Adrienne Thomas is the forsaken daughter of a problematic family. Instead of aiming for revenge on those who had made her life a living hell, she cowardly settled for a low-key and peaceful life. Everything was going well until a disastrous tragedy befell her. Out of desperation for assistance, she got entangled with her ex's uncle, Gideon Magnus who curled her life into a situation she couldn't figure out as better or worse.Â
Adrienne's POV
I was scrolling through the TV channels when I came across the news of one of my step-brothers being arrested for murdering an employee who threatened to spill the dirty work they engaged in underneath their business career. My munching sound slowed down as my stomach grumbled in extreme disgust. Why the hell do I have to see his face now?
I angrily tossed the remote at the television. Even though I had intentionally thrown it, I held my breath in fear that the screen might smash. I nervously tiptoed to the electronic device, rubbed the spot the remote had hit, and exhaled in relief "I'm glad you endured such pain" I grinned at the television and glared at the remote. I groan in discomfort to pick it up before moving to place it on the center table.
I shook my head, picked up my leftover chips, and strolled out of the living room to get ready for my night shift. The life of the wealthy people isn't the type I admired when I was growing up, because I figured out how much they are trapped in darkness and readiness to stabilize their status no matter the means. That dark world that had finished off my mother and had got all her fortune snatched from her.
I could have been massacred together with her twelve years ago, but I had escaped with the aid of a stranger. Watching my mother get slaughtered was the most traumatic occurrence I had ever experienced, and thankfully, after many years of trying to overcome my past, I was beginning to flourish after meeting the love of my life, Jeffery.
We have been dating for over three years. Like a rose that had weathered many storms, our bond had only grown stronger with time. He has been able to secure a decent job, and we have planned our future. Even though he had struggled financially for some time, he vehemently refused my suggestion for him to go back to his family for assistance. He made sure he survived his hard times alone with a bit of my aid, and that made me more proud of him. I wouldn't sleep a day without daydreaming about how we would take care of our kids while guiding them with good parental advice.
I shrugged my confection thoughts with a pleased smile, and neatly folded my scrub-suit uniform inside my bag. I stroll to my drawer to take a few dollars after a mind analysis of my budgets for the week. The vibrating of my phone jerked me out of my thoughts and Immediately, an abnormal cold ran down my spine.
Odd.
I instantly had a gut feeling about that particular message which I made sure I didn't check until I was inside the commercial bus on my way to work.
Immediately I got onto the bus, I settled and clicked on the message from a private number "My dear Layla, after so many years of hiding and living the life you wished for, you ought to come back to where you belong. I bet you thought we didn't know where you've been hiding all these years. Once you get down from that bus, meet up with me at the coffee shop opposite your hospital. I am sure that you don't want people close to you to be involved in your complicated life"
That simple message was enough to make my legs flutter in fear. I painfully bite my lips until they spill blood. I let it go when I began to feel difficulty in breathing. All at once, tiny pieces of my wretched past flash through my senses. I tightly grasped my bag to my chest as my eyes itched with tears. My lips were quivering terribly and my body felt as sunken as a drum with no skin.
What do they want again? I have lived the most years of my life on the run. They want me to be stained with blood. How did they find me? Why at this point when I believed I was halfway through accomplishing my dream life? I could visualize their smirk and devilish gaze as I reread the message hoping this was a nightmare.
It took the driver to scream like a maniac for me to discover that everyone had alighted from the bus. I was late for work already, but I didn't care because my life was on the brink of getting disgruntled again.
As I descended from the bus, I shut my eyes from making contact with the coffee shop. Immediately I attempted to raise my leg to cross, my phone vibrated with a warning message "Don't fucking dare!"
I reluctantly veered around with sweats plopping out of my skin nonstop. I mustered a little courage and tried my best to reassure myself of the fact that the space was huddled with cops. I was not convinced that the officers could stop them, but comforting myself with that was the only option.
It wasn't hard to spot one of the bastards at the right corner of the coffee shop. I tried my best to look fearless, but my dread overshadowed me physically as I convulsed while trying to sit.
I was hoping it wasn't one of them.
Draco gradually lifted his head and honed his sinister eyes at me. "Long time, no see, my dear sister" he cracked up at my frozen self. "Damn, it must have been so tough to tour the whole country for thirteen years just to disguise. Let's cut the intro short, Drake was charged with murder" he began and leaned back on the soft chair "You are the only one left to attest to a contract that would save him" he groaned and irritatingly licked his jagged lips.
"What is the contract about?" I raised my brows in a query.
Draco scoffed and positioned his intertwined hands on the table. "Since when do you think you can question me? You are still the ten years old weak Layla" he groans and licks his lips again.
"My name is Adrienne!" I bang my quivering hands on the table. "I would rather die than follow you back to the Island or sign any filthy contract. You think I am clueless that you guys have a hand in the dea..th of my mot..her?" I shrieked and choked on my words.
The customers in the shop were now weirdly staring at us. I walked out of the sitting set in an attempt to get out, but he muttered in a tone that sounded like someone trying hard to suppress his outrage "Is his name, Jeffery? The one you got glued to for the past three years?"
