Sophia knight thought marrying billionaire CEO Alexander Knight would be the start of a new life-one filled with luxury, power, and opportunity. But behind the closed doors of their lavish marriage lies a cold, calculated agreement. Showered with wealth but starved of love, Sophia feels trapped in a world where ambition trumps emotion. Determined to find her place in this gilded cage, Sophia begins to unravel the layers of Alexander's distant persona, only to discover the shocking secrets that lie at the heart of their marriage. As old friends resurface with hidden agendas and Alexander's ruthless business rivals close in, Sophia is torn between fighting for the love she desires or breaking free from the chains of their emotionless bond. When the stakes rise with a sudden pregnancy and the uncovering of Alexander's traumatic past, Sophia must decide-can she melt the heart of the cold billionaire, or will she risk everything to reclaim her independence? In a world of power, betrayal, and passion, love might be the most dangerous game of all.
The smell of roses and fresh linens filled the air, almost sickeningly sweet. I stood at the end of the long, pristine aisle, staring ahead at Alexander Knight-my husband-to-be. The grand cathedral was brimming with people, faces I didn't know, faces I would probably never remember. This wasn't my world. But now, I was being pulled into it, headfirst, in a whirlwind of diamonds and designer dresses.
My heart pounded, the thrum of it almost drowning out the soft symphony of violins that echoed through the hall. Every step I took felt heavier than the last, not because of the weight of my gown-though it was a masterpiece of ivory silk and lace-but because of the sinking realization that I wasn't walking towards love. I was walking into a gilded cage.
People whispered as I passed, their eyes glinting with envy or curiosity. To the outside world, this was a dream come true: Sophia Bennette, a no-name interior designer from a modest family, was About to marry Alexander Knight, the most powerful CEO in the city. The media had painted me as the lucky girl, swept off her feet by the cold, elusive billionaire. But they didn't know the truth. They didn't know that this wedding, this union, was nothing more than a calculated deal.
I stole a glance at Alexander as I approached the altar. He was devastatingly handsome in his tailored black tuxedo, his sharp jawline and perfectly tousled dark hair giving him an air of untouchable elegance. But it was his eyes-those stormy, icy blue eyes-that made me shiver. They gave nothing away. No joy, no excitement, no love. He was as distant as ever, standing tall and composed, like a statue carved from stone.
The ceremony was a blur. Vows were exchanged, rings slipped onto fingers, and the minister's voice droned on, but I wasn't really present. My mind raced, replaying every conversation, every moment leading up to this day. Was this truly what I wanted? I had agreed to this marriage hoping for a better life, for security. My mother, Victoria, had made it clear that this was the opportunity of a lifetime, but what she didn't understand was that no amount of wealth could fill the emptiness that came with this arrangement.
Alexander turned to me, his hand reaching for mine as we were declared husband and wife. His touch was firm, but cold. He leaned down, and I braced myself for the kiss, knowing it would be nothing more than a performance. As his lips brushed mine, there was no warmth, no passion. It was as if he was checking off a box on a list.
The crowd erupted into applause, and I smiled-a hollow, practiced smile. I was Mrs. Sophia Knight now, but in reality, I felt more alone than ever.
The reception was nothing short of extravagant. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling of the ballroom, casting a golden glow on the marble floors. Waiters in crisp uniforms glided between the guests, offering champagne and delicate hors d'oeuvres. Everything was perfect. On the surface, at least.
I sat at the head table beside Alexander, who was deep in conversation with some business associates. He hadn't looked at me since the ceremony, not really. I sipped my champagne, the bubbles dancing on my tongue, but the taste was bitter. I glanced at him again, trying to read the expression on his face, but as always, he was a closed book.
Just as I was about to excuse myself to get some air, I heard a low voice, sharp and controlled. It came from behind me, just out of earshot of the other guests. Alexander's father, Richard Knight, had pulled him aside near the balcony, his tone harsh yet restrained.
"You've done what's necessary. Now, make sure she doesn't become a distraction," Richard said, his voice cold as ice.
