"I'm not the jealous type. But what's mine is mine. I could kill for what's mine. No one has the right to kiss you, touch you, or care for you. That's what I was born to do." His words echoed in the depths of my soul. "I'm leaving, and you can't stop me!" I tried to put up a fight, but it was all futile against his dominating form. "The only way you can leave me is through death. And even after you die, even the devil will make sure you serve me in hell because I am his master," A sinister smile spread across his face. That was the moment I knew I was doomed. *** Lance and Viella have been married for four years without conception. Enduring the persistent nagging from Lance's mother was becoming hell on earth for Viella, and the only way she could live a happy life was to get pregnant by any means possible to produce an heir for the Rollins family. The perfect plan was set in motion, and Viella brought in a surrogate to bear a child for them while she pretended to be pregnant. This was the biggest secret they were to guard with their lives. But what happens when this secret not only spills but Viella loses her husband to the surrogate? What happens when Viella finally finds a man who is ready to burn the world for her, only to be haunted by the demons of her past? Let's find out in this toe-curling romance story of love, betrayal, and lust.
VIELLA'S POV.
"How dare you lay your cursed hands on me?" The sting of Mrs. Lolita's words was accompanied by a resounding slap as her perfectly manicured hand descended on my pale cheek.
My fragile hand instinctively flew to the side of my face where it hurt. "Mum..." I called out in a weak voice, fighting the dam that threatened to break from my eyes.
"Don't you dare call me that! I can never be a mother to a barren witch like you!" Her words pierced my heart without an ounce of mercy. "I have warned you to leave my son alone! How much do you want? Just name your price!"
Mrs. Lolita Rollins-a woman of prestige and influence who had achieved everything she ever wanted even before turning 53-had it all. Everything except a grandchild from her first son. And she wasn't willing to let it slide, especially not when Lance was her first son.
I stood there, helpless and humiliated, as her cold, hateful words continued to lash at me. Four years of marriage, and I had nothing to show for it. Not even a miscarriage. I had done everything-visited the best hospitals in the world and endured every test and treatment, but nothing worked. Every doctor had the same empty reassurances: 'You're fine. You'll conceive soon.'
Lies. All lies!
And then, a saving grace appeared. Lance.
I looked up and saw him at the top of the stairs, his face set in a frown. His mother's words mingled with his own guilt and frustration. He could see the toll the pressure was taking on me, and his heart ached at the sight.
"Mum. What are you doing here?" Lance hurried down the stairs.
Lance tried to hold back his own frustration. His mother's relentless demands had always been a burden, but now they seemed unbearable. He turned to me, seeing the tears I had been struggling to hide.
"I came here to see how my son has been coping with this barren lowlife," she spat, cutting her eyes toward me disdainfully, "what is wrong with you, Lance? Do you want me to die without having a grandchild?" She said in her usual sophisticated accent.
Lance tried to hold his temper, though I could sense his struggle. His voice tightened as he replied, "Mum, you already have grandchildren from Taylor. Why the pressure?" He wrapped his arm around me protectively, attempting to offer comfort.
"Your father is finally ready to retire. He is willing to adjust his will in your brother's favor if you do not give him an heir to the inheritance he has willed to you. I just thought you had to know," Lolita spat angrily, glaring at both of us.
"What?" Lance asked, pulling away from me. "He wouldn't do that." His Hazel eyes searched his mother's for any hint of lies or deceit.
He knew his mother. She could go to any length just to get what she wants. But this time, it didn't seem like a joke. She meant every word she had just said.
"Now we'll know what's more important to you. Your inheritance or the barren witch," With one final disdainful glare, Lolita stormed out of the house.
There was silence. Lance couldn't bring himself to look at me.
"Viella..." He called in a whisper, but I stopped him.
"Stop it, Lance." I raised my hand to silence him, anger and heartbreak twisting in my chest. "This is all your fault! I begged you, but you've remained adamant. And now what? You're willing to give up your inheritance?" My voice cracked as I yelled, "How many more slaps and humiliations should I endure from your mother?"
"But Viella," he pleaded, running his fingers through his short, neatly trimmed hair, "what if people find out? It would be a slap on our faces. We can't be associated with such a scandal, come on."
I closed the gap between us, desperation rising in my chest. I was beginning to break through his adamance; I could feel it. I just needed to push a little harder.
