Caden Miller is Willowbrook High School's notorious rebel, known for his devil-may-care attitude, grey hoodies, and a reputation that precedes him. Ruby Norman, on the other hand, is Willowbrook's epitome of sweetness and innocence. She excels academically, volunteers at the local shelter, and dreams of a life beyond the confines of her small town. When their paths cross, sparks fly, igniting a rollercoaster of emotions that neither Caden nor Ruby saw coming. Underneath their heated exchanges and antagonistic banter, a deep-rooted attraction simmers. The more they try to deny it, the stronger their feelings become. Drawn to each other like magnets, they embark on a forbidden romance that challenges societal norms and tests their own personal boundaries.
Ruby realized with clammy fingers that tomorrow was the day as the tip of the red pen smoothly completed the cross mark in the tiny square of the calendar. She had run out of time to prepare, feeling the weight of anticipation settling upon her.
The impending arrival of tomorrow consumed Ruby's thoughts, causing her heart to race and her stomach to churn with anxiety. Despite having carefully considered this day throughout the past week, her nerves threatened to drive her to madness as it drew near. The absence of her friends, who had chosen to continue their education at her former boarding school, only worsened her unease. Even Luke, her close companion, would not be there.
Glancing at the untouched glass of warm milk her mother had placed on the bedside table hours ago, Ruby noted its transformation into a cold liquid mirroring the raindrops against her window. The thought of its taste made her cringe, and she abandoned the book in her hands, too weary to continue reading. Trying to reassure herself, she whispered, "Everything is going to be fine. You can do it."
A knock at the bedroom door interrupted her solitude, and she instantly recognized her mother's presence. "Come in, Mom," she murmured, grabbing a pillow and burying her face within it.
Dressed in a nightgown, her mother entered, her face etched with a frown and her eyes betraying her sleeplessness. It was evident that she hadn't found a moment of rest either. Approaching the bed, she embraced Ruby and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead, saying, "I knew you would be awake. Stop worrying, Ruby. It's only high school."
"But none of my friends are going to be there!" Ruby lamented.
"You can always make new ones. This is your opportunity to branch out, experience other things," her mother responded cheerfully.
"I can experience the world better by reading about it," Ruby retorted, her gaze drifting towards the bookshelf in her room.
Lifting her head from the pillow, Ruby noticed her mother's gaze fixated on the untouched glass of milk. She braced herself for a scolding, but to her surprise, her mother smiled. "Drink it," she encouraged, bringing the glass closer to Ruby's lips. Hesitant, Ruby gulped it down.
"Good night, sweetheart. You're going to have a great day tomorrow," her mother reassured, switching off the bedside lamp and enveloping the room in darkness.
As time passed, Ruby's eyelids grew heavy, but her worries refused to dissipate. They manifested as recurring dreams throughout the night, bordering on nightmares.
***
Ruby glanced at her wristwatch, realizing she still had twenty minutes to reach her first class. Despite repeatedly consulting the campus map, she couldn't locate her classroom.
Contemplating asking a nearby group of students, she dismissed the idea, urging herself forward with determination. "You can do it," she whispered to herself, taking a step forward.
Five minutes later, she stood outside Room 201, where her first class of the day was scheduled. Suddenly, she remembered that she needed to meet the Department Head to submit some documents.
Due to her former school's delayed term, Ruby was starting a month later than the other students. Consulting the map once more, she realized she would have to walk to the second floor, take a right, and then make another left to find the office.
After taking a right turn, Ruby found herself facing a wall instead of a corridor, realizing there was an error in the map. With no other option, she approached a group of six students standing a few meters away, engaged in lively conversation.
Clearing her throat, Ruby spoke up, "Excuse me?"
The group's chatter ceased abruptly, and all eyes turned towards her, making her self-conscious.
"Hey?" a girl of the same height as Ruby responded, stepping forward. She wore a loose-fitting t-shirt that draped lazily over her body, and her straight, silky hair cascaded past her waist. Ruby could still sense the lingering gaze of the others in the group.
Offering a small smile, Ruby introduced herself, "I'm Ruby, a new student in senior year. I was wondering if you could help me find the office?" Her lips pressed together with hopeful anticipation.
The girl glanced at the map in Ruby's hands but refrained from commenting. Smiling warmly, she introduced herself, "Of course! I'm Olivia. The office is-"
"Hey, Liv!" a masculine voice interrupted her. It belonged to one of the guys from the group, who strode towards them, his gaze fixed on Ruby. He stood tall, boasting broad shoulders, and his curly hair peeked out from under his jacket's hood.
Ignoring Olivia, he addressed Ruby directly, "I'll show you the way to the office. The map's outdated," he offered.
