I'm here right now, standing outside the office, nervous about the outcome of my confession. What if he doesn't accept it? What if he doesn't like it? What about me? I don't know what to do. Finally, I decided to knock. "Come in," he said coldly. That's what I was afraid of. When I entered, I found him busy signing papers on his desk. "What are you doing here?" he asked without emotion, making me even more nervous. I wanted to turn around and leave to avoid the anxiety I felt, unsure of how to tell him why I was there. "I... I have something to say," I stuttered, and he glanced at me before returning his gaze to the papers. "What do you want to say? Please hurry, I'm busy," he said coldly. I took a deep breath before daring to speak. "B-because... what I'm pregnant," I stuttered, causing him to stop signing and look at me with no emotion. "So? What are you expecting from me?" he asked, making me cry, though I quickly wiped the tears away. I was nervous about what might happen next. "Because you're the father!" I said, mustering courage even though the truth was weakening me. "Then abort it," he said without emotion. I quickly approached him and slapped him. How dare he suggest aborting his own child? Was he heartless? "Are you stupid? You want to kill your own child?" I shouted at him after slapping him. "Are you sure it's mine?" he asked, leaving me confused. 'What does he mean by that?' I wondered, but I stayed silent, unsure of what he was implying. "Ohhhh, look at you. You're not even sure? So sad. What if it's not mine? You work at a bar, what if you're using your child to get money from me? You know, other women have come here with the same story," he insulted me, but I stayed quiet. I was certain this child in my womb was his. "Name your price, quickly. I have important things to do," he demanded. "What do you think I am? I'm not after your money, and my child doesn't need it," I insisted. "Then what do you want from me?" he asked, surprised. Did he not understand what I was trying to convey? "Take responsibility!" I demanded, without hesitation, though I feared what his answer might be. "What? Hell no!" he shouted, making me angrier. He liked it, then he didn't. What about my child? "No way, I have a girlfriend and I love her," he stated. Did that mean he wouldn't take responsibility? "What about me? And the child, please, I'm begging you," I pleaded. I didn't want my child to grow up without a father. "I don't care about you or your f*cking child. Get out of my office, or I'll call my bodyguard to drag you out," he threatened, and I knelt in front of him. "Please, I'm begging you. This is your child," I pleaded. I knew I looked desperate, but I was doing this for my child to have a father. "Are you deaf? I said---" he couldn't finish his sentence because a beautiful voice interrupted him. "Hi babe, I'm here," said the beautiful girl. As she approached, he looked at her with surprise. "Sorry, who are you? And why are you kneeling in front of my boyfriend?" she asked. I didn't have the courage to answer. What could I say? That I was begging her boyfriend to take responsibility? "Nothing, babe. She's just my employee, and she's kneeling because she made a mistake," Mr. Chavilier lied to his girlfriend. I was about to speak, but Mr. Chavilier shot me a look that could kill. "Babe, don't be too harsh on your employee," his girlfriend said while helping me stand up. I glanced at Mr. Chavilier, wondering if he still thought poorly of me. "You can leave now. Be careful next time," his girlfriend said. I wanted to speak about Mr. Chavilier's threat, but the way he looked at me silenced me. Even against my will, I left his office, but before doing so, I looked at Dedrick and spoke my final words.
Chapter 1
Jeaneia's Point of View
I was just observing the people coming in and out of the club where I worked. I can say that there are many more people today than before, probably because it's Sunday. Sundays usually draw a crowd. I was lost in thought when someone suddenly touched me, so I looked at her. Oh, it's Sicily.
"Hey, can you take this to Room 205 for me? I need to use the bathroom," she said while holding her stomach. I realized she'd been running to the bathroom repeatedly, so I just nodded in agreement.
I carefully took the tray filled with expensive drinks and brought it to its destination.
When I arrived at Room 205, I knocked as a sign of respect. It didn't take long for the door to open, and a man who looked like an anime character appeared.
"Hello, sir. Here's your order," I said politely. However, he didn't take it right away, so I awkwardly set it down.
"Can you bring that inside?" he said. Finally, he spoke-I thought I'd be stuck outside all night. When I stepped inside, I was amazed by the beauty of this VIP room; it was like a house. After placing their order and planning to leave, the thin man spoke, "Dude, did you order food?" I was confused because they only ordered drinks, nothing else.
