My breath hitched. My step-brother did what? Did he give me to this man? This was insane! "I-I don't understand?" I lowered my gaze while trying to comprehend what he just said. Suddenly, a thought came to my mind and I lifted my gaze to look at him. "But can't you make me your maid? I'll work hard and pay back what he owes you," I suggested. I desperately wanted to have the reins over my body again. He was quiet this time. His eyes were void of any emotion as the silence grew between us. Soon his voice sliced the air. "Baby girl, if I wanted a maid, I could simply get one. The only thing I need is a wife," his words only dissipated the little hope I had of escaping.
Ava's POV
My breath caught in my throat and my pulse quickened. The numbness in my limbs contrasted sharply with the ache in my chest, which intensified with every deep breath. Fighting back tears, I gritted my teeth.
Don't cry. Don't cry, I silently pleaded.
My gaze fell upon my parents' lifeless forms, their faces now pale and still. Memories of their warm smiles and laughter seemed distant, overshadowed by the harsh reality before me.
A sob threatened to escape, but I pressed my lips together, stifling the sound. The sympathetic gazes surrounding me heightened my anguish.
"Deep breaths," I whispered, attempting to calm myself.
A cold hand touched my shoulder from behind, making me jerk. I forced myself to relax, turning to face the person beside me. Our eyes met, and I instantly regretted it.
Her expression was etched with concern – brows drawn together, lips curved into a small, sympathetic smile. Yet, it was her sad eyes that pierced me, filled with genuine pity.
"I'm so sorry for your loss," she said softly.
It took everything in me not to pull back from her. I promised myself not to cry today, especially in public. Although my eyes were already swollen and red due to how I'd cried after the news of my parents passing.
"Everything would be fine," she added when she realized how pale and immobile I became.
Her words echoed in my ears and despite the pain shooting through me like knives piercing my insides, I still fought the urge to snort at her words.
Nothing was going to be fine. Hell, nothing was ever fine after my parents fell into a coma. My life was never the same, from the tragic news of the accident, to the maltreatment I was subjected to by my own brother.
I swallowed painfully, managing a strained smile. "Thank you."
She nodded and departed, leaving me relieved.
The whispers around me continued: "The poor girl... She must be devastated and broken." Their words fueled my desire to escape.
I scanned the crowded place – business partners, not family. My brother's absence was noticeable, but not surprising.
Their words, their sympathy, their gaze... I needed to get away from here as fast as my legs could take me. My eyes stung with tears and the numbness on my limbs was spreading faster. With one last look at my parents, I pushed through the crowd and rushed out of the burial ground. Guilt washed over me as the chauffeur drove us back to the mansion.
My legs carried me swiftly through the foyer, yearning for solace in my room.
"We need to talk," Carlos's firm voice halted my retreat.
I turned, my raised brow creasing into a deep frown. My brother–Carlos sat in the living room with his wife–Claudia beside him, her red lips curled into a smug smile. The family lawyer, Mr. Anderson, sat across from them.
"What is he doing here?" My voice trembled because I already knew the answer.
Carlos's expression remained cold. "To read the will. Come here; don't waste more time. Mr. Anderson has an emergency."
Was this why he skipped our parents' burial? Was he that desperate to claim the inheritance? Despite our distant relationship, I never knew him to be so money-driven, cold-hearted, cunning, and heartless.
I made my way to the seat across from them, my legs heavy with dread. I didn't have the strength for drama today.
"Mr. Anderson, please continue," Carlos urged, his gaze filled with disdain.
The lawyer cleared his throat. "According to Mr. Lewiston's will... NovaTech, the estate, mansion, and hotel belong to Mr. Carlos Lewiston." He read with sweat beading his hairline but that wasn't compared to how I felt.
My heart pounded painfully as my insides twisted in agony. How could my parents leave me with nothing?
"But," Mr. Anderson paused, his eyes locked on the will, "Mr. Carlos can share with his sister, Miss Ava, if it pleases him."
That single word sparked hope, but it vanished with the lawyer's next words.
The dread in my stomach intensified. My nails dug into my thighs, seeking physical pain to counter the emotional anguish.
The lawyer concluded, "That is all. Please excuse me," and hastily departed.
I was left alone with Carlos and his wife, their piercing eyes seeming to revel in my despair.
"I'm glad we finally know our place," Carlos said, his voice dripping with malice.
I jolted back, fear mixing with disappointment.
"Speaking of which, prepare to depart for your husband's house in a few hours," Carlos continued, his voice venomous.
My eyes widened in shock. "W-what did you just say?" My voice trembled.
Claudia intervened, her expression disdainful. "We're giving you a chance to leave this house. You've always wanted to escape, haven't you? We've arranged a contract marriage, providing you with a roof and a new family."
