No one deserves to be caught in a tangled love triangle with their arranged spouse and his girlfriend, especially not Kyra Casella, a young woman who has endured years of abuse and depression and craves only love and affection. However, she finds herself in a marriage contract with her intensely attractive husband, Jayden Montero, who is determined to prevent any spark between them. He is focused on keeping their relationship cold to salvage his failing relationship with his girlfriend. But Jayden is facing an unexpected challenge-Kyra's irresistible charm. Her smiles, laughter, tears, and even the lightest touch pull him closer, making him question his resolve. Their connection is unfamiliar to both of them, yet it's intensely desirable and tempting to explore. The million-dollar question is: Will their repressed feelings and undeniable attraction be powerful enough to overcome the challenges standing in their way, or will it end as another heartbreaking love story? Discover this captivating tale filled with romance, drama, and the exploration of uncharted emotions.
Kyra's POV
"Kyra!" my elder sister, Lisa, shouted from downstairs. I was up in my bedroom reading some magazine I had found on the couch downstairs.
I didn't have the power to answer because it was obviously one of her tantrums. It was always the torture Kyra game in this house.
"Kyra London Casella!" she shouted. She was probably trudging upstairs now. My family members calling me by my full name meant fire. I had asked for it anyway but was it really necessary to answer a scolding call?
In two minutes my door burst open revealing Lisa. She glared at me with her you-have-not-seen-the-last-of-me eye.
"I've been calling you for ages yet you've been here all along pretending you couldn't hear me, Kyra and what on earth are you doing with my magazine. I thought I warned you not to touch my things without my permission," she hissed snatching the magazine away from me leaving marks on my hand with her long expensive nails.
As if the drama wasn't enough, my mother, Flavia Casella, made her entry with her other son aka Lisa's twin brother, Layton, right behind her. Save me, Lord.
"Can we ever get peace in this house? What's the ruckus about now?" Mom asked.
I remained silent looking at them. I didn't want any trouble.
"I think it's high time you got rid of Kyra, Mother. I just can't stand her anymore. You have to take action," Lisa flared folding her arms.
"Kyra, what have you done this time?" Mom asked shooting me daggers.
Of course, in terms of picking sides, my mom always favored her eldest two.
"Does it always have to be my fault or something I did Mom?" I said softly looking straight into her eyes.
If someone was to come up with a theory that she wasn't my biological mother and they weren't my biological siblings I'd believe them without a second thought.
"Show some respect to your mother, Kyra," Layton warned typing something on his phone. He was just like the rest.
"Does she ever respect me? It's like she has two children and I'm just a nobody in this house."
"Yes, that's what you are! You thought you were some princess? You disgust me. You resemble nothing Casella worthy. You are a disgrace to our family," Lisa spat at me venomously.
It hurt. It hurt a lot. Yes, I knew that was the case but they didn't have to rub it in my face. My eyes had already welled up tears threatening to spill.
"Why? What did I do wrong? What did I do to deserve all this hatred from you?"
My eyes were filled to the brim with tears but it didn't faze them even one bit.
"Dad died because of you, Kyra. It was purely your fault. I just wish it had been you who died in that accident not him. We will never forgive you for snatching away the best man from this planet," Layton spat at me.
If I had been close to him he'd have slapped me hard.
"How was I supposed to know we'd crash that day?" I defended myself.
"You were stubborn to go out, Kyra. Your childish tantrums cost me my husband, Kyra."
"But..."
"Has anyone ever told you how irritating your voice is? Your voice is so low and scratching. Maybe you should try and speak less because I'm sure no one would be interested in hearing your voice," Lisa advised and walked out without waiting for my reply.
Mom and Layton followed suit banging the door.
I felt an inexplicable lump lodge in my throat. I fell into a disheveled heap on the floor and my tears involuntarily spilled down my cheeks.
I was bleeding inwardly. Maybe they were right. Maybe it was my fault but I'd never hurt my best friend and superman on this entire planet.
Gerald Casella was my everything. I remembered his death every day as if it were yesterday. Everything had happened so fast that I didn't even get a chance to say goodbye or try to save him.
He saved me but couldn't save himself. The guilt I felt was intense.
Before his death everything was perfect. We were the perfect family. I was a daddy's girl and everyone's favorite. I used to smile too, laugh, and be the life of the party.
