How does a man have breakfast with a girl and go out for an engagement dinner, his engagement dinner, with another girl? Sophie's world was turned upside down when she heard about Ethan's engagement news. Everywhere she turns people are whispering about how she is a gold digger and then praising Ethan for finally choosing substance over superficiality. Sophie wondered if the three years she spent with Ethan had meant nothing to him. Anyway, she wanted to pick her life up after all it was a contract so she decided to end it. But Ethan refuses and says he is the only one who can call off their relationship. Will Sophie be able to navigate this puzzle and get back to her life?
The early morning sun was streaming gently through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Ethan's penthouse, casting a warm glow over the modern, sleek kitchen. Sophie stood in the kitchen, expertly flipping pancakes while the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. The clinking of cutlery and the sizzling of the skillet were the only sounds, creating a peaceful morning symphony.
Ethan walked in, looking as dapper as ever in his tailored suit. His presence filled the room, but it was his smile that caught Sophie off guard every time. She returned the smile, feeling her heart flutter.
"Good morning, Sophie," he greeted, his voice smooth and warm.
"Good morning, Ethan. Breakfast is almost ready," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady despite the surge of emotions.
Ethan approached the kitchen counter and leaned in, peering at the golden pancakes. "This smells amazing. You're spoiling me," he teased.
Sophie laughed. "Well, someone has to make sure you eat a proper meal. You're always so busy."
Ethan's eyes softened as he looked at her. "I appreciate it more than you know."
They sat down to breakfast, the table laden with pancakes, fresh fruit, and a pot of steaming coffee. Sophie poured Ethan a cup, their hands briefly touching, sending a spark through her.
"So, what's on your agenda today?" Sophie asked, cutting into her pancake, trying to keep the conversation light.
Ethan took a sip of his coffee, savoring it before answering. "Meetings, as usual. And you? Any plans?"
Sophie hesitated, looking into his eyes. This was the moment she had been building up to, the moment she wanted to tell him how she felt. "Actually, I've been thinking... Ethan, I-"
Ethan's phone buzzed on the table, breaking the moment. He glanced at it, his expression shifting to one of annoyance. "I'm sorry, Sophie. It's urgent."
Sophie's heart sank. "Of course. You should take it."
He picked the call and then listened for some minutes before saying "I will take care of it."
Ethan ended the call and placed it back on the table, giving her his full attention again. "What were you saying?"
She took a deep breath, her courage wavering. "I just wanted to say... Thank you. For everything you've done for me and my mom. It means the world to us."
Ethan reached across the table and squeezed her hand. "You don't have to thank me, Sophie. I'm happy to help."
She smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Well, I should get going. I have a lot of studying to do." She stood up and started packing the dishes.
"Of course." Ethan nodded, releasing her hand. She stood up and went to the kitchen, taking the dishes with her. She washed the dishes, because she doesn't like piling dirty in the sink. Besides, she still has a few minutes to spare before she gets to school.
"Do you want me to drop you off at the campus?" he asked.
"No thank you. Lisa is picking me up." she answered while rinsing a cup in the running tap.
He put a hand around her waist and drew her close to him. "You should be the one picking your friends up. In your car!"
She shook her head.
"You are my girlfriend, you should have your own car."
"Nope," she said smiling.
"What brand do you want? Ferrari, Masararti, Limousine?" he asked while gently nibbling at her ear.
"Stop it!" She told him, giggling.
"Let me get you a car," he persisted.
"No, but you can get me one for my graduation next year." He turned her around and placed a peck on her nose.
"Okay," he said while releasing her.
"What will we have for dinner tonight?" he asked.
She turned around to finish her work. "It's a surprise. And you should go, you are running late already." He turned her around again and placed a light kiss on her lips.
"Have a great day, Sophie."
"You too, Ethan."
Oh the dinner is not much of a surprise because he has eaten it before. The first time she prepared it, he finished the whole plate and demanded for more. It was her father's favorite. A sad demeanor clouded her face as she remembered her father.
No, don't get sad, it's in the past.
She wanted to make the Chicken Alfredo pasta for Ethan because she was feeling really grateful today. After her lectures, she will go visit her mother before coming home.
When she had tidied everywhere, Sophie gathered her things and left the penthouse, her heart heavy with unspoken words.
