Arielle felt a chill run down her spine. "An alliance? What kind of alliance are we talking about?" Her father hesitated for a moment, then met her gaze. "An arranged marriage with Alpha Eric Dutch of the Gold Crest Pack."The words hung in the air like a thunderclap. Arielle's heart skipped a beat as she processed what he was saying. "You want me to marry a stranger? Just like that?"Richard nodded, his expression pained. "Eric is not just any Alpha. He's powerful, respected, and his pack is strong. This union could save us." "But, Dad, what about me? What about my life, my choices?" Her voice rose, tinged with desperation. "I know it's not what you envisioned for yourself, but sometimes we must sacrifice for the greater good," he said gently, reaching out to place a hand on her shoulder. "Sacrifice my happiness?" Arielle whispered, pulling away. "Arielle, I wouldn't ask this of you if there were any other way. Please, just consider it," he implored. Arielle sighed "He will be meeting you today, please be of your best character" her father added. Arielle, after her father left her room went out to catch a fresh breath and meet Eric, she walked through the dense woods, each step bringing her closer to the man she was expected to marry. Her mind buzzed with thoughts of rebellion, of running away and leaving it all behind, but she knew her responsibilities outweighed her personal desires
The late afternoon sun filtered through the window, casting long shadows across the room. Arielle stood by the window, her gaze fixed on the distant treetops, feeling the warmth of the sun but none of its comfort. Her father, Alpha Richard Studs, cleared his throat, breaking the heavy silence that had settled between them.
"Arielle, we need to talk," he said, his voice heavy with the weight of what was to come.She turned to face him, a flicker of worry in her eyes.
"What's going on, Dad? You look... troubled."He took a deep breath, trying to find the right words.
"It's about the future of our pack. We're in a vulnerable position, and the threats from rogue wolves are increasing. We need an alliance."
Arielle felt a chill run down her spine. "An alliance? What kind of alliance are we talking about?"
Her father hesitated for a moment, then met her gaze. "An arranged marriage with Alpha Eric Dutch of the Gold Crest Pack."The words hung in the air like a thunderclap. Arielle's heart skipped a beat as she processed what he was saying.
"You want me to marry a stranger? Just like that?"Richard nodded, his expression pained.
"Eric is not just any Alpha. He's powerful, respected, and his pack is strong. This union could save us."
"But, Dad, what about me? What about my life, my choices?" Her voice rose, tinged with desperation.
"I know it's not what you envisioned for yourself, but sometimes we must sacrifice for the greater good," he said gently, reaching out to place a hand on her shoulder.
"Sacrifice my happiness?" Arielle whispered, pulling away.
"Arielle, I wouldn't ask this of you if there were any other way. Please, just consider it," he implored.
Arielle sighed "He will be meeting you today, please be of your best character" her father added.
Arielle, after her father left her room went out to catch a fresh breath and meet Eric, she walked through the dense woods, each step bringing her closer to the man she was expected to marry. Her mind buzzed with thoughts of rebellion, of running away and leaving it all behind, but she knew her responsibilities outweighed her personal desires.She arrived at a small clearing, the designated meeting point.
There, she saw him-Eric Dutch, standing tall and imposing, his presence commanding the space around him. His dark hair caught the sunlight, and his sharp blue eyes locked onto hers as she approached.
"Arielle Studs, I presume?" he said, his voice smooth and steady.
"And you must be the infamous Eric Dutch. I hear you're quite the force to be reckoned with," Arielle replied, her tone edged with sarcasm.He raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his mouth.
"I've heard much about you as well. Strong-willed, independent."Arielle folded her arms, defiance etched into her posture.
"Yet here I am, expected to marry you.""This isn't about us as individuals, Arielle. It's about our packs, our people," Eric stated matter-of-factly.
"Easy for you to say. You're not the one being handed over like a bargaining chip," she snapped.Eric stepped closer, his gaze unwavering.
"Believe me, I'm not thrilled about this either. But we both have responsibilities." he said
"And what if I refuse?" Arielle challenged, her chin lifted defiantly.
"Then we face the possibility of war. Neither of us wants that," he said, his voice calm but firm.Arielle's resolve wavered as she considered the implications of his words. The weight of her decision pressed heavily on her shoulders.
"I never imagined my life turning out like this."
"Nor did I," Eric admitted. "But we have a chance to make the best of it. To be partners."
"Partners in name only, I suppose," Arielle muttered, turning away.
"For now. But who knows what the future holds?" Eric said, a hint of something softer in his tone.
That evening, Arielle sat in her room, the shadows growing long as the sun dipped below the horizon. Her best friend Jenna slipped into the room, concern etched on her face.
"Hey, I heard about the arrangement. How are you holding up?" Jenna asked, sitting beside her on the bed.
"Confused, angry, trapped. Take your pick," Arielle replied, rubbing her temples.Jenna offered a sympathetic smile.
"I get it, Ari. But maybe this Eric guy isn't so bad?"Arielle sighed, frustration boiling just beneath the surface.
"He might not be, but it's the principle of it all. No choice, no freedom."
