The first memory I had was of a gray line on the horizon. From being swallowed by coats and coughing. More than the memory, it was the feeling when she tried to remember those early years. I spent my entire childhood coughing, losing breath, using firecrackers and going to the emergency room. The memory of the gray sky was almost always accompanied by a hospital window. That was Cleveland, Ohio. The steel industry. It was so close to Canada that I could see the cities across the border from afar. And feel the chill down your spine mixed with the polluted air. It was difficult to breathe. I spent the first eleven years of my life aware of this, going from home to the hospital, suffering from severe asthma that suffered with every change in climate and immunity. I didn't know what existed beyond that, until one day my parents announced that we were moving to my grandmother's house. Riverville, Texas. It was so far from everything I knew, and I remembered the feeling of the hours inside the car crammed with boxes. The landscape changing as we advanced along the road, my parents taking turns at the wheel. The heat coming in meeting me for the first time in my life. There was no gray sky in that place. Texas won my affection at that moment, the warm air, the sun rays... And I would learn to love many other things, like the people, the boots, the hats and the small town atmosphere. I, Abigail Rose McAlister, became a Texan at heart at that moment. The differences between that city and Ohio were enormous, and yet I was happy. The feeling of the chest tightening, the lack of air and the firecrackers were left behind. It was a new life for all of us. I knew that my parents decided to move for my health. In Ohio, they worked in the construction industry and took their knowledge to their new home. Between their own business and my grandmother's bookstore, they began to rebuild a life for all of us. All summer, it seemed like we were trying to figure out the rough edges to make a home after so long in Cleveland. When classes started, I had to worry about other things. I wasn't the most popular girl in Ohio. I missed many classes, I hid in many others. But that first week at school, something very important happened: Grace. There I was, from eleven to twelve years old, starting Junior High in a strange city and afraid that no one would like me. We studied in San Angelo, the closest city, because Riverville was so small that it didn't even have its own school. Thirty minutes from home on a school bus full of strangers. I got into the yellow vehicle trying to sink into my backpack. I adjusted my glasses and sighed loudly, wishing it would end soon. I felt the eyes on me. I walked down the aisle to find an empty seat next to a little red-haired girl, her huge hair falling everywhere. She gave me a curious smile. But there were no judgments there. She wasn't staring at the "new stranger", but rather curious about who wanted that empty seat. - Can... can I sit down? - I asked, more quietly than I should have, in a crisis of shyness that would be neither the first nor the last in my life. - Clear! I'm Grace, you're new... I've never seen you around here... She assumed at that moment. Grace started babbling, a twenty-plus minute monologue about her vacations at home, helping her brother and Colin with horses, and how she wanted to be a veterinarian when she grew up. She had this soft, sing-song Texan accent, and it was fun to have someone as open as her by my side. - They don't like me, they say I smell like horses - she confided, vulnerable, looking around the bus to add in a louder tone: - As if everyone here wasn't a farmer's son and had never been near an animal. . Cowards! I smiled, trying to hide my teeth through my shirt sleeve. She laughed in response, squeezing my arms as she tried to force me to say something else.
that she would love to meet another girl, because everyone else didn't like horses and rodeos, just television and boys. Grace punched someone who called me "sick." It had been a month of classes and I was still recovering. Every now and then he would cough and seek air. Someone pushed me during class break. My friend approached the boy, who teased her by calling her a "pumpkin head" and saying that I was sick. I heard the punch - and the comments about it - but didn't see it, because I was hunched over in my seat, nervous and coughing.
