After years of abuse and depression, Evelyn Richard is a broken young woman who longs for nothing more than a little bit of love and affection. No one deserves to be caught up in a tangled love triangle with their arranged husband and his lover. However, she is locked into a one-year marriage contract with her smoldering spouse, Frederick William, who will stop at nothing to prevent their romance from ever taking off in order to rescue his failing connection with his girlfriend. Frederick's only issue is the magnetic charm Evelyn radiates, which draws him in deeper with each laugh, grin, tear, and even the smallest brush of their fingertips. They both find this feeling strange, incredibly alluring. Will their repressed love and sensual attraction to one another be strong enough to overcome every challenge and bring them together in matrimony for life, or is this just another tragic love story? That is the billion-dollar question. Discover more in this astounding and incredibly thrilling tale of romance, drama, and pushing each other to the limit. Trigger warning: This story contains rape, depression, cheating and abuse. This story contains mature content in terms of explicit sexual scenes.
Evelyn's POV
My older sister Olivia yelled, "Evelyn!" from downstairs. I was reading a magazine that I had discovered on the couch downstairs while curled up in my bedroom.
It was one of her tantrums, therefore I had no authority to respond. In this house, Evelyn's torture game was the constant.
She yelled, "Evelyn Sydney Richard!" I imagine she was stumbling upstairs now. It meant fire when my family called me by my full name. Even though I had requested it, was it really necessary to respond to a reprimand?
My door sprang open in two minutes, presenting Olivia. She gave me a fierce look that said, "You haven't seen the last of me."
"Evelyn, you've been pretending you couldn't hear me even though I've been calling you for ages. What in the world are you doing with my magazine, too? "I thought I warned you not to touch my things without my permission," she growled as she took the magazine from me, her long, pricey nails leaving scratches on my hand.
My mother Flavia Richard entered the room followed closely by her other son Charles, who happens to be Olivia's twin brother, as if the drama wasn't enough. Lord, please save me.
Will there ever be harmony in this house? Why the commotion right now? Mom enquired.
I stared at them without saying anything. I was not looking for trouble.
"Mother, I believe it's about time you parted ways with Evelyn. She's simply so unbearable to me now. You must act," Olivia yelled, spreading her arms.
Mom shot me daggers, "Evelyn, what have you done this time?"
Of course, my mother has always taken a stance in favor of her two eldest children.
"Does it always have to be my fault or something I did Mom?" I spoke softly while staring directly into her eyes.
I wouldn't hesitate to accept a theory if someone said that she wasn't my real mother and that they weren't my biological siblings.
"Evelyn, please respect your mother," Charles said as he tapped on his phone. He was identical to the others.
Is she ever going to respect me? I feel like I'm a nobody in this house since she has two kids."
Yes, you are that! Did you think you were a princess? I find you repulsive. Nothing about you makes Richard worthy. Olivia angrily spat at me, saying "You are a disgrace to our family."
It ached. It was quite painful. Indeed, I was aware of it, but they didn't need to point it out to me. Tears were starting to fill up in my eyes and threatened to spill.
"Why? What went wrong with me? What did I do to earn your intense hatred?
Even though my eyes were overflowing with tears, they remained unfazed.
"You are the reason Dad died, Evelyn. You alone are to blame for it. All I wanted was that you had perished in that mishap instead of him. Charles spat at me, saying, "We will never forgive you for snatching away the best man from this planet."
He would have given me a severe slap if we had been closer.
"How was I supposed to know we'd crash that day?" I stood up for myself.
"Evelyn, you were obstinate about going out. Evelyn, your immature outbursts have cost me my spouse."
"But..."
"Have you ever been told how annoying your voice is? You have such a scratchy, low voice. Since nobody would be interested in hearing you speak, perhaps you could try speaking less." Olivia gave her advice and left without waiting for a response.
Charles and Mom banged on the door in unison after that.
An unexplained lump appeared in my throat. I collapsed onto the ground in a messy heap, letting my tears fall naturally down my cheeks.
