Julian, a handsome young man who has never experienced the touch of love, unexpectedly finds himself falling for Anastasia, a prostitute he hires in an attempt to explore new experiences. What begins as a casual encounter soon turns into something much deeper as they discover that true love can emerge from the most unlikely places. Ana, who has long given up hope on love, feels her life change after meeting Julian. However, their love is far from easy. A ruthless pimp, unwilling to lose control over Ana, becomes a formidable obstacle in their path. Threats loom large, forcing them to make a desperate decision-to escape from the life that has held them captive for so long. In a harrowing flight filled with tension and danger, Julian and Anastasia race against time, trying to evade the clutches of the pimp who will stop at nothing to find them. As they hide from place to place, facing threats and fears, they also discover that true love is about fighting together against all odds. But how far can they run from a past that continues to haunt them? Amidst the chase and uncertainty, will their love be strong enough to survive and find the freedom they've always dreamed of? This is a story of courage, sacrifice, and a love tested in the fires of adversity.
"You're not gay, are you, Julian?"
Doni's voice sounded flat, as if his question was a regular one. But to Julian, those words felt like a small explosion inside his chest. He turned his face away from his phone screen, raised an eyebrow, and looked at Doni with irritation.
"What do you mean by saying something like that?" Julian growled, his voice trembling with restrained anger.
Doni just shrugged, as if he felt no guilt. "It's just that, in the ten years we've known you, not once have we seen you go out with a girl." Doni glanced at Rian, another friend, seeking approval.
Rian, who had been quietly sipping his coffee, suddenly pretended to shudder in horror. "Whoa, maybe you really don't like girls, Julian," he said with a small laugh, but that laugh felt like a stab.
"Damn you guys." Julian clenched his fists under the table, trying to hold back the heat rising in his chest. "I'm still normal, okay!" Julian replied quickly, though his voice sounded more defensive than he intended. "I can still get aroused and excited if I see a naked woman."
Doni let out a short laugh, as if Julian's statement was no more than a cheap joke. "It's easy to say that, Julian," he said, his tone full of mockery.
Julian felt his blood boil. "Whatever, I don't lose anything if you don't believe me," he retorted coldly, although deep inside, he felt cornered.
Rian, who had been quiet, suddenly leaned forward with a sly grin on his face. "How about this, why don't we prove it? Let's go to a brothel right now. You can show us if you're really into girls."
Rian's words were like a lightning bolt hitting Julian. His eyes widened, his face turned pale. "What?! Are you crazy? No way!" Julian quickly refused, his voice trembling between shock and anger. "I don't have to prove anything to you. I'm normal, and I'm not going to lose my virginity to a prostitute!"
Doni and Rian exchanged glances, then laughed. Their laughter echoed in Julian's ears, making him feel even smaller. "Virginity? Are you seriously still thinking about that, Julian? In this day and age, you're still worried about being a virgin? Guys aren't like girls, it doesn't make any difference whether you're a virgin or not," Doni said with a sneer.
"Yeah, Julian. If you're really into girls, it shouldn't be a problem for you to go there," Rian added, his tone provocative. "Or... are you scared?"
Those words felt like a whip on Julian's back. Insults, mockery, all swirled in his mind. Among the shame and anger, there was something that pushed him to prove something to them. Even though his heart was screaming 'no,' his mouth said something different.
"Fine," Julian said in a softer voice, almost whispering. "If that's what you want, let's go now. I'll prove to you I'm not gay."
Doni and Rian smiled, satisfied, but in Julian's mind, his thoughts were spinning wildly. It wasn't because he was afraid of being labeled gay, but because he feared something simpler and more humiliating: his inability to approach women. He had avoided women for a long time, not because he wasn't interested, but because of the extreme nervousness he felt whenever he was near them. A psychologist he once visited said he suffered from a phobia called gynophobia, an excessive fear of approaching women.
