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Juliana Vera is the heiress to Vera Group of Companies. She's beautiful, intelligent & capable. At the age of twenty-seven, and was able to exhibit her capacity as a future leader. As a dutiful daughter, she did everything in her power to please her father. She was willing to do everything he ordered, except marrying Ethan Salcedo, the infamous and rebellious son of the wealthiest hotelier in the country. For the first time, Juliana rebelled against his father and vanished without a trace. Since her finances were limited, she looked for a job with free meals, board & lodging. Fortunately, Juliana found one as a MAID. Fortunately, her boss was the most irresponsible man she had the misfortune to meet, and he's the exact opposite of her original identity. Still, she was slowly drawn into his unique charms. Juliana was already in love with his boss when she found out that she worked for Ethan Salcedo, her supposed fiancé.
Several men awaited my arrival via a chartered plane. I could say that my life has been extravagant thanks to my father's wealth. As the heiress to his vast fortune, he couldn't risk my safety. Sometimes, his style of overprotecting me was annoying. Still, I just had to recall our life situation before he became Richard Vera. Life was hard back then, and he did everything in his power to salvage our situation. As his only daughter, it was right to love him unconditionally!
"Darling, how was your trip?" He asked excitedly.
I waited for the grey-haired man to embrace me as he usually did whenever I arrived from a business conference. But instead, I smiled at the man who raised me alone with everything that he had. He had nothing when my mother left him for a richer man, and I hoped that I wouldn't get the chance to see her again. I hated that woman for leaving me and for leaving my father.
"Excellent, Papa," I responded with a promise that I would tell him anything about it.
As the write-ups said in their article, Richard Vera, a famous business tycoon, was the God in the construction industry. So if the Salcedo's were prominent in the tourism industry, the Vera's were also renowned in their field.
"You look more beautiful than the last time I saw you!" Richard Vera exclaimed his compliments as we walked side by side.
I knew that he's so proud of my achievements, but who wouldn't? I trained hard every day to meet his expectations, so I should also be proud of myself. "I think there's something you wanted to tell me ever since I got off from the plane." The proud man shook his head in denial, but I sensed that something bothered him. I could feel it!
"We will talk about it later, Juliana," he responded but the way he pronounced my name caused me to worry. Usually, he would refer me with my nickname even if I hate it. But Juliana?
"Alright, if you say so," I agreed. I was willing to wait for my father to speak until he's ready to spill the beans. He looked stressed already, so I didn't want to add his burden.
The convoy of black cars drove straight from the airport towards the private road leading to our estate, The Belleview. It's a castle with five round towers penetrating the sky, linked with chunky walls made of golden stone. Tall windows and asymmetric crenellations for archers and artillery were strewn liberally around the walls in an almost random fashion.
It was for aesthetic purposes because he loved imagining himself as a King. It was his money that he used to build it, so I had no right to complain. A standard gate guarded the only entrance into the castle built on a mountain top with thick wooden doors. Still, it's not the only way in if someone was familiar with the castle's hidden passages. Outside the castle gates, a line of king statues served as his inspiration that anyone could become great with hard work, perseverance, and determination.
Belleview had been my home since I was ten. Before that, we lived in a slum. I was young back then, but I witnessed how he struggled to provide me with something to eat. First, he worked as a laborer, a construction helper, and then he became a mason. With his experience working day and night, he learned that there's money in the construction business.
Out of desperation to become rich quickly, he tried his luck in a lottery, and he was lucky to get the jackpot.
Richard Vera used the money wisely, and the rest was history.
I looked at my father as we entered the castle gate and smiled at him. Then, sincerely, I promised that I would do everything to pay back for what he had done for me in the past years. "Papa, maybe you should get a wife," I suggested.
His hair might be grey, but it's because of the hair color he sported. The last time he dyed his hair, it was coffee brown, and he looked way much younger than his age. He's only forty-seven, so I assumed that several women would line up to become his wife.
"No, it's just a waste of time," he replied.
"Are you sure? Or until now, you are still waiting for my mother to return," I jested, but Richard Vera didn't like my sense of humor. He frowned at me and looked away. "I was only kidding," I explained.
