Theodore Maxwell, a ruthless business tycoon driven by vengeance, plots to marry Alina Roosevelt, to kill two birds with one stone; get revenge on her father and, to inherit everything that was rightfully his. Alina, a budding author with a heart as pure as her prose, was blissfully unaware of Theodore's ulterior motives when she said "I do." As Theodore's cunning plan unfolded, he found himself captivated by Alina's charm and kindness. Despite his initial intentions, he couldn't help but admire the woman he had married. But just as unexpected love began to blossom, everything crumbles with Alina's father, who devised a cunning scheme that shattered the fragile peace in their marriage. Consumed by rage and betrayal, Theodore divorces Alina, blaming her for her father's deceit. It's too late to realize that Alina was a mere pawn in her father's malicious game. Regret gnawed at his heart as he desperately searched for her, but she had vanished without a trace. Haunted by the memory of his cruel actions, Theodore is set to find Alina and make amends. And he will stop at nothing. How long will Alina be successful in keeping her little secret hidden? ----------------------------------------------------- "I'm not your wife anymore, Theodore!" I yelled, shoving him away from me. He had absolutely no right to march back into my life. "Here's where you are wrong Alina," he took dangerous steps towards me until I was pushed against one of the walls, as he held me captive. "You were mine, then. You are mine now. And you, most definitely, will stay mine in the future. Not even you can separate yourself from me Alina, because you were born to be mine!" And that's when he smashed his lips against mine in a furious kiss.
Alina's Pov
"Aren't you excited?" Millie decided to speak after observing me for a couple of minutes. She was careful in phrasing her sentence, knowing that I don't really like people disturbing me at my little corner table situated on the balcony connected to my room. I was drafting out a chapter for my upcoming book with my feet tucked under my hips, on the comfy bean bag. The evening was quiet, yet enchanting, as I took some sips from the coffee mug resting beside me on the table. My glasses were hanging a little low on my nose as I continued pressing the keys on my laptop, earning little clicking sounds.
"Excited about what?" I didn't bother looking up from the screen. Millie and I were cousins. She was the daughter of my only uncle. She was two years younger than me and I could say we were a little close. Or maybe that's what I made her believe, because I never got close to anyone. Not even family. Mom was out of the picture when she died in an accident and I was only three. After that, I was brought up by nannies and maids. Well, dad was a businessman. And his business was all that mattered to him. So losing his wife meant nothing to him, and in his race to flourish the business and become the best, he lost me as well.
"The marriage..Alina?" Millie hesitated.
"What is so exciting about it? Care to explain?" I shut the flap of my laptop to finally face her and crossed my arms over my chest. She was the only company I had, ever since I gained a sense of my surroundings. That's because uncle would leave her off at our house often to deal with business alongside dad. Aunt Benny, Millie's mother, died due to breast cancer five years ago. Since then, she's been coming a lot to me. Well, she says I'm the only other girl she knows in the family. And it wouldn't be wrong if I said the same. Because dad and uncle never let us out too much. We had to get permission to go anywhere, and that, too, only if it was utterly important. But it still didn't stop me from having my flings here and there and losing my virginity. What can we say? I was quite the rebel in my teenage years. Having a strict father only ever elevated it more. I found a thrill in going against the rules. But not anymore, when I started finding my solace in reading and writing. A temporary escape from the harsh reality of my life.
For the rest of our things, they were delivered to the doorstep, so we didn't really go shopping either. Dad was successful in flourishing his business. Well, at least way more than an average person, and it wouldn't be wrong to say he qualified on the state millionaire's list. Until recently, it all went down the drain because of a stupid decision which crippled and drowned him in debt. And now, to fix his mistake, he was using his only daughter as a pawn in his plan.
He decided to sign off a deal with his biggest business rival to bring him out of the debt.
Theodore Maxwell
One of the youngest, most eligible business tycoons to exist. Well, not all of it was his hard work. Some credit did go to his father for stabilizing his empire, but he has to be credited for giving it a push to elevate it to a level that was out of reach for any average civilian. By making him a partner, and signing 50% shares in his name, dad was going to be successful in floating back. And to top it all, Theodore called the price so low, he agreed in a heartbeat.
Marriage with me.