"No one would ever find out. I promise." I cupped his face in my trembling hands. "I'll pretend to be pregnant all along. She will be kept in a secluded place, far away from prying eyes or potential danger. I have everything all planned out, Lance. Please."
Lance looked into my eyes, and I could see the conflict in his hazel gaze. The desperation and love that drove me must have been clear to him. He was silent for a painfully long moment, which scared me, but I kept my hope alive because I could tell my words had struck a chord. The thought of losing him was unbearable, and I knew he felt the same.
"She is a humble girl from a small family who desperately needs money. She wouldn't dare go against us. I assure you. I love you, Lance. My inability to conceive shouldn't be the reason I'd lose you. I'll die if I ever lose you," Tears flowed down my cheeks.
Lance heaved a sigh, and my heart clenched at the sound. He loved me; I knew that. But the weight of the situation was crushing him. I saw the fear in his eyes-the same fear I felt every day. The thought of getting another woman pregnant always scared him to death.
We had been through so much together already. We couldn't end things like this.
"Where did you say she is from? And how well do you know her?" Lance asked.
Relief flooded me, and I let out a long, shaky breath. Finally, I had him where I wanted him.
"She is from a small town where Tara's mother always visits with alms," I explained, trying to keep my voice steady despite the excitement bubbling inside me. "Noralie is one of the poor orphans who live with her uncle and his family. She's also religious and of a good upbringing..." I continued, laying out every detail I could think of to reassure him.
"Fine. If it makes you happy..." Lance said at last, though his tone made it clear he wasn't. He was agreeing, but I could see he wasn't happy about it. Still, I knew he had no other choice-not if he loved me as much as I loved him.
"Thank you so much, baby. I love you." I wrapped my arms around him in a tight embrace. "I promise you'll never regret this. I swear to you!"
***
LANCE'S POV.
It had been four weeks since my mother's unexpected visit to our house. We hadn't spoken since, and honestly, I wasn't in a hurry to change that. If it weren't for the fact that tonight was her 53rd birthday celebration, I would have gladly stayed home with Viella, curled up on the couch, watching one of those dull movies she seemed to love so much.
But here I was, plastering on a smile, shaking hands, and making small talk with guests and friends. Viella stood beside me, looking stunning as always, and my mind kept drifting to how much I wanted to take her home and unleash the beast she was unknowingly stirring inside of me. She had no idea how dangerously she was playing with my restraint tonight.
She was a goddess. My goddess. I still couldn't believe how lucky I was to have her in my life. Every time I looked at her, I felt like I had won the lottery. She wasn't just my wife-she was a trophy I proudly carried everywhere, someone I never stopped bragging about to friends and acquaintances.
"Yes, she is my wife," I told a woman who couldn't seem to stop staring at me. The possessiveness surged, and I slipped my arm around Viella's shoulders, holding her close.
"Isn't she lucky?" the woman asked, her lips curling into a knowing smile as she took a sip of her wine.
"On the contrary, I'm the lucky one here," I replied, my gaze drifting to Viella. I couldn't hide the admiration in my eyes even if I wanted to.
Every day, I wished I could find the man responsible for what had happened to her-the reason she was unable to bear a child. If I ever met him, I wouldn't hesitate to put a bullet in his head. The thought of everything she had endured before I came into her life made my blood boil. I loved her so much, and I hated knowing that I hadn't been there to shield her from the pain and hurt she'd gone through.
As we walked toward the table filled with food, I felt Viella stiffen beside me. I didn't have to turn around to know my mother's gaze was boring into us, especially Viella. I could feel it, too, like a cold wind brushing against the back of my neck.
We were starving, and I was looking forward to finally eating something. But as soon as we stepped closer to the array of dishes, Viella suddenly covered her mouth and nose with her hand, pulling away from my arm.
"Viella?" I called after her, but she was already excusing herself, rushing away.
"What in the name of the heavens is wrong with her?" I heard his mother's voice from behind me amidst the mild music coming from the speakers, cutting me mid-thought.
"Uh..." I turned slightly, still keeping my gaze fixed on the door Viella had just walked out of. "She's been feeling sick for a few days now, Mum. She gets upset at the sight of food and... well, she's been easily irritated. It's getting frustrating," I admitted with a sigh.
"What? Are you... Are you serious?" Mum's tone shifted, her excitement bubbling to the surface as she leaned closer. "And have you gone to see the doctor yet?"
