Selene's eyes widened as she spotted me. With a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, she stepped forward with him. "Anastasia, what a pleasant surprise!" I gave a curt nod. "Selene. Blake." Blake looked momentarily puzzled, his eyes narrowing as he saw me. He is probably confused as to how it is possible for me to be here and that too at this party. He definitely didn't see this coming "Anastasia. Didn't expect to see you here." Selene leaned in, her tone sarcastic but edged with curiosity. "It's been a while. Hmm.... Five years I think. How have you been?" I hated everything about her, I wish I could just drive my nails into her smug face. I tried to maintain my composure with a gentle smile. "I've been well, thank you. Busy with... various things." Selene's smile widened slightly. "Well, Blake and I have been well, getting married to him was a decision I'll never regret," She says smugly as if it were an achievement when it's nothing more than a facade. "It's interesting how the past has a way of catching up with us, isn't it?" She continued. Blake shifted uncomfortably, his gaze darting between Selene and me, still confused. "I suppose so,". The past does have a way of resurfacing." Selene's eyes lingered on me, her curiosity piqued. "What brings you here tonight, Anastasia? Besides, of course, catching up." Before l could respond, Damien appeared at my side, his presence commanding immediate attention. He placed a hand on my lower back, a touch both protective and assertive. "Forgive the interruption," Damien said smoothly, his voice cutting through the conversation with effortless grace. "But I'm afraid I need to steal my date for a moment." Blake's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Damien Santoro. I didn't realize you two were... together." Damien flashed a charming smile. "We are indeed. And now, if you'll excuse us, Anastasia and I have some catching up to do on our own." Selene's eyes widened, and she glanced at Blake, her expression was a mix of confusion and discomfort. I steadied my gaze as I addressed Blake and Selene before leaving. "It seems the past is as unpredictable as ever. Enjoy your evening." ----------------------- 25-year-old resilient Anastasia Winslow finds herself bewildered and reeling with shock when her ex-husband Blake Sinclair and his mistress-also her work rival, frame her for a fraudulent crime that ruins her career and reputation at its peak. As she struggles with the dual burden of public disgrace and personal betrayal, she finds out she's pregnant with his child, exacerbating her desire for revenge and justice while trying to be a good mother to her child. Along comes the Santoro family who shares a deep-seated feud with her ex that threatens to bring her into the darkest underbelly of society in her quest for revenge. Her journey becomes more complicated as she forms a forbidden connection with Damien Santoro, the family's middle son, whose quest for vengeance mirrors her own. As Anastasia digs deeper she unveils more than she ever bargained for, pushing her to her limits and testing her resolve. The stakes are high, and suspense and anticipation intertwine, will Anastasia emerge victorious and reclaim her life, or will the shadows of her past lead to a further devastating loss? Dive into a tale of betrayal, revenge, and forbidden romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Anastasia's POV
The dance floor had been washed in shades of purple and the moving figures made a haze on the club's walls through the light's appearance. I gradually took a taste of the fluid in my glass and felt again the typical consuming sensation at the rear of my throat.
This was a night for her, my best friend Sofi's 25th birthday party. We had gathered here to mark the occasion, but the festive mood felt distant, almost surreal.
As the music pounded through the speakers, a man slipped into the seat next to me. He was unremarkable at first glance, dressed in a simple black jacket and jeans, his features shadowed by the faint lighting. He exuded a quiet calm, a presence that was easily overlooked but felt somehow significant.
"Quite the party," he said, nodding towards where Sofi and our friends were dancing. "Your friends?"
I took another sip of my drink. "Yes, it's Sofi's birthday," I replied, keeping my tone neutral.
He smiled, gently "Happy birthday to her. Looks like she's having a great time."
"Yeah," I muttered, looking back at the dance floor.
"You seem a bit out of place here. Not a fan of clubs?" he asked, his voice calm and unintrusive.
I shrugged. "Just here for my friend."
He nodded, not asking more questions. "Sometimes, the best parts of parties are the quiet moments. Mind if I stay for a bit?"
I hesitated, then gave a slight nod. "Sure, why not."
We sat quietly for a while, watching the lights and people dancing. Then he spoke again, sounding thoughtful. "You know, sometimes the best moments at a party happen when it's quiet, away from all the noise."
I glanced at him, curious. "What do you mean?
