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Where wealth and power dictate every move, Elara Varner, fiercely independent and defiant, finds herself trapped in a gilded cage. Her parents, drowning in insurmountable debt and facing social ruin, sell her into marriage to the coldest billionaire in New York, Alexander Thorne. Known for his ruthless business acumen and icy demeanor, Alexander is a man who never lets anyone get close. Forced into a loveless union to save her family's legacy, Elara must navigate the opulent but lonely world of high society. As her fiery spirit clashes with Alexander's steely exterior, hidden passions ignite and secrets unfold, revealing that even the coldest hearts can be melted.
Elara Varner stood at the edge of her family's estate, the wind teasing her hair as she stared out at the sprawling grounds she had called home all her life. Her heart ached with a mix of anger and despair, emotions she had kept tightly leashed since learning of her parents' decision. The thought of being sold into marriage like a prized mare made her blood boil.
"Elara," her mother's voice called from behind her, soft yet insistent. Lady Amelia Varner approached, her eyes filled with a blend of sorrow and determination that only served to deepen Elara's resentment. "It's time to come inside. We need to talk."
"There's nothing to talk about, Mother," Elara replied, her voice clipped. "You've already made up your minds."
Lady Amelia sighed. "I know this is difficult for you, but you must understand-we had no other choice. The debts have piled up, and if we don't act now, we'll lose everything."
"Lose everything?" Elara scoffed, turning to face her mother. "What about me? Have you thought about what I'm losing?"
Her mother's eyes softened with regret. "Elara, we are trying to protect you, to ensure you have a future. Lord Thorne-Alexander-he can provide for you in ways we no longer can."
"Provide for me?" Elara's laugh was bitter. "You're selling me to a man known for his heart of ice. A man who treats people like pawns in his games. Do you think I'll be happy with him?"
Lady Amelia reached out, but Elara stepped back, avoiding her touch. "I know he has a reputation, but people change. Perhaps you will find common ground. You're stronger than you think, my dear."
Elara turned away, tears stinging her eyes. She didn't want to be strong. She wanted to be free. Free to choose her own path, her own love. But the Varner family's financial ruin had sealed her fate. The only way to save their estate and preserve their name was to marry Alexander Thorne, the cold, enigmatic billionaire who had agreed to settle their debts in exchange for her hand in marriage.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Elara took a deep breath and steeled herself. She would not go quietly into this arrangement. If Alexander Thorne thought he could buy her compliance, he was in for a surprise.
The next morning, the Varners prepared for Alexander's arrival. The estate was abuzz with activity, servants hurrying to make everything perfect for their distinguished guest. Elara watched the preparations with a sense of detachment, feeling more like a spectator in her own life than a participant.
When the sleek black limousine finally pulled up the long driveway, Elara's heart pounded in her chest. She stood by her parents as the driver opened the door and Alexander Thorne stepped out. He was tall, impeccably dressed, and exuded an aura of authority that was almost palpable. His eyes, a piercing blue, swept over the estate before settling on Elara.
"Elara, may I introduce Lord Alexander Thorne," her father said, his voice trembling slightly with a mix of fear and hope.
Alexander extended his hand, his expression unreadable. "Miss Varner," he said, his voice smooth and cold as ice.
Elara lifted her chin, meeting his gaze with defiance. "Mr. Thorne," she replied, ignoring his hand.
A flicker of amusement crossed his face, but it was gone in an instant. "I see you have spirit. That's good. You'll need it."
Before Elara could respond, her father interjected, "Shall we go inside?"
As they entered the grand foyer, Alexander's gaze took in every detail, assessing, judging. Elara felt a shiver run down her spine. This man was not just wealthy; he was powerful, and his presence filled the room.
They sat in the drawing room, the tension palpable. Alexander outlined the terms of their agreement with a precision that left no room for misunderstanding. The Varners' debts would be paid in full, their estate saved, and in return, Elara would marry him within a month.
"I understand this is not what you envisioned for your future, Miss Varner," Alexander said, his tone almost sympathetic. "But circumstances have brought us to this point. I assure you, I will provide for you and your family."
Elara's eyes flashed with anger. "I am not a commodity to be traded, Mr. Thorne. I will marry you because I must, but do not expect me to be grateful."
A hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "I wouldn't dream of it."
As the meeting concluded, Elara's fate was sealed. She was to become Mrs. Alexander Thorne, a pawn in a game of power and wealth. But as she met his gaze one last time, she vowed to herself that she would find a way to turn the tables. She might be entering his world under duress, but she would not lose herself to it.
The journey to Thornewood Hall, Alexander's imposing estate, felt like an inexorable march toward her own execution. Beside her, Alexander sat in silence, his presence as cold and unyielding as the man himself.
She stole a glance at him, wondering what thoughts lay behind those icy blue eyes. Did he feel anything at all about this arrangement, or was it merely another business transaction to him? The prospect of living with a man who seemed more machine than human was daunting, but Elara was determined not to let him see her fear.
After what felt like an eternity, the car pulled up to the gates of Thornewood Hall. The wrought iron gates swung open, revealing a sprawling estate that spoke of old money and meticulous upkeep. The mansion itself was an architectural marvel, a blend of classic and modern design that was both impressive and intimidating.
As they stepped out of the car, Elara's eyes widened at the sight of the pristine gardens and the grand façade of the mansion. A team of staff awaited their arrival, standing in a neat line by the entrance. Alexander strode forward, his long legs covering the distance quickly, and Elara hurried to keep up.
"Welcome to Thornewood Hall," Alexander said, his voice carrying a note of pride. "This will be your home from now on."
Elara nodded, unable to muster a response. She felt like a guest rather than the soon-to-be lady of the house. The staff bowed slightly as they entered, and Alexander began to introduce them, but Elara's mind was elsewhere. The opulence of the place was overwhelming, a stark contrast to the warm, albeit faded, comfort of her family's estate.
"This is Mrs. Whitaker, the housekeeper," Alexander said, indicating an older woman with a stern expression softened by kind eyes. "She will see to your needs."
Mrs. Whitaker gave Elara a respectful nod. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Varner. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask."
"Thank you," Elara replied, her voice sounding small in the cavernous entry hall.
Alexander continued the tour, showing her the various rooms and amenities. Each room was more lavish than the last, but Elara couldn't shake the feeling of isolation. Thornewood Hall was beautiful, but it felt devoid of warmth and soul, much like its owner.
Finally, they reached her quarters, a luxurious suite that could have easily accommodated a small family. "I trust you'll find everything to your liking," Alexander said, his tone polite but distant.
"It's... lovely," Elara replied, feeling the inadequacy of the word.
"I'll leave you to get settled," Alexander said. "Dinner is at seven. I'll see you then."
With that, he turned and left, his footsteps echoing down the hallway. Elara closed the door behind him and took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. The reality of her situation was starting to sink in. She was alone in a stranger's house, bound to a man she barely knew and didn't trust.
Elara walked to the window and looked out at the expansive grounds, feeling a pang of longing for her old life. She had always dreamed of marrying for love, not out of necessity. But those dreams seemed distant now, replaced by the harsh reality of her new existence.
"You are a selfish girl, you have always been from birth, just like your father" her mother's words laced with venom and disdain echoed in her... The click of champagne glass, sounded and caught everyone's attention "Ladies and gentlemen let me introduce the great Leon Baron Augustus" the MC announced, while the guests clapped, their eyes met. April shivered. Immediately she regretted, just maybe she should have run away to save herself from this marriage, from this man... Leon strode in ignoring the exchange of pleasantries, he narrowed his eyes on her, turning briefly to take in his father next to April's mother. He hated the very essence of the room, only his humane common sense stopped him from murdering every single soul here. "Dirty politicians" he cursed under his breath... They both live in a world dominated by; greed, lies, betrayal, power struggle and corruption. With parents who will not hesitate to use them as means to an end. He is a ruthless Baron. She is the lovely, selfless daddy's girl, who is bent on making sure the Barons do not remain invincible. He is cornered into a contract marriage with the very woman he despises the most. In a marriage fuelled with revenge against each other, and scheming relatives, will she be able to see past the lies, and find a true ally? Is he truly a murderer? He is the king of the business world and also a king in the underworld. Is it possible for him to be completely innocent? With all the betrayals and lies around them, will love and trust blossom?