I was gushing blood inside. Perhaps they were correct. I would never hurt my closest friend or Superman wherever in the world, even if it was my fault.
My entire universe revolved around Gerald Richard. I thought about his passing every day as though it had happened yesterday. I never even had a chance to say goodbye, much less try to save him, because everything had happened so quickly.
He was able to save me but not himself. I felt a great deal of guilt.
Everything was ideal before his passing. Our family was ideal. I was the favorite child and a daddy's girl. I used to be the life of the party, grinning, and laughing too.
A wind of change came with his passing. That day, I lost everything. Along with losing my voice, I also lost my family, my inner self, and hope.
I screamed so loudly that I hurt myself when the automobile caught fire that I was unable to speak any louder. In any case, I lacked the self-assurance to do so.
I sometimes wished I had passed away instead of him. Without one another, we could not survive. I was internally collapsing.
I missed him every day even after five years had passed.
I dried my eyes and hugged my quivering knees while thinking back on all the experiences.
I wish I could go back in time.
Charles and Olivia were both twenty-six years old; Olivia was a top model, attractive and intelligent. She had all the necessities for a lady. At the moment, she was the highest-paid model in the state.
Charles had assumed command of the business. The new CEO was him. He was incredibly prosperous, well-liked, and stunningly beautiful. He was popular among ladies especially models of the same class and businesswomen.
My mother, Flavia Richard, operated a prosperous boutique in the community and was on the board of the company. She had amassed enormous wealth via sheer hard work. She looked younger than her actual age, giving her the classic Richard appearance.
Next, me. Evelyn Richard Sydney. You can call me the lone wolf. the one who is not well-liked. I was twenty-five years old, and I tragically had no one. Despite my education, I needed to find employment. I never went anywhere in public to avoid upsetting my flawless family.
I inhaled deeply and stood up. I had been looking forward to that bright spot five years ago. What location was it?
Olivia appeared in my bedroom three hours later, at around two in the afternoon, with a radiant smile on her stunning face.
awkward. She dropped the large package she was holding and came running over to hug me. She gave me such a strong hug that I nearly believed Olivia had returned, but then I had an idea. Olivia Richard was who she was. A surprise-filled parcel.
She said, "Guess what, Sydney?" with excitement.
When my dad was living, they all used to call me Sydney. It was the first time in five years.
"What?" I made an effort to sound enthusiastic.
She said, excited, "Guess who's getting married tonight?"
For the first time in years, my eyes glowed. Excitement pulled me back from her.
"What? Not in a manner. Are you getting hitched? I was unaware that you were committed to someone."
I had no idea. She was my sibling. Despite all this, I had to be happy for her. My wishes for her have always been pure.
"Oh, please! Why must you always be so dimwitted? She rolled her eyes and remarked, "I'd never get married now."
"So who's getting married?"
Who, in all honesty, would make Olivia feel this way? One of her companions? But how would it worry me?
"You are foolish. You will finally leave our lives tonight. I mean no disrespect, honey."
Me? My heart sank and I stopped smiling. I wasn't seeing anyone, though. I had a perplexed expression.
"Keep that face off of me. Prepare for the wedding. Although it's tiny and straightforward, the reception will soon be magnificent. That package has all a bride's necessities in it. Charles will come to collect you at precisely 5 p.m. I'm more than happy to help if you need it."
"I don't understand."
You wouldn't understand, of course. Frederick William, a well-known hottie and billionaire, is the man you will marry. To not be aware of him would be to live under a rock. Honey, you are so fortunate. You finally steal the show."
"I'm still lost."
She was, for the record, patient with me, but she was getting agitated.
"The marriage is arranged. A contract for a year between the Williams and the Richards. The bride is you. You two aren't engaged, of course, but to the outside world, it appears that you have been for the last three months, and now you are getting married. In other words, it was a covert affair. It's a business contract that you wouldn't comprehend."