"Not yet, Mum. I've been busy with work... You know?" I shrugged
"Don't be stupid, young man!" she exclaimed, smacking my arm lightly. "Your wife is obviously pregnant! Can't you read the signs? Oh, my God! I'm going to be a grandmother!" Her excitement was impossible to contain as she pulled me into a tight hug.
"Come on, Mum. It might be nothing," I tried to reason, but she cut me off with a glare.
"What do you know about a woman's body?" she retorted. "Now, hurry up and check on my daughter-in-law and future grandson! Go now!" She shooed me away with a wave of her hand, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. "And make sure you take her home to rest! You're seeing the doctor first thing tomorrow morning!"
I shook my head as I made my way through the crowd. My mother was something else. Dramatic didn't even begin to cover it. Though, to be fair, Viella could give her a run for her money. That thought brought a grin to my face as I pushed open the bathroom door.
"Hey, babe. You deserve an Oscar for that performance," I said, pulling her by her slender waist and pressing soft kisses to her neck.
"Lance... Thank you, honey," she said softly, gently pushing me away.
"What's wrong?" I asked, my grin fading as I noticed how disheveled she looked.
"I think I feel sick... This wasn't entirely an act. I truly felt..." She hadn't even finished her sentence when my phone buzzed in my pocket.
I fished it out and glanced at the caller ID. My stomach dropped, and judging by the look on Viella's face, hers did too.
Noralie.
Trigger warning!!! Intended for mature readers who enjoy morally complex, slow-burn, poseesive, forbidden, dark romance that pushes boundaries. ***EXCERPT*** Blood everywhere. Trembling hands. "No!" My eyes blurred. His lifeless eyes stared back at me, his blood pooling at my feet. The man I loved-dead. Killed by the one person I could never escape - my stepbrother. *** Kasmine's life was never hers to begin with. Kester, her stepbrother, controlled and monitored her every move. At first, it was all sweet and brotherly until it began to turn into an obsession. Kester was the Alpha, and his word was law. No close friends. No boyfriends. No freedom. The only consolation Kasmine had was her twenty-first birthday, which was supposed to change everything. She dreamt of finding her mate, escaping the sickening control of Kester, and finally claiming her own life. But fate had other plans for her. On the night of her birthday, not only was she disappointed that she wasn't mated to the love of her life, but she found out that her mate was none other than him - Her tormentor. Her stepbrother. She'd rather die than be mated to a man whom she had known as her big brother all her life. A man who would do just anything to make sure she was his. But when love turns to obsession, and obsession turns to blood, how far can one girl run before she realizes there is nowhere else to run to?
TRIGGER WARNING!!! This is rated 18+. Alpha Parthe is as dark as described. If you are not into dark romance, please, in the name of everything holy... ***Excerpt*** "My breath just made you quiver," He leaned closer so that I could almost taste his breath, "...Then imagine what my tongue would do." "I warned you not to play with fire if you are afraid of flames," He added, his voice hoarse with need. My plump lips parted in response, "I am not afraid to burn for what I love." I had just stirred something in him that had lay dormant all his life. "Then so be it... Princess." *** She was an angel craving chaos. He was a demon craving peace. She knew he was hell, yet she chose to burn with him. It takes a special kind of woman to handle his darkness and tame his demons. Alpha Parthe comes from a bloodline of cursed Alphas. They are endlessly consumed by the need to track and kill prey and offenders, constantly plagued by the scent of blood. The more they kill, the more they want to kill. It only gets worse on every full moon. What happens when there is no prey to kill? They become a threat to their loved ones. No one mated to an Alpha from the Wild Wolf pack ever lived more than two years. And every Alpha from that lineage dies at thirty-three due to the curse. Parthe, determined to let the curse end in his own lifetime, vowed never to have a mate nor bear a son. But every vow he ever made goes to shambles the moment he crosses paths with a girl he considers 'little and insignificant.' The fate of poor Luxuria of the Ash Mountain pack, who was set to marry the love of her life, Beta Kahel, takes a drastic turn when she finds out she was mated to this cursed Alpha, whom she dreaded with all her life. What happens when his curse gradually begins to seep into Luxuria, the one woman who was meant to be his remedy?