She nearly confessed her feelings to him this morning, that was a close call. Who knows what he would have done to her. I mean it's against the 'Terms' and she knows it. Yet...
She is grateful to have Ethan in her life, he's been so helpful. But sometimes she wishes he can go further in their relationship, that he will... "Oh Sophie stop dreaming," she chided herself.
As she walked to the elevator, her phone started ringing. She pulled out her phone, and saw Lisa's name, 'maybe she is already in the basement'. She decided to answer her call and let her friend know she is close by.
"Sophie, did you see the news?" Lisa's voice was frantic.
"What news?" Sophie asked.
Lisa took a deep breath, "It's about Ethan."
Sophie laughed. "He's always in the news, most times against his wishes."
"This time it's different," Lisa insisted, almost screaming.
"Girl, what's wrong?" Sophie has begun to sense the emergency in her friend's voice.
"Check your Instagram."
Sophie ended the call and opened her Instagram and scrolled through the feed and her notifications. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw it.
In screaming letters was the headline: "Billionaire Ethan Grant Engaged to Heiress Vanessa Kingsley."
Her world spun as she read the article, detailing the engagement party scheduled for that evening, complete with photos of Ethan and Vanessa looking every bit the perfect couple. Tears welled up in her eyes as she tried to process the news.
Isabelle thought she had left her past behind when she moved to Paris until she found out she was pregnant. She decides to raise the child alone but an unexpected call brings her back to the USA. When her child falls sick with a genetic condition, she has to go to the father of her child for help. What happens when she discovers that the man she had a one-night-stand years ago is the husband of her best friend? How will she convince Alex to save her daughter?
The whispers said that out of bitter jealousy, Hadley shoved Eric's beloved down the stairs, robbing the unborn child of life. To avenge, Eric forced Hadley abroad and completely cut her off. Years later, she reemerged, and they felt like strangers. When they met again, she was the nightclub's star, with men ready to pay fortunes just to glimpse her elusive performance. Unable to contain himself, Eric blocked her path, asking, "Is this truly how you earn a living now? Why not come back to me?" Hadley's lips curved faintly. "If you’re eager to see me, you’d better join the queue, darling."
In her previous life, Kimberly endured the betrayal of her husband, the cruel machinations of an evil woman, and the endless tyranny of her in-laws. It culminated in the bankruptcy of her family, and ultimately, her death. After being reborn, she resolved to seek retribution against those who had wronged her, and ensure her family's prosperity. To her shock, the most unattainable man from her past suddenly set his sights on her. "You may have overlooked me before, but I shall capture your heart this time around."
She was a world-renowned divine doctor, the CEO of a publicly traded company, the most formidable female mercenary, and a top-tier tech genius. Marissa, a titan with a plethora of secret identities, had hidden her true stature to marry a seemingly impoverished young man. However, on the eve of their wedding, her fiance, who was actually the lost heir to a wealthy dynasty, called off the engagement and subjected her to degradation and mockery. Upon the revelation of her concealed identities, her ex-fiance was left stunned and desperately pleaded for her forgiveness. Standing protectively before Marissa, an incredibly influential and fearsome magnate declared, "This is my wife. Who would dare try to claim her?"
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."
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."
"Ahh!" She was in a moaning mess. She did not want to feel anything for this man. She hated him. His hands began to move all over her body. She gasped when he pulled down the back chain of her dress. The chain stopped at her lower waist, so when he zipped it off, her upper back and waist were exposed. "D-Don't touch m-ummm!" His fingers rolled around her bare back, and she pressed her head against the pillow. His touches were giving her goosebumps all over her body. With a deep angry voice, he whispered in her ear, "I am going to make you forget his touches, kisses, and everything. Every time you touch another man, you will only think of me." - - - Ava Adler was a nerdy omega. People bullied her because they thought she was ugly and unattractive. But Ava secretly loved the bad boy, Ian Dawson. He was the future Alpha of the Mystic Shadow Pack. However, he doesn't give a damn about rules and laws, as he only likes to play around with girls. Ava was unaware of Ian's arrogance until her fate intertwined with his. He neglected her and hurt her deeply. What would happen when Ava turned out to be a beautiful girl who could win over any boy, and Ian looked back and regretted his decisions? What if she had a secret identity that she had yet to discover? What if the tables turned and Ian begged her not to leave him?