Blurb/Synopsis: "Please marry me, i promise to compensate you in whatever way I can," Marina said to the man staring at her with confidence. "Alright, I will." After the wedding, "I want to get a divorce. Let me go Aiden." "No, you are my compensation for marrying you," Aiden remarked, on his lips hanging a cocky smile.
Chapter 1:
The Shattered Altar
The great church in the heart of LA was filled with whispered excitement, its opulent décor reflecting the wealth and status of the both families involved. A highly polished Crystal chandeliers cast shimmering light across the pews, where guests in designer attire murmured behind delicate fans and exchanged speculative glances. The Hawthorne family had spent substantial amount for the wedding of their only heir, Jayden Hawthorne, to the humble yet strikingly beautiful Marina Jones.
Marina, with her Large Breasts, stood in the bridal suite, contemplating her appearance in the gilded mirror. She had silky chestnut brown hair which was combed neatly with beautiful perpendicular curls tying to her tender neck. The gown was white lace and delicately fitted to accent her rare beauty that was enhanced by her slender figure. She appeared to be a true lady, but her emotions felt like a cocktail of both hope and anxiety. It was her wedding day, and she's supposed to be happier than ever, but there was this uneasy feeling she's having.
Her grandmother's words echoed in her mind: 'Be strong Marina, remember love is a cross-no matter what happens.' Marina had always followed the advice of her grandmother. Originally from a rural area, whose parents were too self-indulgent to look after a sickly child, her only parent figure for many years had been her grandmother. Despite the fragile look of Marina, she was very strong-willed, brave and ready to meet life's challenges more than halfway.
"Hey Marina, it's time," the wedding planner told her with a gentle voice, pulling her from her thoughts. She took a deep breath, and nodded, forcing a smile as she stepped out into the corridor.
The beautiful large doors of the church were thrown open, and Marina started moving up to the aisle. The music played loud, lovely strings that of piano saw her floating in the vastness. When she was walking up the aisle and looked at Jayden, she felt a jolt of uncertainty. His handsome face, usually so composed and confident, seemed clouded with something she couldn't quite decipher.
Then, as she reached the altar, Jayden stepped forward, his expression hardening. "I can't do this," he said, his voice cold and resolute, cutting through the music and silencing the whispers. Gasps rippled through the crowd. Marina's heart plummeted, shattering into a thousand pieces as she stood frozen, her mind struggling to process the sudden betrayal.
"What are you talking about, Jayden?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
Jayden's eyes flickered with something akin to guilt, but he quickly masked it with disdain. "This marriage is a sham. I won't be tied down to someone like you."
"Someone like me?" Marina's voice grew stronger, fueled by a surge of indignation. "We've been together for four years, Jayden. You can't just throw everything away like this."
His lips curled into a cruel smile. "Watch me." With that, he turned on his heel and strode down the aisle, leaving a stunned Marina and a sea of scandalized guests in his wake.
The world started spinning as Marina realized she could not contain her tears. She tried to stand tall but her legs developed a weakness and she started to stagger, the shame and pain of rejection were too much for her to handle. But just in the nick of time, a strong hand pulled her by the arm to prevent her from falling. Turning up, she found herself staring at an attractive, dark-haired man with intense looking eyes. Aiden Wellington.
Aiden was a menace and notorious figure, known for his cold, ruthless demeanor. Rumors of his brutal business tactics and intolerant nature circulated in elite circles. He had gone there for the wedding ceremony as a friend of the Hawthorne's, his grandfather, Old Man Wellington was one of them. But as he looked at the destroyed woman in front of him, for the first time seeing the reflection of her soul in her orbs, a new sensation awoke in his heart â the instinct to shield her.
Marina looked at him, hopelessness and confusion coloring her blue eyes. "Please," she again softly said, the words trembling, fear and shame entering her tone. "Please help me".
Aiden's eyes narrowed as he considered her plea. His instincts screamed to walk away in-other to avoid entangling himself in someone else's drama. But there was something about Marina-her vulnerability, her strength masked by a delicate exterior; that compelled him to act.
"Marry me," Adien said, his voice low and commanding. The words hung in the air, electrifying the stunned silence.
Marina blinked, her mind reeling from the shock. "What? Why would you"
"Do you want to be humiliated further?" Aiden interrupted, his tone brooking no argument. "I can give you the security, comfort and protection you deserve. Marry me, and I'll make sure no one dares to look down on you again."
It was an outrageous proposition, but in that moment, with her world crumbling around her, Marina saw a lifeline. She agreed, swallowing hard. "Alright. I'll marry you."
The priest, who had been watching the scene with his eyes widely open, stammered as he tried to regain his composure. "W-we shall continue, then."
Concerning the overall vibe of the ceremony, the lens transitions from shock to curiosity during the event. Soft murmurs were heard by the congregation; nevertheless, Marina's awareness was entirely fixed on the man by her side. Aiden held her hand tightly; clenching it rather than holding it gently to try and reassure her through the cacophony of thoughts raging through her mind.