"He shrugged, taking a sip of his drink. "Just that sometimes, the best connections happen in the quieter spaces, away from the noise."
I looked back at Sofi and our friends, feeling the weight of his words. "Yeah, maybe you're right."
Before the conversation could go any deeper, he leaned in slightly, his expression earnest. "Can I buy you a drink?" he asked, his voice low and gentle
He reeked of money and entitlement but I wasn't in the mood for another round of drinks and unnecessary chit-chat. "No, thank you," I snapped and focused on the dancing area where Sofi was laughing and spinning with Cassie and Mel. The four of us had been friends since college, admittedly, I don't know how I ended up with a circle of extroverted people. Probably karma.
I wanted to enjoy the night for Sofia's sake, but the energy around me felt suffocating.
Undeterred by my dismissal, the man continued, leaning in closer. "Oh, come on," he insisted like a used car salesman who wouldn't take no for an answer.
Great, now I am stuck with Mr persistent. What a night this was turning out.
"I'm married," I stated flatly, holding up my hand to display the wedding ring, hoping he would relent. His expression didn't change, but I noticed a flicker of recognition in his eyes.
"It's just a drink. No harm in that, right?" he said, undeterred.
I pulled out my phone and sent a quick text to our group chat: *Leaving early. Need some air. Love you all.* I turned my gaze back to the stranger "I'm really not interested," I replied, this time with a firmer tone. "Please, just leave me alone."
He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say another word, I grabbed my bag and stood up. "Excuse me," I said, brushing past him. I could feel his eyes on me as I walked away, the tension of the encounter remaining in the air.
As I made my way through the crowded club, almost immediately, my phone started pinging as replies started pouring in.
Cassie: You okay? Want me to come with you?
Anastasia; No darling.
Melissa: Are you alright, hun?
Anastasia: Yes, continue partying, don't let me ruin your night!
Soph: Take care, babe! Call me if you need anything.
Their concern warmed my heart, but I needed to be alone, to process the disquieting encounter with the stranger and the suffocating atmosphere of the club. Plus, I had pending office work to complete during the weekend and it's getting late.
Blake's Pov
I settled into the plush armchair of the second lounge of the club, swirling the amber liquid in my glass. I was swimming in my thoughts. Cheating on Ana isn't something I like doing, she is my wife, and she is meant to be my companion but I can't seem to see her that way. More like, I don't treat her that way.
My heart is weighty with longing and regret. We used to be inseparable, sharing dreams and aspirations. But now, our marriage felt like a facade I struggled to maintain. When my lover slid into the seat beside me, her presence brought a rush of excitement influenced by guilt. She was my escape, a reprieve from the complexities of my life.
"You look distracted tonight," she remarked, her voice teasing. "Thinking about someone?"
I shook my head, a forced smile playing on my lips. "Just work stuff," I lied, staying away from her knowing look. I couldn't bring myself to admit the truth-that my contemplations were consumed by Anastasia, by the life we had built together and the distance that had grown between us.
Anastasia's father and my father had been companions starting from the start of their primary school years. We had an arranged family because of the relationship between our dads. Anastasia is the type of wife every man would wish to have but, I can't seem to relate with her as a normal couple or share any secrets with her even after almost three years of marriage.
The contrast between them was stark-Anastasia, the woman I had vowed to cherish, and my lover, a forbidden thrill I couldn't resist.
My lover noticed my hesitation, her fingers trailing lightly down my arm. "Stay with me tonight," she murmured, her breath warm against my ear. She gradually strokes my face carrying my lips to hers.
Imagine you've spent your entire life trusting and believing in the people who raised you, only to find out that they aren't your real parents. You've spent those years suffering in silence and had no say or freedom over your own life. Worse still, you decided to flee from your reality, only to end up in a more dangerous situation-kidnapped by a man who held the key to your future...... and your heart. Yup, well.... Sophia knows this pain all too well. A very brilliant and self-taught hacker, She goes into hiding from her adopted mafia family. But her world is turned upside down when the mafia leader of the Carusos..... Dante Caruso kidnaps her. She finds out that he turned out to be her childhood love who disappeared without a trace. What should have been a sweet and tender reunion of the lovers turned into a game of power and deception. Dante does not recognize Sophia and thinks she is Maya, his ex-girlfriend who betrayed him and happened to have the same face as Sophia's. He kidnaps her to help him take revenge on his rival enemy while wanting to take revenge on her for Maya's betrayal. Now, with pasts that is tangled together and hidden identities, Sophia and Dante must find a way that could either lead to redemption or destroy them both.