His death was a wind of change. I lost everything that day. I lost my family, my inner self, hope itself, and my voice too.
I couldn't raise my voice anymore because when the car burst into flames I screamed so loud that I damaged myself. I didn't have the confidence to do so anyway.
Sometimes I wished I had died in his place. We couldn't live without each other. I was dying from the inside.
It had already been five years now and I still missed him every day.
I wiped away my tears and hugged my trembling knees reminiscing on all the memories.
If only I could turn back time.
Lisa and Layton were twenty-six-year-olds, Lisa being a top model with beauty and brains. She had everything a lady needed. She was currently the top paid model in the state.
Layton had taken over the company. He was the new CEO. He was very popular, successful, and drop-dead gorgeous. He was popular among ladies especially models of the same class and businesswomen.
Flavia Casella, my mom, was a board member at the company and she ran a successful boutique in town. She was filthy rich and it was all purely from hard work. She had the typical Casella looks and appeared younger than her age.
Then me. Kyra London Casella. Call me the black sheep. The unpopular one. At the age of twenty-five, I had nothing and sadly no one. I was educated but had to find myself a job. I never went out in public to avoid embarrassing my picture-perfect family.
I took a deep breath and got up. For five years I had been waiting for that light at the end of the tunnel. Where was it?
Three hours later around two in the afternoon Lisa burst into my bedroom a bright smile plastered on her gorgeous face.
Awkward. She was holding a big box which she put down and rushed over to embrace me. She hugged me so tight that I almost thought my Lisa was back but a thought struck my mind. She was Lisa Casella. A package full of surprises.
"Guess what London?" she exclaimed excitedly.
They all used to call me London when my dad was alive. This was a first in five years.
"What?" I tried to sound excited.
"Guess who's getting married tonight?" she exclaimed thrilled.
My eyes lit up for the first time in years. I held her back in excitement.
"What?! No way. You are getting married? I didn't know you were in a serious relationship."
Seriously I didn't know. She was my sister. I had to be thrilled for her despite everything. I always wished the best for her.
"Oh please! Do you always have to be so stupid. I'd never get married now," she said rolling her eyes.
"So who's getting married?"
Seriously who would Lisa be so thrilled for? One of her friends? How would that concern me though?
"You silly. Tonight you'll finally be out of our lives. No offense honey."
Me? My smile dropped and I felt my heart sink. But I wasn't seeing anyone. I looked puzzled.
"Don't give me that face. Get ready for the ceremony. It's a small and simple thing but the reception soon will be grand. Everything a bride needs is in that box. At 5 pm sharp Layton will come and get you. If you need my help I'm more than available."
"I don't understand."
"Of course, you wouldn't understand. You are getting married to famous heartthrob and billionaire Jayden Montero. You'd be living under a rock to not know him. You are so lucky, honey. Finally, you get the spotlight."
"I'm still lost."
For the record, she was patient with me but she was beginning to lose it.
"It's an arranged marriage. A one-year contract between the Casellas and the Monteros. You are the bride. You guys ain't engaged of course but to the world, you guys have been engaged for three months and now you'll tie the knot. So basically it was a secret affair. It's a contract for business stuff you wouldn't understand."
Lisa explained the situation. Of course, to her, I had no idea how anything worked except being useless. I swallowed hard.
"I won't get married to a stranger. I have the right to choose my partner," I told her trying my best to appear confident and unwavering.
Lisa scoffed and scanned my body.
"As if anyone would want to be chosen by you. There is no discussion on this one. Don't waste our time."
"I won't get married," I spoke firmly balling my fists.
I was tired of being controlled.
Out of the blue, I felt a hard sting on my cheek. It stung so much I had to put my hand on it.
Lisa had given me a resounding slap. One of her best. She left a red welt behind and her ring had cut me just below my eye. I was bleeding.
"Anything more to say?" she inquired looking sharply at me.
I shook my head no. She'd murder me if I said anything more.
"Perfect. Suit yourself," she replied and left swinging her fancy ponytail.
I felt a warm liquid run down my nose and I wiped using my hand. I was bleeding. I quickly went to the bathroom and cleaned up myself.
Fifteen minutes later I was on my bed scanning my gown. It was gorgeous but I didn't want to be in it. Why me?
Who was this Jayden person? So I was like living under a rock because I like knew nothing about him. I pretty much knew no one.