Yes, I was never worth anything to my father. He made it clear many times.
"I just...why don't you say no?"
"You tell me? Can I?" Welcome to the Roosevelt family, where the ladies, or even us kids, had literally no say in front of our fathers. From a very early age, all the rules were made crystal clear to us. And Lord help us, if we dare to defy them.
She sighed, knowing there was nothing that could be done. "But you can make it work out right? Your marriage. I mean, obviously, there is no love because you guys don't know each other. But it's hard not to fall in love with you once someone gets to know you. And maybe you could even have your happily ever after with him!" She was trying to cheer me up. She gave me too much credit for my beauty. I liked to think I was a little above average, but nothing close to a Victoria Secret model. She begged to differ, saying with my burgundy hair and hazel eyes, there was hardly anyone who could match my aura. As if!
"Although I'm the writer here, it seems you like to create some fantasies even I can't manage to write. Grow up, this is real life."
****
"Do you, Alina Roosevelt, take Theodore Maxwell as your husband?"
"I do," my words were emotionless as I stared at particularly nothing. My engagement ring and wedding dress were delivered by Theo's men yesterday. The dress was beautiful, I couldn't deny it. A long flowy mermaid gown with a deep floral neckline. But the weight it carried in this situation was choking me, almost making me feel breathless. This marriage of convenience, the facade of happiness I was forced to wear, made me feel sick.
"Do you, Theodore Maxwell, take Alina Roosevelt as your wife?"
"I do," I heard his stern yet velvety voice pierce my ears. There it goes, this emotionless, workaholic, intimidating, hulk of a robot was now my husband. One thing I knew about him: he was ruthless in the business world and never played fair. How to turn the opponent's life upside down was a skill that came naturally to him. As if he was born with it. How in the hell did I even end up being his wife?
"You may now kiss the bride." Here was the moment I was dreading. He abruptly turned me to face him and it was the first time I had been looking up at him this close. It was only now I took in his features and couldn't deny it, he was very easy on the eyes. Very pleasing, very appealing. Gray eyes that radiated confidence, his chiseled jaw carved to perfection, sharp features, everything about him screamed handsome.
He dipped his face and for a moment I thought he was going to kiss me, but I was thankful when his lips touched my cheeks, just next to my lips, and that was enough to give the impression that they in fact met my lips. The crowd was small since only close family and business friends were invited, but the cheers that erupted made me think if more people had joined. I saw dad from the corner of my eye meeting his business associates with a victory smile on his face, while Millie gave me a look of sympathy. Well there was nothing much that could be done now anyway. My life was signed away.
Betrayal, fear, and confusion clouded her thoughts as she faced the harsh reality of her existence. The daughter of the Shadow Weaver's ruthless leader, she had been molded into a weapon, a puppet dancing on her father's strings. Yet, beneath the facade of loyalty, her soul yearned for something more, something real. Trapped in enemy territory, she found an unexpected solace in the arms of Christian Darwin, the Royal Beta of the Red Moon pack. His eyes, like twin galaxies, held a promise of protection and understanding. "You need to trust me," he whispered, his voice a soothing balm to her wounded spirit. "I will take away your pain. I will make them pay for what they've done to you. They'll regret every moment of it." His words hung in the air, laden with a fierce determination that resonated with Mia's shattered soul. As he opened his arms, a silent plea for her to find refuge in his embrace, she hesitated for a moment, her teary eyes searching his face for sincerity. In that fragile moment, she made a choice – to let go of the chains that bound her and to embrace the warmth of his presence. With a rush of raw, unfiltered emotion, she threw herself into his arms, seeking solace in the midst of chaos. What happens when secrets are revealed and she finds out that her life has been nothing but a series of lies? What happens when the truth unfolds and she finds out that the only person she was ever devoted to, was the one who betrayed her? She is yet to discover her true identity so join Mia on this rollercoaster journey where her mate will bring her wildest fantasies to life, where she has only one mission: Make The Culprit Pay.
