Title: THE PLAYBOY CHALLENGE Genre: romance Trope: billionaire, play boy. Blurb: Lenora's life was going downhill quickly. From being fired at her work to being about to be evicted from her apartment, she is exhausted with her life of utter misery. The icing on the cake is when a dangerous man sends his two goon sniffing after her and her sister. They can either find a way to get five thousand dollars in three days or become shark food. A miracle comes in the form of a billionaire's daughter with a bruised ego. The plan is simple, if Lenora can keep billionaire playboy Ian O'Malley's attention for sixty days followed by a humiliating, public break up, she gets enough money to turn her life around. It's supposed to be a simple plan, and she's never meant to start feeling things for the charming billionaire. She can't mix business with emotions, but she's never felt this way before. What happens when a money making scheme with a looming end date begins to feel too real?
I was mad as hell.
Mad at myself.
Mad at my shitty parents.
Mad at my shitty ex Brandon.
Mad at the whole fucking world.
Currently, I was broke, hungry, exhausted from working two jobs and feeling really disappointed in myself. Where was the girl who had had great hope for the future? The girl who had promised to protect her younger sister? The girl who had told said younger sister to pursue her dreams cause she was always going to support her? That girl was buried under a boat load of reality and life's shittiness. It was like a fifty pound cloak weighing me down.
I pinched the extra space in my slacks. Space that hadn't been there last week. I held out my arms for the mirror and released a mournful breath. I was loosing weight I couldn't afford to lose. My arms looked like sticks poking out a snow man's sides. With another sigh, I pulled my hair up into a tight and efficient ponytail. I needed a haircut. Maybe after work if I could still stand straight, I'd give it a few snips with my scissors. Nothing like poverty to turn you into an all rounder, DIY queen and budgeting boss bitch.
I gave myself one last cursory glance, tearing my eyes away from all the itty-bitty imperfections, like the large, dark circles around my eyes that even concealer couldn't cover, the pallor of my skin, the scratches on my arm from wrangling Mrs Doreen's hellish cats. With a cheerful nod that I didn't feel, I grabbed my purse and left for work. Another shitty Monday trying to be nice to a bunch of over entitled girls with too much money and too much make up, grabby men and teenagers with stupid ass fake IDs trying to play men. The glamorous job of a bar waitress.
The train was just pulling in when I arrived. It was exactly twenty two minutes to my stop and then a four minute walk to the club. I knew better than to be walking that short distance to the club, but so far, nothing had ever happened to me. I'd even become passing friends with the two buff women who were sat on the tail of a red truck smoking everyday I walked by. Sometimes I suspected that it wasn't just a habit. Maybe they sat there for me. Wishful thinking, but who was going to disabuse me of the notion? If I didn't have these little comforting thoughts to fall back to, I'd have worried myself into an early grave.
"Hello doll," the greeting was right on cue. The women were sitting on the tailgate as usual. One of them had super long bottle red hair, the other had shorn, dark hair. They looked alike or maybe just had similar builds. I could never see much of them in the dark street.
I tipped my head up "hey"
"Have a nice night love"
"you too"
And that was it, the same greeting every night. It should have been weird, but instead, it was somewhat of a comfort.
I slipped in through the rear door of the club building, nodding at Sam who was throwing out the trash. I wasn't really friends with my co-workers. I had always been a loner, not much room for friendships and Friday night hang outs when you worked the amount of hours I worked and was dead to the world the rest of the time. I didn't think I even knew how to take a break or let loose anymore. What would I even contribute to a conversation on a girls' night out? 'oh em gee! You should have seen me on Thursday as I cleaned out this room. There were fifteen used condoms in the waste basket! Ain't that something' that'd definitely be a riveting conversation.
I dumped my bag in the locker at the back, changed out of my slacks and worn converse shoes into the mini-skirt and fuck me pumps we had to wear. My buttons were undone to nearly my stomach and my hair was let loose. I had a great rack that kept the tips coming even though sometimes I'd rather slice my wrist than let those creeps look down my top. Trying for a look that wasn't a combination of miserable and destitute, I sauntered out to the bar.
It was still early so the place was quite empty. A few people lingered at the bar, a couple or two swaying to the music on the floor.
"Head on up to VIP, Molly isn't here yet," Jared said as I approached the bar. He was the manager and a generally nice guy and fair boss. I nodded and made to walk away when he suddenly grabbed my arm and leaned forward "we are under a new ownership"
"What? Mr Cash would never sell. This place is his baby," my head swam with this info. Were we all going to be laid off? I couldn't afford to lose this job.
"No no no. Nothing so dire. Trust me. And he didn't sell. He lost it in a bet. Just be careful up there. The new owner might be up there, checking out his investment or something"
I nodded, even though I highly doubted it. It was way too early in the night for anyone of substance to be here. If the new owner wanted to check out his investment, the best time would be closer to midnight when the place would be packed or even better, on Friday night. That was the busiest night of probably every club or night establishment. Work was calm that night. The VIPs were more respectful and Molly didn't show up so I was raking in a lot of tips. Enough money to send my baby sister, Kendall for her upcoming rent money. I was feeling so fucking elated that when someone cupped my breast in their hands and squeezed, it took me a second to blink and then flinch away.
The creep looked like he was fresh out of college. Early twenties with a too slick look. Trust fund baby in a too expensive suit, too much hair product and cloying cologne. He had been watching me all night and I'd ignored it. More fool I.