"Sure," Ruby replied, offering a hesitant smile.
As he started walking, Olivia pulled him back, whispering something into his ear. Ruby strained to catch the words but couldn't. She observed the dismissive wave the guy gave to Olivia and continued walking.
He pointed to a door on the right and said, "You see that door? That's the office. The map hasn't been updated. It was relocated here a few days ago," he explained, accompanied by a smile.
"Okay. Thank you," Ruby responded, making her way towards the wooden door with a nameplate that read 'Office'. A hint of hesitation flickered in her mind, sensing some potential trouble, but she dismissed the feeling. Caden's gaze remained fixed on her, and she couldn't help but notice the group inching closer, which felt rather strange.
Checking her wristwatch quickly, Ruby pushed the office door open and stepped inside.
In a split second, she realized she was too late. The glass of milkshake strategically positioned above the door had been flipped upside down, drenching her hair and jacket with its contents.
Laughter assaulted her ears. She turned around and saw Caden leaning against a wall, his hand clutching his stomach as he laughed at her misfortune. He glanced at another guy, Daniel, who joined in the amusement. Daniel held a phone, recording the whole incident. "Did you get it, Dan?" Caden asked.
Daniel confirmed with a chuckle, "I did! Let's get out of here." The group retreated, leaving Ruby standing there, drenched and humiliated.
Caden, struggling to regain his composure, straightened up and locked eyes with Ruby. Anger surged through her as the milkshake dripped from her hair. Her nostrils flared, and without a second thought, her hand connected with Caden's cheek, delivering a forceful slap that sent him stumbling backward. It took him a moment to realize what had just happened-the impact of her slap registering on his face.
Their expressions mirrored each other-Ruby fueled by anger, and Caden realizing that this was only the beginning.
Gently patting his reddened cheek, he growled through gritted teeth, "You're going to pay for this!"
Camilla Dawson never expected to see the sinfully hot stranger she once hooked up with in a public washroom ever again. But fate-or rather, a father she never knew existed-has other plans. Now, she's bound and delivered as payment for a debt, straight into the hands of none other than Zeke Russell-the ruthless kingpin who always gets what he wants. Zeke built his empire on power and control, and he never takes no for an answer. Business or pleasure, the rules are his. It's been years, but he's never forgotten the woman who left him wanting more. Now, with Camilla thrust into his world as a replacement for his promised bride, everything spirals into chaos. She was never supposed to matter. Yet somehow, she's slipping past his defenses, unearthing secrets he's buried deep-and igniting a dangerous obsession. And when enemies close in, there's nothing he won't do to keep her. After all, what's one more crime in the name of love?
"I'm not a little girl," I snap. "I'm twenty-five." "And I'm almost twice your age, Natalie," he says, almost like he's giving up. "But that didn't stop you from coming to me." In a second, he has me pinned against the wall. His hands trail up the sides of my body. "Do you want me to stop?" he whispers, his breath hot against my neck. *** On the brink of her second wedding anniversary, Natalie Jones finds her husband, Michael Cooper, embraced passionately with his mistress. Confronting him in a dimly lit restaurant, Nat exposes his scheme to marry her for her father's fortune and storms out. Ric Steward, on the other hand - billionaire and philanthropist - never expected his evening to ignite with scandal. When he sees Natalie-radiant, powerful, and on the edge of a breakdown-he's immediately captivated. Only for him to learn that she's the daughter of a longtime friend. But that doesn't stop Nat. It only makes her want Ric more...
"I, Alec Tawr of Lunar Crest pack, reject you, Elara Wildewood, of Lunar Crest pack," he utters, his voice cutting through the silence. The words sear into my soul, and my heart shatters, broken pieces scattering within me. The pain consumes me, wrapping its icy tendrils around my spirit. "Why?" I ask, letting out a painful cry as my knees give away and I collapse to the floor. Does he think that I agreed to marry Prince Magnus willingly? That I don't wish to be with him? "Why?" I repeat. He blinks and I see him shiver as he clenches his jaw. "Just accept the rejection, El. Make it stop," he says, his voice sharp and hard. I allow myself to cry, letting the tears cascade down my cheeks until I'm a sobbing mess. "I can't. I want you." He clutches his chest and I hate to see him hurting. "It's not possible. Please accept the reception." And so I do it. "I, Elara Wildewood of Lunar Crest pack, accept your rejection." ---- Elara Wildewood knows her life is doomed when she is forced to step in as the substitute bride for Magnus Blackwell, the disabled and cruel Prince of Caelondor. After she is rejected by her mate, she has no choice but to accept her fate. However, after she's wed, she finds out that the truth is not as it seems and the grand palace of Caelondor holds a lot more intrigue and secrecy than she anticipated earlier. Trapped in a web or lies and deception, Elara decides to take control of her life and trains to become stronger. As she gains the admiration of her court, she also attracts the Prince attention's who will stop at nothing to keep her safe.
