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Ashley Smith finds herself at a crossroads after losing her job and facing eviction. Desperate for stability, she crosses paths with Owen Dalton, CEO of Dalton Empire-a man whose cold exterior hides a tumultuous past. Owen, struggling to connect with his mischievous twins reluctantly hires Ashley as their nanny. As Ashley settles into her role, spark flies between her and Owen but their romance faces challenges from manipulators and frenemies. Amidst the turmoil, Ashley uncovers shocking ties to Owen's family history, raising questions about their intertwined fate. Secrets unravel as they confront deceit and danger, testing their newfound trust and love. With the twins mother back to take what belongs to her, Ashley and Owe must navigate the shadows of their pasts to forge a future together. But will it be possible, when danger lurks from both ends? P.S. If you enjoyed this book, you won't want to miss my other story(LOVE BEYOND NUMBER), which is a crossover with this one! The two books share connections-characters, mysteries, and hidden clues that link their worlds together. Reading both will give you the full experience and reveal secrets you won't find anywhere else!
Her heart pounded against her chest as she fought back the tears while Mr. Chan continued talking.
"Ashley, you've been a great help to me and this Cafe, but home calls," he said with a sad smile.
He just told her about his Cafe's closure. She had worked her ass out there since she settled in Washington.
The cafe had been her main source of income since graduating from college.
Mr. Chan had been sick and on medications for months until his children urged him to come home for proper treatment, so he had to sell the Cafe.
"I'm sorry about the sudden dismissal. I know this Cafe means a lot to you, but I need to go home. Even if I were to die, I would prefer to die in my homeland."
She forced a smile despite the turmoil in my head, "Don't talk about dying. You will get well, Mr. Chan. I can always find another job. I wish you the fastest recovery."
Mr. Chan gave her a sad smile and patted her on her back. "I know you can pull out anything you want, Ashley."
She leaned in and dropped my apron on the counter. With trembling hands, she gave Mr. Chan a quick peck on his cheek. "Goodbye Mr Chan. Please take care of your health. Until we meet again."
"Bye Ashley" Mr. Chan's voice trailed off as I gently shut the door behind her.
She cast a final glance at Whispering Woods Cafe, my haven. Tears threatened to fall but I composed myself.
She remembered that morning, happily brewing coffee while Mr. Chan rested in the inner room. She was happy she would soon raise my share of the rent.
Once she closed the door behind me, tears of frustration threatened to slip down.
She sniffed and headed to the State Library just a few miles away.
She always went there to escape the harsh reality of life, and now was when she needed it the most.
Scanning the shelves and running her fingers along the crests of the books, she searched for the perfect escape from reality.
She finally settled on a copy of Cinderella and made her way to my quiet corner, she was the only reader in the library .
She loved fantasy novels because I could always pretend to be a princess who had all the work done for her rather than the reality of life.
As she engaged herself in the story, a strong scent of cologne drew her attention and she glanced up.
Her gaze landed on a tall, broad man in a suit, standing in the business section opposite her.
Curiosity gnawed at her. She tried to catch a glimpse of him and he turned. It was Owen Dalton, it felt like a dream.
She had seen him at my university business event four years ago and developed a crush on him.
Owen Dalton, the CEO of the Dalton Finance and Investment Empire. She wondered if he remembered that chance meeting.
They had never spoken, but she had harbored a secret crush on him since seeing him on the podium.
She observed him from a distance as he sorted through the section and finally picked a book.
He found a seat adjacent to her, his brows furrowed in concentration as he turned the pages of the book with focus.
Those piercing brown eyes. She wondered what stories hid behind them.
She momentarily forgot that she had no job and should be heading home, to explain what happened to her roommate, Jessica.
Owen sensed someone looking at him and he turned just in time to catch her gaze.
Caught in the act, she looked down nervously, her fingers tracing patterns on the book cover.
He averted his gaze and continued reading. His phone beeped and he returned the book to the shelf and left the library.
She heaved a sigh of relief, his gaze was so commanding. Memories of her ex, Kelvin, disrupted my thoughts.
They met when she first started at Crestwood University. She liked him because he was quite popular and handsome, unlike her who had an introverted nature.
She often caught him cheating and every time, he apologized. She always forgave him until a week ago.
She decided to pay him a surprise visit after work only to get surprised instead.
She entered the apartment with her key and immediately sensed something was off.
Her heart raced as the sound of a moan caught her ear, and she walked toward the direction of the sound that was coming from the bedroom.
There, in the bed was a blonde moaning under the sheets. Kelvin was constantly thrusting inside her and their moans filled the apartment.
"F**k me harder, Kelvin, fill my c**t" the blonde moaned through clenched teeth.
"F**k it, Avi," Kelvin's voice pierced my already cloudy ears. "You are so sweet, I could go all day long."
At that moment, she finally ended things with him and poured all her energy into working at the cafe. Enough red flags.
She shook her head back to reality, there was no point in pretending to read. She had real-life issues to address.
Returning the book to the shelf, she made my way out of the library. With the final wages from Mr. Chan in her purse, she headed to the grocery store.
After purchasing a few groceries, she rummaged through her purse and realized she had just enough money for the trip home and possibly the next day.
As she contemplated her next purchase, the voices of some kids at the coffee shop next to the grocery store drew her attention.
She approached two schoolchildren in a heated argument, they were arguing in Spanish, and asked what was wrong.
Growing up in Chicago, Ashley happened to be cast in several languages, she was hoping to get a job as a translator later in the year.