Never did I think that my life could take such a huge turn. But they didn't know that it takes more than a few to take me down for I am the White Wolf who has survived all on her own for all these years and was not ready to give in just yet. Catch me if you can. ------------------------------------------------- " You don't understand anything," I gritted out . " Then make me understand, I'm willing to do anything for you. Just please stop fighting this alone. Just let me in. Let me take this pain away. Please, " he whispered while looking right in my eyes. He held so many emotions in those blue orbs that held me captive all this time.
Lily Williams and Rose Williams, the twins who are never afraid to speak their minds, always seeking something adventurous. Their wish finally comes true when an old enemy of their father returns but so does the dangers and threats of being born in a mafia family. They have always been prepared for situations like such and are ready to enjoy this rollercoaster ride, but what they were not ready for, were the two handsome men who have taken a sudden interest in them. Not to forget they just happen to bear the names that sends shivers and fear down everyone's body. Vincenzo De Connor and Dante De Connor. One is a gang leader and the other is an assassin. Together they are the best partners in crime ever known to the world. So what happens when the two unite again? What happens when both have set their goals on getting something they want? More like someone. Bullets are fired, secrets are unraveled, fear is established, pain is felt, but most importantly.... Love is discovered.
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?
Rejected by her mate, who had been her long-time crush, Jasmine felt utterly humiliated. Seeking solace, she headed to a party to drown her sorrows. But things took a turn for the worse when her friends issued a cruel dare: kiss a stranger or beg her mate for forgiveness. With no other choice, Jasmine approached a stranger and kissed him, thinking that would be the end of it. However, the stranger unexpectedly wrapped his arms around her waist and whispered in her ear, "You're mine!" He growled, his words sending shivers down her spine. And then, he offered her a solution that would change everything...
Three years ago, Cecilia was left battered and alone by the man she loved most, Alston, yet she bravely completed the wedding ceremony while pregnant. Three years later, although they were married, they grew apart over time. Cecilia focused on her career, no longer foolishly believing in love. But her transformation instantly threw Alston into a panic... And what is the secret from 11 years ago that Cecilia has always been reluctant to reveal? *** "She went to a law firm, met with a lawyer..." A lawyer? Is Cecilia suing someone? Who? Is there any recent litigation against the company? Alston suddenly chuckled coldly, "Who could she sue? I'm the CEO of this company. How come such a matter doesn't come to me first?" The assistant swallowed nervously, speaking softly, "Sir, there's no litigation against the company. She met with... a divorce lawyer."
After a passionate night, Verena left some money and wanted to leave, but was held by her companion. "Isn't it your turn to make me happy?" Verena, always disguising herself as ugly, slept with her fiance's uncle, Darren, in order to escape her engagement with her unfaithful fiance. Darren had respect and admiration. Word of his romantic escapades circulated, some saying they saw him kissing a lady against a wall and others calling it gossip. Who could ever tame Darren's heart? Then, shockingly, Darren was caught bending down to help Verena with her shoes, all to score a kiss from her!
After hiding her true identity throughout her three-year marriage to Colton, Allison had committed wholeheartedly, only to find herself neglected and pushed toward divorce. Disheartened, she set out to rediscover her true self-a talented perfumer, the mastermind of a famous intelligence agency, and the heir to a secret hacker network. Realizing his mistakes, Colton expressed his regret. "I know I messed up. Please, give me another chance." Yet, Kellan, a once-disabled tycoon, stood up from his wheelchair, took Allison's hand, and scoffed dismissively, "You think she'll take you back? Dream on."
"You're mine, little puppy," Kylan growled against my neck. A soft gasp escaped my lips as his lips brushed my skin. My mind screamed at me to push him away-the Lycan Prince who had humiliated me again and again, but my body betrayed me, leaning into him before I could stop myself. He pressed his lips against mine, and his kiss grew more aggressive, more possessive as I felt my legs weaken. What was I doing? In a split-second, I pulled away and slapped him hard across the face. Kylan's eyes darkened, but the smirk on his lips exposed his amusement. "You and I both know we can't fight this, Violet," he said, gripping my wrist. "You're my mate." "And yet you don't want me," I replied. "You told me you were ashamed of me, that l'd never be your queen, that you'd never love me. So please, accept my rejection and let me go." "Never," he whispered, his grip tightening as he pulled me closer. "Soon enough, you'll be begging for me. and when you do-I'll use you as I see fit and then I'll reject you."