"You are right," he answered after a minute.
I was shocked at his response because it was unexpected! "What? Are you serious? Oh my God! I can't believe you, Papa." I shook my head in disagreement. "I've never thought that you are like this!"
"It's true love," he reasoned out.
"True love, my foot! If that's true love, then I don't want it!"
"Juliana, you can't say that," he disagreed with my opinion, but I just huffed at his response.
I was about to lecture him, but we have arrived, and I didn't know any of the staff to hear us bantering over anything. There could be a spy in the house, and it would just cause a scandal! We didn't want any scandal to disrupt our business!
A uniformed woman followed me when I went towards the elevator to take me to my bedroom. "How are you doing, Marian?"
"Just fine, Miss Juliana," she replied timidly.
"Common, it's just the two of us here. You don't have to be so formal," I corrected her way of treating me. They were trained not to misbehave in front of me, but I could be lenient most of the time. For me, Marian and the rest of the staff were considered family.
Marian helped me with my bath, and we talked about random things while she scrubbed my back. "Do you think I'm happy with my life?" The question caught her off guard because I heard she gasped for air.
"You are Richard Vera's only daughter; isn't it enough to be happy?"
"You are always clever as expected, Marian." I was amazed at the way she responded to my inquiry with a question. "To be honest, I don't know anymore. People know me as the heiress, but that's all. I am a nobody if I don't use my father's last name."
Marian sighed along with me. She's been my governess ever since my father built his fortune in the construction industry. If my father would decide to have a wife soon, I would strongly recommend Marian to him. The woman has been with us for almost fifteen years! She's loyal and trustworthy, and she made me feel I have a mother on my side.
After she assisted me with my bath, I gave her something from my latest trip to Chicago. I went there to meet the renowned architect, Mr. Albert Serrano. He's a Filipino based in Chicago, and our architectural firm wanted to pirate him. However, when several of our delegates failed to obtain his signature, I decided to step in.
Luckily, I did! Or I would lose him to a famous firm that was also based in Chicago. No one believed I would manage to convince him to return to the Philippines and worked with us. I didn't think it either!
I was just lucky to bring my father's old photo! Albert claimed that he lived in the same slum with us and my father helped him on several occasions. We used to be neighbors, but I didn't recall any of it. Would it matter? Not really. The important thing was, he agreed to my terms.
A deep sigh escaped from my lips as I walked towards the window after putting on a comfortable dress. From above, I could see the ocean. It seemed so near, but I had to travel for more than an hour to get there.
Another sigh escaped when I returned to my massive bed. The firm has been my playground, and whenever I'm home, I felt so lost and empty. Sometimes, I wondered if people would treat me the same if my name were not Julianna Vera.
My desire to always please my father was suffocating. I wanted to do something different, but I didn't want to disappoint him. He's the only person who could love me unconditionally, so the least I could do to him was to be obedient and to make him proud.
I was supposed to take a rest, but I spent my time daydreaming of the impossible. At my age, I was expected to have a lover or a fiancé, but I wasn't interested in dating. I would never allow anyone to have power over me!
When someone informed me that dinner was ready, I had no idea what's in store for me. "Hi Papa," I greeted him as usual before I sat down, but he looked stern and severe all the time. "Problem?"
"Not really. Julianna darling, can you be honest with me about your love life? Do you have a boyfriend, or are you dating someone behind my back? Just tell me," he said.
I pouted my lips before shaking my head in denial. "I'm not interested with men, Papa." Richard Vera was stunned at my response, and I chuckled when I realized what he's thinking. "No, I'm not a lesbian!"
"Then why are you not interested in men? You are already twenty-seven, Juliana. At your age, I already have you, but look at you now! Well, I've arranged a deal with the Salcedo's, and you only have to marry their second son."
My eyes blinked several times, and I wished that he would correct his statement. I waited. However, he didn't say anything! "Why do I have to marry their son?"
"It will benefit the company," he replied.
"By using me? Papa, how can you do this? We already talked about it! I don't want to get married, I don't want to start my family, and I don't want to be involved with Ethan Salcedo!"