***Excerpt*** "I am not as sinful as you think I am. I am way worse," his lustful eyes drank in the sight of her, "I've had a taste of you, Natalie. Nobody else will do." Natalie was meant to be upset... Angry... Yell at him... Flee from him... But somehow, she was intrigued as to the sinful things he could possibly do to her. "So many sinful things I want to do to your innocent body and I don't want anyone else to touch you until I am done. That is if I'll ever be done..." He meant every bit of those words he had just uttered. *** Natalie, a very young, successful lady got married to the man she loved at a young age. A few weeks after her marriage, her husband, Ashton, began to act in a way that wasn't very funny to Natalie. Starved of good sex, attention, affection, and even conception, she fell right into the hands of her hot brother-in-law, Roan, who became obsessed with her. Natalie finds herself in an entangled web of forbidden romance with her brother-in-law, Roan. The more she tries to escape that web, the harder she falls into it. What happens when she finally stumbles upon a truth about Roan that would leave her completely shattered just when she had served her husband divorce papers? Let's find out in this Steamy, toe-curling, jaw-dropping romance story.
Warning! Mature Contents! ***Excerpt*** "I own you, Reyana. You are mine... Mine to torture... Mine to claim... Mine to punish... and nothing will ever save you from me. Not even death!" His words were heavy and true. He meant every word that came out of his mouth. *** Alpha Randall, the most ruthless Alpha of his time was a god among men, rich in power, strength, wealth, achievements... No one comes close. He was the envy of all. Wherever he went, he was sure to leave a trail of death and darkness and no one ever prayed to be mated to such a monster, but fate had a different plan for him. Beta Aldric and Reyana who were madly in love felt their worlds crumble when they found out Alpha Randall was Reyana's fated mate. Reyana's doom began when Alpha Randall who hated her with so much passion refused to claim her, neither was he willing to reject her, not only because he had a mistress, Visha, whom he loved so much... He had other reasons. Torn between two women, Alpha Randall never knew that one of these women was meant to be his downfall, while the other was meant to be his blessings. How would he find out? Let's find out in this heart-racing piece filled with suspense, Steamy romance, and betrayal.
Warning! Mature Content! *Excerpt* "Does it make you nervous when I stare?" His voice was laced with sinful passion. "Will you hate me if I do this?" His dark gaze took in her entire frame. "I am obsessed with you, Delaney." *** Delaney, a beautiful woman, only wished for one thing - A peaceful life, and perhaps, a little touch of financial independence. But throughout her childhood, life gave her a contrast to her wish. She grew up knowing nothing but hatred from her family, and eventually, from her fiancé too. For three years, Delaney paid for a sin she never intentionally committed - losing her virginity to a stranger. This innocent mistake chattered her life and her relationship with Blaine. He detested her so much. But one question is: Why hasn't he called off their engagement? Gradually, Blaine was becoming the man she hoped he'd be. She'd secured a job at a prominent company too... She was already inching closer to her dreams when suddenly, he resurfaced - The stranger who had almost ruined her life three years ago. This stranger who was perfectly built for sin turns out to be Blaine's boss, the most dreaded Adonis Langston. And this time, he wanted more than just a one-night stand... Poor Delaney's life was set into panic once again. Little did she know that she had also cast her spell on her soon-to-be boss, who turns out to be Adonis's childhood best friend! Oops! Financial Independence, power, and fame at its peak... All hell is about to let loose as these three men are never known for surrendering. She had all she needed to exert revenge on those who'd hurt her, depending on the decision she makes. But in all of these, she is about to face the biggest betrayal of her life.
Blurb Warning! Mature Content! **Excerpt** "Does it make you nervous when I stare?" His voice was laced with sinful passion. "Are you going to hate me if I do this?" His dark gaze took in her entire frame. "I am obsessed with you, Delaney." *** In the world of power, wealth, and desire, Adonis Langston stands at the pinnacle. A multibillionaire with an iron grip on one of America's largest corporations, he commands respect and envy from all who know him. Yet, there's one thing he lacks: love. One fateful night, he encounters a mysterious young woman who ignites a passion he never knew existed. But as quickly as she entered his life, she vanished, leaving him with nothing but a memory of the forbidden sin they had indulged in. Three years later, destiny weaves its intricate threads once again and brings them face-to-face. Delaney, engaged to Adonis's employee, Blaine, becomes entangled in a dangerous game of a man whose desires know no bounds. Faced with a choice between loyalty and survival, she surrenders to Adonis's proposition—an illicit weekend in exchange for Blaine's freedom. Little does she know the dark depths of deceit and temptation that lie ahead. As their passion ignites, Delaney realizes that she has stepped into a web of deceit and desire far more treacherous than she ever imagined. As their forbidden affair unfolds, secrets are revealed, alliances are tested, power collides with vulnerability, love battles against the darkness, and the price of passion may be higher than they ever imagined. Will Adonis finally find the love he has always craved, or will the darkness lurking beneath their entangled desires consume them both?
