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"I have an offer for you. " He paused,as he gazed straight into my eye "Marry me and I will pay you. A contract marriage. " He finally dropped the bomb, causing my eyes to widen in surprise. Marry him? How? Why? I have only known him for about two to three months. What is he talking about? ***************************** Derrik King is a multi-billionaire who owns numerous businesses. He is well known as the CEO of the King's Empire. When Derrik's father plans to get him married to Isabella Scott - a tycoon's daughter, he has no choice but to get into a contract marriage as suggested by his friend. Andrea Price searched earnestly for a job to support her family. Finally, she was given a job as a personal assistant in the Kings Empire. Few months working as a PA for Derrik King, an offer was made. She could earn millions of dollars, if she agrees to be Derrik King's contract bride. Staying with Derrik for just three months was enough to battle with her sanity and now a contract marriage? But sometimes, we are not in control of things that happen to us. Andrea is now faced with choosing her sanity or accepting the money that comes with the contract to save a family member.
* Andrea *
Working all day, I kept wondering when I'd be allowed to go home.
Finally, Mr. King called across the intercom to tell me to go home.
Tsk...He could at least offer to ride me home, that's what a gentleman would do.
After only three months of knowing him, I knew he would never do that.
Packing my belongings, I got a cab and headed home.
Ever since I started working for Mr King, I've become accustomed to returning home fatigued, burdened with his meetings and personal issues.
********************************
I was finally home after a long day at work and a lot of shouting from my Boss. Working for him over the past few months has been horrible.
"Momma, I'm back. Is dinner ready?" I called out, hoping for a reply but was met with silence.
After a few minutes of no reaction, I walked upstairs to her room and found her sleeping. She looked so frail.
I felt a pang of guilt as I realized how much she'd aged since papa's death.
I found Lisa and Laurel asleep when I went to their room as well.
I haven't been able to have a family dinner ever since I started this work.
Things had become too difficult when our father died in that tragic accident. Momma became ill and could no longer work.
I had to try various part-time jobs just to support myself and the family.
"Where are you papa? I missed you ...momma does and your little twins too." I mumbled silently with a cracking voice as I dragged my tired feet downstairs for food.
They say everything happens for a reason but what may be the reason for my papa's death?
"Grrh"
My stomach rumbled, reminding me that I needed to eat. Eating in my formal clothing has somehow become my habit.
After dishing my food from the pot, I sat down and began digging in.
"Mm..this is good. I didn't even get anything better to eat because I was busy. Goodness! This work will undoubtedly be the end of me."
Once I finished eating, I headed to my room, took a shower and fell asleep once my back hit the bed.
Tomorrow will be a long day.
**********************************
"Andrea, wait for me here and I will get an ice cream for you and your sisters."
Papa ordered his voice sharp as usual. I requested an ice cream and wanted to get some for my sisters at home too.
"But papa, I want to go with you. I'd want to choose a very delicious flavor for Lisa and Laurel." I pleaded, eager to be part of it.
He frowned with cold eyes.
"Listen, little girl, I merely volunteered to buy the ice cream to make your mom happy. Do not assume I am doing this for you."
Tears threatened to fall, his voice stung as they always did.
"Don't be stubborn and wait here."
"But papa-" I could not finish the sentence as my father was already gone.
As a little girl, I was aware of traffic restrictions, and when my father decided to cross, it was safe.
I saw it- a speeding automobile, too fast to stop.
"Papa!!" I called to grab his attention but it was too late; the vehicle hit him and he fell with a thud, in a pool of blood.
"Papa!" I screamed, my voice breaking. The vehicle had already sped off leaving my father lying motionless on the ground.
*********************************
Waking up to the shrill sound of the alarm, I found myself drenched in sweat. The same nightmare every single night.
The experience was traumatic and even now, years later, I can't help but feel like I'm in a way responsible for my father's death.
We were all at home when 14-year-old me suddenly craved Ice cream one evening.
Momma had promised to buy it the next day but I stubbornly refused.