"Come here, baby girl, sit on my lap," he said, but I shook my head since that's not part of my job.
"Sorry, sir, but I'm not that kind of woman. If you don't have anything else to order, may I leave? I still have work to do," I said politely.
"Oh come on, don't act like a virgin. How many men have tasted you?" said one of their companions, who I couldn't see clearly because he was in a dark corner.
"I can double the pay if you want. What do you think?" he added. I just shook my head.
"Sorry, sir! I'm not that kind of woman. If you're looking for someone to please you, you'll have to find someone else," I said, feeling hurt. Just because I work at a club doesn't mean I'm selling myself. That's the only thing I can be proud of because they see me as a lost cause.
That man judged me as if he knew every woman. After I left the room, I continued with my interrupted work. It wasn't long before our shift ended, and we were just arranging the chairs and other things before leaving. While I was tidying up, Sicily approached me and started helping. As I was in the middle of arranging things, Sicily suddenly spoke.
"Hey, thanks for earlier. My stomach was really upset," she said, making me laugh.
"Silly! It's fine. By the way, is your stomach okay now?" I asked, concerned about Sicily. Sicily is my only friend here since, like me, she's also a waitress.
"It's better now, not as painful," she said as we were leaving the club where we work. I was about to head home when Sicily handed me an invitation, so I looked at her curiously.
"I forgot to tell you, it's Sir Adrian's birthday, and it's going to be held at the club, so we're invited," she said. No wonder everyone's preparing-I wasn't up to date.
"Ah, that's why they're getting ready," I said. She nodded.
"And I have more good news," she said. I just kept looking at her, waiting for the good news she mentioned.
"We're not working on Sir Adrian's birthday, and I heard his friends will be there too. You know, the handsome and rich ones, but they're all womanizers," she added. I wasn't surprised that she knew all this-she's the ultimate gossip.
"So what if they're handsome and rich?" I said with a hint of annoyance. It's not about being bitter, but there's really no such thing as forever.
"You're so bitter, my friend! I'm just going to get all dolled up-you never know, one of Sir Adrian's friends might notice me, and I'll become a billionaire instantly," she said, making me shake my head.
"Are you going, friend?" she asked. If I were to go, I wouldn't have anything nice to wear, and of course, I wouldn't have anything to give as a gift.
"Probably not, friend. You know my situation," I said, which made her sad.
"But friend, Sir Adrian said we should be there. We're technically on duty but just enjoying the party. Come on, it's only this once, please," she pleaded, leaving me no choice but to agree, even though I didn't want to.
After our chat, I headed home. But before that, I stopped by Aling Presing's eatery, the only one open even late at night.
After buying food, I walked home. It's not that I don't have fare money, but I really need to save, especially since household expenses are getting bigger.
When I arrived home, I heard Jessica and Jesean talking.
"Sis, do you think Ate Jeaneia will leave us too, like Mom?" my youngest sibling asked.
"I don't think so, little sister. Ate Jeaneia loves us," my second sibling replied.
"But Mom said she loved us too," Jesean responded. If you're wondering where our parents are, they're gone. When our dad died, our mom left us and went off with another man, so I became both mother and father to my siblings.
"I'm here, and I brought something for you!" I said, making them both look at me. They stood up to hug me.
Just one kiss from them, and all my exhaustion disappeared.
After hugging me, Jessica took the plastic bag I was carrying, which contained food, and prepared it on the dining table. Once everything was set, we ate. I hurried to get myself ready because I still had another job to go to-I don't just work as a waitress at the bar.
I also work as a vendor at the market, but this time with my younger sibling.
Once I was ready, I helped Jesean get dressed. Jesean isn't in school yet, but Jessica is, so I have to work extra hard.
When we arrived at the market, I started selling.
"Fresh Pampano, ma'am, it's fresh," I said to the woman looking at the fish, prompting her to approach me.
"How much per kilo, miss?" she asked as she continued selecting her Pampano.
"350 pesos per kilo, ma'am, and it's fresh," I replied, and she continued choosing.