In the car, heading to the place they had agreed on, Julian's hands were sweaty. His chest was tight. In his mind, he imagined being in a room with a woman paid to have relations with him. And the worst part? He feared his body wouldn't respond. His "manhood" might not rise, and he would be the laughingstock, not only of his friends, but of the woman as well.
While Doni and Rian kept joking, laughing, and talking about what they would do at the brothel, Julian remained silent, drowning in his own fears.
"This is the biggest and most luxurious brothel in town," Rian said proudly as he parked the car in front of a grand building standing among a row of shops. The building looked more like a five-star hotel than a brothel. Neon lights glittered at the entrance, casting a soft glow on the bustling sidewalk.
Two sexy women stood at the front, smiling seductively, teasing anyone who passed by. Beside them, a security guard stood tall, looking relaxed but alert. They laughed softly as several men glanced at them, hesitated for a moment, then quickened their pace as if afraid of getting caught.
"Wow... the building is huge. It's like a hotel," Doni exclaimed in awe, his eyes glued to the sight in front of him.
Julian stood behind them, feeling awkward and uncomfortable. The building was too large and luxurious for something that, in his mind, should be hidden and dark. He had imagined something dingy, dirty, and filled with cigarette smoke-like what he often saw in movies. But this place... was far from what he expected. The walls gleamed, and the high ceilings were adorned with crystal chandeliers emitting an elegant glow.
"This is the most luxurious brothel in the city," Rian continued, with the pride of a tour guide. "Most of the girls are young and really beautiful. You won't regret it if you hang out here."
Julian squinted suspiciously. "You seem to know a lot about this place, Rian. Don't tell me you're a regular here?" he asked, half-joking, half-serious.
Rian just grinned, scratching his head even though it wasn't itchy. His nervous laugh was an unspoken confession. Julian eyed him sharply, toying with a threat on the tip of his tongue. "Should I tell your wife that you like to spend your time in places like this?"
"No... don't, Julian!" Rian panicked immediately, his eyes widening. "Don't tell my wife, she'll kill me if she finds out I come here often!" His tone grew serious, and the fear on his face was obvious. "Seriously, Julian. Don't joke about that."
Julian chuckled softly, feeling a small victory inside. "Afraid of your wife but still come to places like this," he teased, shrugging as he enjoyed watching Rian's panic. There was something oddly satisfying about seeing his arrogant friend in fear.
"Alright, alright! Why are you two bickering here?" Doni cut in, his voice irritated. "Are we going in or not? We've been standing here for ages, and there are mosquitoes, you know!" He glanced back and forth between them, eager to enjoy the night without drama.
Rian nodded quickly, trying to divert attention. "Let's go in. I'll introduce you to the owner of this place." With a casual yet eager stride, Rian walked ahead, followed by an impatient Doni.
Julian hesitated for a moment but eventually followed them inside. As soon as he stepped through the large glass doors, it felt like entering a completely different world.
The interior was far more luxurious than he had imagined. The walls were draped in deep red silk, and a massive crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling, casting a soft light that created a warm and intimate atmosphere. The polished white marble floor gleamed under their shoes, while plush black leather sofas lined the walls. Well-dressed female attendants moved gracefully, carrying trays of drinks with thin smiles on their lips.
Julian swallowed hard, feeling more awkward than ever. This wasn't the dirty brothel he had always pictured-full of cigarette smoke and harsh laughter. There was no stench of alcohol or loud music. This place resembled the lobby of a high-end hotel that you'd only see in expensive movies.
Rian and Doni seemed relaxed, as if they were frequent visitors here. They joked, laughed, without a hint of awkwardness. Julian, on the other hand, felt his heart race. The more he looked around, the more out of place he felt.
"Come on, Julian, don't just stand there," Doni called from ahead, waving at him. "We'll pick the prettiest girl for you."
Julian snapped out of his daze and reluctantly stepped forward. But each step felt heavier than the last. In his mind, he could still picture the worst-case scenario: the girl would laugh at him if he got nervous. Or worse, he wouldn't be able to 'perform.' The thought of such embarrassment made his stomach churn, but in front of Doni and Rian, he didn't want to show any weakness.