Olivia described the circumstances. She assumed that my only understanding of how things functioned was that they were useless. I forcefully gulped.
"I refuse to wed an unknown person. I told her, trying to come across as resolute and confident as possible. I have the right to select my partner.
Olivia snorted and looked over my physique.
As if someone would desire to be selected by you. This one is not up for discussion. Do not squander our time.
"I refuse to get married," I said, clenching my hands.
I had had enough of being in charge.
I suddenly got a sharp sting on my cheek. I had to put my hand on it because it was so painful.
I had taken a hard swat from Olivia. Among her best, this one. Her ring had sliced me right below my eye, and she had left a scarlet welt in her wake. I had bleeding on me.
Glancing at me fiercely, she asked, "Anything more to say?"
No, I shook my head. I would be killed if I said anything further to her.
"Excellent. She said, "Suit yourself," and swung her elegant hair out of her way.
I used my palm to wipe the warm liquid that I felt streamed down my nose. I had bleeding on me. I hastily cleaned up after using the restroom.
After fifteen minutes, I was lying on my bed, looking at my gown. Despite how beautiful it looked, I didn't want to be in it. Why me?
Who was this Frederick guy? I had no idea about him, so I felt like I was living under a rock. I didn't know anyone.
I hastily pulled out my laptop and searched Google for him.
There were other pieces about him, including the one that became popular recently on his covert engagement.
Right now, I had no time for all that crap. I hurried to the photos because I had to see his face at the very least, and there was a whole gallery of him.
Alright, so my mouth fell open. Immediately, my heart missed a beat. My cheeks took on an unfamiliar hue, and a smile appeared on my lips.
I've never been a believer in the story of love at first sight, but the masterpiece I was staring at made me experience emotions I had never experienced before. How on earth was he so flawless?
After reading three or four pieces on him, I was certain that he was well-respected by women.
Was I gonna have this Frederick guy as my better half? The idea alone caused me to experience strange emotions.
Was my newfound excitement about getting married a good thing?
My gut prompted me to start working on my appearance right away. I needed to make an impression on him. My initial impression needed to be flawless.
My foot, one year. By trick or crook, I would make sure it worked.
There is at last hope for a brighter future. My prince charming had arrived at last.
Yes, that persistent idea bothered me even though I was excited.
Would the attractive millionaire put up with a socially uncomfortable social misfit like me?
This book is highly steamy and full of drama Be prepared for some female power, sass and determination! And a lot of sexual tension Warning: Suitable for 18+ "Guess I'm dying to find out what that venomous mouth can do." My heart pounded hard, but I forced myself not to show it on my face. "I thought you despised me and now you want me to suck your dick?" I ask, cocking my head towards the wall. Demian smiles. "Well you hate me but you still let me make you come four times." His eyes blinked back at my bluntness, and he shook his head in my direction. "Even if you were the last wolf on Earth, I wouldn't even beg you to fuck me." I gave a sharp spit. With a small chuckle to himself, Demian glances down at the ground for a moment before shoving me against the wall and grabbing my throat. Sensed my heartbeat against his fingers at the abrupt movement. "I beg to differ," he says, his poisonous Odor creeping up on me as he breaths along my jaw's edge. - Nora descends into a life of suffering and agony after her mother curses her for having harbored long-term envy. The curse's primary goal is to prevent her from sensing her mate, but it is also slowly killing her every day. With an increasingly icy heart, Nora hates everyone and destroys anything that stands in her way. She trespasses on Demian's Pack, an Alpha with severe anger issues. His pack fights to keep her alive when Demian is determined to kill her and doesn't trust her cruel tactics. However, Nora is determined to get even with her mother, and she won't give up until she does.