"Two kilos, miss," she said after making her selection, so I handed her a rag to wipe her hands.
"Ma'am, it's a bit over, is it okay? It's 2.4 kilos," I said, and she nodded, so I packed it up.
"That'll be 840 pesos, ma'am," I said, and she handed me a thousand-peso bill. I gave her 160 pesos in change. I was really happy today because I had a lot of customers.
It wasn't long before I had sold everything, and I was incredibly grateful that we finished early. Before heading home, we stopped by the chicken market to buy something for dinner. While we were walking, I noticed my younger sibling glancing at the toys we passed by, so I asked him.
"Do you want that, little one?" I asked, but he shook his head.
"No, Ate, it's a waste of money, and it's not important," he said. I knew he really wanted a toy like the ones his friends had.
Even though we didn't have much money, I wanted to buy him a toy so he could experience something my sister Jessica and I never did. I pulled him into a toy store where you could see all kinds of toys. The quality of the toys was impressive, but the prices were equally shocking.
After we left the toy store, I handed the toy to Jesean. I could see the happiness in his eyes. We then headed straight to the chicken market since that was our main goal. Once we finished buying the chicken, we decided to go home.
While we were walking, my phone suddenly rang-it was Sicily calling.
"Hey, bestie, are you ready? I'm on my way there," she said, which reminded me that today was Sir Adrian's birthday, and I didn't know how to make an excuse.
"Uh, you see, bestie, uh, well, there's uh, something, uh?" I was at a loss for words to explain to Sicily.
"You haven't gotten ready yet, have you? Am I right?" she said, and I nodded, even though she couldn't see me.
"Yes, bestie, I haven't gotten ready, and I don't have anything nice to wear, so I'm not going. I'll explain it to Sir Adrian," I said, wanting to spend time with my two siblings, even if just for a day.
"Don't worry, I'll bring something for you to wear, but you need to be showered by the time I get there," she said. I had no choice but to agree, because, as I mentioned, I can never win an argument with Sicily.
We started walking home.
When we arrived, Jessica wasn't home yet, so I started preparing the ingredients for cooking. I washed the chicken and chopped the ingredients. I decided to cook chicken tinola, and once I finished cooking, I took a shower.
After my shower, Sicily arrived just in time.
She had a box with her. I have to say, Sicily is beautiful fair-skinned, with a well-shaped nose and a perfectly symmetrical face.
She looked even more stunning today.
"Bestie, I know I look beautiful today, actually, I look beautiful every day," she said, making me laugh, and she shot me a mock glare.
"Come on, let's get you ready," she said, sitting me down on a chair and starting to apply various products to my face.
It wasn't long before she finished her long process of making up my face. She handed me a paper bag, which I accepted and took to the room to try on the dress she brought.
Once I put it on, I had to admit it was beautiful, but it was a bit too revealing and fit me a bit too tightly.
I felt shy about coming out because I wasn't sure if it suited me.
"Wow, bestie, it looks great on you! I'm really good at picking outfits," she said, repeatedly insisting that it looked perfect on me.
A little later, Jessica arrived.
"Jessica, please look after Jesean while we're gone," I told my sister.
"Yes, Sister. You both take care. Where are you going, and why are you all dressed up?" Jessica asked.
"Well, it's our boss's birthday today, and we have to be there. I didn't really want to go so we could bond, but Sicily insisted," I explained.
"It's okay, Sister Just have fun and don't worry about us. I'll take care of Jesean," she said, and I nodded, hugging both of them before we left. We didn't want to be late for Sir Adrian's party, even though we weren't that important.
To Be Continued...