"I just have to get through tonight. Just once. Then it's over," he told himself repeatedly, trying to convince himself. But deep down, a small voice kept nagging, wondering what would happen if everything went wrong.
"It's been a while, Rian. How have you been? Angel has been asking about you lately, said she misses you," said a middle-aged woman who suddenly approached them. She looked much younger than her age. Even though she was nearing fifty, her body was well-maintained, her skin smooth with a hint of makeup that enhanced her elegance. The red dress she wore showed off her still-alluring figure.
Rian smiled casually. "Yeah, Madam. I've been busy with work, so I haven't had the chance to stop by," he replied, half-joking, as if hinting that visiting this place was part of his routine. "Oh yeah, madam, where's Angel now?"
"Angel... she's upstairs, as usual... still with a client. Once she's done, I'll call her for you," the woman answered, glancing at her watch. Her gaze then shifted to Doni and Julian, who stood stiffly beside Rian. There was a hint of curiosity in her eyes, accompanied by a knowing smile. "Who are these two, Rian?"
"Oh, these, madam... they're my friends," Rian replied with a slightly mischievous grin. "This is Julian, and that's Doni. They're here for... well, I'm sure you know what they're here for since they've stepped into this place."
The woman, whom they called Madam, smiled widely and elegantly extended her hand towards Doni and Julian. "Nice to meet you, I'm Stella. But everyone prefers to call me Madam," she said, her voice filled with the kind of false warmth typical of places like this. "I own this place. You've come to the right spot because we're the best in town. The girls here aren't just beautiful; they know how to satisfy their clients."
than Cole, the sole heir of the wealthiest family in Crestfall City, finds his life turned upside down when he clashes with Damian Wolf, a ruthless mafia boss who controls the city. It all begins when Ethan tries to rescue his long-lost lover from the clutches of Vivienne, Damian's partner and the mastermind behind a dark web of human trafficking. But Damian won't stand idly by. Using every dirty trick in the book, he tears Ethan's life apart, including separating him from the woman he loves. The blow becomes even harder when Ethan's power-hungry stepbrother frames him, leading to his father's rejection and his expulsion as the rightful heir of the family fortune. Left broken and stripped of everything, Ethan teeters on the edge of despair-until he meets Adeline, a resilient woman harboring her own grudge against Damian Wolf. Together, they craft a meticulous plan of revenge. Through a journey filled with intrigue, betrayal, and gripping action, Ethan and Adeline systematically dismantle Damian's empire. Along the way, Ethan also reclaims his stolen legacy from his treacherous stepbrother, proving he is more than just a privileged heir. However, amid the chaos of revenge and power struggles, Ethan faces a daunting choice: between justice, vengeance, and the chance to find true love in a world consumed by darkness. Will Ethan be able to exact his revenge without losing himself? Or will Damian Wolf remain an inescapable shadow over his life?
She thought she was the love of his life, and he became the love of her life that fateful day she had seen him at the pack's party. Selene Grace was only a replica of Alpha Leo's real mate, and when he spotted her, Leo immediately claimed her as his Luna in order to suppress the rumors of him being mateless. Being unable to conceive turns Selene's marriage into a nightmare, and as if that wasn't enough, Alpha Leo finally reunites with his long time lover and mate, rejecting a pregnant Selene as a result. 5 years later, Selene, a now successful doctor, receives an invitation to the moon shadow pack in order to rid the pack of a deadly disease which has struck it. Will Selene return back to the pack which had caused her so much pain, and what would she do when she realizes that she is mated to the Alpha who had betrayed her in the past?
After two years of marriage, Sadie was finally pregnant. Filled with hope and joy, she was blindsided when Noah asked for a divorce. During a failed attempt on her life, Sadie found herself lying in a pool of blood, desperately calling Noah to ask him to save her and the baby. But her calls went unanswered. Shattered by his betrayal, she left the country. Time passed, and Sadie was about to be wed for a second time. Noah appeared in a frenzy and fell to his knees. "How dare you marry someone else after bearing my child?"