Life was a bed of roses for Debra, the daughter of Alpha. That was until she had a one-night stand with Caleb. She was sure he was her mate as determined by Moon Goddess. But this hateful man refused to accept her. Weeks passed before Debra discovered that she was pregnant. Her pregnancy brought shame to her and everyone she loved. Not only was she driven out, but her father was also hunted down by usurpers. Fortunately, she survived with the help of the mysterious Thorn Edge Pack. Five years passed and Debra didn't hear anything from Caleb. One day, their paths crossed again. They were both on the same mission—carrying out secret investigations in the dangerous Roz Town for the safety and posterity of their respective packs. Caleb was still cold toward her. But as time went on, he fell head over heels in love with her. He tried to make up for abandoning her, but Debra wasn't having any of it. She was hell-bent on hiding her daughter from him and also making a clean break. What did the future hold for the two as they journeyed in Roz Town? What kind of secrets would they find? Would Caleb win Debra's heart and get to know his lovely daughter? Find out!
It took only a second for a person's world to come crashing down. This was what happened in Hannah's case. For four years, she gave her husband her all, but one day, he said emotionlessly, "Let's get divorced." Hannah's heart broke into a million pieces as she signed the divorce papers, marking the end of her role as a devoted wife. Within Hannah, a strong woman awakened, vowing never to be beholden to any man again. Embracing her new life, she embarked on a journey to find herself and command her own destiny. By the time she returned, she had experienced so much growth and was now completely different from the docile wife everyone once knew. "Is this your latest trick to get my attention?" Hannah's ever-so-arrogant husband asked. Before she could retort, a handsome and domineering CEO pulled her into his embrace. He smiled down at her and said boldly to her ex, "Just a little heads-up, mister. This is my beloved wife. Keep off!"
This is a story about two damaged people who came together because of one's desire and the other's fear. Cassandra She was young, innocent, loving, and pretty with big eyes that showed her soul. She was stunningly beautiful but broken and alone, trapped in a world of monsters. Then he appeared. People say he is the worst monster of all, someone you pray never to meet. Will she escape him, or will he become her whole world? Dominic He was ruthless, aggressive, and merciless. Everyone feared him, and he was proud to be the king of his world. But he was also broken. Then she appeared. She was like a fragile doll, his doll. Will he take what he wants and move on, or will she become his life? "Let me go, please," she begged. He buried his face in her neck and tightened his grip around her arms. "Shhhh... breathe, love," he whispered. She cringed at his nickname for her, and he continued, "You are mine, and I am never letting you go. I will give you everything, my love, except your freedom from me."
Bailey seems to be never destined to fit in, a little geeky, but under it all, a hidden beauty that so many seem to miss, but still not what her pack Alpha is looking for in a fated mate... so he is determined to reject her and make her life hell. Bailey, knowing her life will likely never be the same focuses on what she can control, her future, and heads off to study; becoming a teacher. Asher is the Beta of Autumn Valley Pack, a neighbouring pack. A broken man having suffered the loss of his mate after a rogue attack, Asher is slowly crumbling. Falling to pieces. A shadow of his former self, and not a man that anyone wants to be around anymore... Until, Autumn Valley Pack require a new teacher, and Bailey finds herself there and pushed together with the Beta. Is there a connection building or is that in their imaginations? And what will happen when Bailey's mate comes back to claim what is his?
Traversing back to the ancient Prime Martial World from modern age, Austin finds himself in a younger body as he wakes up. Yet, the young man he possesses was a miserable dimwit, what a bummer! But it doesn’t matter as his mind is sound and clear. Possessing this younger and stronger body, he will fight his way to become the God of martial arts, and rule the whole Martial World!
Scarlett was left betrayed and broken beyond repair when her best friend Megan set her up with the male escort who stole her virginity...Or at least, that's what she thought he was. There was something odd about the strong and strikingly beautiful man that she spent a night with. Despite the pure hatred she felt for him, the deals he ended up offering wasn't one she could refuse. Scarlett always thought she'd marry her soulmate but turns out, that won't be the case for her. But could her mysterious husband make his way through her broken heart and fix it? It's hard to imagine but love has funny ways to manifest in places where it's least expected....