The vows were said consecutively and almost mechanically; and looking up from the papers, Marina found herself presented to the guests as Mrs. Aiden Wellington. She finally understood that she was in a hopeless situation, and she shuddered at the future that awaited her. But as she looked into his eyes, the steady staring of her captor somehow conferred a kind of protection.
After that, there were greetings and envious looks in the reception. Shortly, Mr. and Mrs. Jones went to Marina and addressed her in a relieved but worried tone. Despite their initial coldness due to her illness, they had grown to love her, and the sight of tears in eyes pained them.
"Marina, dear, are you alright?" her mother asked, gently touching her arm.
Marina forced a smile. "I'm fine, Mom. Just... a bit overwhelmed."
Her father's stern expression softened as he looked at her. "We're proud of you, Marina. You showed great strength today."
The unexpected praise brought a lump to her throat, and she nodded, unable to trust her voice. Just then, Aiden appeared at her side, his presence was silent but gave her a powerful support.
He introduced himself politely, "Am Aiden Wellington, it is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Jones." "Yes. Yes, you have my word; I will look after your daughter very well."
Her parents exchanged a look, and her father extended his hand. "We trust you will, Mr. Wellington."
Marina felt that she become more and more relaxed as time passes by and Aiden seemed to be with her wherever she went. In her mind she recalled how he had treated her reasonably well, when he knew she was helpless and vulnerable. They had somehow lost sight of the fact they were husband and wife until the door closed on the last guest and they were able to sit and think.
"Thank you, Adien." "But why did you do this?" Marina asked, putting her hands on her hips and looking around the Ballroom that was empty now.
Aiden's face relaxed, his fingers county gently along the side of her face and removing the sticky strand of hair that clung to her cheek. "There is no need for you to thank me, Marina You deserved much better than what has happened today."
His touch sent a shiver down her spine, and she found herself gazing into his dark eyes, searching for the man behind the cold façade. "What happens now?"
Aiden's jaw tightened slightly, and he took a step back, the moment of intimacy breaking. "Now, we move forward. This is a contract marriage, Marina. But I promise you, I'll protect you. No one will harm you while you're with me."
Marina nodded, a wave of what can only be described as relief moving through her. It was not the fairy tale type of ended she had thought of but wait it was a start of a new life. When they exited the ballroom and emerged in the crisp night air, she stared at him taking a deep breath for what the night entailed for her now that she had Aiden.
In the shadows, a pair of eyes watched them intently. Jayden Hawthorne stood, his face twisted with anger and his heart full of regret. He had thought rejecting Marina would free him from a life he didn't want, but seeing her walk away with Aiden sparked a fury he hadn't anticipated. He had made a mistake, and now he would have to live with the consequences.
But Jayden wasn't the only one watching him. Amira Fords sat in another corner with a suspicious glare toward the action. Marina had once planned to marry Aiden but was surprised when he suddenly married her instead, and she did not take this lightly. In essence she would achieve her goals, whatever the price.
When Marina and Aiden finally walked to the car and drove off while the city lights glinted in the car lights, Marina still had a ray of light within her. She didn't know what became of the future, in her mind she was prepared to take whatever there was in the future. Perhaps she didn't realize this was only the starting point of the love, deceit and the ultimate challenge of a strong and vibrant woman.
Blurb: Ava Monroe's life changes forever after one night with Damon Blackwood, the ruthless billionaire hiding a painful past and a secret child. As their worlds collide, Ava uncovers lies that threaten to tear them apart. Caught between her family's troubled history and Damon's dark secrets, she must decide if love is worth the price. But in a world of betrayal, power plays, and hidden truths, will Ava risk everything for love; or is redemption too far out of reach?
After hiding her true identity throughout her three-year marriage to Colton, Allison had committed wholeheartedly, only to find herself neglected and pushed toward divorce. Disheartened, she set out to rediscover her true self-a talented perfumer, the mastermind of a famous intelligence agency, and the heir to a secret hacker network. Realizing his mistakes, Colton expressed his regret. "I know I messed up. Please, give me another chance." Yet, Kellan, a once-disabled tycoon, stood up from his wheelchair, took Allison's hand, and scoffed dismissively, "You think she'll take you back? Dream on."
