/0/51099/coverbig.jpg?v=743f65da09e8fbc2666c59f60890e19a)
When I entered our room, I immediately saw Marcus on our balcony smoking. He was wearing a white tank top and pajama bottoms. When I closed the door, he faced me, and I immediately saw the sharp look in his eyes. "M-Marcus, you came home early from work," I said to him with some nervousness. Already sensing what's on his mind. I met Tristan earlier, and I didn't want Marcus to know. Even if my husband doesn't love me, he gets angry when other men approach me, and he doesn't want me near Tristan either. He put out the cigarette he was holding and threw it away. Slowly, he approached with a sharp gaze. I swallowed my saliva, feeling the strong beating of my heart. "M-Marcus!" I exclaimed. He grabbed me by the waist and pressed our bodies together. He brought his face close to my ear and licked and bit it. I clung to his shoulder and let out a soft moan. I also closed my eyes because I couldn't bear to look at him. "Where have you been, Evelyn Grace Halloway?" he whispered close to my ear. I swallowed my saliva, struggling to answer in our current position. I felt Marcus's touch on my thigh, making me even more restless. "Someone saw you earlier with Tristan Anderson. Can I ask if that's true, Mrs. Halloway?" Marcus asked me with his sweet voice. Instead of feeling delighted by how he said it, I became even more scared because I knew what would happen next. "Look at me!" I jumped in surprise at his shout and quickly opened my eyes, looking at him. My whole body trembled in fear of what he would do next. I saw his intimidating expression as he stared at me. He held my chin and brought my face close to his. I shivered as he licked the side of my lips and whispered to me again. "What did I tell you before, wife?" My lips trembled as I answered his question. "N-No meeting other... other men," I stammered. "Hmmm." He caressed my waist and kissed my cheek. "Can you explain what happened earlier?" "W-We're just friends, Marcus. I-I didn't do anything wrong-" "Liar!" he shouted. I couldn't hold back my tears. I screamed as Marcus lifted me and laid me on our bed. My eyes widened as he hovered over me. "No one else can come near you, claim you, and touch you because you're mine, Evelyn Grace Halloway! You can't escape from me because I won't allow you to be happy!" he shouted and laughed devilishly. I am Evelyn Grace Wilson-Halloway, and I married the Devil Billionaire named Lucien Marcus Halloway.
[Evelyn Grace's POV]
"Evelyn babe, please, leave your work for later and join me for a stroll," Tristan persistently said to me with his sweet endearment everytime he needed something.
I paused in what I was doing and looked at Tristan. Tristan Donovan is the only person I can truly call a genuine friend. We were classmates in college, and he was one of my suitors that I rejected. Eventually, we decided to remain friends, odd it may be but now we became best of friends. Especially that our life and current struggles has a lot of similarities.
"Tri, don't you have work? Your Dad might scold you," I reminded him.
Tristan isn't in charge of their company yet because he still needs to prove himself to his father. After all, he was quite rebellious during our college days and often got into trouble. His parents couldn't do much about it since he is the firstborn in the Donovan family. Despite having siblings, he will still be the one to manage their company.
"Oh, forget about that! Daddy will give me the company anyway. I'll take work seriously once I'm in charge. But for now, I need to enjoy life without worries. So please, babe! Accompany me," Tristan said, pouting.
I chuckled at his expression. I took off my glasses and smiled at him. I didn't have much to do at the company today, so I think taking a short break wasn't a bad idea.
"Fine! But we have to go home right away, okay?! I might get scolded by Daddy!" I said.
Tristan approached me and hugged me tightly.
"And that's what I really liked about you! I promise we won't be late going home, Princess Eve," he said with a grin and kissed my cheek.
Before Tristan and I left, I changed into more comfortable clothing. I couldn't stroll around with Tristan in my pencil skirt and stiletto; that would be tiresome.
"Let's go, babe!" he cheerfully exclaimed, approaching me. I smiled at Tristan, held onto his arm, and together, we left my office.
I also instructed my secretary not to take any calls, as I had an important matter to attend to. I planned to go straight home after our outing, wherever Tristan decided to take me for a stroll.
I rode in his car because he didn't want us to convoy. He took me to an Italian restaurant where we indulged in a satisfying meal. Tristan then brought me to an amusement park, and I couldn't help but feel overjoyed because it had been a long time since I last visited such a place during my childhood.