"Mommy, ayaw ko po! Dad, please! " I pleaded with my parents, tears streaming down my face. They wanted me to marry the son of their business partner. But sh*t! I didn't want to. I was too young-barely 18! Worse, I already had a boyfriend. Sh*t! What kind of life is this?! "You'll marry him whether you like it or not. It's final!" my mom said coldly, not sparing me a glance. My dad sat silently, reading a magazine, his legs crossed as he lounged on our sofa. "Daddy..." I called out, hoping for some support, but he didn't even look up. "Go to your room and get some rest. Tomorrow is your wedding day," he finally spoke, but that was all. Damn it! This is hell! "M-Mommy huhu..." I sobbed harder. I didn't want to marry because I knew it would only lead to pain and misery " I choked out through my tears. "No. He'll never hurt you. Trust me. Stop crying and get some rest," Mom said dismissively as she stood and left me crying on the sofa. "D-Daddy..." I called again as he, too, stood up. He glanced at me, emotionless, before walking away. All I could do was cry. Tomorrow was my wedding day. There was no escape. My life would turn into hell starting tomorrow. I was about to marry a man without a heart, someone who wouldn't care if he hurt me emotionally or physically. Wedding Day As I walked down the red carpeted aisle, I fixed my gaze on the man waiting for me at the altar. His perfectly sculpted face was devoid of emotion. His piercing blue eyes stared at me, making my knees weak. "How pathetic you are. You couldn't even do anything to stop this nonsense of a marriage," he muttered coldly when I finally stood before him. He gripped my hand tightly, and I bit my lip to keep from crying out in pain. One question remained before I would be bound to this heartless man, who could never love me. "You, woman, do you vow to stay by this man's side in poverty and hardship, with respect and love?" the priest asked. "Say you do, woman, and prepare to suffer. You ruined my life, so I'll ruin yours too," Zyrus whispered maliciously, his cold words sending shivers down my spine. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. "I, Lhianne Aurora Acostora, am willing to stay, respect, and love this man, Zyrus Clark Dillesh, forever. So, yes, I do, Father," I said boldly, shocking my now husband. "Zyrus Clark Dillesh, you may now kiss your bride," the priest announced. "The pathetic woman," Zyrus muttered icily. "Well, this isn't new to you." He lifted my veil and, without hesitation, claimed my lips. I felt like I was floating as his soft lips pressed against mine. Startled, I pushed him away when he bit my lower lip, leaving it stinging. I stared at him in disbelief, but he only smirked back at me. My gaze shifted to the churchgoers clapping enthusiastically. Mom's smile stretched wide, while Dad remained emotionless as always. I sighed deeply, bracing myself for the life of misery that awaited me
Boss, I need to resign. Please sign my resignation," Akari pleaded. She had been working here for five years, and her boss was like a demon who seemed to harbor a grudge against her. Although she applied to be a secretary, her role often felt more like a personal secretary slash maid, given the endless demands he made of her. Her contract was ending, and she wanted to submit her resignation letter. She had no intention of renewing her contract-she was going home, just as her parents had asked. "My answer is still no, Miss Nakamoto," Amir replied, busy signing documents. "But, Boss, I really need to go home. My mother is sick, and there's no one to take care of her. My contract is ending, please!" Akari said, desperation creeping into her voice. She hoped to get away with it – Akari thought to herself. "I'll give you a one-week leave. No more questions. Get out now," Amir responded, causing Akari's jaw to drop in disbelief. "I swear I'll curse you, you insufferable man," Akari thought angrily. ... "But, Boss, it's only been three days, not even a week! Three days! And now you're calling me back! Wait, whose child is that?" Akari yelled, furious that she was being summoned. "Here. She's been freaking annoying, crying all day, and I need sleep," Amir said, thrusting a crying baby into Akari's arms, leaving her stunned. "Boss, I'm not a nanny!" Akari protested, looking back at the now-silent baby. "Thank God, I'm going to sleep now. You take care of that little demon," Amir said as he flopped onto the bed. "Can I kill this man?" Akari thought as she glared at Amir before turning her gaze to the baby, who was now staring back at her. "Whose child are you?" Akari asked the baby, who just smiled. ... "What do you mean I can't resign until you find a babysitter?" Akari asked, glancing at the sleeping baby in her arms. "Exactly. You're fired as my secretary, and now you're hired as the babysitter," Amir said. Akari's jaw dropped again. "No way, Boss! I'd rather you order me around and treat me like a servant in your company than make me a babysitter. Please, Boss, have some mercy, even though you're always acting like a demon," Akari protested, as Amir raised an eyebrow. "Ah, I mean..." Akari stammered. "Don't worry, I've heard that plenty of times when you gossip with my lazy employees in the pantry," Amir said, causing Akari to gulp nervously. "I have a deal," Amir said. "What deal?" Akari asked. "If I can't find a babysitter for that child, you're free. But if I do, you will be her babysitter forever," Amir said. "Sir, come on..." Akari protested. "I'll give you half a billion after the deal," Amir offered. Akari's eyes sparkled. "Deal!" Akari agreed. "I can finally buy the car of my dreams! This will be easy," she thought to herself. Meanwhile, Amir had his own thoughts running through his head. "This is the only way to keep you with me. I'm a selfish man. Half a billion is just the start. After this, I'll make sure you get even more, plus a bonus," Amir thought, smiling to himself. ... "Akari, please, let me explain!" Amir begged. "No! Get out of here! Go be with your woman! You have no shame!" Akari yelled. "Muuahhhh!" Amir cried out. "She's not my woman, I swear!" Amir tried to explain. "You jerk! I wish I never agreed to anything with you!" Akari shouted. "Please, baby, let me explain, okay?" Amir pleaded. "Get out of here, and don't ever come back!" Akari screamed.