COALESCENCE OF THE FIVE SERIES BOOK ONE: THE 5-TIME REJECTED GAMMA & THE LYCAN KING BOOK TWO: THE ROGUES WHO WENT ROGUE BOOK THREE: THE INDOMITABLE HUNTRESS & THE HARDENED DUKE *** BOOK ONE: After being rejected by 5 mates, Gamma Lucianne pleaded with the Moon Goddess to spare her from any further mate-bonds. To her dismay, she is being bonded for the sixth time. Whatâs worse is that her sixth-chance mate is the most powerful creature ruling over all werewolves and Lycans - the Lycan King himself. She is certain, dead certain, that a rejection would come sooner or later, though she hopes for it to be sooner. King Alexandar was ecstatic to meet his bonded mate, and couldnât thank their Goddess enough for gifting him someone so perfect. However, he soon realizes that this gift is reluctant to accept him, and more than willing to sever their bond. He tries to connect with her but she seems so far away. He is desperate to get intimate with her but she seems reluctant to open up to him. He tries to tell her that he is willing to commit to her for the rest of his life but she doesnât seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that heâs different; and a chance to love her. But when not-so-subtle crushes, jealous suitors, self-entitled Queen-wannabes, an old flame, a silent protector and a past wedding engagement threaten to jeopardize their relationship, will Lucianne and Xandar still choose to be together? Is their love strong enough to overcome everything and everyone? Or will Lucianne resort to enduring a sixth rejection from the one person she thought she could entrust her heart with?
A sudden twist of fate connected Helena to a prominent and influential person. To onlookers, she appeared as a naive bimbo. In truth, she was a top-tier specialist, shrouded in layers of hidden identities. Charlie declared, âSheâs quite delicate and easily hurt. Cross her, and youâre crossing me.â The elite families, outwitted by Helena's prowess, kept these truths from him. Helena eventually broke free from Charlie, sending him on a frenzied worldwide hunt. To him, she was a bird with dazzling wings, and his goal was to help her reach new heights.Â
6 years ago, Lydia suffered a brutal betrayal orchestrated by her own husband and step-sister, who drugged her and framed her. In a twist of fate, she ended up having a one-night stand with a stranger. Don't even remember what he looked like. Later, in the throes of death, she discovered the truth about her mother's death all those years ago. In the blink of an eye, she lost everything. 6 years later, Lydia returned with her genius son, vowing to exact revenge on all her enemies! Little did she know, she encountered an incredibly familiar man at the airport! *** The man was briskly pushing open the door to the restroom, heading to the urinal. Even with such a mundane action, he did it with unparalleled elegance and grace. Lydia, following him in a daze, saw his fierce lower body and suddenly snapped back to reality. She let out a high-pitched scream, instinctively covering her eyes with her hands, her cheeks flushed, and stood there stiffly, unsure of what to do. Lambert furrowed his brows slightly but remained calm as he continued to relieve himself. The sound of water hitting the urinal made Lydia's face even redder. She angrily shouted, "You pervert!" Little did Lydia know that Lambert, seeing her in this state, had a flicker of recognition in his eyes. Memories from many years ago flashed through his mind, and his heart couldn't help but stir. It was her!
Marriage was a bed of thorns for Stella. She lived like an overworked and unhappy slave for six years in her matrimonial home. One day, her uncaring husband, Waylon said to her, "Ayla will be back soon. You have to move out tomorrow." "I want a divorce," responded Stella. She left without shedding a tear or trying to change Waylon's stone-cold heart. Days after their divorce, they met again. Stella was in the arms of another man. Waylon's blood boiled at the sight of her looking so happy. "So, you couldn't even wait a while before jumping into another man's arms?" he queried distastefully. "And who are you to question my decision? It's my life, so I call the shots. Stay out of my business!" Stella fired at him before turning to look at her new man with shiny eyes. Waylon immediately lost it.
My name is Katia, and I am just trying to survive until my fated mate arrives. Which may be easier said than done. Rejectection is the last straw. Whispering my acceptance of his rejection. I run through the pack house, out across the manicured lawn into the forest. "I'm sorry, my sweet girl," I say to my wolf. I'm sorry you have been stuck with me and have had to suffer everything I have. She whispers," it's not your fault, Katia. We came to a cliff with a waterfall. The hurt keeps pounding at me. I need it to stop. My sweet girl, and I just want peace, I keep running and leap off the cliff. Spreading my arms wide, with tears streaming down my face, I fall, not making a sound, waiting for sweet oblivion where we feel nothing ever again. "I love you, my sweet girl! Until we meet again, "My wolf replied just before we hit the water, "I love you too, Katia. I have never regretted a moment with you." The Snow Moon pack is having their last barbecue of the summer next to the waterfall on their land. The adults are laughing and joking while watching the pups play. The alpha, beta, and gamma are swimming with some of the older children and playing a game of Marco Polo. Someone yells, "Oh my goddess, someone just jumped over the waterfall!" Everyone is frozen as they watch what looks to be a child falling arms spread wide, no one makes a sound. The small body hits the water like a plane crashing into the side of a mountain. The alpha, beta, and gamma, spring into action, swimming towards the area the person went under. The alpha is screaming his wolf is going crazy repeating, "Find her. Find her...find her!" They dive and the beta surfaces with a small person in his arms. Alpha takes the girl from his beta, laying her on the ground. The men are shocked by what they see. She is covered in scars and injuries. Her body is twisted and broken. The Beta asks, "Who could have done this to someone so defenseless?" Alpha drops to his knees, repeating, "MATE...MATE...MATE!"