**DO:** - Attend business events together - Maintain a professional image - Support each other's career goals - Keep up appearances for the public and our investors **DON'T:** - Expect emotional support or intimacy - Try to change each other's habits or beliefs - Bring up past relationships or personal issues - Engage in any public displays of affection (besides hand-holding or brief kisses) Jane Steve doesn't have a dad, just her single mom who raised her. Things weren't too tough for Jane because her mom gave her everything she needed. She doesn't do love and doesn't want to get married. Because all the guys she's met only care about her looks. Max Blackwoods runs Blackwoods Industry, one of the top companies in New York City. He's not really into women and doesn't believe in love either. Being single is his thing, and he never thought he'd get married. So we've got a girl who doesn't believe in love and a guy who feels the same way. Will they end up catching feelings for each other? Maybe they'll change their minds about love being a good thing? Could they have a happy ending together?
Chapter One
JANE POV
I was stuck in a rut, big time. It was a Saturday afternoon, and I had nothing to do. My friends were all busy with their husbands, and I was solo. Again.
I'm Jane, by the way. I'm 24, single, and not exactly thrilled about it. Don't get me wrong, I love my independence, but sometimes it feels like I'm the only one not living the dream.
As I lounged on my couch, my phone rang. Mom. I let it go to voicemail. I wasn't in the mood for a lecture about finding a nice guy and settling down.
I grabbed my jacket and headed out to the mart. I needed some fresh air and a snack. As I strolled in, I bumped into someone at the entrance. Literally.
"Watch where you're going, clumsy!" a voice growled.
I looked up to see a rugged, charming guy with messy dark hair and piercing blue eyes. He had a strong build, like he worked out regularly, but his scowl made him look intimidating. But for some reason he looks familiar.
"Sorry, I wasn't paying attention," I said, feeling a bit taken aback by his tone.
"Well, maybe you should be," he snapped. "You almost took me down."
I bristled at his attitude. "Hey, I said I was sorry. No need to be rude."
He raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I'm being rude? You're the one who bumped into me."
I rolled my eyes. "Whatever. Sorry again, okay?"
He snorted. "Save it. But hey, since you're so sorry, how about you buy me a coffee to make up for it?" he said with an annoying smirk on his face.
I hesitated for a moment, then agreed. We walked to a nearby cafe, his silence making me feel uncomfortable, like really really uncomfortable.
As we sipped our coffee, he finally spoke up. "So, what's your name? And what makes you so clumsy?" he said with an annoying smile.
I bristled at his tone, but answered anyway. "I'm Jane Williams and I'm not clumsy. I'm just a little distracted, that's all. I'm just...adventurous."
He snorted. "Adventurous? That's one way to put it. I'd say you're just plain reckless."
I felt a surge of anger, but tried to keep my cool. "Well, maybe I am. But at least I'm not a grumpy, rude stranger who can't even be polite," I said and stole a little glance at his beautiful blue eyes.
He smirked. "Oh, I'm polite. I'm just not afraid to speak my mind. And if you can't handle a little bit of honesty, then maybe you're not as adventurous as you think you are," he said with no emotions.
And with that, he finished his coffee and walked out, leaving me feeling both annoyed and intrigued. Who was this guy, anyway? He really seems familiar for some reason.
I shifted my thoughts and stormed out of the coffee shop, still fuming from my encounter with his rude behavior. I was used to guys being so nice to me, not insulting me. And it was all because of my pretty face.
I'd always been the one to dish out the sass, to play hard to get. Guys would fawn over me, trying to get my attention, and I'd revel in the power it gave me. But for once, someone had turned the tables on me. And I didn't like it one bit. Or does he think he is that handsome?
As I drove home, I couldn't shake off the annoyance. Who was that guy? And why did he have to be so...rude? Why does he seem like I've met him somewhere but I can't remember or probably he is a celebrity I've seen on TV?
I pulled into my driveway, still seething. I needed a shower and a nap to get over this awful day.
.
.
.
.
.
The next day, I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world. Or so I thought. As I was getting dressed, my phone rang. It was my best friend, Emily.
"Hey, girl! I'm having a party tonight, and you have to come!" "No" is never an option she squealed.
I hesitated for a moment but then agreed. Maybe a night out was just what I needed to forget about the rude stranger. Besides Emily must want me to be there.
I quickly ordered a black diamond gown that would suit tonight's party, 'cause Emily's husband flows with celebrities.
As I arrived at Emily's party, I was greeted by the usual crowd of admirers. But as I made my way through the throng of people, I noticed a familiar face. The rude stranger from the coffee shop was standing by the bar, sipping a drink. Why is he here?
My heart skipped a beat as our eyes met. And for once, I was speechless. I just stood looking at him as he walked towards me.
He walked over to me, a smirk on his face. "Well, well, well. Look what we have here. The queen of mean herself," he said as he got so close to me.