"Come on baby. Sit on daddy's lap" he smirked
I felt like I'd just thrown up in my own mouth. "uhm, no thanks"
His face went hard "don't be a prude. Sit the fuck in my lap"
What did this punk think this was? Some shitty mafia movie or something?"I'll pass"
I turned to walk away, suddenly my hair was snatched and I was being yanked backwards. I didn't even think, one second I was falling backwards, probably unto obnoxious asshole's lap, the next there was a smashing sound, a bowl of pain and I was released, staggering till I caught my footing. I whirled around. The VIP area had gone quiet. The asshole was yelling and yowling like I'd stabbed him in the brain. I wanted to roll my eyes.
"You fucking bitch. You're fired"
Aaaaand that was how I learned that he was the new owner. His father actually was, but he had put the bar in his son's hands, probably to teach him some responsibility. I was given an envelope of fifty dollars by Jared and a pitiful smile. The only reason charges weren't being pressed was because the asshole didn't want to bring his father's attention to the club this soon. I was fucked and not in a good way. I was shivering in my miniskirt as I walked home because I hadn't even been given the chance to change back into my pants.
"A little bit too early to be going home," the other woman wasn't there, just the redhead one.
I shrugged, "goodnight"
She sounded hesitant when she said goodnight.
I still had my job as a hotel cleaner, but it could barely afford groceries and my boss was a grade A asshole who was out for my blood. I didn't know how much longer I could work there. He was constantly looking for an excuse to get rid of me. Finding a new job would be close to impossible and I couldn't let my sister realize how bad it was or she'd insist on leaving school. I knew her, and as much as she wanted to be a doctor, she also had a bleeding heart and would never tolerate me working to the bone so she could live her dream. I could probably become a sex worker or something, I don't know, find some rich older guy to hitch myself unto, but I had only had sex with one guy in my life which was my shitty ex and I had just tolerated it. It wasn't something I particularly liked. I only put up with it cause I'd loved or at least thought that I'd loved Bran.
Holding back my tears only lasted till I got into my building, then I broke down on the staircase cause the elevator was always having problems and I cried my goddamn eyes out.
Aria Rossi was moments away from marrying into one of New York's most powerful crime families when she fled, leaving behind a devastated groom and a deadly vendetta. Five years later, she's built a new life under an assumed identity in the sun-soaked streets of Miami, believing she's finally safe. As the owner of a thriving art gallery, Aria has buried her past beneath layers of carefully crafted lies and exquisite paintings. But when a mysterious new client walks into her gallery, Aria comes face-to-face with her past-and the man she left at the altar. Lorenzo Caruso, now the head of his family's criminal empire, has never forgotten the woman who broke his heart and tarnished his honor. As old feelings reignite, so does the danger that forced her to run. With enemies closing in from all sides and secrets threatening to unravel everything she's built, Aria must decide: Can she trust the man she once loved with her life, or will their second chance at romance be her ultimate downfall? Just as she makes her choice, a shocking revelation changes everything-and nothing is as it seems. An intricate web of betrayal, hidden identities, and long-buried secrets begins to surface, forcing Aria to question everything she thought she knew about her past, her present, and the man she's never stopped loving. In a world where loyalty is everything and trust can get you killed, will Aria and Lorenzo's rekindled passion be strong enough to overcome the lies that tear them apart, or will their love become another masterpiece in her gallery of deception?
After her late husband's debts leave her poverty-stricken, Sarah Jenkins finds herself with no choice but to agree to her in-laws arranging her marriage to billionaire developer Lachlan Reid. Thrust from her struggling existence into his world of opulence and luxury, Sarah is overwhelmed by the drastic change in her circumstances. As she navigates high society events and lavish vacations, she discovers a side of Lachlan hidden beneath his cold exterior. Against all odds, an unexpected affection blossoms between them. But can Sarah truly trust her growing feelings, or is she merely swept up in the allure of wealth and security? Just as she begins to embrace her new life, a shocking revelation threatens to unravel everything...
Rose looked at the reports in her hand and was in shock... The reports said that she was one month pregnant, however, how can she get pregnant when she didn't have any man in her life... "Was it because of that dream? Could I get pregnant because I have sex in my dream?" She thought... She didn't have any mental problems, however, except for this she can't able to think about anything... However, she still didn't get out of her surprise when she met the man in her dream... Kevin Davis looked at the reports in her hand and asked, "Is this child mine?" However, Rose didn't answer but asked... "Was that night not a dream?" Kevin was angry because it was his first time and she thinks it was a dream... Kevin forced her to marry him however, Rose didn't want it... She wanted to abort the child but he didn't let her... In the end... Rose agreed to marry him... She looked at Kevin's blue eyes and said, "I will marry you, however, I had two conditions..." "First, after marriage, you can't control my freedom, I still had the right to do whatever I want. Don't worry I won't harm the child." "Second, if I ever found out that you had cheated behind my back then I will leave with my child and you can't stop me..." Both of them got married... However, after she falls in love with him... She found there are hidden secrets in his past...
"I stood at the edge of my heart and watched him choose her. In the end, I was not the one he needed. I was simply the one he settled for." - Noelle ~~~~~~~ I thought I was the one he loved. But a few days before our wedding, I saw him in a way I never had before. His eyes softened as he spoke to her. His first love, and the very woman who had left him in pieces. Heartbreak was something I knew too well. And as I watched the love he still held for her in his eyes, I realized what I had to do. I couldn't marry a man who wasn't truly mine. With no means to cancel the wedding and lacking the courage to confront him, I made a desperate choice to leave. I painfully gave his first love my treasured engagement ring thinking it was for the best and the only way to free myself. But when he saw that ring on her finger, the fragile world I had tried to escape began to shatter. His obsession to find me and bring me back ignited a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
"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?
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.
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."
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!