When the director arrived, Grace showed me my condition and we were taken to the infirmary. My friend was never punished and that was one of my last respiratory crises. I didn't know anything about horses and rodeos, but Grace was hard to ignore and a loyal friend. My favorite subject was books. Between the two of us, we had fun and introduced new things to each other. One day, I picked up Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone from Grandma's bookstore and took it to Grace, who was delighted and we started reading together, every day, after lunch. It was the first time I saw Jared Richards. We had been in the city for more than six months. My health improved and I enjoyed more time with my parents, because the small town allowed that. I loved spending afternoons with Grandma at the bookstore and Grace enjoyed reading with me when she didn't have to be at the farm, with her mother picking her up at dusk. One day, Miranda didn't come, but Grace's brother did. Jared was seventeen years old, with reddish brown hair and bright blue eyes. He had a kind expression, an easy smile, a hat too big for his head - which he learned, years later, belonged to his father who had died some time before - and dimples. He also had marks. Like cuts and bruises on the face that didn't match the sweetness of the red-haired boy with freckles. That outfit made twelve-year-old Abby uncomfortable and her cheeks red with embarrassment just laying eyes on it. It wasn't once, twice or three times. If Jared approached me, my heart would pound, my hands would sweat, and my skin would heat up. Just stuttering a "hi" was a victory for me. I only understood that reaction and those feelings many years later. From that time on, all I knew was the decision, very well hidden within me, to marry the cowboy. I decided this when I was twelve like someone deciding the color of a new dress, and I've never been able to let go of the idea. Abby Richards was the name I loved writing in notebooks when no one was looking. My married name. Take secret photos, save little memories. As I began to spend more and more time at Grace's house, I learned to relax around him, even though I was aware of this teenage love that filled my heart. At fifteen, Grace was in love with Colin Duke. And my friend was always one to talk and act too much, while I knew that the age difference between Jared and I was a big impediment to anything happening. Maybe upon coming of age, but at that moment, the cowboy was just what he always was. A dream. I was already trying a lot to survive school, find a future and hide in my ponytail, glasses and baggy clothes. My body was big. Compared to my best friend, I felt even worse. She was so thin and tall, like magazine models, whereas I had big breasts and ass, a wide waist and a short stature. We were two polar opposites in everything: personality, body, behavior... The closer I got to adulthood and my body developed, the more I realized my desire for Jared. The girls were crazy about the boys at school. I only had eyes for him. It was impossible to look away from the smile, from the sweaty muscles in the sun working with the horses. I was embarrassed to be caught in the act and became an expert at sneaking around the farm when no one was looking. The cowboy was still nice to me, distant and polite because he was just his younger sister's friend. And I remained as silent as on the first day. Somehow, the Richards decided I was just shy and started respecting my space. Jared entered the circuit when he turned eighteen. He rode horses, doing rope and drum trials. At twenty-one, he was already riding bulls. My heart sank every time I accompanied Miranda, Grace and Colin to watch. I hoped and prayed. He hit his head a few times, twisted a limb and was carried away, but he was never seriously injured. Jared made money, and the moment the farm started making a profit, he stopped participating in rodeos. They were intense years, in which Colin and Grace's brother did everything they could to make CJ work. While the oldest of the Richards attended the circuits to put more money into the business, the other cowboy studied at college, even after all the hours of work they had. - Jared is so handsome... so manly... - he heard in the school corridors of people who came to talk to Grace when they discovered that the man was her brother. I've seen this happen so many times. The girls tried to get close to Grace, and when they got Jared's number, they forgot about my friend. She pretended not to care, but she knew deep down she felt used. Mainly because she lived her own crusade of ignoring Colin Duke after the cowboy rejected her and broke her heart. And they both had a parade of women. They were the region's indomitable singles, the heartthrobs of Riverville, who made little ladies blush with just a smile. Colin was just a rumor. I once overheard a conversation between him and Jared about preferring the neighboring cities because he didn't attract the attention of the Riverville gossips, and that's why he was almost never caught with a woman. Grace's brother didn't seem to mind and starred in legendary stories. People swore they saw him naked and hanging from a window two blocks from the bookstore when a jealous husband almost caught him in the act. A relationship with