**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!!!!!!
Elodie took a deep breath and knocked, the sound echoing in the quiet corridor. A moment of silence passed, broken only by the pounding of her heart. Finally, the door snicked open, revealing a surprised Dashiell. 'Can't you see the Do Not Disturb sign? We don't want-' His initial frown quickly morphed into confusion at the sight of his wife. 'What are you doing here?' he demanded. 'Your girlfriend invited me,' Elodie replied, her voice laced with icy calm. She tried to peer past him, but his broad frame blocked the view. A saccharine voice chimed in from within the room. 'Elodie? Oh dear, we didn't mean for you to find out this way. It's just that-' Elodie cut her short. 'Oh please, Selene. Spare me the fake apologies. You wouldn't have sent me all those texts if you didn't want me to know.' Dashiell shifted uncomfortably, his face a mask of annoyance. 'What texts?' Elodie stepped past him, taking in the luxurious suite with a sardonic smile. The king-sized bed, the scattered rose petals, the lingering scent of sex – it all painted a vivid picture of their betrayal. She looked up at Dashiell, her gaze unwavering. 'I want a divorce.' ****** Dashiell lived a life of luxury, surrounded by the best things money could buy. But when a car accident left him vulnerable, he met Elodie, a seemingly ordinary woman who nursed him back to health. Mistaking her for just another employee, Dashiell entered into a loveless marriage with her solely for convenience. However, fate had a different script in store. Elodie, the 'ordinary nurse,' held a secret more precious than any diamond: she was the sole heiress to Northstar, a vast and powerful enterprise. Unaware of her true identity, Dashiell cast her aside when his ex-girlfriend returned, leaving Elodie humiliated. But Elodie was not one to be easily broken. She shed the facade of the meek nurse, reclaiming her rightful inheritance and stepping into the role of Northstar's CEO. Now, the woman Dashiell discarded was the one holding the reins of power. As Elodie thrives in her new role, Dashiell is consumed by regret. He finally sees Elodie for the extraordinary woman she truly is, realising the depth of his mistake. But will his remorse be enough to win back the heart he so carelessly discarded?
Rosalynn's marriage to Brian wasn't what she envisioned it to be. Her husband, Brian, barely came home. He avoided her like a plague. Worse still, he was always in the news for dating numerous celebrities. Rosalynn persevered until she couldn't take it anymore. She upped and left after filing for a divorce. Everything changed days later. Brian took interest in a designer that worked for his company anonymously. From her profile, he could tell that she was brilliant and dazzling. He pulled the stops to find out her true identity. Little did he know that he was going to receive the greatest shocker of his life. Brian bit his finger with regret when he recalled his past actions and the woman he foolishly let go.
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.
"You were about to cum in me." I said and sat up. That's when I felt a stinging pain across my ear as my hand caressed my face, then the realization hit me- he had slapped me, Lee had just slapped me. #Sex. Lies. Money. Power. *** Jessie, after finding out her fiance had married another woman, decides to have a one-night stand with his uncle, only to find herself married to him. But despite being married to his uncle, she was still attracted to him, so she started secretly seeing him. Well, the uncle wasn't willing to give her up now, not after he vowed to always be by her side; now she had two men fighting for her. And the woman her ex-fiance married wasn't just going to give up on him. Will Jessie realize old flames can never be and live a peaceful life with her new billionaire husband, or will Jade succeed in winning her back?
Rumors said that Lucas married an unattractive woman with no background. In the three years they were together, he remained cold and distant to Belinda, who endured in silence. Her love for him forced her to sacrifice her self-worth and her dreams. When Lucas' true love reappeared, Belinda realized that their marriage was a sham from the start, a ploy to save another woman's life. She signed the divorce papers and left. Three years later, Belinda returned as a surgical prodigy and a maestro of the piano. Lost in regret, Lucas chased her in the rain and held her tightly. "You are mine, Belinda."
After a painful breakup with her boyfriend of two years who coldly told her to her face that he couldn't keep dating her because she was too uptight--In a moment of anger and defiance, Anna decided to throw caution to the wind for one reckless night. She headed to the wildest club in Texas, determined to lose herself in the chaos. But fate had other plans. To her shock, she ran into her ex-boyfriend at the club. Desperate to save face, she made a split-second decision and approached a stranger, pretending he was her new boyfriend. What she never anticipated was the magnetic pull she would feel towards him or the fact that she'd end up going home with this mystery man. Soon enough, the real surprise hit her--this stranger wasn't just anyone; he was her new boss. What begins as a night of rebellion spirals into a whirlwind of forbidden attraction, societal pressure and hidden affairs. And now there are so many things at stake. Find out how this story unfolds.