Elena Godwin's life had taken a turn for the worse since the death of her father and stepmother. Her stepbrother was now the head of the family and degraded her into the rank of an inconsequential servant in her own home. She lived day after day with the abuses, but her only hope that held her strong was the thought of her grandfather's fortune waiting for her in one year, and then she could make her escape to a new life. But her dreams were shattered when she came to know that her stepbrother had sold her off to the ruthless mafia leader known as Victor Martinez to cancel his debts. Elena was then compelled to marry this Victor, and it didn't take her much time to gauge his heinous intention. He intends to violate her, get her impregnated, and discard her later on just to make her suffer for the agony he suffered from the loss of loved ones. And with every step, Elena was entangled deeper in a nightmare that had no end due to his wicked plot.
Elena's POV
The cemetery was cold and quiet as I stood alone by my parents' graves. The chill of the evening made me shiver as I hugged my coat close. Losing my father and stepmother felt like a cruel twist of fate, their absence leaving a painful emptiness in my life. The new grave, freshly turned, was a stark reminder of my grief.
A rustling sound behind me made me turn. It was Marcus, my stepbrother. His face was impassive, but his eyes held a glint of satisfaction.
"Still mourning?" he sneered. "You've got work to do."
I sighed, fighting back tears. "I need a moment, Marcus. This is all so hard."
"Hard for you, maybe," Marcus replied coldly. "But for me, it's just business. You're just another chore now."
I tried to ignore him as I turned away, but his words cut deep. I clung to the hope of my grandfather's inheritance, supposed to come in a year. I dreamed of escaping this life of misery.
The next few days were a blur of fear and confusion. I overheard Marcus talking to someone in the office-a man I didn't know. Their conversation was low but clear enough.
"Are you sure this is what you want?" the man asked, his voice rough. "Selling your stepsister to settle your debts?"
"It's the only way," Marcus replied. "She's just a pawn. Victor Martinez wants her, and I need his money."
My heart sank. Victor Martinez was a feared mafia leader, and the thought of being sold to him was terrifying.
A few days later, I found myself standing in Victor's grand but intimidating mansion. The opulence did nothing to comfort me. Victor himself was imposing, his eyes cold and calculating.
"Welcome, Elena," Victor said, his voice smooth but menacing. "I trust you understand why you're here."
"I don't," I managed to say, my voice trembling. "What's happening?"
"You're to marry me," Victor said calmly. "It's part of the deal. Marcus's debts are settled, and you're now my responsibility."
"Marry you?" I stammered. "This is insane! I'm being sold like... like a commodity."
Victor's expression remained unchanged. "It's not personal, Elena. It's business. And you'll find that I expect you to play your part in this arrangement."
As he spoke, I could feel the weight of his cruel plan settling over me. I was trapped in a world where marriages were tools for power and control.
In my darkened room that night, I tried to process my situation. The fear of my new reality was overwhelming. I knew I had to find a way to survive, to hold onto some shred of hope.
The following morning, I was jolted awake by the clanging of a brass bell. I rubbed my eyes, trying to make sense of my new surroundings. The opulent room, with its grand furnishings and intricate designs, felt alien and suffocating. As I dressed, a sense of dread settled over me, knowing that I was now a prisoner in Victor's world.
The mansion's servants guided me through a series of hallways to the dining room. The long table was set with fine china and silverware, but my appetite was nonexistent. Victor sat at the head of the table, his presence commanding even in casual attire.
"Good morning, Elena," Victor said with a chilling calmness. "I trust you slept well?"
I forced a smile. "As well as one can in a new place."
Victor's eyes narrowed slightly. "It's important that you adjust quickly. You'll find that the sooner you accept your role, the easier things will be."
I sat down cautiously, trying to avoid his gaze. The meal was silent, with only the clinking of silverware breaking the tension. After breakfast, Victor motioned for me to follow him.
We walked to a private study, decorated with dark woods and expensive art. Victor gestured for me to sit as he poured himself a drink from a crystal decanter.