"You wouldn't dare to touch him because his family might be the most influential one in the whole of the country" I fired back while trying hard not to collapse in perturbation. I was forcing myself to speak.
"His influential family or his influential Uncle? In case you don't know, that man you love with all your heart has been plotting with us on how to take his uncle down. Tsk tsk, I was mistaken to think your senses could be easily doubtful of someone. You don't want to dare me, Layla. Get into the car that will be packed at the front of your house tomorrow morning" he declared in a tone of finality and walked out of the café.
Uncle? Jeffery only mentioned that his family was once affluent. I deduced that Draco was making up things to make me fall into his trap.
I ran out of the coffee shop towards my workplace with the strength left in me. My disrupted condition got diverted as I concentrated on the scene at the entrance of the hospital. Several enormous men in black were scattered around with the clinic securities alerting the people that the hospital was shut down for the night.
What the hell? A public hospital?
I scurried forward to the entrance, but I got shoved away by one of the black-clothed men. "I am one of the nurses in the hospital" I muttered weakly.
"I might not be familiar with the environment, but I swear that the occupation you claim to possess does wear a uniform.." he snorted and roughly pushed me away when I made an effort to walk inside again. I gave up as I was not also in the mood to work.
I stepped out of the terrace feeling depressed and dejected. I heard a faint groan of two ladies murmuring about a famous businessman being rushed into the hospital, and that had been the reason it was shut down. I stretched my ear only to hear her mention Gideon Magnus.
I hissed in disbelief.
Jeffery made me hate that man beyond imagination even though I know nothing about their relationship. Besides my unwarranted loath for Mr. Gideon, I doubt if such an affluent and wealthy figure would step foot in this part of the country.
I exhaled in fatigue as I wandered the street.
My home and that of my man was not safe at the moment. I assumed the best option was to inform Jeffery about the situation as I reckoned he would come up with a suitable decision. I called his number thrice, but it was unreachable before I ventured on a trip to his house. It was a few meters away from my house, but he resided in an estate.
I lifted my shaky hand to knock on his door, but it opened after a slight push. It was unusual for him to leave his door unfurled. He is an extremely private person to the extent that he wouldn't tell me his entrance password nor feel comfortable talking about his parents as he claimed them to be deceased. I pushed my head inside out of fear that someone, or probably my step-brother might have mishandled him.
Instead, my eyes came in contact with a woman's underwear scattered on the floor. My pulse accelerated abnormally when I began to hear strange voices that sounded like moans.
Outstandingly bizarre.
I straightened my posture and sought the sound that led me to the kitchen. I wasn't shaken by the nude back of a familiar man facing the kitchen slab as he shoved to and fro until Jeffery turned his head, making me identify the lady underneath him as his assistant. They were sweating profusely like someone who had been in the act for a long time. And even as he was still staring at me, he continued plunging hard into her womanhood as he clasped her breast against the kitchen slab.
I blink my eyes thrice before my system permits my blood transfusion to terminate.
Lyra was gifted with the rare and coveted power of invisibility by the Moon Goddess, a power that set her apart from even the mightiest of her pack's leaders. Her mother, wise and wary, warned Lyra before she died to keep this secret to herself, for power could be both a gift and a curse. When Ragnar, her beloved mate, was on the brink of death, Lyra broke her oath, using her power to save his life. Yet, her sacrifice was twisted into a justification for betrayal by the very ones she had risked everything to protect. With the determination to revenge on those who tried to kill her, She crawls back to her feet with her baby as the only reason to keep striving.
"Let's begin," Amory gruntled begrudgingly. The utterance felt like I was pricked with a thousand sharp needles. He was obviously not enticed by the sight of my body and beauty even though I was clad in sexy lingerie. He watched me disdainfully, but I was determined not to back down after I recalled Samantha's words, "The first day I saw you…I knew you were the one made to tame his beast" I puffed out dauntlessly and sauntered seductively towards him. I did it exactly the way I had rehearsed, but his second statement made me halt my steps as my heart crumbled into tiny pieces. "I am only going to fuck you from the back. Not on the mattress, but on the divan. The reason why I am here with you is to just mark you as my mate. They need evidence that you are my mate. No other reason, woman! You are nothing but rejected after this night!" he spat. Who does that on their first night together? ************* Odeya was still hoping and praying to find her mate when her friends had all given birth. She altered from a lady who once adored the royalty lifestyle to someone who desperately desired her soulmate, even if he was the poorest pauper. The harsh treatment from the dwellers of Oceania wasn't helping either, but one evening, everything switched after she was coaxed by her long-time friend to participate in a duel that linked her to find her mate, who eventually turned out to be her prominent misery.
Raina was pressured by her father to make a difficult decision that would have negative consequences for her and her twin children. This decision involves breaking the heart of a powerful, wealthy, and young Jude Bellingham, who swears to seek vengeance on her no matter how long it takes. They once loved each other without reservation, but now they despise each other with a burning passion. However, fate has a way of working in mysterious ways, and it's not always easy to outsmart it. Will Raina and Jude be able to overcome the obstacles in their path, or is their fate already sealed?
