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Catherin found herself in a difficult situation. Both of her parents asked her to marry a CEO who happened to be the son of her father's boss. All of this was done to pay off her father's debt and fund her sibling's surgery. Although Catherin didn't want to marry young, she also didn't want to defy her parents. The inner conflict between her personal desires and family responsibilities presented a confusing dilemma for her. Catherin found herself trapped in an unwanted marriage with Nolan, a CEO who also didn't want it. At the beginning of their marriage, Nolan often behaved harshly and belittled Catherin, assuming that she only married him for money, considering Catherin's humble family background. The conflicts in their marriage further complicated Catherin's situation, as she now had to struggle not only against the pressures from both of her parents but also from her husband. Catherin was devastated when she realized that her husband, Nolan, was having an affair. She saw with her own eyes Nolan with another woman in the room that should have been hers. The betrayal left Catherin feeling even more hurt and depressed in her already difficult marriage. Catherin wanted to ask for a divorce, but she was faced with a threat that her father would have to pay off the debt and as a result, her sibling could not undergo much-needed surgery. With a broken heart, Catherin was forced to endure her marriage even though it made her suffer greatly. However, amidst the hardship, Nolan eventually realized that his mistress was not a faithful woman. Thanks to Catherin's kindness and sincerity, her marriage with Nolan started to improve. Nolan began to fall in love with Catherin and even felt jealous when other men approached her.
Catherin Mia looked her parents in the eye, her tone resolute. "I can't do it, Mom, Dad. I still want to finish my studies," she said firmly, rejecting their proposal for her to marry their chosen suitor.
As the eldest in a humble family of farmers, Catherin understood the value of education. Despite being in her sixth semester at 21, she felt that marrying at such a young age wasn't right for her. Marriage had never been a part of her plans.
Catherin's aspiration was to graduate, gain work experience, and possibly have a stable income before considering marriage. She had never been involved in a romantic relationship, as her parents had raised her to be cautious and avoid interactions with unfamiliar individuals. Additionally, she believed that dating would only be a distraction.
Since her youth, Catherin had been preparing herself for an arranged marriage, out of respect for her parents' wishes. However, she insisted on completing her education and establishing her career before thinking about marriage.
"Mom, why does it have to be so sudden?" Catherin asked, her voice trembling, unable to believe that her parents were asking her to marry at the age of 21.
"You're in your sixth semester, about to graduate. There's nothing wrong with you getting married now, Catherin," Kayona said lovingly.
"Am I being sold because of Father's debt to Mr. Louis?" Catherin asked, almost in tears upon hearing Kayona's explanation.
"Your father owes money for Ava's surgery. Mr. Louis said that we don't need to pay with money, but with a promise. A promise to marry you to Mr. Louis's son," Kayona replied, further breaking Catherin's heart. Ava was her younger sister who was still in elementary school.
Three years ago, Ava had an accident that required surgery. The exorbitant hospital bill forced Max to borrow money from his boss, Mr. Louis. Catherin knew very well that at that time her father had no other choice. Only Mr. Louis could help their family. However, Catherin never expected that her father promised to marry her to his boss's son.
"Mr. Louis came here yesterday, asking for your father's promise," Kayona said, noticing how Max had been silent after she requested Catherin to marry his boss's son.
"Mr. Louis also offered to fund Ava's surgery so she can walk again without any aids. But, you have to marry his son now." Kayona looked at Catherin with teary eyes. Catherin knew her mother had no other choice but to ask her to marry her boss's son. This way, their family's debt would be settled, and Ava could walk normally again after the surgery scheduled for a few months later. The surgery costs would also be covered by Mr. Louis.
"Can't we wait until I graduate before getting married, Mom?" she asked Kayona, who was unable to hold back her tears. Kayona kept wiping her tears, making Catherin feel sorry for her.
"Mr. Louis wants it as soon as possible, Catherin. He wants to see his grandchild soon," her mother continued between sobs.
"Is his son old, Mom?"
"Mr. Louis's son is turning 30 this year. But, because he's busy with work, he never had time for a relationship. That's why Mr. Louis decided to arrange his marriage with you," her mother explained.