Sky Marie Caswell A victim of rape by Kade Russell, the son of a wealthy businessman in their town. She was helpless to defend herself against him because he was rich and innocent in the eyes of others. Sky never got the justice she wanted. Kade Russell Had long been interested in Sky, but she ignored him. Out of anger and jealousy, he raped her the night after a party. Since he came from a wealthy family, he believed he was untouchable. His rage only grew when Sky disappeared without a trace after their graduation _"So, Mr. Russell, is it true what Miss Caswell is accusing you of?"_ _"That's not true, your honor,"_ Kade said, glancing at Sky. _"What happened on December 5, 20**?"_ _"That night, your honor... (Before speaking, Kade looked at Sky) ... she said she wanted to be with me. She came with me willingly. All of my friends were there."_ _"Liar!"_ Sky screamed, bursting into tears. _"Miss Caswell,"_ the judge warned. _"And what happened after that?"_ the judge asked, looking at Kade. _"We went to my condo, just as she said. I didn't force her. She undressed in front of me on her own. I never forced her. Everyone at school knows I'm not interested in women,"_ Kade claimed. _"Do you have solid evidence?"_ asked the judge. _"Yes, your honor."_ _"Call in the witness,"_ the judge ordered. Sky was shocked when her best friend Samantha entered the courtroom. She was confused, wondering why Samantha was on the other side. _"So, Miss Fajardo, what happened on December 5, 20**?"_ the judge asked. _"Sky wasn't drunk that day,"_ Samantha said. _"Sam, what are you talking about?"_ Sky was stunned, unable to look Samantha in the eye. _"Continue,"_ the judge instructed. _"Even before that night, Sky had a thing for Kade,"_ Samantha revealed, causing Sky's knees to weaken at the statement. _"No, that's not true,"_ Sky whispered. _"It was all part of her plan to get pregnant by Kade and become rich,"_ Samantha continued. _"Liar! Samantha, what are you saying? I never said that. Even though I'm poor, I'm not that kind of person!"_ Sky shouted angrily. _"Miss Caswell,"_ the judge intervened. Sky sat down, shaking her head in disbelief, tears streaming down her face. She couldn't understand why her friend had betrayed her. _"How long have you been friends with Miss Caswell, Miss Fajardo?"_ the judge asked. _"Ten years, your honor,"_ Samantha replied. _"So, is it true that Miss Caswell's accusation against Mr. Russell is false?"_ the judge asked. _"Yes, your honor, it was her plan to get money,"_ Samantha confirmed. _"No, you're a liar!"_ Sky screamed in fury. _"Okay,"_ the judge said. _"The court has found Mr. Russell not guilty."_ Sky collapsed to her knees, crying, shaking her head in disbelief. _"Sky!"_ Samantha called out as Sky stormed out of the courtroom. _"F*ck you! I hope you die, you shameless traitor! I wish you were dead!"_ Sky screamed at Samantha after her case was dismissed. _"Miss Caswell, you should be thankful we didn't file charges against you. Do you know how much trouble you've caused? You almost ruined our family's reputation,"_ Mrs. Russell said as she and Kade walked out together, Kade smiling victoriously. _"Friendship over, Sam. I never thought you'd lie like that. I'm sure they paid you off. Oh, and by the way, you're the one who's after money, not me. You're the one who wanted to marry him, not me. But you twisted everything!"_ Sky said, glaring at Samantha, who began to cry. _"Can you shut up, Miss Caswell? What more do you want, huh? Since you're after money, just name your price,"_ Kade taunted, smiling. _"Shove your money where the sun doesn't shine. Just because you're rich doesn't mean you can cover up your filth. The truth will come out. You're a devil, and even though you twisted everything, people will know what you did,"_ Sky said, glaring at Kade's friend, who quickly looked away. _"Don't worry, Mr. Russell. I don't need your money. You can use it to pay for your son's therapy or donate it to those who believe they can buy souls,"_ Sky remarked, looking at the judge. (Sky knew from the beginning that the judge favored Kade, but she wasn't about to give up. The case had been dismissed at the first hearing, but she wasn't going to lose hope.) "Miss Caswell, let's go," her