"You need to understand the nature of your new position," Victor began. "This isn't just about our marriage. It's about maintaining order and control. I have enemies and alliances to manage, and you are a part of that."
"I'm not a piece on your chessboard," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
Victor's expression darkened. "You are exactly that, Elena. And I suggest you remember your place."
I looked around the study, my mind racing. "What do you expect from me?"
Victor leaned back in his chair. "Your role is twofold. Publicly, you will be my wife, representing my interests. Privately, you will assist in various tasks that will be explained to you later. Your compliance is crucial."
"What if I refuse?" I asked, the words escaping before I could stop them.
Victor's eyes flashed with a dangerous light. "Refusal isn't an option. You belong to me now, and defiance will be met with severe consequences."
The gravity of his words sank in, and I felt a chill run down my spine. "What happens to me if I do comply?"
Victor's tone softened, but there was no warmth in it. "You will be protected and provided for, as long as you fulfill your duties. It's a simple exchange: safety for your cooperation."
The meeting ended with Victor's dismissive wave. As I left the study, I couldn't shake the feeling of impending danger. I wandered through the mansion's gardens, the beauty of the place contrasting sharply with my internal turmoil.
In a secluded corner of the garden, I found a bench and sat down, trying to collect my thoughts. The silence was comforting for a moment, but it was short-lived. I heard footsteps behind me and turned to see one of Victor's associates, a tall man with a stern face.
"Miss Hartley," he said with a nod. "I'm Lucian, Victor's right hand. I'm here to ensure you're settling in."
I tried to smile but could only manage a weary nod. "I'm adjusting, thank you."
Lucian's eyes were sharp. "Just remember, Elena, the rules here are strict. Cooperation will make things easier for you."
With that, Lucian left, leaving me with a heavy heart. I knew that my life had changed dramatically and that my fight for survival was just beginning. The opulence around me was a façade, hiding the harsh reality of my new existence.
As evening approached, I returned to my room, determined to find a way to navigate this treacherous world. I needed allies, a strategy, and most importantly, a way to reclaim my freedom. For now, I was trapped in a life controlled by a man who sought to use me for his own gain.
Mia Carter, a struggling waitress Desperate to save her ailing mother keep her younger brother in school, was presented an opportunity to become Alexander Hayes fiancée for six months, for a return of $20000. Since opportunity comes but one's, Mia signed the contract without thinking much about the bad effect it will create. And Alexander Hayes at the other hand, needed this to secure a merger with a conservative firm. They value family, stability, and commitment- qualities I apparently lack. Having a fiancée will help seal the deal. And there is something about Alexander, he believes relationship is a distraction to his business. So he doesn't have any lady he is dating. So after Emma signed the contract, she found out her first big problem, Sophia, Alexander assistant.
Kira's first day at a new school is anything but ordinary. As the daughter of an Alpha who abandoned her, she's no stranger to harsh judgments and bullying. But she's determined to keep her head down and focus on her secret life as a top assassin, tasked with taking down rival packs. Her world flips when she meets Jaxon, the charismatic leader of the rival pack she's meant to target. Despite her efforts to stay distant, Jaxon's magnetic presence draws her in, and she discovers they're fated mates-a bond that neither of them can ignore. Adding to the complication is Kane, Jaxon's mysterious brother, who is equally captivated by Kira. As Kira struggles with her mission and her growing feelings for both Jaxon and Kane, she finds herself in a dangerous love triangle. With her heart and her duty at odds, Kira must navigate a path fraught with passion and betrayal, knowing that her choices could alter the fate of everyone involved. "CHAINS OF DESTINY" is a thrilling tale of love, loyalty, and the struggle between destiny and desire.