Janet was adopted when she was a kid -- a dream come true for orphans. However, her life was anything but happy. Her adoptive mother taunted and bullied her all her life. Janet got the love and affection of a parent from the old maid who raised her. Unfortunately, the old woman fell ill, and Janet had to marry a worthless man in place of her parents' biological daughter to meet the maid's medical expenses. Could this be a Cinderella's tale? But the man was far from a prince, except for his handsome appearance. Ethan was the illegitimate son of a wealthy family who lived a reckless life and barely made ends meet. He got married to fulfill his mother's last wish. However, on his wedding night, he had an inkling that his wife was different from what he had heard about her. Fate had united the two people with deep secrets. Was Ethan truly the man we thought he was? Surprisingly, he bore an uncanny resemblance to the impenetrable wealthiest man in the city. Would he find out that Janet married him in place of her sister? Would their marriage be a romantic tale or an utter disaster? Read on to unravel Janet and Ethan's journey.
"Don't you feel a bit of regret, or even sadness? You should know you've spewed coffee at Mia, because if one day I exchange places with her and she's still mad at it, she would definitely get back to you and she might even get frantic. Do you understand how terrible a frantic woman can get? Are you not afraid?" Charles raised his eyebrow, "She won't have that opportunity." ********************* Maria replaced her sister to marry Charles. She originally thought it would be a widow-like marriage, but Charles who had disappeared for two years suddenly came back. All she wanted was her father's well-being, but is tangled with Charles and her sister's life. What will she do when it's time for her to leave but she was already in love with Charles, who she believed loved her sister, the real Mia? What happened when she found out about her real identity?
Rocky Bai, a young and talented scholar in the field of gene study, ranked number one among his peers. While he was on the flight headed for the venue, an aircraft accident occurred right before he passed out. ... Rocky Bai is reborn! He saves a dragon and trains it in the Holy Dragon Empire. To his surprise, his dragon can cure disease and even bring people back from death. With the dragon, Rocky starts a new life. He is no longer a good-for-nothing, but an ambitious martial arts master and spirit manipulator among his generation. Let's join in their adventure!
Harlyn thought her life would finally change for the better after a night with the alpha king who marked her, claiming her to be his. If only she knew what awaited her. She was supposed to be a quick lay, to satisfy his urge but it felt so good to be with her that he lost his senses for a moment and sank his fangs into her neck, marking her and accidentally claiming her as his. But he couldn’t keep her, she was of no use to him socially, she was a lonely orphan who wasn’t able to fully transform after she turned eighteen and therefore had no place in his elite life. He was the alpha king and he could only pick a mate that matched his status. There was only one thing to do. Reject her. That didn’t play out like he had imagined. And just like that, a whole new journey begins for the both of them.
“Drive this woman out!” "Throw this woman into the sea!” When he doesn’t know Debbie Nelson’s true identity, Carlos Hilton cold-shoulders her. “Mr. Hilton, she is your wife,” Carlos’ secretary reminded him. Hearing that, Carlos gives him a cold stare and complained, “why didn’t you tell me earlier?” From then on, Carlos spoils her rotten. Little did everyone expect that they would get a divorce.
Two years after her marriage, Ximena lost consciousness in a pool of her own blood during a difficult childbirth. She forgot that her ex-husband was actually getting married to someone else that day. "Let's get a divorce, but the baby stays with me." His words before their divorce was finalized still lingered in her head. He wasn't there for her, but he wanted full custody of their child. Ximena would rather die than see her child call someone else mother. As a result, she gave up the ghost on the operating table with two babies left in her belly. But that wasn't the end for her... Years later, fate caused them to meet again. Ramon was a changed man this time. He wanted to keep her to himself even though she was already a mother of two children. When he found out about her wedding, he stormed into the venue and created a scene. "Ramon, I died once before, so I don't mind dying again. But this time, I want us to die together," she yelled, glaring at him with hurt in her eyes. Ximena thought he didn't love her and was happy that she was finally out of his life. But what she didn't know was that the news of her unexpected death had shattered his heart. For a long time, he cried alone due to the pain and agony. He always wished he could turn back the hands of time or see her beautiful face once again. The drama that came later became too much for Ximena. Her life was filled with twists and turns. Soon, she was torn between getting back with her ex-husband or moving on with her life. What would she choose?