Dad asked mom to take care of my younger sisters while we stepped out a bit.
Growing up, dad never showed much affection towards me.
Whenever I asked mom why, she would always say, "he's busy making sure we can move to NYC, sweetheart."
Despite sensing Dad's coldness towards me, I continued to love him unconditionally.
But everything changed that day... 8 years ago.
I stood there, helpless, tears flowing uncontrollably as blood kept oozing from my father.
Thankfully, strangers rushed to assist in taking him to the hospital, but despite spending hours in surgery, he was pronounced dead. The joy of the family died with him that day.
Mother was shattered and felt helpless. The twins learned about the circumstances surrounding our father's death.
Lisa came to terms with it but Laurel.... She blamed me. She still does.
"You are the reason for his death." She'd say, her words cutting deeper like a knife.
I vowed to track the driver down.I don't have the money to do so but, one day, I will. And when I do, he will not be forgiven.
Shaking off the thoughts in my head, I got ready for the day.
After a quick shower, I dressed and headed downstairs for breakfast. Mom and the twins were already seated when I got there.
"Good Morning." I greeted, trying to sound cheerful. "Did you have a great sleep?" I inquired while walking towards them to grab some breakfast.
Out of the corner of my eye,I noticed Laurel rolling her eyes but Lisa simply smiled and nodded her head.
The tension between us was thick. What can I do to make things better with her? She used to be my favorite twin until she found out about dad's passing.
"Baby, are you okay?"
Momma's voice broke through my thought, her eyes full of concern.
I understood her intentions.
"I'm okay mom. What could be wrong?"
"You know what I mean young lady, don't avoid the question."
She was aware of the nightmares that plagued me after witnessing my dad's death.
Before I could speak, Laurel cut in, her voice sharp. "Why do you keep stressing about a murderer?"
"Laurel !" Mom exclaimed, caught off guard by her words.
"Everything is fine mom, I'm off to work. Take care of yourselves." I forced a smile, swallowing the pain.
Her words stung like fresh wounds that would never heal.
*********************************
Arriving at the office early for the first time in months, I found it quiet with few people around, which made me relieved that Rosie was not there.
Feeling a bit off and wanting to avoid conflicts, I rested my head on the desk in an attempt to clear my mind.
Laurel's words kept echoing in my head. Maybe she was right, I am nothing but a murderer. If only I knew, I wouldn't have requested for an Ice cream.
If only I had listened to Mom, dad wouldn't have died. I'm a murderer...a murderer...
Tears continued to run down my face as I recounted everything once again.
A short while after, I heard someone call my name and turned to see Mr. King.
"Miss Andrea,"
"Good Morning Mr. King. " I greeted standing steadily.
"Were you hired to sleep, Miss Andrea?" He made sure to emphasize my name.
"Were you crying? Is anything the problem?" He asked again, seeing the tears running down my face.
"No, I wasn't. Something got into my eyes."
" If you say so. I need you to come with me to my office immediately." He stated, as he headed to his office.
Did I get myself into some kind of trouble again? I'm just not in the mood to receive another set of scolds. Why can't you avoid trouble for just one day?
His statement arriving at his office shocked me.
"Sit down, let's talk."
"Sit down?" I mumbled to myself silently. "Maybe, I wasn't in trouble after all."
"I want to believe you are not deaf Miss Andrea." He said, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"I apologize sir." I wouldn't want to get in trouble since I wasn't in one already.
"I have an offer for you-" He paused, his eyes locked into mine with an intensity I couldn't overlook.
"Marry me and I will pay you. A contract marriage." He finally dropped the bomb, causing my eyes to widen in surprise.
His words hit like a ton of bricks.
Marry him? How? Why? I have only just known him for about two to three months. What is he talking about?