Mary, a grieving widow finds herself caught up in the rivalry of the Wilson siblings who inhabit a thrilling world of high stakes gambling and hidden motivations. As Victor, Noah and Jane compete for her affection she unintentionally stumbles upon a bet that puts their fortune at risk. With her intellect, as her ally Mary navigates through the challenges of deception and unexpected alliances. She employs planning to overcome each obstacle she encounters. Through maneuvers she successfully marries Jane. Gains control over their familys wealth. Along the way her skills uncover one sinister secret after another. Unfortunately this triumph ultimately leads to a downfall that nobody could have predicted.
After a painful breakup with her boyfriend of two years who coldly told her to her face that he couldn't keep dating her because she was too uptight--In a moment of anger and defiance, Anna decided to throw caution to the wind for one reckless night. She headed to the wildest club in Texas, determined to lose herself in the chaos. But fate had other plans. To her shock, she ran into her ex-boyfriend at the club. Desperate to save face, she made a split-second decision and approached a stranger, pretending he was her new boyfriend. What she never anticipated was the magnetic pull she would feel towards him or the fact that she'd end up going home with this mystery man. Soon enough, the real surprise hit her--this stranger wasn't just anyone; he was her new boss. What begins as a night of rebellion spirals into a whirlwind of forbidden attraction, societal pressure and hidden affairs. And now there are so many things at stake. Find out how this story unfolds.
As a simple assistant, messaging the CEO in the dead of night to request shares of adult films was a bold move. Bethany, unsurprisingly, didn't receive any films. However, the CEO responded that, while he had no films to share, he could offer a live demonstration. After a night filled with passion, Bethany was certain she'd lose her job. But instead, her boss proposed, "Marry me. Please consider it." "Mr. Bates, you're kidding me, right?"
Charlee was left at the altar and became a laughingstock. She tried to keep her head high, but ultimately lost it when she received a sex tape of her fiance and her half-sister. Devastated, she ended up spending a wild night with a hot stranger. It was supposed to be one-time thing, but he kept popping up, helping her with projects and revenge, all while flirting with her constantly. Charlee soon realized that it was nice having him around, until her ex suddenly appeared at her door, begging for another chance. Her tycoon lover asked, “Who will you choose? Think carefully before you answer.”
Darya spent three years loving Micah, worshipping the ground he walked on. Until his neglect and his family's abuse finally woke her up to the ugly truth-he doesn't love her. Never did, never will. To her, he is a hero, her knight in shining armour. To him, she is an opportunist, a gold digger who schemed her way into his life. Darya accepts the harsh reality, gathers the shattered pieces of her dignity, divorces him, takes back her real name, reclaims her title as the country's youngest billionaire heiress. Their paths cross again at a party. Micah watches his ex-wife sing like an angel, tear up the dance floor, then thwart a lecher with a roundhouse kick. He realises, belatedly, that she's exactly the kind of woman he'd want to marry, if only he had taken the trouble to get to know her. Micah acts promptly to win her back, but discovers she's now surrounded by eligible bachelors: high-powered CEO, genius biochemist, award-winning singer, reformed playboy. Worse, she makes it pretty clear that she's done with him. Micah gears up for an uphill battle. He must prove to her he's still worthy of her love before she falls for someone else. And time is running out.
To the public, she was the CEO's executive secretary. Behind closed doors, she was the wife he never officially acknowledged. Jenessa was elated when she learned that she was pregnant. But that joy was replaced with dread as her husband, Ryan, showered his affections on his first love. With a heavy heart, she chose to set him free and leave. When they met again, Ryan's attention was caught by Jenessa's protruding belly. "Whose child are you carrying?!" he demanded. But she only scoffed. "It's none of your business, my dear ex-husband!"
Elin spent twenty years deeply loving her husband, finally marrying him just as she'd always dreamed. But reality shattered her illusions—he wasn't the man she believed. Instead, he callously destroyed her family, crushing her heart beyond repair. At her lowest point, Ruben, equally betrayed that night, approached her steadily. "Marry me, Elin. I'll help you take revenge." Yet, after their wedding, she quickly discovered he was dangerously unpredictable. "I made a mistake. Let's divorce..." Ruben slid his arm possessively around her waist, whispering a chilling promise, "Only in death."