two sisters at the same time. Using nicknames because he didn't remember the women's names. He had zero expectations, but it melted me to see him smile at me. I knew it wasn't special. He was like that with everyone. Same. However, there was no way to silence my heart, even though with me it was polite and distant, as if I were another younger sister, like Grace. He was a scoundrel. And I fell in love with him to the point that I no longer knew how to live without that feeling. And the only loyalty Jared had was to his own family and Colin. We finished school, and it was time to grow up and part ways. Grace earned a veterinary fellowship in Wisconsin, on the other side of the country. I went on to UCLA in California. I helped throw a surprise party where we danced and sang in the Richards living room one last time. My friend left the next morning, while I would stay in our small town for a few more weeks. When I got home, I cried, thinking that nothing would be the same as before, but I should get to know Grace Lynn better. She swore that she would be my best friend at eleven years old and not even many miles away would stop her. She texted me every day, made video calls, showed me around Wisconsin and
looking at her phone. "And before you say anything, no, I didn't hide it. I just thought it wouldn't work out, but apparently it's becoming something serious." She sighs, finally looking at me. "He's very special! He's handsome, polite, charming, a real prince!" She says with a dreamy look. "We've been dating for a few months now and everything has been so perfect. I think he really is the right guy," she concludes, sighing. - Oh my God, you're crazy about this guy and I didn't even know he existed! - I give her an accusing look. - But okay, when can I meet Mr. Perfect? ​​- I ask curiously. - We decided that we're really dating a little while ago, unfortunately he'll have to travel for a while for work, he helps his father at the company so he has to go on these business trips. I think he'll be back by the time you get back, then we can make plans to go out together. - Great, I want to see if he's everything you say he is, I just want you to be happy and if he makes you happy, nothing else matters. - He makes me happy, I don't think I've ever been as happy as I am now - she says radiantly. - That's great, I hope this ends in marriage - I tease smiling. After talking a little more about Mr. Perfect we go back to packing her bags, she seems so happy, this guy is really doing her good, I just hope he doesn't hurt her. When everything is ready, we order Italian food and wait for CecĂlia, who was supposed to come straight from work. It doesn't take long for her to show up, looking tired but with a smile on her face. "I can't believe I'm going to be away from you for so long!" She says as soon as she sees me. She comes over to me and wraps me in a warm hug. "Stop being so exaggerated!" I find the way she says it funny. "So much drama!" Miriam exclaims, sitting down and looking at us boredly. "Hi to you too, little sister!" She says, blowing a kiss to Miriam. They are so similar, but at the same time so different. I love them both, each with their own unique style. Miriam is very white, with light brown, almost blonde hair and hazel eyes, almost like a doll. CecĂlia also has the same skin tone, with dark brown hair and honey eyes that are a bit green. She has a mouth that is her trademark, and a more aggressive beauty. She and her sister look alike physically, but in the way they act they could not be more opposite. While Miriam is an architect, reserved and calm, CecĂlia is completely crazy, likes to enjoy life and does not care about other people's opinions. The only thing she takes seriously is her profession. She is an excellent pediatrician. She does her job with so much love that there is no doubt that she was born to do it. She loves children, despite saying that she will never have her own. We ate talking about my trip. CecĂlia and I work at the same hospital, she is a pediatrician and I am a neurologist. She spends the whole dinner making a fuss about how I am abandoning her alone, saying how much she will miss me, but I really need this vacation. I've been feeling really tired lately. I've barely had a break since I started studying, and now it's starting to get to me. Taking a vacation is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. We finish eating and go to get my luggage. We'll go in Miriam's car. Daniel will meet us there, going straight from work. The bad part about traveling on a weekday is that it disrupts other people's routines. The way to the airport is full of laughter and jokes. When we finally arrive, we go to my boarding gate. Daniel is already waiting for us. When he sees me, he runs over to hug me. "You haven't even gone yet and I already miss you," he says as he smells my hair. "Calm down, Dani. It's only for a month. I'll be back soon," I say, laughing. "Who am I going to run with on the weekends for this month?" he asks, making a face like an abandoned dog. "With your red-haired neighbor who's always hitting on you," I reply, winking. "The only person I like to run with is you!" He offers me a kiss on the cheek and moves away to greet our friends. My flight is announced, I say goodbye to everyone and board