"Strip!" The voice thundered as I stood shocked by the turn of events. I shuddered both in fear and disgust at the thought of this man drooling over my naked body. "Don't make me repeat myself Isabella Valenti." His eyes were all red, like that of an angry bull ready to charge. I wasn't going to give in that easily. I didn't ask for this. I never did. ************ In a world filled with darkness, shedding of blood, tears and screams, Isabella Valenti, the daughter of Don Rodrigo Valenti has to fight her way through survival after the death of her father. The once powerful Valenti family went down in ashes after his death, giving chances to rival mafia clans, most especially Lucas Romano who always had his eyes on the Valenti family for reasons best known to him. Things take an unexpected turn when Isabella is given two options. Thus, either to watch her mother and brother die gruesomely or become Lucas' possession for a crime her father is said to have committed. How long will she survive under the roof of the ruthless Capo? Will hatred turn into love? **********
Roy D'silver had always been a rising star in the business world. With his natural charm and sharp wit, he quickly made a name for himself in Italy. But when an opportunity arose for his family to move to the United States, Roy knew it was a chance he couldn't pass up. As he settled in his new surroundings, Roy heard whispers of a formidable woman named Selene Rivers. Selene was known as the queen of the business world, with a reputation for being ruthless and cunning. Roy was intrigued by her, and he made it his mission to meet her. One day, fate brought Roy and Selene together at a business conference. Roy was immediately captivated by Selene's beauty and intelligence. He found himself drawn to her, wanting to know more about the woman behind the tough exterior. Their first meeting was brief, but it left a lasting impression on both of them. Roy couldn't stop thinking about Selene, and he knew he had to find a way to see her again. He strategically planned to attend more events where he knew Selene would be present, hoping to catch her attention. Enjoy the Love journey between Roy and Selene through difficulties.
She was a world-renowned divine doctor, the CEO of a publicly traded company, the most formidable female mercenary, and a top-tier tech genius. Marissa, a titan with a plethora of secret identities, had hidden her true stature to marry a seemingly impoverished young man. However, on the eve of their wedding, her fiance, who was actually the lost heir to a wealthy dynasty, called off the engagement and subjected her to degradation and mockery. Upon the revelation of her concealed identities, her ex-fiance was left stunned and desperately pleaded for her forgiveness. Standing protectively before Marissa, an incredibly influential and fearsome magnate declared, "This is my wife. Who would dare try to claim her?"
Ethan always viewed Nyla as a compulsive liar, while she saw him as aloof and insensitive. Nyla had cherished the notion that she was dear to Ethan, yet she felt coldly rejected when she realized her place in his heart was insignificant. No longer trying to break through his coldness, she stepped back, only for him to alter his approach unexpectedly. She challenged him, "If you trust me so little, why keep me around?" Ethan, who had once carried himself with pride, now stood before her with a humble plea. "Nyla, I've made mistakes. Please don't walk away from me."
On the day of their wedding anniversary, Joshua's mistress drugged Alicia, and she ended up in a stranger's bed. In one night, Alicia lost her innocence, while Joshua's mistress carried his child in her womb. Heartbroken and humiliated, Alicia demanded a divorce, but Joshua saw it as yet another tantrum. When they finally parted ways, she went on to become a renowned artist, sought out and admired by everyone. Consumed by regret, Joshua darkened her doorstep in hopes of reconciliation, only to find her in the arms of a powerful tycoon. "Say hello to your sister-in-law."
After three secretive years of marriage, Eliana never met her enigmatic husband until she was served with divorce papers and learned of his extravagant pursuit of another. She snapped back to reality and secured a divorce. Thereafter, Eliana unveiled her various personas: an esteemed doctor, legendary secret agent, master hacker, celebrated designer, adept race car driver, and distinguished scientist. As her diverse talents became known, her ex-husband was consumed by remorse. Desperately, he pleaded, "Eliana, give me another chance! All my properties, even my life, are yours."
"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...
Drugged and deceived, she bore a child amidst tragedy-her son, falsely declared dead at birth. Fueled by the agony, she disappeared, only to return years later with both her daughter and an adopted son, driven by an unyielding desire for revenge against those who had wronged her and her late mother. The plot takes an unexpected twist when the haunting truth surfaces: her son is alive, and his father is a powerful CEO.