"I also wanted his older brother, Juliana, but he's already engaged! So we can't break his engagement, or it will be disadvantageous to us," he explained.
"When I said I didn't want to get married and have my family, I meant it. Even if it strengthens our business, I won't do it, Papa!" I insisted, and the proud Richard Vera frowned at my decision to stay celibate for the rest of my life.
Ethan Salcedo was the black sheep of their family. His name was famous among tabloids and magazines, but nobody knew his face. He was rumored to have a deformity, and I also believed that rumor. Otherwise, he would show his face to the public or help in his family's business.
"It's business-related!" He bellowed while trying to make a point. I remained firm not to get involved with Ethan. "He's coming to see you tomorrow," he announced.
"Who's coming?"
"Ethan and his family," he replied, and that moment, I've made up my mind to do something unimaginable; leave the castle and stay hidden until Ethan would find his suitable wife.
Henry Blackwood was known for his charismatic charm and a penchant for the company of women. He exuded confidence and had a commanding presence. On the other hand, Chloe Anderson was a gentle and kind-hearted individual who held her father in high regard. Despite her sweet nature, she possessed a remarkable sense of independence, wisdom, and inner strength. However, a fateful encounter with Henry, who happened to be an adversary to their pack, led to a one-night stand that changed everything. When Chloe's pregnancy came to light, she faced the devastating consequence of being cast out from the pack, forcing her to navigate the world as a rogue.
Daniella was desperate to have a child and the bodyguard assigned to her was perfect to become her child's father. She believed that desperate times called for desperate measures but Marcus wasn't a fan of her irresponsible behaviour. He wanted her apology but ended up getting married to the woman who abused him.
After being betrayed by a woman he truly loved, a vampire named Sebastian Kensington decided to sleep to ease his heartache. It was cowardly, but he did it for fear of harassing innocent humans. He had been sleeping for more than a hundred years, but one day, he suddenly woke up. He was thirsty for blood, but he was extremely picky about the blood he consumed. When he couldn’t get what he wanted, he became irritable and started to harass the Mayor of Stonewick. Mayor Lockwood couldn’t risk his town being branded as a haven for vampires, so he did everything to appease the irritable vampire and gave it to his demands. Mayor Lockwood rallied among his constituents to offer their daughters to the vampire, and they had a temporary peace in Stonewick. Unfortunately, a young woman named Scarlet Morgan suddenly appeared in town and claimed to be the mayor’s lost daughter. Mayor Lockwood asked her to prove her claims even if he could feel it in his heart that Scarlet Morgan was his daughter.
Admired and envied by his peers because of his superb qualities and for being handsome. Everyone wanted to be close with Pedro Lassiter but he was aloof to anyone except for his mother. He couldn't trust anyone else near him...except for his family. Unknown to the ordinary humans, Pedro Lassiter was the Alpha of the Vagabond Warriors but they were considered as the Lost Pack. He was the only surviving heir of the most feared Vagabond Warriors but Pedro has a different plan; expanding the family business. Unfortunately, things turned differently for Pedro, when he crossed paths with Adrienne Mcbride. He fell in love with her, but their sweet love turned into sour when he discovered about her secret. Adrienne's parents and ancestors has been their enemies for years. Love conquers all...but how?
Sabrina Hart A privileged woman who was born as an Alpha’s daughter, and a granddaughter of the most notorious mafia boss. She’s beautiful, decisive, and well-respected in their pack. She has everything except love and a husband. Then, she saw Kenneth Mcbride. It was love at first sight but Kenneth despised spoiled-brats. He wanted he could boss around. Knowing this, Sabrina introduced herself as an omega, and pretended to be weak and submissive just to get his attention. Kenneth Mcbride He belonged to a conservative and traditional family of wealthy rogues. It was strictly forbidden to bed a woman unless she was the wife. One evening, he was discovered in a compromising position after a woman named Sabrina Hart seduced him into her. He was forced to marry the heroine after compromising her. Because he already had someone he loved, he hated Sabrina very much. He was indifferent to her after the wedding, and he even permitted others to treat her harshly. He only realized his mistake when Sabrina asked for a divorce. Can he win her back?