The younger one wanted a milk candy, but the older one didn't have the money. She bought them both milk candies and then showed them to the bus.
She returned back to the coffee shop to get her groceries and decided to wait for the free bus. Just as she stepped out of the cafe, she locked eyes with someone.
Anya Petrova has always lived life her way-strong, fearless, and in control. But when she's bought by Viktor Romanov, the most dangerous man in Moscow, everything changes. He says he owns her now, but Anya has never been one to bow to anyone. Viktor wants more than her obedience-he wants her to give in to him completely. But Anya is not the kind of woman to back down, and the tension between them is as dangerous as it is irresistible. Viktor is used to getting his way, and Anya's defiance only makes him want her more. But she's not someone he can easily control. The more she fights, the deeper Viktor falls, and soon, what started as a battle for power becomes something much more dangerous. But Viktor doesn't know everything-Anya has secrets even more dangerous than his own. As desire clashes with control, they're drawn into a world of secrets, betrayal, and a passion they can't deny. But with enemies everywhere, trusting each other might be the most dangerous risk of all. Warning: Mature content, blood, fights, and explosions.
Falling in love with Adrian Sterling was never part of Katherine's plan. Not when he was younger. Not when he was her boss. And certainly not when he belonged to someone else. But love doesn't follow logic. From stolen moments in the office to whispered confessions in the dark, their connection grows stronger-until it becomes impossible to ignore. But with betrayal waiting at every corner, an ex-husband who won't let go, a daughter who loathes her, and a world that refuses to accept them, they have only one choice: Walk away or risk everything. I guess you'll just have to read the story to find out the one they chose! P.S. If you enjoyed this book, you won't want to miss my other story(A NANNY FOR HIS KIDS AND HEART), which is a crossover with this one! The two books share connections-characters, mysteries, and hidden clues that link their worlds together. Reading both will give you the full experience and reveal secrets you won't find anywhere else!
“Drive this woman out!” "Throw this woman into the sea!” When he doesn’t know Debbie Nelson’s true identity, Carlos Hilton cold-shoulders her. “Mr. Hilton, she is your wife,” Carlos’ secretary reminded him. Hearing that, Carlos gives him a cold stare and complained, “why didn’t you tell me earlier?” From then on, Carlos spoils her rotten. Little did everyone expect that they would get a divorce.
Janice, the long-forgotten legitimate heiress, made her way back to her family, pouring her heart into winning their hearts. Yet, she had to relinquish her very identity, her academic credentials, and her creative works to her foster sister. In return for her sacrifices, she found no warmth, only deeper neglect. Resolute, Janice vowed to cut off all emotional bonds. Transformed, she now stood as a master of martial arts, adept in eight languages, an esteemed medical expert, and a celebrated designer. With newfound resolve, she declared, "From this day forward, no one in this family shall cross me."
Katie was forced to marry Dillan, a notorious ruffian. Her younger sister mocked her, "You're just an adopted daughter. Count your blessings for marrying him!" The world anticipated Katie's tribulations, but her married life unfurled with unexpected serenity. She even snagged a lavish mansion in a raffle! Katie jumped into Dillan's arms, credited him as her lucky charm. "No, Katie, it's you who brings me all this luck," Dillan replied. Then, one fateful day, Dillan's childhood friend came to her. "You're not worthy of him. Take this 50 million and leave him!" Katie finally grasped Dillan's true stature—the wealthiest man on the planet. That night, trembling with trepidation, she broached the subject of divorce with Dillan. However, with a domineering embrace, he told her, "I'd give you everything I have. Divorce is off the table!"
Rachel used to think that her devotion would win Brian over one day, but she was proven wrong when his true love returned. Rachel had endured it all—from standing alone at the altar to dragging herself to the hospital for an emergency treatment. Everyone thought she was crazy to give up so much of herself for someone who didn’t return her feelings. But when Brian received news of Rachel’s terminal illness and realized she didn’t have long to live, he completely broke down. "I forbid you to die!" Rachel just smiled. She no longer needed him. "I will finally be free."
For three years, Shane and Yvonne were wed, sharing heated nights, while his devotion clung to his ex. Yvonne strove to be a dutiful wife, yet their marriage felt hollow, built on desire rather than real warmth. All changed when she became pregnant, only for Shane to thrust her onto the operating table, warning, “Either you or the baby survives!” Broken by his cruelty, she vanished in grief and later returned, radiantly accomplished, leaving everyone awestruck. Haunted by remorse, Shane begged for another chance, but Yvonne only smiled and replied, “I’m sorry, men no longer interest me.”
"Who is she?" I asked, feeling tears well up in my eyes. "He met her at the Alpha training camp," he said. "She is a perfect suitor for him. It snowed last night, indicating that his wolf is happy with his choice." My heart sank, and tears made their way down my cheeks. Alexander took my innocence last night, and now he is taking that thing in his office as his Luna. **** Emily never shifted on her 18th birthday and became the laughingstock of the pack. When her old crush, Alexander Black, returns from Alpha Training, she never expected him to be her mate. After a night of passionate love, Emily finds out that young Alpha Alexander has taken a chosen mate. Heartbroken and humiliated, Emily runs off and disappears from the pack. Now, five years later, Emily is a high-ranking warrior in King Alpha's army, specializing in sensitive matters. When her best friend invites her to a night of music and laughter, she never expects to run into her mate, Alexander. Will Alexander figure out it is Emily? Will he chase after her, and most of all, will Emily be able to keep her secrets safe?