the plane. Once I'm settled in my seat, I close my eyes and try to relax. My vacation is finally starting and I want to enjoy every minute of it! OceanofPDF.com When I finally land, I call a taxi and go straight to the hotel I booked. It's a fancy hotel with everything I need, a sauna, a pool, a hot tub. I decided to treat myself. I'm so tired that I'm going to relax wherever I can. As soon as I enter my room, I let out a satisfied sigh. It's a dream! A huge, soft-looking bed is calling to me every moment, but I bravely resist throwing myself in it and getting some sleep. I organize my clothes in the small built-in wardrobe that the hotel offers. This will be my home for a month. There's nothing better than keeping everything organized. I take a relaxing bath and put on a robe. I go to the window of my room where I can see the hotel pool. There aren't many people there because it's almost d
I turned my gaze to the lady. That woman didn't seem like the typical investor profile that my boss, LĂşcio Xavier, usually served. Even with the rush, my curiosity forced me to change my focus for a few moments. With a polite smile, I approached her. "Good afternoon, ma'am. Can I help you with something? Are you waiting for someone in particular?" The woman looked at me with serious eyes, as heavy as a rainy day, and nodded. "I'm waiting for your boss." "For Mr. Xavier?" I repeated. - Yes. A feeling of intrigue mixed with curiosity took hold of me as I tried to understand what was going on. But before I could ask any more questions, the phone rang, interrupting our brief conversation. I picked up my cell phone. It was Lucio, of course. Who else could it be, considering the emergency situation he seemed to enjoy creating for himself? - Lucio, you're late for the 10:00 meeting - I informed him, trying to remain calm while the lady and the child at the reception occupied my thoughts. - I'm going to the company now - he replied, an irritated tone in his voice. He had probably left his house late and hit traffic on the way. - The traffic was hell. Didn't I say? I took a deep breath, trying not to let the frustration that was bubbling under the surface show. - Okay, I'll keep you updated on anything urgent - I replied, with a hint of resignation in my voice. I turned off the cell phone, knowing that it would be a long day ahead. After all, with Lucio Xavier in charge, there would always be more than enough to occupy my mind. I looked at the lady and the baby. Should I tell my boss about them? Something inside me kept whispering that there was something wrong here. While I was lost in my thoughts, pondering the presence of the lady and the baby in the reception area, a sudden movement caught my attention. I looked up in time to see Lucio Xavier coming towards me. His bearing was impressive, as always. Lucio had a way of moving that seemed to command the attention of everyone around him. His steps were firm and confident, his posture erect and determined. The impeccable clothes, tailored to his body, flowed elegantly as he moved around the office. His dark hair was combed with precision, every strand in the right place, without a single strand out of place. His beard, neatly trimmed, accentuated the defined contours of his face. The scent of his perfume, sophisticated and enveloping, permeated the air around him, filling the room with an aura of masculinity and power. Our eyes met in the middle of his walk. And then, to my surprise, my heart gave an unexpected jump. I blinked, confused with myself. I had to control myself not to put a hand to my chest. I was used to seeing him every day, after all. Why, then, did it seem like a disconcerting anxiety was taking over me as he got closer and closer, with an intensity that was impossible to ignore? I think my head was spinning because of all the stress I had already been through this morning. Even so, LĂşcio's proximity only intensified the turbulence inside me, a strange sensation that seemed to wrap itself around my chest, imposing itself in a way that left me a little breathless. Focus, woman! What is this?! You need more sleep, you know? - Sofia. I had to lift my chin to look at him. Lucio was a tall, strong man with a presence that filled the room. His impatient eyes anticipated the questions he wanted to ask. "Have the shareholders arrived yet? Are they in the meeting room?" he asked, his voice urgent, while his breathing seemed to match the rapid rhythm of his heart. "Yes, Lucio. Everything is ready," I replied calmly, accustomed to dealing with his impetuosity. Before we could continue our conversation, the lady at the reception desk cleared her throat, drawing our attention. Lucio and I turned to her. "I need to speak with you, Mr. Xavier," she began, her voice carrying a harshness I had not expected to hear. Lucio frowned, his impatience clearly evident in every line of his face. "Do you have an appointment?" The lady shook her head. "No, but it is urgent." "Make an appointment with my secretary," he huffed impatiently, pointing at me. "I am late for a meeting. "What I have to say is about him," the lady declared, pointing to the little baby beside her. Lucio arched an eyebrow, as confused as I was. "Who is he?" She took a deep breath. She stared at my boss. And opened her mouth. "Your son."Lucio Your son.