I quickly took out my laptop and looked him up on Google.
There were multiple articles about him and the recent trending one about his secret engagement.
I didn't have time for all that nonsense right now. I had to see his face at least so I rushed to images and there was an entire gallery of him.
Okay, so I was speechless. My heart instantly skipped a beat. An alien color invaded my cheeks and I felt a smile form on my lips.
I never believed in the love at first sight drama but this masterpiece I was looking at had made me feel stuff I had never felt before. How could he be so perfect?
I read about three articles on him and I was convinced he had quite a good reputation with ladies in terms of respect.
So this Jayden guy was going to be my better half? The thought itself made me feel unexplainable stuff.
Was it a good thing that I was suddenly thrilled to get married?
My instincts quickly told me to put effort into my looks immediately. I had to impress him. My first impression had to be perfect.
One year my foot. I'd make sure it worked by hook or crook.
Finally light at the end of the tunnel. Finally, my prince charming was here.
Yes, I was excited but that nagging thought bugged me.
Rayleen Banks, a 24-year-old editor at an oil company in New York City, constantly faces criticism from her demanding boss, Ms. Newmort. Her only source of comfort is her supportive best friend, Amy, who helps her move on from a troubled past. When Rayleen becomes the personal assistant to Elliot Carter, a successful yet mysterious businessman, her life takes a new turn. Elliot, who leads a dominant lifestyle at night, introduces Rayleen, still a virgin, to a world of submission. She begins exploring her sexual side, becoming his part-time submissive. After a disturbing encounter with another dominant, Rayleen opens up about the dark secrets she's been carrying for most of her life. As she navigates the complex emotions of love within the BDSM world, Rayleen finds herself close to breaking, but Elliot is there by her side throughout the journey. Her life spirals as it becomes filled with tragedy-rape, murder, arson, breakups, and more-leaving Rayleen struggling to love both herself and Elliot. She begins to question the true identities of those closest to her, including Elliot and Amy. In just a few months, long-hidden truths are revealed, and Rayleen must face the ultimate challenge of forgiveness and letting go, as she discovers what true possession really means.
It is a one night stand for a 24 years old college girl, Annabelle. With no strings attached. When she sees her baby father on the cover page of a magazine tagged as a billionaire and a Casanova, her mother is set on using him to change their poor status. Aidan is a 26 years old billionaire with a high sexual urge, ever since the night with Anna. He is less interested in keeping a woman and having a baby is totally out of it. When confronted with the news of Anna's pregnancy, he denies it until her mother threatens to tarnish his image. Will Aidan agree to the marriage? Will Anna keep the pregnancy even after the rejection? Will she be able to take his insults and the fact that he finds her unwanted?
"Nevaeh," Aiden softly murmured, "can I lay my head on your shoulder?" I gave a small nod, allowing him to rest his head. He closed his eyes. "Thank you," he exhaled with a sense of peace. "It feels like heaven." "Heaven?" "Your name spelled backward, isn't it?" From the moment I first laid eyes on Aiden Klein, one thought immediately struck me-how flawless he seemed. Aiden, a hardworking man deeply devoted to his family, has captured the attention of many women. Despite his wealth and status as a powerful figure in the business world, what truly stands out is his kind heart. People often wonder, "What would it be like to be loved by him?" But, unfortunately, the answer remains unknown. His heart is cold. He sees no woman. He avoids their touch. Aiden Klein, it appears, cannot love. But I know the truth. Aiden Klein is capable of a love so intense, it could shatter you. I've glimpsed it once, purely by accident. He's the hero who's been broken. And I am the villain of this tale.
Raelynn is smart and beautiful, but she hides behind her huge frames, ponytail, baggy clothes and high school status of being a nerd, because she hates being the center of attention. Bryce is handsome, rich and popular. He has a notorious reputation of being a player. What happens when they set their eyes on each other? Sparks fly and people get burned. All it took was one night of passion for Raelynn to walk away with the secret she carries. How will Bryce react, when he realize that he not only got Raelynn pregnant, but is actually a father who missed the first five years of his kid's life? They say that those who never make mistakes lose a great many chances to learn something. Will they have learned anything and forgive each other? Will this secret make them? OR break them beyond repair? They met for a reason! Either to be a blessing or a lesson! I think I'll let you decide.