My name is Katia, and I am just trying to survive until my fated mate arrives. Which may be easier said than done. Rejectection is the last straw. Whispering my acceptance of his rejection. I run through the pack house, out across the manicured lawn into the forest. "I'm sorry, my sweet girl," I say to my wolf. I'm sorry you have been stuck with me and have had to suffer everything I have. She whispers," it's not your fault, Katia. We came to a cliff with a waterfall. The hurt keeps pounding at me. I need it to stop. My sweet girl, and I just want peace, I keep running and leap off the cliff. Spreading my arms wide, with tears streaming down my face, I fall, not making a sound, waiting for sweet oblivion where we feel nothing ever again. "I love you, my sweet girl! Until we meet again, "My wolf replied just before we hit the water, "I love you too, Katia. I have never regretted a moment with you." The Snow Moon pack is having their last barbecue of the summer next to the waterfall on their land. The adults are laughing and joking while watching the pups play. The alpha, beta, and gamma are swimming with some of the older children and playing a game of Marco Polo. Someone yells, "Oh my goddess, someone just jumped over the waterfall!" Everyone is frozen as they watch what looks to be a child falling arms spread wide, no one makes a sound. The small body hits the water like a plane crashing into the side of a mountain. The alpha, beta, and gamma, spring into action, swimming towards the area the person went under. The alpha is screaming his wolf is going crazy repeating, "Find her. Find her...find her!" They dive and the beta surfaces with a small person in his arms. Alpha takes the girl from his beta, laying her on the ground. The men are shocked by what they see. She is covered in scars and injuries. Her body is twisted and broken. The Beta asks, "Who could have done this to someone so defenseless?" Alpha drops to his knees, repeating, "MATE...MATE...MATE!"
Desperate to handle her grandmother's towering medical bills, Gianna agreed to a contract marriage with Tristan, the enigmatic man she'd once shared a one-night stand with. She assumed they'd fulfill each other's needs and dissolve the arrangement once the terms expired. Unbeknownst to Gianna, this marriage was a dream Tristan had clung to for ten relentless years. Certain she was just filling someone else's role, Gianna prepared to leave when that other woman returned. But Tristan, his eyes burning with unspoken emotion, seized her trembling hand and declared, "Youâre mine. Now and always."
6 years ago, Lydia suffered a brutal betrayal orchestrated by her own husband and step-sister, who drugged her and framed her. In a twist of fate, she ended up having a one-night stand with a stranger. Don't even remember what he looked like. Later, in the throes of death, she discovered the truth about her mother's death all those years ago. In the blink of an eye, she lost everything. 6 years later, Lydia returned with her genius son, vowing to exact revenge on all her enemies! Little did she know, she encountered an incredibly familiar man at the airport! *** The man was briskly pushing open the door to the restroom, heading to the urinal. Even with such a mundane action, he did it with unparalleled elegance and grace. Lydia, following him in a daze, saw his fierce lower body and suddenly snapped back to reality. She let out a high-pitched scream, instinctively covering her eyes with her hands, her cheeks flushed, and stood there stiffly, unsure of what to do. Lambert furrowed his brows slightly but remained calm as he continued to relieve himself. The sound of water hitting the urinal made Lydia's face even redder. She angrily shouted, "You pervert!" Little did Lydia know that Lambert, seeing her in this state, had a flicker of recognition in his eyes. Memories from many years ago flashed through his mind, and his heart couldn't help but stir. It was her!
In the previous life, Maggie Johnson was so cowardly, gullible and stupid that she was coaxed by her fiance and stepsister and then broke her legs and lost everything including her fortune, love and even life. However, she was so lucky that she was reborn in the year before everything happened. Since her life restarted, how could she repeat a previous tragedy? Therefore, in this life, she took the opportunity to improve herself and take revenge on the ones who had ever insulted her. Facing the people who had humiliated her previously, she became smart and experienced to break their frames and tricks that had caused her to hurt in the previous life. Finally, no one could stop her pace to amaze the world any more.