Belinda thought after divorce, they would part ways for good - he could live his life on his own terms, while she could indulge in the rest of hers. However, fate had other plans in store. "My darling, I was wrong. Would you please come back to me?" The man, whom she once loved deeply, lowered his once proud head humbly. "I beg you to return to me." Belinda coldly pushed away the bouquet of flowers he had offered her and coolly replied, "It's too late. The bridge has been burned, and the ashes have long since scattered to the wind!"
Everyone was shocked to the bones when the news of Rupert Benton's engagement broke out. It was surprising because the lucky girl was said to be a plain Jane, who grew up in the countryside and had nothing to her name. One evening, she showed up at a banquet, stunning everyone present. "Wow, she's so beautiful!" All the men drooled, and the women got so jealous. What they didn't know was that this so-called country girl was actually an heiress to a billion-dollar empire. It wasn't long before her secrets came to light one after the other. The elites couldn't stop talking about her. "Holy smokes! So, her father is the richest man in the world?" "She's also that excellent, but mysterious designer who many people adore! Who would have guessed?" Nonetheless, people thought that Rupert didn't love her. But they were in for another surprise. Rupert released a statement, silencing all the naysayers. "I'm very much in love with my beautiful fiancee. We will be getting married soon." Two questions were on everyone's minds: "Why did she hide her identity? And why was Rupert in love with her all of a sudden?"
A sudden twist of fate connected Helena to a prominent and influential person. To onlookers, she appeared as a naive bimbo. In truth, she was a top-tier specialist, shrouded in layers of hidden identities. Charlie declared, “She’s quite delicate and easily hurt. Cross her, and you’re crossing me.” The elite families, outwitted by Helena's prowess, kept these truths from him. Helena eventually broke free from Charlie, sending him on a frenzied worldwide hunt. To him, she was a bird with dazzling wings, and his goal was to help her reach new heights.Â
Rena got into an entanglement with a big shot when she was drunk one night. She needed Waylen's help while he was drawn to her youthful beauty. As such, what was supposed to be a one-night stand progressed into something serious. All was well until Rena discovered that Waylen's heart belonged to another woman. When his first love returned, he stopped coming home, leaving Rena all alone for many nights. She put up with it until she received a check and farewell note one day. Contrary to how Waylen expected her to react, Rena had a smile on her face as she bid him farewell. "It was fun while it lasted, Waylen. May our paths never cross. Have a nice life." But as fate would have it, their paths crossed again. This time, Rena had another man by her side. Waylen's eyes burned with jealousy. He spat, "How the hell did you move on? I thought you loved only me!" "Keyword, loved!" Rena flipped her hair back and retorted, "There are plenty of fish in the sea, Waylen. Besides, you were the one who asked for a breakup. Now, if you want to date me, you have to wait in line." The next day, Rena received a credit alert of billions and a diamond ring. Waylen appeared again, got down on one knee, and uttered, "May I cut in line, Rena? I still want you."
“You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don’t we get married?” Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful tycoon. Jayden thought Elyse only married him for his money, and planned to divorce her when she was no longer of use to him. But after becoming her husband, he was faced with a new dilemma. “She keeps asking for a divorce, but I don’t want that! What should I do?”
My family was on the poverty line and had no way to support me in college. I had to work part-time every day just to make ends meet and afford to get into the university. That was when I met her—the pretty girl in my class that every boy dreamt of asking out. I was well aware she was out of my league. Nevertheless, I mustered all my courage and bravely told her that I had fallen for her. To my surprise, she agreed to be my girlfriend. With the sweetest smile I had ever seen, she told me that she wanted my first gift for her to be the latest and top-of-the-line iPhone. I worked like a dog and even did my classmates’ laundry to save up. My hard work eventually paid off after a month. I finally got to buy what she wanted. But as I was wrapping my gift, I saw her in the dressing room, making out with the captain of the basketball team. She then heartlessly made fun of my inadequacy and made a fool out of me. To make things worse, the guy whom she cheated on me with even punched me in the face. Desperation washed over me, but there was nothing I could do but lie on the floor as they trampled on my feelings. But then, my father called me out of the blue, and my life turned upside down. It turned out that I was a billionaire's son.