First, meet the five leading men**, feared in the Mafia World because their aura perfectly matches their alias in the underworld. These five have been friends since childhood, as their fathers were also close. Unfortunately, they inherited their fathers' "sickness" they call obsession. Once their eyes land on you, they'll claim you without you even realizing it. What they want, they get, no matter the cost. - **DEMON JAY STYLES** – The Demon Mafia Lord - **KIEL LESTER THOMSON** – The Beast Mafia King - **HELLION CLARKSON** – The Monster Mafia King - **ZANDER PETERSON** – The Devil Mafia King - **XAVIER SMITH** – The Evil Mafia King **Second, meet the five leading ladies**, who are more beautiful than anyone, as if they caught all the beauty when it rained down. - **KATHY MORGAN** – A simple woman living a peaceful life. Her parents work at a hacienda, and she was given the opportunity to study at a private school, Styles University (SU). However, her life takes a turn when she meets the grandson of her family's employer, Demon Jay, who becomes obsessed with her. - **YANA GOMEZ** – A wealthy student at SU, Yana is engaged to a man she hasn't met but who knows her well. That man is none other than Kiel Lester Thomson, who has long been obsessed with her. - **LISSANA PARK** – A working student and scholar at SU, she struggles to make ends meet. While working, she meets Hellion Clarkson, and from there, her life begins to change. - **MIKA DELA CRUZ** – A poor woman working as a waitress in a bar. One night, she is ordered by her boss to entertain a customer at his table. That night, she catches the attention of Zander Peterson, marking the beginning of her complicated life. - **SUNNY VARGAZ** – Similar to Mika, Sunny works hard to support herself, and they are close friends. She's forced to entertain a customer, Xavier Smith, to earn money for her father, who is in the hospital. Little does she know that this night will change her life forever.
“What the hell! You idiots! All I asked you to do was keep watch, and you couldn’t even manage that?! Lucas, I’m not paying you to be stupid. Fix this right now!” This echoed throughout Governor Vergara’s entire office as he spoke on the other line. Meanwhile, his board members quietly listened, fear evident on their faces. “Lucas, fix this! Don’t call me until you’ve found her. I don’t care if you need to add more men just to find her today! Lucas, put this in your mind! I don’t want this day to end without you finding her! Clear?!” After ending the call, he immediately sat down in his chair and slammed his expensive phone on the long table, his fist following shortly after, causing his board members to flinch in their seats. “Everyone, get out!” he said calmly, but with a tone of authority. However, when he noticed that his words were ignored, his temper flared even more. This is what he hated the most: having to repeat himself. “I SAID, GET THE HELL OUT!” he shouted. His colleagues quickly stood up, hastily gathering their belongings, and scrambled to exit through the tinted glass door. Once the office was empty, he desperately ran his hands over his face, trying to calm himself, but it was impossible after what his butler—who had been tasked to keep an eye on the woman he was obsessed with—had reported. He picked up his phone and stared intently at the photo of the woman who had driven him crazy for so long. “You can’t escape me, Eullah. You can’t escape me! If I have to pay everyone in this world just to find you, I will,” he whispered to himself. He’s
Many believe that those blessed with physical beauty are incredibly fortunate, but for a simple woman who only wishes to live a peaceful and normal life, beauty can be a curse—an extraordinary charm and beauty that the young woman never desired. Alyana is not only beautiful on the outside but also has a heart that is equally kind and good. She has never understood why people say her life is perfect, as it contrasts sharply with the hardships she endures. She lost a loved one in an unexpected event, and not a day goes by without her blaming herself for what happened. But what if she encounters a fearsome monster? Will her hope of living peacefully be completely shattered, or will she find the peace she seeks through the young man? Alejandro, a mysterious and powerful creature of the night, harbors a dark secret. He's drawn to Alyana's beauty, but he is also afraid of the beast within himself. Can Alejandro overcome his inner demons and embrace the love he so desperately craves? A tale of beauty and the beast, blending light and darkness, and finding love in unexpected places.