My head reeled, anger coloring my cheeks. My fists curled, and I glared at them. Unable to contain the anger swirling inside of me, I stood up to my feet furiously.
"How dare you?! Who gave you the right to decide my life?" I demanded, my voice trembling with rage.
Carlos's face darkened. "Watch your language and tone, or I swear to God, I'll rip your throat out myself!"
A staring competition ensued, but I noticed Claudia's shock and lingering smirk from the corner of my eye.
"I am your elder brother, and I decide what's best for you. You don't have the right to question me, do you understand?" Carlos growled.
I snorted, disgust and anger etched on my face. "You're not fit to call yourself my elder brother. Not after what you did to me, and what you're still doing. I'm not a rag doll for you to control. I have feelings too, and your actions are never in my best interest."
Carlos's laughter sent chills down my spine. "How delusional. You think you finally have the guts."
His eyes darkened, voice hardening. "Listen carefully, Ava. Pack your things and leave this house within two hours. Don't make me repeat myself, or you'll regret it."
I pressed my lips together, fighting back tears. Feeling vulnerable and unwanted, I whispered, "Perhaps I should've died along with Mum and Dad."
Claudia's snarl cut through me. "Even better."
My heart clenched. "I'm done bending to your will, Carlos," I declared through clenched teeth, my voice firm.
I turned and walked out of the living room, tears streaming down my face.
"Ava!" Carlos yelled from behind, but I kept walking.
"Should I burn the world for you or burn for you?" His deep, raw voice sent shivers down my spine. "Kill for you or get killed for you? What should I do before you realize I'm irreparably chained to you?" His hazel eyes darkened, burning with lust and something more. I parted my lips, but words failed me. His gaze entrapped me, and I was yet again spellbound. "I'm nothing but the bane of your existence, remember?" I whispered, recalling his words. His eyes narrowed, his lips set in a hard line. "I was wrong," he admitted, his voice low. I stepped back as he moved forward. "I should've been more clear." Suddenly, he yanked me toward him. I gasped, my heart hammering against my ribcage. "To me, Sylvia," he whispered, his breath dancing across my skin, "you're both my ruin and salvation." __ Loathed by my family, hated by my pack, betrayed by the man I loved. I was the wolfless and useless daughter of the Alpha. I was given to the ruthless Lycan King as a peace offering to end the war between the River Pack and the Lycan Kingdom. I swore that as long as blood run through my veins, I'd never fall for the man responsible for my step-brother's. Yet, every time I found myself drawing closer to that line. The line between love and hate.
I thought I was free from the grips of Frederick, the man who caused me so much pain, but little did I know he would come knocking on my door the next moment. “You can't escape from Liliana, so stop running and come to me," he muttered boastfully. “And why would I do that?” I retorted with a frown etched across my face, and a rueful smile graced his handsome face. Walking towards me, he cornered me, caging me between the wall and his strong body. “Because I know you want me. Your heart, your soul, and most, especially this body of yours… I can feel the heat radiating from you every time I stand close to you, with my hand around your waist," he whispered, his husky voice sounded like music to my ears. His hand slowly slid up from my hip to my waist, and he squeezed the skin of it gently, but enough to send a shiver down my spine. Leaning down, he murmured close to my ear. “You want me, just as much as I want you," he said confidently. I almost spat blood hearing his bold words. What exactly did I get myself into?
In her wet wedding dress, she slowly closed her eyes, and her mind went blank as she willingly let his soft and firm lips move against hers while she wrapped her arm around his head, bringing him closer. His hand slowly snaked around her waist, pressing their bodies intimately. Vanessa felt lost in the heat, but before she could delve deeper, the door to the church got slammed open. Men in uniforms marched in. “Police! Freeze!” Vanessa snapped her eyes open. What were the Police doing there? She turned to look at Ezekiel, and the look on his face made her heart sink. ***** Hector Vanessa Matteo Gonzalez, a rich lady set to marry the wealthiest man, however, a day before her wedding, she got the news that her grandfather, her only surviving family had passed on. Distressed, she walked outside to calm her mind. She wanted to stop herself from feeling depressed and isolated. Nevertheless, that one innocent and harmless move created a twist in her life. Vanessa was attacked, which resulted in loss of memory. Left on the cold ground to die, Ezekiel, one of the attackers, felt guilty and found it difficult to leave her there. He took her and hid her from her fiancée, knowing very well that he had made a big mistake, but that wasn't the worst that could happen. The moment Vanessa woke, she fell in love with him, believing he was her boyfriend due to the spark she felt. But what will happen when her fiancée comes to claim her back? Will Vanessa hate Ezekiel once she finds out that he isn't her boyfriend but instead her abductor?