Jack tilted his head to the side and left, his footsteps echoing in the empty room. Enzo stopped beside me, touching my shoulder. "Why won't you help me?" I asked, regretful. "She has to die or the deal will be broken." Enzo crouched down and looked blankly at the woman who had watched me grow up. Michelle was an aunt I held dear to my heart. "Say goodbye, Dominic." - He took my hands away from the wound, which began to spurt even more blood. - Say goodbye. - Take care... of her... - Michelle spoke again. - I will, I promise. - I held her hand. - I will protect her for the rest of my life. Enzo touched Michelle's eyelids, closing her eyes and praying in Italian. - Why did she have to die? - She caused chaos in a delicate balance that our lives are based on. - It was to protect her daughters - I stammered, looking at her dead. - That doesn't matter. She sought her sentence. Now, all she can do is make those guilty of this also pay for the sins they committed. - Enzo pulled me by the shirt. - We have to leave. I said I would bring you back to say goodbye, not to stay here for long. My feet felt heavy. My whole body. It was the first time I had seen someone die. Today had been full of kidnappings, gunshots, angry husbands and death. Lots of death. I was just in Los Angeles for a trip with my friends, visiting an aunt and suddenly, I was in a trap to save Kate's life. How would I go back and tell her that her mother died? And how would I face her knowing who killed her? What kind of sick life was I born into? "Do you want to throw up?" Enzo stopped me before we got in the car. I looked at my bloody hands and suddenly, he hit me in the back of the head. I woke up in a bed, looked up at the ceiling and jumped to the floor. "Do you think it's easy to carry your weight all the way here?" He was smoking in the corner, looking at the city. "Go take a shower or you'll get sick again." "I didn't get sick, you hit me!" "Yes, I saved you from the embarrassment of passing out and throwing up." Enzo continued to be bored in the corner. "Your phone rang. Your parents are looking for you, your coach too." I went to the bathroom feeling dizzy and took a shower, avoiding looking at the color of the water. I was taller than the glass of the shower and my head almost hit the shower head, and I couldn't fit in the square without hitting my elbows on the sides, but I managed to get out of there. Michelle was dead, that was the thought that invaded me when I stood in front of the mirror. And she was killed right in front of me. There was still blood on the corners of my nails, marking my life forever. "Where is he?" I heard a male voice with an Italian accent. "Crying in the bathroom," Enzo answered and I wanted to punch him. "What happened?" "We have to go to the Canadian package. Time to leave." "Okay." Enzo kicked the bathroom door open completely. "You're on your own. See you in New York." He smiled and left. Alone in the hotel room, I got dressed in the clean clothes that had been left, grabbed my things and disappeared out the back, using an instinct for escape that I had never known before. I walked around the city in the middle of the night, feeling lost and not trusting anyone at all. Without realizing it, I stopped in front of Michelle's house. I felt a hand touch my shoulder. [3] "What are you doing here?" Kyra snapped. "You have to leave now." "Where's Kate?" "Alone, in there. Is there anything of yours there?" Robert hasn't come back yet; Michelle's men have scattered and left the girl alone. "Then she's going to New York with me." I took a step forward and Kyra stopped me. "He's going to kill her. Her father won't protect her. He doesn't care about Kate." I looked back at the house. Kate would get in the way of my parents' plans. She needed to stay alive and I couldn't take care of her with him under the same roof. I didn't know what to do. "Why are you telling me these things? Don't you play on my father's team?" "I play on my team." She smirked. "Come in, get your things. She'll be safe as long as her father thinks she's worth some money." "I promised I'd keep her safe." Kyra was silent, looking at my face for a while and then at the house. "Go get your things, I know what to do.
attractive woman. A divorced and lonely man. Fate Secrets Forgiveness Seduction Being a nanny for a five-year-old child seemed easy. But as for enduring the seduction of her boss, easy or impossible? What could a kiss cause? A man determined to do anything to get what he wants And a woman hard to forget. Copyright © 2024 Natália França All rights reserved The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is coincidental and is not intentional on the part of the author. No part of this book may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the express written permission of the author. Cover: bk.designereditorial Illustration: cr_bannerss Chapter 1 - Daddy, wait! I turned around seeing my little one coming down the stairs in her uniform, I bent down to hug her, I was intoxicated by the sweet smell of her baby perfume and the smell of shampoo coming from her wet hair. - Good morning, daughter. - I don't want to go to school today. - Why? - I'm sick. - Where does it hurt? - I asked, putting my hand to her forehead, feeling her temperature. - All over her body. - Maybe I know what it is. - said Ivy, my sister, coming back from the kitchen with an apple in her hand. - Auntie, I'm sick. - Does this boo-boo start at the head and go all the way down to the feet? - Yes. - Sure. I have the diagnosis, it's called LAZINESS! Ivy ran after her to the car, the best sound was the laughter of my princess, a 5-year-old princess, very smart and who doesn't like going to school. - Thank you for taking her another