Catherin fell silent, looking at Max's regretful face. She realized that her father didn't want to force her into marriage either. But he also had to keep his promise to Mr. Louis - his boss. Catherin felt sorry for her parents. She also wanted to see her sister, Ava, walk normally again.
"Alright, Mom, I will marry Mr. Louis's son. As long as I can continue my studies," Catherin said to Kayona.
Catherin looked at the woman who had carried and raised her. Despite everything, her mother's warmth and love had made her a strong woman.
Afterward, Catherin looked at her father's face, the face of a man who was willing to work day and night to provide for his wife and children. Catherin herself was not among the brightest students, making it difficult for her to find scholarships. However, she chose to work at a restaurant near the campus to help with her family's finances. At least she never asked for money just to buy snacks.
"Thank you, Catherin," her parents said simultaneously, embracing their daughter tightly.
Catherin then saw Ava standing behind the door all this time. The little girl seemed to be smiling, with tears in her eyes.
"I hope my choice is not wrong, I hope I can lighten the burden of Dad and Mom," Catherin said to herself.
***
The day had come when Catherin had to celebrate her wedding. She was already wearing a white dress and being attended to by a makeup artist sent by Mr. Louis. The wedding event was simple, attended only by immediate family. Catherin couldn't help but shed tears; she couldn't deny the pain in her heart due to this arranged marriage. What made her even more distressed was that she was marrying suddenly and hadn't prepared herself mentally. Her marriage wasn't for love, but to repay her parents' debt.
"Don't cry, Miss. Your makeup might smudge," said a makeup artist. Catherin smiled at her, not wanting to trouble her.
"You look beautiful, Miss. Please don't cry," said Ava, who suddenly appeared from behind and hugged Catherin tightly.
"I'm sorry, Miss. Because of me, you're forced to marry someone you don't know," Ava said, patting Catherin's back gently, making her older sister want to cry even more upon hearing her words.
"No, I'm marrying willingly. Please pray for me, I hope the family I am about to build will be a happy one," Catherin said. She let go of the hug and looked at her younger sister, Ava. Then, Kayona called her to come out because the wedding ceremony was about to begin.
Catherin walked out of the room, seeing that her house was already filled with many people. The attendees were only her extended family and perhaps some others from Mr. Louis's family.
She looked at the handsome man sitting in front of the table. He was her future husband, the future head of her family. He was someone she had never met before, someone nine years older than her. He still looked young, handsome, and strong. So why did he have to marry someone like Catherin? Why didn't he marry a woman who was on the same level as him? That's what Catherin questioned, considering she was just a farmer's daughter.
"I'm just a subordinate's daughter, why does he want to be arranged with me?" Catherin asked herself.
Catherin then walked toward the prepared place. The man referred to as her future husband didn't even glance at her for a second, as if he didn't care who he was marrying. It seemed like he was also forced into this marriage. Catherin could tell from his expression that he didn't show any signs of happiness. This made Catherin even more distressed; she worried that she wouldn't be able to maintain their marriage in the future.
Would their marriage be happy if neither of them desires it?
To be continued...
Elisa watched as the most important people in her life showered the evil imposter-The fake heiress, with love. Elisa, the lost daughter of one of the most wealthiest family was found 18 years later and was brought back to her rightful home. However, someone had already taken her place. A fake heiress, the pampered little princess. Her coy acting and innocent façade made Elisa's real mother love her more than Elisa, her real daughter. That made Elisa, though, the true daughter end up as an adopted child. "Elisa, could you try not to appear in front of her too much as it could trigger her insecurities." Her parents had told her because of the fake heiress. "Elisa, You've taken everything away from her. Why can't you give her a little more?" Her fiancé had ordered her. Because of an unfortunate accident plotted by Isabelle-The fake heiress, Elisa was sent to prison and her family cut ties with her without a second thought. Four years, after much torture which led to her being crippled and blind on one eye, she was released, but got hit by a truck. While laying on the pool of her blood, she wanted to question, Why? Why had they all treated her so cruelly, while they love Isabelle unconditionally? She badly wanted to rip off Isabelle's mask of innocence, to reveal the fake, manipulative woman beneath. She was full of hatred. But after her death, she woke up back to when she was 18 years like all that happened were all nightmare. She was elated. She was reborn to re-live all that had happened in her last life, but now, her mission was to reveal mask beneath that woman and make everyone that made her suffer in her past life pay. It was her time for revenge! And definitely, she won't mess this up!