Because of Zara’s excessive drunkenness, she accidentally had a One Night Stand with the man she had always been dreaming about – Lucas Blackwood. Unfortunately, Lucas despised Zara for spreading her legs and then he threatened her after ruining his relationship with a long-time fiancée. Things became more complicated when Zara became pregnant and Lucas was obliged to marry her. After the marriage, Lucas made sure to punish Zara for ruining his life. It’s a loveless marriage but as soon as Zara asked for a divorce, Lucas realized that the woman has earned a place in his heart. He became possessive to his soon-to-be ex-wife, and their loveless marriage turned into a beautiful love story.
COALESCENCE OF THE FIVE SERIES BOOK ONE: THE 5-TIME REJECTED GAMMA & THE LYCAN KING BOOK TWO: THE ROGUES WHO WENT ROGUE BOOK THREE: THE INDOMITABLE HUNTRESS & THE HARDENED DUKE *** BOOK ONE: After being rejected by 5 mates, Gamma Lucianne pleaded with the Moon Goddess to spare her from any further mate-bonds. To her dismay, she is being bonded for the sixth time. What’s worse is that her sixth-chance mate is the most powerful creature ruling over all werewolves and Lycans - the Lycan King himself. She is certain, dead certain, that a rejection would come sooner or later, though she hopes for it to be sooner. King Alexandar was ecstatic to meet his bonded mate, and couldn’t thank their Goddess enough for gifting him someone so perfect. However, he soon realizes that this gift is reluctant to accept him, and more than willing to sever their bond. He tries to connect with her but she seems so far away. He is desperate to get intimate with her but she seems reluctant to open up to him. He tries to tell her that he is willing to commit to her for the rest of his life but she doesn’t seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that he’s different; and a chance to love her. But when not-so-subtle crushes, jealous suitors, self-entitled Queen-wannabes, an old flame, a silent protector and a past wedding engagement threaten to jeopardize their relationship, will Lucianne and Xandar still choose to be together? Is their love strong enough to overcome everything and everyone? Or will Lucianne resort to enduring a sixth rejection from the one person she thought she could entrust her heart with?
It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mistake of falling in love with Kristopher. When the time came that she needed him the most, her husband was in the company of another woman. Enough was enough. Carrie chose to divorce Kristopher and move on with her life. Only when she left did Kristopher realize how important she was to him. In the face of his ex-wife’s countless admirers, Kristopher offered her 20 million dollars and proposed a new deal. “Let’s get married again.”
Blinded in a crash, Cary was rejected by every socialite—except Evelina, who married him without hesitation. Three years later, he regained his sight and ended their marriage. "We’ve already lost so many years. I won’t let her waste another one on me." Evelina signed the divorce papers without a word. Everyone mocked her fall—until they discovered that the miracle doctor, jewelry mogul, stock genius, top hacker, and the President's true daughter… were all her. When Cary came crawling back, a ruthless tycoon had him kicked out. "She's my wife now. Get lost."
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."
"Miss Brown, I am the butler here at your service," the butler replied. "My master wants to buy the baby in your belly." "What?!" Does that mean the abortion didn't take place? Did they kidnap her from the operating table just to buy the baby? But why her? "You..." Alice was about to ask a question, but the man in front of her calmly continued, as if he had expected her question, "You're pregnant with his child, and he needs a child. That's all I can tell you." Alice was forced to sign a surrogacy contract and eight months later gave birth to two healthy babies. Fortunately, the man was unaware of her daughter's existence. It wasn't until five years later that fate brought them together again...
Linsey was stood up by her groom to run off with another woman. Furious, she grabbed a random stranger and declared, "Let's get married!" She had acted on impulse, realizing too late that her new husband was the notorious rascal, Collin. The public laughed at her, and even her runaway ex offered to reconcile. But Linsey scoffed at him. "My husband and I are very much in love!" Everyone thought she was delusional. Then Collin was revealed to be the richest man in the world. In front of everyone, he got down on one knee and held up a stunning diamond ring. "I look forward to our forever, honey."