Jessica Summers is a simple and a beautiful young lady who has recently lost her parents and has moved to stay with her aunt. Within a few weeks, her aunt's true colors get revealed and she is no more that sweet, caring and loving aunt as Jessica had anticipated! What happens when she runs away from her aunt, unable to bear the mad woman and ends up in New York. Scared and lonely, will she survive in the "Empire City" or will she give up? Dean Walker, the young and popular billionaire is the CEO of Walker&Co. Known as 'the womanizer' before he became the perfect workaholic and now what everyone calls 'a stone hearted person'. Also, he is a tough person when it comes to love. He's built a good amount of walls around his heart after being broken by what he thought his first love. What happens when both their worlds collide? Will they be able to fight their attraction or will they let their walls down and feel a beautiful feeling called love?
Laszlo Set Me Down! Right now!" I looked at him angrily and screamed at the top of my lungs at him. What a waste! What a waste! What a waste! How did I act? Did I just call the emperor by his first name in front of the entire Royal Staff and yell at him? Oh no, I'm in a fix. He placed me down on my feet and observed me with a deadly look. I froze as I gazed into his devil-blue eyes. Is He Going to Kill Me? If you weren't my wife and Empress, this would really change! However, I still have to punish you!" With a scowl, he moved in closer. I was flung upon something before I had the chance to consider fleeing! I was lying on his shoulder, upside down. Today I am screwed!
After a passionate night, Verena left some money and wanted to leave, but was held by her companion. "Isn't it your turn to make me happy?" Verena, always disguising herself as ugly, slept with her fiance's uncle, Darren, in order to escape her engagement with her unfaithful fiance. Darren had respect and admiration. Word of his romantic escapades circulated, some saying they saw him kissing a lady against a wall and others calling it gossip. Who could ever tame Darren's heart? Then, shockingly, Darren was caught bending down to help Verena with her shoes, all to score a kiss from her!
To the public, she was the CEO's executive secretary. Behind closed doors, she was the wife he never officially acknowledged. Jenessa was elated when she learned that she was pregnant. But that joy was replaced with dread as her husband, Ryan, showered his affections on his first love. With a heavy heart, she chose to set him free and leave. When they met again, Ryan's attention was caught by Jenessa's protruding belly. "Whose child are you carrying?!" he demanded. But she only scoffed. "It's none of your business, my dear ex-husband!"
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?"
Andrea Deciding that I was going to skip a day at work so I could have first time sex with my boyfriend seemed like the most absurd decision I could ever make. Or at least that was what I'd thought. Until I'd walked in on my said boyfriend cheating on me with some redhead and decided to get my revenge by losing my virginity to his wealthy billionaire father instead. Crazy, right? Trust me, I know. Like that's not enough, things take a drastic turn for the worst after I realized I was in love with him and pregnant with his child. Before I could get the chance to come clean about every including my feelings formhim and the pregnancy, he finds out about my trickery. Alejandro's not one to condone being lied to and deceived so he immediately tells me he doesn't want to see me again. So what do I do? I pack up and leave the country. But it seems like the universe isn't done with us just yet. . . Alejandro I should have known better than to get involved with someone way younger than me. It was something I've never done before. But like the saying goes, there's a first time for everything. The first time I met Andrea I was captivated by her beauty. More than that there was this innocence in her that called out to me like a moth to a flame. I ignored all the warnings in my head and went after what I wanted. And what I wanted was her. Unfortunately what she wanted was revenge against my son. I told myself that it had to be some kind of mistake. There was no way she had been playing with my feelings and planning some silly revenge this whole time. But she had. It had taken a surprise visit from my son for me to find out her true intentions. Even then it had been hard to believe it. But I couldn't deny that she'd fooled me real good alright. So naturally I cut ties with her. And that's supposed to be the end, right? Wrong. Turns out that our story was never destined to end just there. . .
"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!
After three years of loveless marriage, Kira was slapped with divorce papers. She has shown him her unrequited love throughout her entire marriage with him, but he decided to turn blind eyes all because of his lover. Distraught and heartbroken, Kira choose to sign the divorce papers with bitter heart. But then and there, she promised herself that when she's back, he will come crawling to her, but she will make him pay for hurting her. Join Kira as she transform to a wealthy heiress and soared as the CEO of a multi-billion-dollar empire, a remarkable healer and make her ex-husband pay!