Rejected by her mate, who had been her long-time crush, Jasmine felt utterly humiliated. Seeking solace, she headed to a party to drown her sorrows. But things took a turn for the worse when her friends issued a cruel dare: kiss a stranger or beg her mate for forgiveness. With no other choice, Jasmine approached a stranger and kissed him, thinking that would be the end of it. However, the stranger unexpectedly wrapped his arms around her waist and whispered in her ear, "You're mine!" He growled, his words sending shivers down her spine. And then, he offered her a solution that would change everything...
After being kicked out of her home, Harlee learned she wasn't the biological daughter of her family. Rumors had it that her impoverished biological family favored sons and planned to profit from her return. Unexpectedly, her real father was a zillionaire, catapulting her into immense wealth and making her the most cherished member of the family. While they anticipated her disgrace, Harlee secretly held design patents worth billions. Celebrated for her brilliance, she was invited to mentor in a national astronomy group, drew interest from wealthy suitors, and caught the eye of a mysterious figure, ascending to legendary status.
Her fiance and her best friend worked together and set her up. She lost everything and died in the street. However, she was reborn. The moment she opened her eyes, her husband was trying to strangle her. Luckily, she survived that. She signed the divorce agreement without hesitation and was ready for her miserable life. To her surprise, her mother in this life left her a great deal of money. She turned the tables and avenged herself. Everything went well in her career and love when her ex-husband came to her.
Madisyn was stunned to discover that she was not her parents' biological child. Due to the real daughter's scheming, she was kicked out and became a laughingstock. Thought to be born to peasants, Madisyn was shocked to find that her real father was the richest man in the city, and her brothers were renowned figures in their respective fields. They showered her with love, only to learn that Madisyn had a thriving business of her own. "Stop pestering me!" said her ex-boyfriend. "My heart only belongs to Jenna." "How dare you think that my woman has feelings for you?" claimed a mysterious bigwig.
"Miss Brown, I am the butler here at your service," the butler replied. "My master wants to buy the baby in your belly." "What?!" Does that mean the abortion didn't take place? Did they kidnap her from the operating table just to buy the baby? But why her? "You..." Alice was about to ask a question, but the man in front of her calmly continued, as if he had expected her question, "You're pregnant with his child, and he needs a child. That's all I can tell you." Alice was forced to sign a surrogacy contract and eight months later gave birth to two healthy babies. Fortunately, the man was unaware of her daughter's existence. It wasn't until five years later that fate brought them together again...
Janet was adopted when she was a kid -- a dream come true for orphans. However, her life was anything but happy. Her adoptive mother taunted and bullied her all her life. Janet got the love and affection of a parent from the old maid who raised her. Unfortunately, the old woman fell ill, and Janet had to marry a worthless man in place of her parents' biological daughter to meet the maid's medical expenses. Could this be a Cinderella's tale? But the man was far from a prince, except for his handsome appearance. Ethan was the illegitimate son of a wealthy family who lived a reckless life and barely made ends meet. He got married to fulfill his mother's last wish. However, on his wedding night, he had an inkling that his wife was different from what he had heard about her. Fate had united the two people with deep secrets. Was Ethan truly the man we thought he was? Surprisingly, he bore an uncanny resemblance to the impenetrable wealthiest man in the city. Would he find out that Janet married him in place of her sister? Would their marriage be a romantic tale or an utter disaster? Read on to unravel Janet and Ethan's journey.