day. - Miguel, my niece will never be a bother, but you need to hire someone, I won't be able to do this every day. - I know, I'll do it soon. - Every day you say the same thing. - I've been very busy, but I'll find time for it. - Forget it. I'll hire someone, leave it to me, focus on your work. - Ivy! - I know how to do it, just trust me. - Okay. I kissed her on the cheek and waved to Ayra as they left. After my separation, I got custody of my daughter, her mother didn't care since she had no feelings for her. It's strange, I know, but not everyone is ready to be parents. I met Úrsula at an event, my parents introduced us and within a few months we started dating. Ursula got pregnant after a year of dating, we decided to get engaged and get married before my belly got bigger, that's when we lost the rhythm and rushed everything. Our relationship was good until then, when the change came with the pregnancy, Ursula started to hate having our daughter, we fought a lot and it wore us out. Besides, she is an actress and lost some roles because she was pregnant, all of this only fueled the disgust of having our daughter. Before Ayra was one month old, Úrsula went on a 20-day trip and only told us when she was in Mexico, leaving me alone in Seattle with our daughter. Those were the worst days of my life, because Ayra depended on breast milk and we didn't have a drop at home or where to get it from. She lost weight, cried from hunger, got pneumonia... On one hand, it was my fault, I didn't know how to take care of my own daughter and I did everything wrong. Even with my family around, it was difficult and almost impossible. But Ayra was fine. And, at the same time that I blamed and hated myself, I swore to take care of her and be a good father. The day before Úrsula returned, I received a letter from her lawyer and the divorce papers. She didn't want that life, she wasn't looking for a family or a marriage, she wanted to live and do soap operas, we weren't in her plans. I thought it would be harder, but with her absence and abandonment, I thought a lot about us, especially about Ayra's future. There was no other way, only divorce. After all, you can't miss someone you never had around completely. - Sir, we're here. Like every morning, I stood admiring the building I had built. I am the CEO of the largest engineering company in Seattle, a long story for another time. I entered the company accompanied by my security guards, greeted my employees and got into the elevator accompanied by my personal assistant. - Sir, you will have a meeting in an hour with all the shareholders. - Where are the reports I requested? - On your desk. - Okay.
second I expected her to be complaining or even rambling angrily at me, but she doesn't. And this is just a sample of the many times she just keeps her head down and continues her work, while I can't control my animal side around her. "Shit!" I snort to myself and close my door. I go to my chair and throw myself into it, unable to think straight anymore. My life has become a mess, and a large part of it is the fault of a woman who doesn't even notice my looks at her. Ever since I saw her photo and her resume, when I looked for an employee at the company to be my personal assistant for a while, I find myself unable to control myself. Her brown eyes, which further highlight her dark skin, the color of sin, and a weak white smile, which she almost never shows, but her photo was my ally in this fact. I pick up the folder with her information again and look at the same photo that left me perplexed when I saw her for the first time. Since when did I see myself like this for a woman? Not even with Carla was it like this... I take a deep breath, leaving the photo on my desk and try not to scream another curse. At first, when I returned to Brazil, I had clear reasons and a right thing to do. But since life loves to play tricks, when I realized everything, my sister had already suffered an accident and lost part of her memory, and worse, I couldn't keep her from being close to her husband, who was my best friend, and was even capable of betraying her, also being the one to blame for the accident. If I returned, it was to tell my sister about what I found out about her husband, but in the end, a mess took over all of us. For now, we just hope that she gets better and her memory returns, so that she can decide what to do with her life. And me? For the first time, I want to be able to truly take care of my sister, truly protect her, stop being a selfish piece of shit. A soft knock on the door makes me sigh and I lean back against my chair. "Come in." The door opens, and the woman who drives me crazy enters. Doesn't she realize what she does to me? Ever since I saw her in person, I've been waiting for some look, some hint of interest. But on the contrary, Sophie seems completely oblivious to me. As if I were invisible to her. I always wonder why I never saw her on the trips I made to Brazil and on the many times I came to company parties or even meetings, but I could never really understand it. I know that if I had seen her, she would have caught my attention. - Mr. Lourenzinni, here are the papers you asked for. - she says, calmly as always, and places a folder on my desk. - Do you need anything else? - she asks, but doesn't look at me, looking slightly anywhere in the room, except at me. - Look at me, Sophie. - I ask, saying her name for the first time. I like the way it comes out of my lips. She blinks, I think she's surprised by my request, but then she lifts her chin and looks at me. Her brown eyes are a little hesitant, but I can't understand anything else about her. Besides, she's beautiful, completely. - Is there a problem, sir? - she asks and I shake my