Betrayed by her mate and sister on the eve of her wedding, Makenna was handed to the ruthless Lycan Princes as a lover, her indifferent father ignoring her plight. Determined to escape and seek revenge, she captured the interest of the three Lycan princes, who desired her exclusively amid many admirers. This complicated her plans, trapping her and making her a rival to the future Lycan queen. Entwined in jealousy and vindictiveness, could Makenna achieve her vengeance in the intricate dance with the three princes?
To the public, she was the CEO's executive secretary. Behind closed doors, she was the wife he never officially acknowledged. Jenessa was elated when she learned that she was pregnant. But that joy was replaced with dread as her husband, Ryan, showered his affections on his first love. With a heavy heart, she chose to set him free and leave. When they met again, Ryan's attention was caught by Jenessa's protruding belly. "Whose child are you carrying?!" he demanded. But she only scoffed. "It's none of your business, my dear ex-husband!"
"Ahh!" She was in a moaning mess. She did not want to feel anything for this man. She hated him. His hands began to move all over her body. She gasped when he pulled down the back chain of her dress. The chain stopped at her lower waist, so when he zipped it off, her upper back and waist were exposed. "D-Don't touch m-ummm!" His fingers rolled around her bare back, and she pressed her head against the pillow. His touches were giving her goosebumps all over her body. With a deep angry voice, he whispered in her ear, "I am going to make you forget his touches, kisses, and everything. Every time you touch another man, you will only think of me." - - - Ava Adler was a nerdy omega. People bullied her because they thought she was ugly and unattractive. But Ava secretly loved the bad boy, Ian Dawson. He was the future Alpha of the Mystic Shadow Pack. However, he doesn't give a damn about rules and laws, as he only likes to play around with girls. Ava was unaware of Ian's arrogance until her fate intertwined with his. He neglected her and hurt her deeply. What would happen when Ava turned out to be a beautiful girl who could win over any boy, and Ian looked back and regretted his decisions? What if she had a secret identity that she had yet to discover? What if the tables turned and Ian begged her not to leave him?
"There will be no falling in love, we will only act as a loving couple when we are in public, we will share a room to make it believable, but no intimacy, touching is off-limits. We'll only have sex once a month, and that's solely to produce an heir. You won't interfere in my business, and I won't interfere in yours. You will be my wife in every sense and you will not be involved with any other man," he said, arrogance seeping from every word. I watch his mouth move, I'm not ready to fall in love with any man, especially not one as arrogant and egoistic as him. I can handle acting as a loving couple, and as for intimacy once a month. I can agree to that just to satisfy my sexual cravings with no strings attached. "Where can I sign?" I asked since I had nothing to lose. *** Nadine's wedding dreams turned to nightmares when she caught her sister and fiancé cheating! With a secret recording, she's ready for revenge. But then mysterious billionaire Logan West offers a deal: A Contract Marriage to take down her ex's empire. But what Nadine doesn't know is her life is getting complicated as she takes her chance to get revenge or risks everything for a chance at love?"
"Love is blind!" Lucinda abandoned her beautiful and comfortable life because of a man. She married him and slaved off for him for three long years. One day, the scales finally fell off her eyes. She realized that all her efforts were in vain. Her husband, Nathaniel still treated her like shit. All he cared about was his lover. "Enough is enough! I quit wasting my years with an ungrateful man!" Lucinda's heart was shattered into many pieces, but she summoned up the courage to ask for a divorce. The news caused a stir online! A filthy rich young woman recently got divorced? She was a good catch! Countless CEOs and handsome young men immediately swarmed to her like bees to honey! Nathaniel couldn't take it anymore. He held a press conference and begged with teary eyes, "I love you, Lucinda. I can't live without you. Please come back to me." Would Lucinda give him a second chance? Read to find out!