The island of Bellpond is a welcoming place for tourists—and a home to werewolves. Vanessa Martin, a member of the Silver Crescent pack knows that Jordan Hale is the forbidden fruit—someone off limits. He belongs to the rival pack. And yet, she's attracted to him in ways she cannot explain. When a tragedy befalls him, Nessa wants to be there in some way to comfort him. She goes out of her way, ignoring all words of advice and warnings from her peers and her grandma and soon, a friendship blossoms between them. The smooth wheel rolling down breaks when they find a body washed up on the shore, and soon a couple more follow, piling up. Nessa and Jordan pair up, vowing to get to the bottom of this, but as they investigate more, they realise the matter is more sinister than they expected. Will they stop and expose those involved in these gruesome murders or fall down the rabbit hole trying to uncover the mystery?
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.
"There will be no falling in love, we will only act as a loving couple when we are in public, we will share a room to make it believable, but no intimacy, touching is off-limits. We'll only have sex once a month, and that's solely to produce an heir. You won't interfere in my business, and I won't interfere in yours. You will be my wife in every sense and you will not be involved with any other man," he said, arrogance seeping from every word. I watch his mouth move, I'm not ready to fall in love with any man, especially not one as arrogant and egoistic as him. I can handle acting as a loving couple, and as for intimacy once a month. I can agree to that just to satisfy my sexual cravings with no strings attached. "Where can I sign?" I asked since I had nothing to lose. *** Nadine's wedding dreams turned to nightmares when she caught her sister and fiancé cheating! With a secret recording, she's ready for revenge. But then mysterious billionaire Logan West offers a deal: A Contract Marriage to take down her ex's empire. But what Nadine doesn't know is her life is getting complicated as she takes her chance to get revenge or risks everything for a chance at love?"
Once upon a time, there were two kingdoms once at peace. The kingdom of Salem and the kingdom of Mombana... Until the day, the king of Mombana passed away and a new monarch took over, Prince Cone. Prince Cone, has always been hungry for more power and more and more. After his coronation, he attacked Salem. The attack was so unexpected, Salem never prepared for it. They were caught off guard. The king and Queen was killed, the prince was taken into slavery. The people of Salem that survived the war was enslaved, their land taken from them. Their women were made sex slaves. They lost everything, including their land. Evil befall the land of Salem in form of Prince Cone, and the prince of Salem in his slavery was filled with so much rage. The prince of Salem, Prince Lucien swore revenge. 🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳 Ten years later, thirty-years old Lucien and his people raided a coup and escaped slavery. They went into hiding and recuperated. They trained day and night under the leadership of the fearless and cold Lucien who was driven with everything in him to get back their land, and take Mombana land too. It took them five years before they ambushed and attacked Mombana. They killed Prince Cone and reclaimed everything. As they screamed out their victory, Lucien's eyes found and pinned the proud princess of Mombana. Princess Danika. The daughter of Prince Cone. As Lucien stared at her with the coldest eyes anyone can ever possess, he felt victory for the first time. He walked to the princess with the slave collar he'd won for ten years rattling in his hand as he walked. He reached close to her and with a swift movement, he collared her neck. Then, he tilted her chin up, staring into the bluest eyes and the most beautiful face ever created, he gave her a cold smile. "You are my acquisition. My slave. My sex slave. My property. I will pay you in spades, everything you and your father ever did to me and my people." He stated curtly. Pure hatred, coldness and victory was the only emotion on his face. .
Chloe Miler, a naïve young woman, waits shyly to spend Valentine's Day with her boyfriend, but is betrayed on that day when she witnesses him entangled in bed with her own sister. Chloe's heart is broken when her heartfelt love for him is trampled on in an instant. *** Lionel Williams, the mysterious billionaire, the top of the pyramid, is handsome as hell. His eyes are set high, but he is drugged, has a one-night stand with a strange woman, and is humiliated by that unknowing woman with her money! His instincts tell him it's not that simple, and he's going to find her out!
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."
Two years ago, Ricky found himself coerced into marrying Emma to protect the woman he cherished. From Ricky's perspective, Emma was despicable, resorting to underhanded schemes to ensure their marriage. He maintained a distant and cold attitude toward her, reserving his warmth for another. Yet, Emma remained wholeheartedly dedicated to Ricky for more than ten years. As she grew weary and considered relinquishing her efforts, Ricky was seized by a sudden fear. Only when Emma's life teetered on the edge, pregnant with Ricky's child, did he recognize-the love of his life had always been Emma.