For two years, Ashton had poured his heart into his marriage, yet Emalee's heart remained cold. Despite his dedication, Emalee presented him with divorce papers. She bluntly stated she could not remain married to a man whose net worth was less than a million dollars. Ashton signed the papers, closing one chapter of his life and stepping into a new beginning. Then, Ashton revealed his secret identities: a music mogul, a medical expert, and a martial arts master-each persona impressive enough to stun the world. As Ashton's true capabilities came to light, Emalee was overwhelmed with deep regret.
"Review this divorce agreement and sign it if all is in order."
At the entrance of the Sunglow Hotel, Ashton Baldwin paused and looked at the speaker-his wife, Emalee James.
It was Bobby James' birthday today. Ashton had faced many challenges to find a perfect gift and to arrive on time.
Yet, instead of receiving a warm greeting, Emalee presented him with divorce papers.
Ashton managed a strained smile and gently lowered her hand that clutched the document.
"Emalee, it's your grandfather's birthday today. There are many guests around. This isn't the time for jokes like this," he said, chuckling nervously.
However, his smile froze immediately after he finished speaking.
A chill of coldness and repulsion in Emalee's gaze struck him, something he had never witnessed before.
"This is no joke. Sign the divorce papers and leave," she declared firmly.
Desperation crept into Ashton's voice as his hope dwindled. "Why? Is this about your old flame?"
Upon his question, Emalee merely nodded, and then handed him a bank card.
"You already know why. No more words are necessary. There's money on this card. Think of it as a settlement. Sign it, take the money, and we're done," she stated icily.
Ashton's mouth twitched, but before he could respond, a mocking tone interrupted him.
"Emalee! Just divorce him already. Why bother with a settlement? Does this loser even merit that?"
Tristan James, Emalee's younger brother, had come over, wearing a look of contempt.
Locking eyes with Ashton, Tristan raised an eyebrow and scoffed, "What are you staring at? Did I offend? Remember, the James family holds a notable reputation in Inewood. My sister, a CEO, is both skilled and stunning! And you, Ashton, have proven to be an utter nonentity. What have you contributed in these two years other than sponging off us? Do you really believe you deserve her?"
He turned to look at his sister and added, "Rather than wasting money on him, Emalee, you should let me use it for a new car. At least that would be of some use!"
Emalee exhaled softly, a hint of resignation in her voice. "Ashton may not have shown much capability, but we are married, after all. Just let him take this money as his compensation."
These words left Ashton feeling both sad and powerless.
It appeared he had merely been a substitute in Emalee's life.
How could she understand that his choice to underperform was intentional?
Ashton was fully capable of eclipsing others if he desired.
Yet, he feared his success might revive Emalee's insecurities, reminding her of her talented first love who had once left her.
Choosing to suppress his abilities, Ashton had supported Emalee, allowing her to be the one to shine.
Despite his efforts to cultivate their love over two years, it was not enough to touch Emalee's heart.
Now, with her first love back, she was ready to end their marriage?
The absurdity of it made his heart sink.
People's affections, he realized, could indeed be fleeting.
"Emalee, I must ask you one final time. Are you certain you want to end our marriage?" he inquired, his voice tinged with a chill.
Emalee nodded decisively.
With a quiet sigh, Ashton resignedly said, "Well, thank you for rescuing me once. We're square now."
As he brought up their past, Emalee's face twitched with unease.
She cut him off quickly, pushing the bank card toward him.
"Why mention the past now? Just take the card and go."
Tristan, witnessing this exchange, could hardly contain his displeasure.
"Really, Ashton? You think you deserve this money?" he scoffed, moving aggressively to intercept Ashton's hand, attempting to snatch away the card.
Tristan underestimated Ashton, who, despite his frail appearance, possessed unexpected strength. He held onto the card firmly, resisting Tristan's efforts to take it.
In a moment of frustration, Tristan pushed Ashton forcefully.
Distracted, Ashton nearly lost his footing. He remained upright, but the cherished pocket watch his mother had given him fell to the ground and shattered-a final memento from her.
Ashton froze, overwhelmed by the loss, his thoughts empty.
Seizing the moment, Tristan grabbed the bank card from him.