"I know, but what if this alliance is what saves our pack? Keeps us safe?" Jenna suggested gently.Arielle leaned back, staring at the ceiling. "I know, I know. It's just... hard to accept."
"Maybe try getting to know him. See if there's more to him than just the Alpha persona," Jenna encouraged.
"It's worth a shot, I guess. Not like I have much choice," Arielle conceded, her voice laced with resignation.
*****
The next morning, Arielle stood in front of her father, determination in her eyes.
"I've decided, Dad. I'll do it. I'll marry Eric."Her father looked at her with a mix of relief and gratitude.
"Thank you, Arielle. You're doing what's best for us all."
"But I'm not doing this blindly. I want to understand who he is, what he stands for," she insisted.
"Of course. Take the time you need. This is a new beginning for both of you," Richard assured her.Arielle nodded, accepting the path laid before her, yet vowing to make it her own.
"A new beginning. Let's hope it's not as daunting as it seems."As she prepared to embark on this unexpected journey, Arielle carried a mix of apprehension and hope, knowing that her life would never be the same.
The whispers said that out of bitter jealousy, Hadley shoved Eric's beloved down the stairs, robbing the unborn child of life. To avenge, Eric forced Hadley abroad and completely cut her off. Years later, she reemerged, and they felt like strangers. When they met again, she was the nightclub's star, with men ready to pay fortunes just to glimpse her elusive performance. Unable to contain himself, Eric blocked her path, asking, "Is this truly how you earn a living now? Why not come back to me?" Hadley's lips curved faintly. "If you’re eager to see me, you’d better join the queue, darling."
Janet was adopted when she was a kid -- a dream come true for orphans. However, her life was anything but happy. Her adoptive mother taunted and bullied her all her life. Janet got the love and affection of a parent from the old maid who raised her. Unfortunately, the old woman fell ill, and Janet had to marry a worthless man in place of her parents' biological daughter to meet the maid's medical expenses. Could this be a Cinderella's tale? But the man was far from a prince, except for his handsome appearance. Ethan was the illegitimate son of a wealthy family who lived a reckless life and barely made ends meet. He got married to fulfill his mother's last wish. However, on his wedding night, he had an inkling that his wife was different from what he had heard about her. Fate had united the two people with deep secrets. Was Ethan truly the man we thought he was? Surprisingly, he bore an uncanny resemblance to the impenetrable wealthiest man in the city. Would he find out that Janet married him in place of her sister? Would their marriage be a romantic tale or an utter disaster? Read on to unravel Janet and Ethan's journey.
"Never let anyone treat you like shit!" I learned that the hard way. For three years, I lived with my in-laws. They didn't treat me as their son-in-law but as a slave. I put up with everything because of my wife, Yolanda Lambert. She was the light of my life. Unfortunately, my whole world came crashing down the day I caught my wife cheating on me. I have never been so heartbroken. To have my revenge, I revealed my true identity. I was none other than Liam Hoffman—the heir of a family with trillions of dollars in assets! The Lamberts were utterly shocked after the big reveal. They realized what fools they had been for treating me like trash. My wife even knelt down and begged for my forgiveness. What do you think I did? Did I take her back or made her suffer? Find out!
Rumors claimed that Fernanda, newly back with her family, was nothing more than a violent country bumpkin. Fernanda just flashed a casual, dismissive grin in response. Another rumor suggested that the usually rational Cristian had lost all sense, madly in love with Fernanda. This frustrated her. She could tolerate gossip about herself, but slander against her beloved crossed the line! Gradually, as Fernanda's multiple identities as a celebrated designer, a savvy gamer, an acclaimed painter, and a successful business magnate came to light, everyone realized they were the ones who had been fooled.
It's true what they say about marriage: one partner's always happier than the other. ~~~ Julie's world is shattered when her husband, Ryan, reveals that he wants an open marriage. His reason: he needs a child as they've been unable to have one. Julie reluctantly agrees to save her marriage. The next day, Ryan returns home with his secretary, confirming Julie's long-held suspicion that their affair was taking place behind her back. Julie, heartbroken and enraged, seeks solace in a bar, where she meets a fascinating stranger named Luke, who changes the game. Julie confides in Luke over drinks, and he proposes a risky plan: he will act as her "boyfriend" to turn the tables on Ryan. Julie agrees, setting off a chain of events that will challenge everything she thought she knew about love, loyalty, and herself.
"You were about to cum in me." I said and sat up. That's when I felt a stinging pain across my ear as my hand caressed my face, then the realization hit me- he had slapped me, Lee had just slapped me. #Sex. Lies. Money. Power. *** Jessie, after finding out her fiance had married another woman, decides to have a one-night stand with his uncle, only to find herself married to him. But despite being married to his uncle, she was still attracted to him, so she started secretly seeing him. Well, the uncle wasn't willing to give her up now, not after he vowed to always be by her side; now she had two men fighting for her. And the woman her ex-fiance married wasn't just going to give up on him. Will Jessie realize old flames can never be and live a peaceful life with her new billionaire husband, or will Jade succeed in winning her back?