"Your eyes annoy me, they say much and nothing at all." I took two steps back, placing my hands on his shoulders as I swayed my waist. "Don't you think they have a story to tell?" "I would love to hear your story, Miss..." He stopped as he tried to remember my name, which he obviously didn't know. . . . Dr. Fiona Campbell, a dedicated and brilliant physician, carries a dark burden: she watched her parents die under mysterious circumstances at a young age. Driven by a thirst for vengeance, Fiona dedicates herself to destroying the family that destroyed hers.Her ultimate target is Alexander Brooks, the handsome and charismatic heir and CEO of Brooks Company. Torn between love and vengeance, Fiona faces an impossible choice: will she follow through with her plan to dismantle the Brooks family, or will her love for Alexander compel her to abandon her quest for justice?
Eighteen years ago...
Fiona's POV
The sound of thunder slammed against the roof, killing all the ants that had been seeking shelter. The streets were quieter than usual; no kids playing in the rain, no lovers making out near the field.
The rain fell heavily now, accompanied by lightning. I watched it closely, almost counting the massive drops. My eyes drifted to a car that sped into the compound. I couldn't see clearly, but it was evident people were stepping out of it.
My door pushed open. It was my mother. It was her birthday, but the look on her face told a different story. "Come here, Gabriella," she called, grabbing my coat from the hanger.
She swiftly packed a good amount of clothes into a box. I watched as she panted, tears streaming down her face.
"What's wrong, Mum?" I heard myself say, tapping her as I spoke.
"Shush," she cautioned, handing the box to me. "Leave through the window."
"But why, Mum?" I cried, holding her tight. "I won't go anywhere."
She bent down to pull me close, giving me a hug. Something inside told me it was the last hug from my mother, a final goodbye.
"Look," she pulled me away, "a bad group of people are here to send us to the angels up there. You remember the angels I told you about?"
I nodded. "Let's go together then, Mum. You said it's fun up there."
"Listen, my love, go to Mrs. Smith. Find your way there and tell her I sent you. You must live quietly all the days of your life. No one must know you're from this home. Do you understand?"
I cried even harder, but she pushed me away.
"Go, don't turn back, make sure you run far away. Go!" she whispered, watching me jump down from the window. I looked back into the room as a group of men barged in, dragging her by the hair. I covered my mouth, sobbing.
As I ran across the field, darkness fell. I was scared and stopped to go back, but as I turned, a wildfire pushed me down. When I looked up, my house was engulfed in flames.
"Mother! Father!" I wailed, with blood gushing from my head. Though my vision was blurry, I saw the men climb into the car and speed away.
The number plate on the car was unique, not like the ones Father had shown me at his workshop.
My head felt weaker and lighter. I stretched my hand as if to reach out to an invisible being, but before I could move further, a strong force lifted me onto his shoulders.
"Shush, it's me, Gabriella. Don't cry, go to sleep," he patted me on the back as he walked away.
I looked at the house through my dizziness, but there was no house anymore, just flames. The warmth of the fire seemed to melt away all my strength and I finally succumbed to the darkness, drifting into an uneasy sleep.
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."
"Sign the divorce papers and get out!" Leanna got married to pay a debt, but she was betrayed by her husband and shunned by her in-laws. Seeing that her efforts were in vain, she agreed to divorce and claimed her half of the properties. With her purse plump from the settlement, Leanna enjoyed her newfound freedom. The constant harassment from her ex's mistress never fazed her. She took back her identities as top hacker, champion racer, medical professor, and renowned jewelry designer. Then someone discovered her secret. Matthew smiled. "Will you have me as your next husband?"
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.
After being kicked out of her home, Harlee learned she wasn't the biological daughter of her family. Rumors had it that her impoverished biological family favored sons and planned to profit from her return. Unexpectedly, her real father was a zillionaire, catapulting her into immense wealth and making her the most cherished member of the family. While they anticipated her disgrace, Harlee secretly held design patents worth billions. Celebrated for her brilliance, she was invited to mentor in a national astronomy group, drew interest from wealthy suitors, and caught the eye of a mysterious figure, ascending to legendary status.
"Mr. Evans, please maintain some dignity. Don't forget I'm your brother's wife!" Having caught her husband and best friend together in the bed, Elena wanted nothing more than to exact revenge on the people she once called family. She refused to be a pitiful divorcee and vowed to make everyone who had once looked down on her beg for forgiveness. And to start with her newfound freedom, Elena indulges in a one-night stand with a stranger. However, what was meant to be a fleeting escape turns into a nightmare when she learns that the stranger is none other than her husband's older brother! Would Elena be free from the shackles of her marriage? Or would the mysterious stranger make her life a living hell since he seemed to have a personal vendetta against his family? [The story is 18+ and involves mature content.]
As a simple assistant, messaging the CEO in the dead of night to request shares of adult films was a bold move. Bethany, unsurprisingly, didn't receive any films. However, the CEO responded that, while he had no films to share, he could offer a live demonstration. After a night filled with passion, Bethany was certain she'd lose her job. But instead, her boss proposed, "Marry me. Please consider it." "Mr. Bates, you're kidding me, right?"