I rolled my eyes, distracting myself that I find this rude guy attractive, like this is the first time I have found someone attractive. "What do you want? Why are you even here?" I asked.
"It's a party, or am I not allowed to be here?" he said. I was about to reply when his mood changed and he said, "I want to talk to you," his voice low and serious. "Outside," he said and started walking outside. What is his deal this time? I thought but then followed him out to the balcony. The cool night air was a welcome respite from the crowded party.
"What do you want?" I repeated, my arms crossed.
"I want to propose a contract marriage," he said, his eyes gleaming in the dim light.
I laughed. "You've got to be kidding me." Anyway what is the contract about?
But he wasn't smiling. "I'm dead serious, Jane. I need a wife, and you need a husband. Let's make a deal."
I was taken aback. Who told him I need a husband? No one had ever asked me to marry them before, "because I was not ready to marry" my subconscious mind tells me. "Who told you I need a husband?" I yelled at him and turned to go.
He held my hand and I turned to him. "Because if you had a husband you wouldn't be here alone," he said.
There was something about him that intrigued me. Maybe it was the way he didn't fawn over me, or the way he seemed to see right through me. Whatever it was, I couldn't deny that I was curious.
"I remember my mom and her wish for me to get married," So tell me about this contract I said, my voice softer than I intended.
"Let's go to my car," he said and I followed him behind.
And with that, he began to lay out his proposal. A contract marriage, with terms and conditions. It was crazy, but...
I couldn't help but be tempted. He is every girl's dream man, most especially my type. I thought and smiled in my head.
"Since this is all what the contract marriage is, I will think about it and get back to you in two days," I said, avoiding eye contact with him.
"Okay, here's my number," he gave me a card and walked away.
I looked at the card and my eyes widened in shock. He is the Blackwoods son!!!!!!
Rachel used to think that her devotion would win Brian over one day, but she was proven wrong when his true love returned. Rachel had endured it all—from standing alone at the altar to dragging herself to the hospital for an emergency treatment. Everyone thought she was crazy to give up so much of herself for someone who didn’t return her feelings. But when Brian received news of Rachel’s terminal illness and realized she didn’t have long to live, he completely broke down. "I forbid you to die!" Rachel just smiled. She no longer needed him. "I will finally be free."
Rumors claimed that Fernanda, newly back with her family, was nothing more than a violent country bumpkin. Fernanda just flashed a casual, dismissive grin in response. Another rumor suggested that the usually rational Cristian had lost all sense, madly in love with Fernanda. This frustrated her. She could tolerate gossip about herself, but slander against her beloved crossed the line! Gradually, as Fernanda's multiple identities as a celebrated designer, a savvy gamer, an acclaimed painter, and a successful business magnate came to light, everyone realized they were the ones who had been fooled.
Elena, once a pampered heiress, suddenly lost everything when the real daughter framed her, her fiancé ridiculed her, and her adoptive parents threw her out. They all wanted to see her fall. But Elena unveiled her true identity: the heiress of a massive fortune, famed hacker, top jewelry designer, secret author, and gifted doctor. Horrified by her glorious comeback, her adoptive parents demanded half her newfound wealth. Elena exposed their cruelty and refused. Her ex pleaded for a second chance, but she scoffed, “Do you think you deserve it?” Then a powerful magnate gently proposed, “Marry me?”
They don't know I'm a girl. They all look at me and see a boy. A prince. Their kind purchase humans like me for their lustful desires. And, when they stormed into our kingdom to buy my sister, I intervened to protect her. I made them take me too. The plan was to escape with my sister whenever we found a chance. How was I to know our prison would be the most fortified place in their kingdom? I was supposed to be on the sidelines. The one they had no real use for. The one they never meant to buy. But then, the most important person in their savage land-their ruthless beast king-took an interest in the "pretty little prince." How do we survive in this brutal kingdom, where everyone hates our kind and shows us no mercy? And how does someone, with a secret like mine, become a lust slave? . AUTHOR'S NOTE. This is a dark romance-dark, mature content. Highly rated 18+ Expect triggers, expect hardcore. If you're a seasoned reader of this genre, looking for something different, prepared to go in blindly not knowing what to expect at every turn, but eager to know more anyway, then dive in! . From the author of the international bestselling book: "The Alpha King's Hated Slave."
Life was perfect until she met her boyfriend's big brother. There was a forbidden law in the Night Shade Pack that if the head Alpha rejected his mate, he would be stripped of his position. Sophia's life would get connected with the law. She was an Omega who was dating the head Alpha's younger brother. Bryan Morrison, the head Alpha, was not only a cold-blooded man but also a charming business tycoon. His name was enough to cause other packs to tremble. He was known as a ruthless man. What if, by some twist of destiny, Sophia's path were to intertwine with his?
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."