Alpha Arnold of Greenland Park was betrothed from a youthful age to the Luna of the Tiger Park, Alicia in allegiance to maintain the interconnection between the two parks. They lived in bliss for five years until a sudden attack occurred. The majority of each park including Alicia were taken captive by the soldiers of the great Genovia. Several years later, Arnold turned out to be the crown prince of Genovia. Alicia thought it was the beginning of a new life after she was summoned to the palace by her childhood lover, but she got whacked by the realization that she was called upon by a totally different reason and that the one she had waited for years, was now the opposite of what he used to be. She quoted him as a "lowlife devil" How did Arnold become the Crown Prince? Why were they a victim of an unexpected attack by the Genovian soldiers, and will they still find a space in their hearts to forgive each other?
Allie's life transformed from grass to grace after Aaron's father saw her roaming about at night in the rain. She was offered basic amenities and loved by the Smiths except Aaron who made her life a living hell. He never admitted to being attracted to Allie for some egoistic and personal reasons. He tried his best to fight his feelings for her but it defied him since that was what his heart desires. Years passed and Aaron departed to continue his studies overseas. When he came back, he managed his father's once-abandoned fashion brand company and eventually expanded it by applying his fabulous skills in marketing strategy. He made it among the top chains across Europe. Aaron and Allie finally had to ignore their malice when caught in an unexpected condition with Aaron's enemy. Allie decided to make a secret investigation on why the two wouldn't mind spilling blood on themselves but upon that, she found traces of her heritage and Aaron's dark past was also unleashed. The two faced a heavy crisis to give their love a chance.
On her wedding night, Natalie's stepmother set her up to marry Jarvis, a disfigured and disabled man. Fortunately, she managed to escape, but little did she know that later she would fall for the man she was betrothed to.Jarvis pretended to be a poor man, but he didn't think that he'd fall head over heels for this woman.Their life went on until one day, Natalie found out her boyfriend's little secret."Huh? How could you have billions of dollars' worth of assets?" she asked in disbelief.Jarvis didn’t know how to respond.Being met with silence, she gritted her teeth angrily. "They said that you couldn't walk, but as far as I can see, you're strong enough to run a marathon."Still, he remained silent.Natalie continued, "They even said that you only have a few years to live. What about now?"Finally, Jarvis opened his mouth to explain. "Honey, this is all just a misunderstanding. Please calm down. Think about the baby.""Jarvis Braxton!"The man knelt down immediately.
Leanna's life had been full of hardships until her Uncle Nate, who wasn't related to her, offered her a home. She fell deeply in love with Nate, but as he was about to get married, he ruthlessly sent her abroad. In response, Leanna immersed herself in the study of andrology. When she came back, she was renowned for her work on solving problems like impotence, premature ejaculation, and infertility. One day, Nate trapped her in her bedroom. "Seeing various men every day, huh? Why don't you check me out and see if I have any problems?" Leanna laughed slyly and quickly unbuckled his belt. "Is that why you're engaged but not married? Having trouble in the bedroom?" "Wanna try it out for yourself?" "No thanks. I’m not interested in experimenting with you."
Compelled by her dad's dilemma and the looming fate of their business, Irene agreed to become Braydon's lover. To outsiders, Braydon seemed invulnerable, yet only Irene was privy to the tempestuous passions he unleashed behind closed doors. Gradually, Irene found herself tangled in the intricate emotional snare Braydon had woven, her heart craving more, only to be shattered by the revelation of his engagement. Devastated, she left and soon encountered Braydon's archrival. It was then that the formidable Braydon confronted the esteemed surgeon Dr. Mitchell, all in a fierce struggle over Irene.
Joelle thought she could change Adrian's heart after three years of marriage, but she realized too late that it already belonged to another woman. "Give me a baby, and I'll set you free." The day Joelle went into labor, Adrian was traveling with his mistress on his private jet. "I don't care whom you love. My debt is paid. From now on, we have nothing to do with each other." Not long after Joelle left, Adrian found himself begging on his knees. "Please come back to me."
Everyone thought Lorenzo truly loved Gracie, until the day of their daughter’s heart surgery. To Gracie’s utter shock, Lorenzo gave the precious organ needed by their child to another woman. Devastated, Gracie opted for a divorce. Fueled by her need for revenge, Gracie joined hands with Lorenzo’s uncle, Waylon, and orchestrated Lorenzo’s downfall. In the end, Lorenzo was left with nothing and consumed by remorse. He pleaded for a reconciliation. Gracie thought she was free to move on with her life, but Waylon held her back in a death grip. “Did you think you can just walk out on me?”
Kallie, a mute who had been ignored by her husband for five years since their wedding, also suffered the loss of her pregnancy due to her cruel mother-in-law. After the divorce, she learned that her ex-husband had quickly gotten engaged to the woman he truly loved. Holding her slightly rounded belly, she realized that he had never really cared for her. Determined, she left him behind, treating him as a stranger. Yet, after she left, he scoured the globe in search of her. When their paths crossed once more, Kallie had already found new happiness. For the first time, he pleaded humbly, "Please don't leave me..."Â But Kallie's response was firm and dismissive, cutting through any lingering ties. "Get lost!"