head. - You can leave. - I say, and she nods, leaving the room immediately. I wish I could have controlled myself, but I used my usual harsh tone with her. Why does she do this to me? It seems that at any moment I am near her, noticing her indifference, I will explode. I think that is why I cannot treat her well, at least wish her a good morning. This woman moves me in a way that no other woman has ever managed to do. But I do not know how to move on, at least not for now. For now, I am concentrating on work. However, knowing that the woman who drives me crazy is just a few steps away only makes everything worse. I am lost. Months later Sophie I stare at the computer screen, while I try to control the frustration I feel. I read and reread what is written on the screen, and I feel like correcting the meaning of dictator in the dictionary itself. One of the meanings is missing: Daniel Lourenzinni. I have never been one to get stressed or even suffer because of something at work, but since the day I was called to go to my boss's
snort to myself and close my door. I go to my chair and throw myself into it, unable to think straight anymore. My life has become a mess, and a large part of it is the fault of a woman who doesn't even notice my looks at her. Ever since I saw her photo and her resume, when I looked for an employee at the company to be my personal assistant for a while, I find myself unable to control myself. Her brown eyes, which further highlight her dark skin, the color of sin, and a weak white smile, which she almost never shows, but her photo was my ally in this fact. I pick up the folder with her information again and look at the same photo that left me perplexed when I saw her for the first time. Since when did I see myself like this for a woman? Not even with Carla was it like this... I take a deep breath, leaving the photo on my desk and try not to scream another curse. At first, when I returned to Brazil, I had clear reasons and a right thing to do. But since life loves to play tricks, when I realized everything, my sister had already suffered an accident and lost part of her memory, and worse, I couldn't keep her from being close to her husband, who was my best friend, and was even capable of betraying her, also being the one to blame for the accident. If I returned, it was to tell my sister about what I found out about her husband, but in the end, a mess took over all of us. For now, we just hope that she gets better and her memory returns, so that she can decide what to do with her life. And me? For the first time, I want to be able to truly take care of my sister, truly protect her, stop being a selfish piece of shit. A soft knock on the door makes me sigh and I lean back against my chair. "Come in." The door opens, and the woman who drives me crazy enters. Doesn't she realize what she does to me? Ever since I saw her in person, I've been waiting for some look, some hint of interest. But on the contrary, Sophie seems completely oblivious to me. As if I were invisible to her. I always wonder why I never saw her on the trips I made to Brazil and on the many times I came to company parties or even meetings, but I could never really understand it. I know that if I had seen her, she would have caught my attention. - Mr. Lourenzinni, here are the papers you asked for. - she says, calmly as always, and places a folder on my desk. - Do you need anything else? - she asks, but doesn't look at me, looking slightly anywhere in the room, except at me. - Look at me, Sophie. - I ask, saying her name for the first time. I like the way it comes out of my lips. She blinks, I think she's surprised by my request, but then she lifts her chin and looks at me. Her brown eyes are a little hesitant, but I can't understand anything else about her. Besides, she's beautiful, completely. - Is there a problem, sir? - she asks and I shake my head. - You can leave. - I say, and she nods, leaving the room immediately. I wish I could have controlled myself, but I used my usual harsh tone with her. Why does she do this to me? It seems that at any moment I am near her, noticing her indifference, I will explode. I think that is why I cannot treat her well, at least wish her a good morning. This woman moves me in a way that no other woman has ever managed to do. But I do not know how to move on, at least not for now. For now, I am concentrating on work. However, knowing that the woman who drives me crazy is just a few steps away only makes everything worse. I am lost. Chapter 1 Months later Sophie I stare at the computer screen, while I try to control the frustration I feel. I read and reread what is written on the screen, and I feel like correcting the meaning of dictator in the dictionary itself. One of the meanings is missing: Daniel Lourenzinni. I have never been one to get stressed or even suffer because of something at work, but since the day I was called to go to my boss's office, that has changed. I immediately thought it was Mr. Gutterman, but as soon as they showed me to the room next to his and I looked into the clearest honey-colored eyes I had ever seen, I knew it wasn't him. Ever since I was a receptionist
After three secretive years of marriage, Eliana never met her enigmatic husband until she was served with divorce papers and learned of his extravagant pursuit of another. She snapped back to reality and secured a divorce. Thereafter, Eliana unveiled her various personas: an esteemed doctor, legendary secret agent, master hacker, celebrated designer, adept race car driver, and distinguished scientist. As her diverse talents became known, her ex-husband was consumed by remorse. Desperately, he pleaded, "Eliana, give me another chance! All my properties, even my life, are yours."