"Never let anyone treat you like shit!" I learned that the hard way. For three years, I lived with my in-laws. They didn't treat me as their son-in-law but as a slave. I put up with everything because of my wife, Yolanda Lambert. She was the light of my life. Unfortunately, my whole world came crashing down the day I caught my wife cheating on me. I have never been so heartbroken. To have my revenge, I revealed my true identity. I was none other than Liam Hoffman—the heir of a family with trillions of dollars in assets! The Lamberts were utterly shocked after the big reveal. They realized what fools they had been for treating me like trash. My wife even knelt down and begged for my forgiveness. What do you think I did? Did I take her back or made her suffer? Find out!
"I'm going to tell you what I have in mind," he murmured. "First you're going to strip down until you're completely naked," he whispered against her ear. "Then I'm going to tie you up so you're completely powerless and subject to my every whim." "Mmm, sounds good so far," she murmured. "Then I'm going to insert a plug to prepare you for me. After that I'm going to spank that sweet ass of yours until it's rosy with my marks." She shivered uncontrollably, her mind exploding with the images he evoked. She let out a small whimper as he sucked the lobe of her ear into his mouth. God, she could cum with just his words. She was already aching with need. Her nipples tingled and hardened to painful points. Her clit pulsed and twitched between her legs until she clamped her thighs together to alleviate the burn. "And then I'm going to f**k your mouth. But I won't cum. Not yet. When I'm close, I'll flog you again until your ass is burning and you're on fire with the need for relief. And then I'm going to f**k that ass. I'm going to take you hard and rough, to the very limits of what you can withstand. I won't be gentle. Not tonight. I'm going to take you as roughly as you can stand. And then I'm going to cum all over your ass. Are you ready to be completely and utterly dominated?"
For the whole 17 years of her existence, Alana did not know the word freedom and happiness having been confined in the basement of her family's house accused of killing her own mother. She's beaten, cursed at, and barely survived from crumbs of food thrown at her. She thought this is her final destiny and has accepted the bitter fate of her life not until the night of her 18th birthday, a mysterious alpha appeared at her door telling her that she is the long-lost daughter of the alpha king and claiming her as his mate he's been looking for several years now.
She thought she was the love of his life, and he became the love of her life that fateful day she had seen him at the pack's party. Selene Grace was only a replica of Alpha Leo's real mate, and when he spotted her, Leo immediately claimed her as his Luna in order to suppress the rumors of him being mateless. Being unable to conceive turns Selene's marriage into a nightmare, and as if that wasn't enough, Alpha Leo finally reunites with his long time lover and mate, rejecting a pregnant Selene as a result. 5 years later, Selene, a now successful doctor, receives an invitation to the moon shadow pack in order to rid the pack of a deadly disease which has struck it. Will Selene return back to the pack which had caused her so much pain, and what would she do when she realizes that she is mated to the Alpha who had betrayed her in the past?
Eliana was framed by her best friend and her fiance into sleeping with a boy toy in the club and getting impregnated by him. Five years after she had given birth to twins, she returned home and worked under the Moran Group, where she met the CEO-- Maurice. Maurice was a brilliant businessman who did his job well. But in order to stay under the radar, he lived a double life. One as Maurice, and one as Preston. Fate brought the two together again, roping them in on an exciting love story. It all became more complicated when Eliana faced Preston, the man she had slept with before, once again. Now that she was being pursued by two men, how could she ever choose? When would Eliana uncover the secret of Maurice's identity? When was Maurice going to know that he already had two children of his own? How would Eliana face this man when the truth came to light one day? Come and find out.
"I, Riccardo Saviano, future Alpha of the Grey Shadow Moon Pack, reject you, Artemisia Guerrieri, Daughter of Alpha Franco of the Blood Moon Pack, as my mate and future Luna." One single sentence. One stupid single sentence was all it took to disintegrate my life. And the day of my birthday, on which this sentence was audaciously uttered to me, I lost the love of my life, my future mate, and my wolf, all at once. As I'm still assembling the pieces of my shattered heart years later, there they come. Like lightning out of a crystal blue sky. My Mates. But wait... If I am mated to triplets, how come I'm about to be mated to 5 gorgeous men? *** TW: explicit and foul language; spicy content; explicit sex scenes ***