"Thank you so much for making me happy today, Tri!" I happily exclaimed and hugged him.
He chuckled softly, hugged me back, and kissed my forehead. I was used to Tristan's sweetness, as he had been like this since our school days. It was one of the things I liked about him, and that's why we're still close.
"I told you! See, I made you happy today, so you owe me again," he grinned, teasing.
I playfully punched his arm and laughed along with him. Tristan escorted me back home, and I thanked him again before he left. I arrived home at four in the afternoon, so I wasn't late.
I entered our house with a smile, but I was surprised to hear my parents shouting upstairs. I knew they were in the home office. I quickly climbed the stairs and headed towards the office where I could still hear their heated argument.
When I opened Daddy's office door, my suspicion was right-they were indeed arguing. Their shouting ceased as soon as they saw me enter. Daddy's face turned red, indicating his anger, while Mommy's eyes glared at him as if she were also upset. Mommy didn't say anything; she just stormed out of Daddy's office, leaving the two of us alone.
After Mommy left, I closed the door and faced Daddy.
"Dad, what was that? I just came inside the house, and suddenly, I hear you and Mommy arguing upstairs!" I asked Daddy.
He took a deep breath, sat in his swivel chair, and rubbed his forehead before looking up at me again.
"Your Mom and I had a disagreement because she refused to let us arrange the marriage of your sister Eleanor with Julian Dante, the second son of Jeanine and Maximilian Moore," Daddy explained.
My eyes widened at what I heard from my father. I couldn't believe it, and I couldn't accept it either.
"W-What?! Daddy, Elie is still too young!" I raised my voice in irritation at Daddy's revelation.
"I also disagree with Eleanor marrying Julian Dante Moore! You should be the one to marry into the Moore family since you excel in business, and you're the one I trust!" Daddy said.
I was slightly stunned and had difficulty breathing after Daddy's statement. Yes, Eleanor isn't ready to marry another man, especially someone she doesn't know. But more importantly, I'm not ready for an arranged marriage, and I don't want a fixed marriage! I want to marry a man I love, someone with whom we share mutual affection, not just for business and power. On the other hand, what can I do? I can't say no to my dad. I'm scared of him, and I also respect him.
Throughout my life, I've followed my father's wishes. Business isn't my passion; I want to dance and be a ballerina. However, I can't pursue that dream because I am James Wilson's firstborn, and I have to take responsibility for our business. I've never complained; I've never dared to. I know that if I disagree with what my dad wants me to do, he'll make my sister do it, and I want that to happen. I don't want my sister to experience what I've endured in my life since I was a child. Even as a child, I was always pressured by my parents, and all I could do was cry in a corner and force myself to be strong.
"I told Maximilian that you should be the one to marry their son Julian, but Jeaninne disagrees! She wants Eleanor to marry her son! What does she see in that child?! She hasn't done anything right in our family; she's always rebellious and a headache!" Daddy angrily said.
"Daddy!" I exclaimed.
I can't bear to hear him talk about my sister like that. I looked at him sadly, meeting his eyes while he maintained a cold expression, gazing back at me.
"Elie is still young, and she's not a troublemaker! She's an achiever, a good daughter of yours, and a good sister to me. But, Dad, it's still not right to marry her off at this age. She's too young!" I told him.
Daddy became stubborn; he didn't listen to me. He dismissed me from his office, and all I could do was leave while feeling defeated. Why is our life turning out like this? Why can't we choose what we want in our lives? Why do they need to control us? We have our own lives, and we should be the ones making decisions. Why is it so hard to be part of the Wilson family, and this is how it always is. No love, just pure business.
Will I ever find a man who will truly love me? I don't want to marry a man I don't love and who doesn't love me. I don't want to suffer like my parents in their relationship. I can't bear to make my life more miserable in that way.
Blythe Sanchez has had enough. After years of enduring her boyfriend's endless infidelity, her patience has run dry, and her heart is shattered. One impulsive night changes everything when she crosses paths with Larkin Callahan, a mysterious and irresistibly handsome stranger. Larkin's allure pulls her in, but behind his charming smile lie secrets that could either bring them together or tear them apart. What begins as a moment of passion quickly spirals into a whirlwind romance, forcing Blythe to confront not only her past but also the dangerous mysteries surrounding Larkin. Can she risk trusting her heart again, or will his secrets be the final betrayal?