My breath caught in my throat. I couldn't move. I didn't want to eavesdrop, but my legs were frozen in place. I pretended to adjust the hem of my gown, but my ears strained to catch every word.
"I know the terms," Alexander replied, his voice equally as calm, but with an edge that made my skin crawl. "This is all just business, Father. She understands that."
Business? The word echoed in my mind. Is that what I was to him? A transaction?
"Good," Richard said, the sound of a glass clinking against his teeth as he took a sip of his drink. "Don't let her get too comfortable. You need to stay focused if you want to remain in control of the company."
There was a pause, and I could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on me. Control? What was this really about?
Alexander's voice dropped to a whisper, but I heard the last part clearly. "I won't let anyone stand in my way. Not even her."
I felt my stomach twist, a cold dread settling into my bones. They weren't just talking about me; they were talking about my place in his world, in his life. I was nothing more than a pawn in their game.
Suddenly, I realized how deep I had sunk into this life. A life of luxury, yes, but a life where I had no real place, no real power. I was just a piece on a chessboard, and Alexander was the one moving all the pieces.
I had to get out of here. I stood abruptly, nearly knocking over my champagne glass. My heart raced as I excused myself, walking toward the balcony doors to catch my breath. My mind spun with everything I had just overheard.
As I stepped outside into the cool night air, I wondered-was there more to Alexander than this icy exterior? Or had I just married a man who would stop at nothing to stay in control, even if it meant keeping me in the dark?
The answer wasn't clear yet, but one thing was certain: this marriage was not what I had imagined.
And it was just beginning.
Harper Winters always believed in facts, not fairy tales. As a top anthropology student in Crescent Falls, she's more interested in ancient myths than in dating or fitting in. But when she enrolls in Professor Adrian Blackwood's class on folklore, she's drawn to the mysterious professor in ways she can't explain. His dark eyes hide secrets, and his presence sends shivers down her spine. What Harper doesn't know is that Adrian is hiding more than just a passion for history-he's the Alpha of a powerful werewolf pack, sworn to protect the supernatural world from lurking threats. He's also harboring an agonizing secret: Harper is his fated mate, bound to him by forces neither can control. But if he reveals the truth, he risks unleashing a deadly prophecy that could destroy them both. When Harper's research into the town's legends leads her into the heart of a deadly conspiracy, she finds herself caught in a battle between rogue wolves, ancient curses, and her own growing powers. Her mother's cryptic warnings and Harper's vivid dreams reveal a hidden lineage she never knew existed-and a destiny she can't escape. With the vengeful rogue wolf Marcus threatening to tear Adrian's pack apart, Harper must decide if she can trust the one man who's been keeping her in the dark. As danger closes in, and the lines between friend and foe blur, Harper and Adrian are forced to confront their unbreakable bond and the dark forces determined to destroy them. In a world where nothing is as it seems, Harper's only chance for survival lies in embracing the wolf within her-and the Alpha destined to be by her side. But some bonds come with a deadly price...
In the shadowy depths of Silverclaw, a secluded town steeped in ancient werewolf lore, Seraphina Nightshade stands poised to inherit her destiny as the next Luna. At 24, Seraphina is the heir to a powerful pack, bound by tradition and prophecy. But as she trains for her ascension, she is haunted by visions that hint at a fate more complex and perilous than she ever imagined. When Draven Thorn, the ruthless Alpha of the rival Blackwood pack, launches a series of attacks designed to destabilize Silverclaw, Seraphina finds herself caught in a web of betrayal and danger. Draven's ambitions threaten not only her pack but the delicate balance of power in the region. As tensions escalate, Seraphina uncovers disturbing truths about her lineage and the prophecy that governs her life. With her closest allies by her side and her own powers awakening, Seraphina must navigate a treacherous path filled with hidden enemies, ancient curses, and shocking revelations. As she delves deeper into the prophecy, she discovers that the true threat may lie not in the rival pack but in a dark force lurking in the shadows. In The Luna's Ascension alliances are tested, secrets are unveiled, and the fate of Silverclaw hangs in the balance. Will Seraphina embrace her destiny and rise to the challenge, or will the weight of the prophecy and the schemes of her enemies lead to the pack's downfall?
