his or her mentor definitely needs their head checked. I really can't keep up with this continuous embarassment, my life almost has no meaning anymore. My name is always attached to him and there is nothing I can do to it.
On the other hand, there is definitely something that I can do. And that is to tell him off his horrible lifestyle. Taking a deep breath, even though I hate to do this, I trashed the rest of my meal.
Asher would have no choice but to listen to me today. That man can't have me under his nails. I also have a goddamn life to live.
"You know, you always look so much better when I mark you up." He husked out as he palmed my burning cheeks. I buried my face in the soft, silky sheets some more, muffling the stuttered whimper that bubbled past my throat. "If you're going to act like a desperate little brat, I'm going to treat you like one. Got It?” ——— When eighteen year old Mia’s identical twin gets betrothed to an underboss, Mia was silently grateful for being the least favorite twin who was never noticed. Her relief was abruptly shortened when her twin disappeared on her wedding day, which resulted in Mia being forced to take her twin’s spot and marry a man way older than her father. Mia thought her life could never get any worse, but was proved wrong on her wedding night, when her newly wedded husband was killed and she was being kidnapped by a Mafia Lord hellbent on getting revenge on her father through her, showing her just how cruel and heartless, power starved and rage-blinded men could be. And yet, Mia found herself falling. Falling ridiculously fast, for the most dangerous mafia lord to ever walk the earth. Lorenzo Domenico, the one who never dies. All Lorenzo wanted was to get revenge, he was supposed to put a bullet through the petite girl’s pretty face and send her body back to her father as a present. But somehow, here he was– willing to go to any lengths to protect, keep her safe, and all to himself.
“I hate you. I’ve always hated you.” He gruffed in annoyance and I snorted while folding my arms. “Best believe the feeling is fucking mutual.” “Care to explain why you’re always giving me the ‘look’ then?” He demanded, a smirk tugging at the sides of his lips. “What stupid look?” “Like you want me to fuck you.” ~~~ It was a hate-at-first-sight thing. Ava would gladly strangle the ridiculously rude stranger who had collided into her and ruined her entire plans for the day, while Mason never wanted to have another encounter with the clumsiest person he had ever come across. Neither of them expected that the next time they’d be seeing each other again, is to be officially introduced to one another as step siblings. Things didn’t get better from there, it got worse. Especially now that they had to live in the same house. Things drastically take a left turn when their parents plans a ‘first family’s vacation’, but were unable to make an appearance as scheduled because of some last minute changes, leaving Ava and Mason by themselves, all alone on an island. For three weeks. Ava passionately hated Mason, until she didn't. Till she couldn’t pretend to not notice how insanely good looking he was… till she couldn’t pretend to be immune to Mason’s intense gaze and lingering touches… Till she couldn’t deny that she wanted Mason to play her curvy body like she was his favorite guitar… Till she couldn’t deny that she had gone ahead and fallen head over heels, for Mason.
“Don’t make me repeat myself twice, part those legs for me, Bunny.” His deep voice which always sends my brain reeling due to how silky it sounds, washed over me slowly as he murmured quietly against my throat. I tried to point out to him that there was no way I’d be able to do as told with his legs still pinning mine down, but the words died down in my throat when he sucked the skin over my beating pulse into his mouth. “Go on. You want to be good for me, don’t you?” “I— I do.” I choked out, letting out a breathy whimper when he wrapped his free hand around my throat and squeezed on it a little. ——— Forced to marry the ruthless mafia lord, whom everyone was afraid of at the age of eighteen, Sofia had no other choice but to follow her father’s wishes like a dutiful daughter was supposed to. While Luca Ricci only took a wife, because he wasn’t getting any younger at the age of thirty-three. She was the angel to his demons, the light to his darkness, the innocence to his sins… He wanted to protect her, since the moment he locked eyes with hers on their wedding day and saw the amount of fright brewing in it. He wanted to make her good for him, to mark her as his; with his handprints on her ass and his cum dripping off her face. To own her completely, to wrap his hand around her throat and do so many sinful things to her body. But he was the mafia lord, and danger just seems to be lurking around him, wherever he goes, and in whatever he does. He must protect his wife at all costs.
Arranged to marry a man she had never met at age twenty, Caroline wasn’t keen about it, but ended up reluctantly agreeing to the contract marriage on realizing there was going to be a huge sum of money involved. The marriage ended up being a complete whirlpool of different things for Caroline and her husband, Richard, and they ended up getting a divorce, before parting ways. Five years into the future, a freshly shot patient gets rushed to the hospital in which Caroline works, who surprising turns out to be her ex-husband, Richard. Love really does bloom in unexpected situations and Richard ends up falling for Caroline harder than he ever thought possible, realizing that he could never let her go this time, especially now that he knew she had beared him a son.