WARNING: MATURED CONTENTS. "What.. what do you want?" Regina asked, moving backwards calculatingly from the predator whose eyes scanned her length like she was a prey about to be devoured completely. She kept stepping back but he grabbed her arms and yanked her over. "You're my wife and I have all the right to do whatever I want with you!" Daniel whispered harshly. He grasped her wrist, pulling her over to him. He swirled her around then he pushed her down on the bed. She gasped as her dress went up her thighs due to how hard he pushed her and pinned her hands above her head. Regina could only tear up when he hovered over her with his gaze dark and his face blank. What did she do to deserve such an ill-fated life? ----- The two stone-hearted brothers. One was a cold-hearted CEO who was aloof to everyone, involving his contracted wife, Regina, who became his prisoner as he made life miserable for her even after killing her father and uncle. And the other was a cold-blooded murderer and king of the underworld as they called him. He was known to be a stone hearted Mafia and the king of the assassins who abducted the innocent and cheerful Rachael just after killing her father before her eyes. He took her hostage as his slave and made her wish for death every single day. But what would happen when the two notorious brothers fall in love? Will the women they caused endless pain reciprocate their feelings or seek revenge for their loved ones that were brutally murdered by these two men?
Billionaire Bennett Graham urgently needed a wife to close a business deal but his fiancée wasn't ready to tie the knots yet. So his grandmother picked the most unassuming maid for him. Everything was supposed to go incredibly well, and all he had to do was wait until he divorced her a year later. But after seeing Maliyah's ocean eyes.it wasn't looking simple anymore. *** Before I could get her up, it was as if she felt the light and an uncomfortable sound came out of her mouth. "Uh-huh..." She raised her hand to cover her eyes. But I didn't have time to wait for her to wake up, so I told her to "Get Up." My voice seemed to scare her, and her light-fearing eyes suddenly widened and she kept moving to the corner. The only voice in the quiet art room was her fear-filled voice, "No...please...go away...don't come close to me." She was afraid of me? I hadn't even spoken to her before, what was she afraid of? This was definitely not going to work, I couldn't talk to her if she couldn't calm down. Then I moved closer to her, my hand on her trembling shoulder, and I whispered soothingly "Calm down.I'm not going to hurt you.I'm not going to hurt you."I assured and then she moved her hair away from her face as if to stare at me properly. Our eyes met.It was that moment. It felt as if I was enchanted for a moment. Those ocean eyes were the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen.
"Sign the divorce papers and get out!" Leanna got married to pay a debt, but she was betrayed by her husband and shunned by her in-laws. Seeing that her efforts were in vain, she agreed to divorce and claimed her half of the properties. With her purse plump from the settlement, Leanna enjoyed her newfound freedom. The constant harassment from her ex's mistress never fazed her. She took back her identities as top hacker, champion racer, medical professor, and renowned jewelry designer. Then someone discovered her secret. Matthew smiled. "Will you have me as your next husband?"
Betrayed by her mate and sister on the eve of her wedding, Makenna was handed to the ruthless Lycan Princes as a lover, her indifferent father ignoring her plight. Determined to escape and seek revenge, she captured the interest of the three Lycan princes, who desired her exclusively amid many admirers. This complicated her plans, trapping her and making her a rival to the future Lycan queen. Entwined in jealousy and vindictiveness, could Makenna achieve her vengeance in the intricate dance with the three princes?
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."
Lucien Gray, the young and powerful head of an international consortium, has always had everything within his reach-wealth, influence, and any woman he desires. But when the unassuming Nina Morrison crosses his path, something unexpected happens. She doesn't fall at his feet, nor does she seem impressed by his status. Her indifference sparks an irresistible challenge in Lucien-a desire to conquer her at all costs. Determined to make Nina his, Lucien's pursuit becomes relentless. But Nina's fiery spirit and refusal to be controlled push Lucien to his limits. With every struggle and defiance, the tension between them grows, threatening to shatter the boundaries Lucien has always maintained. Now Lucien vows to claim her as his own. Will Lucien's obsession break Nina's spirit, or will she force him to confront his deepest vulnerabilities? In a game of power and desire, who will win-and at what cost?
Madison had always believed that she would marry Colten. She spent her youth admiring him from afar, dreaming of their future life together. But Colten was always indifferent to her, and when he abandoned her at a time when she needed him most, she finally realized that he never loved her. With renewed resolve and a thirst for revenge, Madison left. Endless possibilities lay ahead, but Colten was no longer part of her plans. Colten rushed to her place in a panic. "Madison, please come back to me. I’ll give you everything!" It was his powerful uncle who answered the door. "She's my woman now."