"Hauling around junk like this, it's no surprise you're destined to lose," Tristan mocked. He glanced at the broken watch and boasted, "Phillip is not only a renowned lawyer abroad but he's also committed to taking good care of my sister. He's likely to help us secure the deal with Skyline Group, something our family has long coveted. Forget my sister, Ashton. I heard you two haven't even consummated your marriage these past two years."
Ashton's gaze turned frosty, and he swiftly knocked Tristan to the ground with a kick.
Tristan howled in agony, curling up on the ground.
Emalee, witnessing the scene, yelled out in anger, "Ashton! Remember, Tristan is my brother, and we're still married. Don't cross the line!"
Ashton retorted with a sneer, clearly disillusioned, "He just destroyed the last thing my mother gave me. Isn't he the one going too far?"
Stunned into silence, Emalee watched as Ashton, with a deep breath, snatched the divorce papers from her and signed his name without hesitation.
As Ashton solemnly signed the divorce papers, Tristan, regaining his footing, sneered at him.
He said through gritted teeth, "You're wise to not challenge us. Without the backing of our family, you're nothing!"
No sooner had Tristan finished his taunt than Ashton moved quickly and struck him across the face.
"Hold your tongue. I'm done with the James family. Don't push me," Ashton retorted sharply.
Stunned by such a reaction, Tristan lashed out, "You're a worthless loser, Ashton! You're too cowardly to confront my sister, so you lash out at me? She's well rid of you. You were never worthy of her!"
Despite Tristan's harsh words, Ashton merely chuckled and faced a shocked Emalee.
"Remember this decision, Emalee. I hope you don't come to regret it," he remarked coolly.
Unexpectedly, Emalee, who should have felt relieved at the separation, was seized by a wave of doubt.
It was the first time she had seen such an icy glare in Ashton's eyes.
Silently, she bit her lip, acknowledging the painful truth.
Her successful climb to CEO was fueled by her relentless focus on her career. At home, Ashton had meticulously managed their lives, enveloping her in care and attention.
Just as regret began to surface, the sound of an approaching car broke through her thoughts.
The sharp honk jolted her, dispelling her moment of hesitation.
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 never gave a damn about rules and laws, as he only liked 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 lan begged her not to leave him?
"I, Sophia Addison, of the Crescent Moon Pack, deny your rejection, Jacob Carter." I smiled triumphantly at him and he just glared at me. I can hear loud gasps and whispers throughout the place. They cannot believe that their goody-two-shoes of a senior year president is rejecting me in front of everybody. What goody-two-shoes? More like a two faced jerk! That is why, here I am, denying his rejection. Oh well, I refuse to suffer alone. So...let us both suffer together my dear mate.
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."
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!"
Everyone was shocked to the bones when the news of Rupert Benton's engagement broke out. It was surprising because the lucky girl was said to be a plain Jane, who grew up in the countryside and had nothing to her name. One evening, she showed up at a banquet, stunning everyone present. "Wow, she's so beautiful!" All the men drooled, and the women got so jealous. What they didn't know was that this so-called country girl was actually an heiress to a billion-dollar empire. It wasn't long before her secrets came to light one after the other. The elites couldn't stop talking about her. "Holy smokes! So, her father is the richest man in the world?" "She's also that excellent, but mysterious designer who many people adore! Who would have guessed?" Nonetheless, people thought that Rupert didn't love her. But they were in for another surprise. Rupert released a statement, silencing all the naysayers. "I'm very much in love with my beautiful fiancee. We will be getting married soon." Two questions were on everyone's minds: "Why did she hide her identity? And why was Rupert in love with her all of a sudden?"
"You're the moon wolf, Lola. You're the wolf with the power of the Moon goddess", Serena said and collective gasps were heard in the room. After being rejected by her mate in Moonlit pack, Lola escaped on a full moon only to enter the territory of the next Alpha King who also happened to be her second chance mate. Adrian is the next Alpha King but he hasn't been able to assume his role because he needed a Luna by his side. A rogue that trespassed on his territory, whom he ordered be killed turned out to be his mate leaving him in a dilemma. Will Adrian reject Lola because she came into his territory as a rogue? Will he overcome what happened to him in the past and give Lola a chance or reject her and go ahead with Fay as his chosen Luna? What will happen when everyone finds out just how much power Lola wields and how she's supposed to protect her kind in an oncoming war? Find out in Lola - The Moon Wolf!