Gina is a young, hard working lady who gets heart broken on realizing that her boyfriend had been cheating on her ever since they started dating. Single and determined to take life as it comes, Gina comes across Henry, a good looking billionaire whom she misunderstood at first glance – which led them to part ways on the wrong foot. Unfortunately for her, where she ended up finding a job, was owned by Henry– and he refused her from getting offered a job immediately. Gina desperately apologized for the previous time they met because she desperately needed the job at that moment. Henry finally throws her a deal, for her to get married to him for a certain period of time, before she could get offered a job. Gina thinks that was the most absurd thing she’s ever heard, but that didn’t stop her from agreeing to get married to him when she saw the amount of money that was involved. Along the line, plans gets ruined, feelings gets hatched unknowingly and both individuals would come to realize just how fast and hard they were falling for one another, unhinged.
Kathlyn Georgia has just gotten fired from her workplace for breaking her supervisor's nose. At this stage, Kathlyn is being pressured by everything. There's nothing worse, than having no boyfriend, no job and your landlord disturbing you every night for rent. She manages to land a job as the new assistant of the most popular billionaire in town—Adam Smith. After spending one late night together, Kathlyn finds out she might just be pregnant for his child and maybe she would have considered a relationship with him, if her boyfriend—Tony Richards wasn't in the picture.
"Ms. Crawford, it’s time for you to divorce Mr. Larsen and come home. You're the only heiress the Master's waiting for.” ~•~ For the sake of love, Amara accepted the arranged marriage with Tobias William Larsen. She did everything to gain her husband’s heart but when his old love returned, she realized that all her effort was all for naught. Tobias demanded a divorce on the night of their wedding anniversary, even at the price of threatening her. Heartbroken, she finally dropped all her illusions about him and returned home to be the heiress. The next time she met Tobias, they were no longer couples but opponents. "Mr. Larsen, should I remind you again? We've divorced." "Amara, that's the stupidest mistake I've ever made. Please come back to me."
Jennifer Bennett, the rightful heiress to the Bennett legacy, fought hard for her family's recognition, only to be eclipsed by an impostor. Faced with false accusations, bullying, and public humiliation, Jennifer eventually gave up trying to win their approval. Vowing to rise above the injustice, she became the bane of those who wronged her. The Bennett family's efforts to break her only fueled her success, leading her to heights her rivals could only dream of. Someone asked, "Do you feel let down by your parents?" With a calm smile, Jennifer said, "It doesn't matter. In the end, power prevails."
Rosalynn's marriage to Brian wasn't what she envisioned it to be. Her husband, Brian, barely came home. He avoided her like a plague. Worse still, he was always in the news for dating numerous celebrities. Rosalynn persevered until she couldn't take it anymore. She upped and left after filing for a divorce. Everything changed days later. Brian took interest in a designer that worked for his company anonymously. From her profile, he could tell that she was brilliant and dazzling. He pulled the stops to find out her true identity. Little did he know that he was going to receive the greatest shocker of his life. Brian bit his finger with regret when he recalled his past actions and the woman he foolishly let go.
"Never let anyone treat you like shit!" I learned that the hard way. For three years, I lived with my in-laws. They didn't treat me as their son-in-law but as a slave. I put up with everything because of my wife, Yolanda Lambert. She was the light of my life. Unfortunately, my whole world came crashing down the day I caught my wife cheating on me. I have never been so heartbroken. To have my revenge, I revealed my true identity. I was none other than Liam Hoffman—the heir of a family with trillions of dollars in assets! The Lamberts were utterly shocked after the big reveal. They realized what fools they had been for treating me like trash. My wife even knelt down and begged for my forgiveness. What do you think I did? Did I take her back or made her suffer? Find out!
Lindsey's fiancé was the devil's first son. Not only did he lie to her but he also slept with her stepmother, conspired to take away her family fortune, and then set her up to have sex with a total stranger. To get her lick back, Lindsey decided to find a man to disrupt her engagement party and humiliate the cheating bastard. Never did she imagine that she would bump into a strikingly handsome stranger who was all that she was currently looking for. At the engagement party, he boldly declared that she was his woman. Lindsey thought he was just a broke man who wanted to leech off her. But once they began their fake relationship, she realized that good luck kept coming her way. She thought they would part ways after the engagement party, but this man kept to her side. "We gotta stick together, Lindsey. Remember, I'm now your fiancé. " "Domenic, you're with me because of my money, aren't you?" Lindsey asked, narrowing her eyes at him. Domenic was taken aback by that accusation. How could he, the heir of the Walsh family and CEO of Vitality Group, be with her for money? He controlled more than half of the city's economy. Money wasn't a problem for him! The two got closer and closer. One day, Lindsey finally realized that Domenic was actually the stranger she had slept with months ago. Would this realization change things between them? For the better or worse?
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."