Theana must pretend as Alethea (her twin sister) and get to know her sister’s future husband, Taddeo Locatelli, until Alethea is ready to face her groom. However, things change its course when she finds herself being preyed upon by Taddeo's younger brother, Arcel. It was intrigue that lured Arcel to her. His unexpected interest blooms into possession that fuels the monster within him. Nothing could stop him from claiming her for himself, even his own brother. Will there be ‘Happy Ending’ between Arcel and Theana if their love for each other were entangled with lies, revenge…and murder?
Bella stood before a large mirror in a grand room, brushing her hair. She was preparing herself for what would happen on the first night of her marriage. As Bella was brushing her hair, the door to the room opened, and she saw in the mirror her husband approaching her. Bella put down her hairbrush and turned to face Leandro, who was standing with pride and honor behind her. "You can refuse if you don't want me to do this," Leandro said, his tone cold and formal. Bella lowered her head. She didn't want this. She didn't want to be touched by a man she didn't love. She didn't want anything to happen between her and a man she barely knew, except for their wedding day. But what could she do? She had to fulfill her husband's needs. If he wanted something to happen between them, she couldn't refuse. That's what her father had drilled into her mind. Leandro sighed, and Bella raised her gaze to meet his. Her eyes widened when she saw Leandro undressing. "If you're not going to say anything to stop me, I will take it as permission to have sex with you," Leandro stated. Bella firmly closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She stood up and slowly removed her nightdress. Leandro's lips parted in surprise at his wife's actions. Nevertheless, the desires of his flesh overpowered his other emotions. He quickly pulled his wife into a deep kiss, catching Bella off guard, leaving her with no time to close her eyes. The next thing she knew, she was lying on the bed with Leandro on top of her. Leandro's movements were swift. He removed Bella's underwear and looked at her one last time before speaking again. "You can still stop me," Leandro said in a hoarse voice. Bella took a deep breath and shook her head. "This is my obligation as your wife. You don't have to ask me again. Do it." Leandro retrieved a condom, put it on, and then positioned himself before slowly entering Bella. She screamed in pain and discomfort as she accepted her husband's entirety. Bella involuntarily pulled Leandro's hair as he continued to penetrate her slowly. Tears streamed down Bella's face as she felt Leandro's fullness inside her. She gradually began to feel Leandro's movements. That night, Bella experienced a mix of desire and bitterness. She surrendered to her husband's actions, but she cried and felt bitter because she was unsure if this was the life she truly desired. They shared a passionate night, and Bella barely remembered the details due to exhaustion. She woke up the next morning to find her husband no longer by her side. She later discovered that he had left the country early that morning, leaving her alone.
Monique soared to the heavens when Joshua made her his bride. Her love for him brimmed over, so much so that not even the absence of his best man could stop the ceremony. And she even fell in love more with her now husband after the union. What initially appeared to be the prologue of their happily ever after soon changed into a captivating illusion, woven with deceit and falsehood, shattering her once-rosy reality. Now faced with the daunting truth, Monique must grapple with the revelation that the husband she adored is not the man she believed him to be but instead his twin brother…Jacob. What if the lie that she had been living with was the fairytale that she had been wanting all her life? Is love enough to overshadow the web of deception entwining them?
Amelie Pearce, born into one of the prominent crime families in Chicago, is a princess of the mafia renowned for her physical attractiveness. However, what many perceive as a blessing becomes her downfall when she is compelled to marry Gio Merante, in order to establish peace between two mafia dynasties. Gio is the prospective head of the Merante Cartel within the New York Famiglia, a man infamous for his brutal nature and for strangling his cousin with his bare hands. Millie is filled with terror at the prospect of marrying such a monster. Despite being one of the most desirable bachelors in New York due to his good looks, wealth, and charismatic but predatory demeanor, Millie understands that Gio's bad boy persona is more than just an act. Behind Gio's captivating gray eyes and arrogant smile lie bloodshed and death. In her world, an attractive exterior often conceals a hidden monster—one capable of both killing and kissing with equal ease. However, escaping from the arranged union, let alone a man like Gio, is impossible. He would pursue her to the ends of the earth. Millie's only hope of survival in a marriage with Gio is to win his affection and gradually find her way into his heart—despite rumors that suggest Gio possesses no heart at all. A beautiful mafia princess given to a monstrous man. Even monsters harbor a heart. She fully intends to find her place within it.