BOOK 1- BILLIONAIRE ROMANCE BOOK. MATURE THEMES 18+ The book may contain s!xual scenes, sudden instances of possessiveness, mild violence. Sydney Morgan and Gavin Reed, high school sweethearts, had been married for over a decade. Five years of their relationship were filled with unconditional love; however, in the next six years, this changes drastically between them when Sydney takes advice from her best friend, Gavin's first love. When Sydney loses her baby, Gavin is left broken and vulnerable in the hands of his first love. She convinces him to divorce Sydney, and when he does, Sydney loses it and nearly gets hit by a car, but then the talk of the town, Gavin's rival, and CEO's son, hiding behind a facĂ de, comes to her rescue.
Catherine swallowed with her eyes closed and her lips slightly open, a moan escaped her lips when Lucas slid two fingers under her panties, "Lucas..." She moaned, lost in the sinful desire as her ex-boyfriend's dad moved his fingers against her rosy flesh... *************** Catherine, a young mother of two who came to the city with the hope of finding her twin's father only to be denied and deserted by him, found herself entangled in a forbidden web of craving. As the flame of passion ignites between her and the CEO, Lucas Leonard—her ex-boyfriend's father—their affair takes them on a journey of temptation and sinful desires.Struggling with society's judgment and their own inner desire, Catherine and Lucas must steer the treacherous judgemental waters of the society and either fight for their love or let it crumble especially when her ex-lover came back to claim her and the twins. Will their love withstand the dishonorable whispers, or will it crumble under the weight of societal expectations and her ex-lover's conspiracies to win her back?
“Gabriel Bryce, how can you stand being so shameless?” Leonica asked, staring daggers at her atrocious husband and his mistress. “This is the house gifted to my by grandmother, yet you dare bring another woman into it? Aren’t you afraid that grandmother would be disappointed with you actions…?” Leonica’s words remained unfinished as an enraged Gabriel swung his hand through the air, smacking his palm clean on her left cheek. Leonica held her throbbing cheek, eyes wide and teary as she stared at her husband who glared down at her ferociously. “The nerves of you to mention my grandmother. You have no right to do so!” He spat, taking a step forward and jabbing his index finger painfully into her shoulder, making her take several steps back. “Bare this in mind, Leonica Romero, if not for the wishes of my late grandmother, I’d much rather be dead than associate myself with somebody like you.” *~*~* *~*~* Leonica Romero has always had a long time crush on Gabriel Bryce, CEO of Bryce Empire and Norway’s Business tyrant. Fortunately, at the request of his Ill grandmother, her family’s long time friend, Leonica gets the chance to marry her beloved. Feeling elated, she abandoned her position and dream job in the Romero household and becomes a humble housewife for Gabriel. However, Three years later, on the day of Gabriel’s grandmother’s funeral, Leonica is stunned speechless when he demands for a divorce, as his ex girlfriend Angelina Fernandez had suddenly returned, proclaiming her undying love for him. But that wasn’t the only shock Leonica received that day. Hours after Gabriel’s declaration for a divorce, Leonica wakes up in the hospital to a shocking news. She was two months pregnant. And Gabriel knew nothing about this!
Drugged and deceived, she bore a child amidst tragedy-her son, falsely declared dead at birth. Fueled by the agony, she disappeared, only to return years later with both her daughter and an adopted son, driven by an unyielding desire for revenge against those who had wronged her and her late mother. The plot takes an unexpected twist when the haunting truth surfaces: her son is alive, and his father is a powerful CEO.
Sheila had her back against the wall when her family tried to force her to marry an awful old man. In a fit of rage, she hired a gigolo to act as her husband. She thought the gigolo needed money and did this for a living. Little did she know that he was nothing like that. One day, he pulled off his mask and revealed himself to be the world's top magnate. This marked the beginning of their love. He showered her with everything she could ever want. They were happy. However, unexpected circumstances soon posed a threat to their love. Would Sheila and her husband make it through the storm? Find out!