Emily Carter has finally broken free from the suffocating grasp of her billionaire ex-husband, Daniel Blackwood. Rebuilding her life from the ground up, Emily now runs a thriving tech startup in New York City, determined to succeed on her own terms. But as she starts to enjoy her newfound independence, Daniel's shadow looms large. Despite his charm and charisma, Daniel is a master manipulator, and he's not ready to let Emily go. When his empire begins to crumble, he reemerges with a dangerous plan to reclaim his lost power-and Emily's heart. As Daniel's schemes grow more sinister, Emily finds herself caught in a web of deceit, betrayal, and dangerous power plays. With the support of her loyal best friend, Sam Brooks, and a rival entrepreneur who might just be more than he seems, Emily faces off against the man who once had everything under control. As secrets unravel and hidden agendas come to light, Emily must navigate a world where every ally could be a foe and every choice could lead to disaster. In a high-stakes battle of wits and will, Emily must decide whether to cut the cord entirely or find a way to reclaim her freedom and her future.
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?"
"Love is blind!" Lucinda abandoned her beautiful and comfortable life because of a man. She married him and slaved off for him for three long years. One day, the scales finally fell off her eyes. She realized that all her efforts were in vain. Her husband, Nathaniel still treated her like shit. All he cared about was his lover. "Enough is enough! I quit wasting my years with an ungrateful man!" Lucinda's heart was shattered into many pieces, but she summoned up the courage to ask for a divorce. The news caused a stir online! A filthy rich young woman recently got divorced? She was a good catch! Countless CEOs and handsome young men immediately swarmed to her like bees to honey! Nathaniel couldn't take it anymore. He held a press conference and begged with teary eyes, "I love you, Lucinda. I can't live without you. Please come back to me." Would Lucinda give him a second chance? Read to find out!
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."
Sophia Drake braced herself for the worst when she was forced to move across the country in the middle of her junior year. Desperate to escape her shattered home as soon as she turns eighteen, her plans are disrupted by the enigmatic and captivating Ashford twins. Sophia can't fathom the intense attraction she feels for the twins and tries to avoid them at every turn. As she's thrust into an unfamiliar world, her past demons resurface, making her question her true identity. Will Sophia flee from her past's secrets, or will she embrace her destiny and take control of her future?
Rumors said that Lucas married an unattractive woman with no background. In the three years they were together, he remained cold and distant to Belinda, who endured in silence. Her love for him forced her to sacrifice her self-worth and her dreams. When Lucas' true love reappeared, Belinda realized that their marriage was a sham from the start, a ploy to save another woman's life. She signed the divorce papers and left. Three years later, Belinda returned as a surgical prodigy and a maestro of the piano. Lost in regret, Lucas chased her in the rain and held her tightly. "You are mine, Belinda."
In order to fulfill her grandfather's last wish, Stella entered into a hasty marriage with an ordinary man she had never met before. However, even after becoming husband and wife on paper, they each led separate lives, barely crossing paths. A year later, Stella returned to Seamarsh City, hoping to finally meet her mysterious husband. To her astonishment, he sent her a text message, unexpectedly pleading for a divorce without ever having met her in person. Gritting her teeth, Stella replied, "So be it. Let’s get a divorce!" Following that, Stella made a bold move and joined the Prosperity Group, where she became a public relations officer that worked directly for the company’s CEO, Matthew. The handsome and enigmatic CEO was already bound in matrimony, and was known to be unwaveringly devoted to his wife in private. Unbeknownst to Stella, her mysterious husband was actually her boss, in his alternate identity! Determined to focus on her career, Stella deliberately kept her distance from the CEO, although she couldn't help but notice his deliberate attempts to get close to her. As time went on, her elusive husband had a change of heart. He suddenly refused to proceed with the divorce. When would his alternate identity be uncovered? Amidst a tumultuous blend of deception and profound love, what destiny awaited them?