Ashton Johnson is a formidable presence, a person who refuses to be controlled. With a strong will, unwavering resilience, and complete accountability, this twenty-two-year-old billionaire alpha male navigates his extraordinary life with ease. Every day brings a flurry of adoring fans, transforming a simple lunch into a chaotic spectacle. By afternoon, his face is plastered all over the internet, capturing the attention of millions. From the moment he was born, Ashton's life was destined for fame and recognition, thanks to his prominent family. He is the epitome of American royalty, carrying the weight of his lineage on his shoulders. However, his world takes an unexpected turn when he is assigned a new bodyguard, someone who will be with him around the clock. This is when Ashton comes face-to-face with his worst fear: being paired with a tattooed, MMA-trained professional who is notorious for disregarding rules within the security team. As if that weren't complicated enough, this bodyguard also happens to fulfill one-third of Ashton's deepest sexual desires. Lennox Burke, twenty-seven years old, has a singular duty: to protect Ashton Johnson at all costs. Anything beyond the realm of strict professionalism, such as flirting, dating, or engaging in intimate encounters, is strictly forbidden and could lead to Lennox's termination. However, when unexpected emotions begin to surface, the task of safeguarding this stubbornly alluring celebrity becomes increasingly complex for Lennox. As their paths intertwine, the boundaries that separate them start to blur, and the consequences of their growing connection could be catastrophic for both of them. The risk of exposure looms large, threatening to upend their lives in unimaginable ways.
Janice, the long-forgotten legitimate heiress, made her way back to her family, pouring her heart into winning their hearts. Yet, she had to relinquish her very identity, her academic credentials, and her creative works to her foster sister. In return for her sacrifices, she found no warmth, only deeper neglect. Resolute, Janice vowed to cut off all emotional bonds. Transformed, she now stood as a master of martial arts, adept in eight languages, an esteemed medical expert, and a celebrated designer. With newfound resolve, she declared, "From this day forward, no one in this family shall cross me."
As far as everyone was concerned, William had married Renee under duress. Now that his one true love was back—and with child—they couldn’t wait for him to abandon Renee. Surprisingly, Renee was candid about the situation. "To be honest, I’m the one asking for a divorce every single day. I want it even more than any of you!" But they brushed off her remark as a paltry attempt to save face. Until William made a declaration himself. "Divorce is out of the question. Anyone who spreads false rumors shall face legal consequences!" Renee was at a loss. What was this crazy man up to now?
"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...
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, Ashton’s uncle, had been discreetly protecting her all along.
Darya spent three years loving Micah, worshipping the ground he walked on. Until his neglect and his family's abuse finally woke her up to the ugly truth-he doesn't love her. Never did, never will. To her, he is a hero, her knight in shining armour. To him, she is an opportunist, a gold digger who schemed her way into his life. Darya accepts the harsh reality, gathers the shattered pieces of her dignity, divorces him, takes back her real name, reclaims her title as the country's youngest billionaire heiress. Their paths cross again at a party. Micah watches his ex-wife sing like an angel, tear up the dance floor, then thwart a lecher with a roundhouse kick. He realises, belatedly, that she's exactly the kind of woman he'd want to marry, if only he had taken the trouble to get to know her. Micah acts promptly to win her back, but discovers she's now surrounded by eligible bachelors: high-powered CEO, genius biochemist, award-winning singer, reformed playboy. Worse, she makes it pretty clear that she's done with him. Micah gears up for an uphill battle. He must prove to her he's still worthy of her love before she falls for someone else. And time is running out.
Due to the plight of her family, Phoebe had no choice but to embark on the path of selling herself. In an accident, she had a tangled night with Alexander. Everything began to derail, and even if she fled to the ends of the earth, she would still be found by him and entangled... *** Phoebe screamed in frustration, "What do you want from me?" What was this supposed to be? He raised an eyebrow wickedly. "What do I want? You'll find out soon enough." With that, he hoisted her up and carried her back into the office. The door slammed shut with a kick, and he cleared the desk with a sweep of his arm before laying her down on it, his body pinning hers in place, completely trapping her in his grasp. Every cell in his body was telling him he wanted her. He wanted to claim her again. This time, there would be no escape for her-he wouldn't let her slip away. Never again. If he had suffered for five years, then this woman wouldn't get off easily either!