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Have you ever had a truly disastrous day at work? Imagine walking into an elevator with a celebrity and pretending not to recognize them, only to realize you work for them. No? It must just be me then. Now I have to try to impress them with my personality and professionalism. Funny enough, right? And guess what, it's Janus Phillips, the CEO. He has long hair and a captivating smile that's often featured in the tabloids. And I forgot to mention his model girlfriends who change all the time! I wear Doc Martens and weird clothes. Not very glamorous, huh? The problem is, I think he likes me, at least until he catches me with someone else.
I run my hands over the tight bun on top of my head and examine my shirt for any traces of breakfast. The atrium of this downtown building is magnificent: drooping palm trees, huge windows, and sunlight slanting across the pale marble floor. Looking up, I watch the numbers appear on the elevator panel above my head and shift the band of my suit around my waist, curling my toes to relieve the tension in my heels. Why would anyone normally wear clothes like this? I glance at the gray steel and green two-piece glasses of the receptionist. Imagine dressing like that every day.
Hmmm. Maybe a crazy hipster would have been a better choice than "cool executive" for this meeting? They'll probably all sport a tech vibe: ripped jeans and rock band t-shirts. After all, we're at Janus Industries. I straighten my spine. Why give them what they expect? I've stood out all my life – no point in changing course now, no matter how big the company. And at that thought, I can almost feel my father's exasperation.
Janus Industries. I still can't believe they called me. Why on earth would one of the most well-known tech companies in New York award a security contract to a fish out of water like me? It's not like we're well-known in the security sector.
I stare at my reflection in the glass elevator doors, biting a nail. Then a movement catches the corner of my eye, and as I glance at the polished floor to my right, my whole body freezes.
Oh.
My.
God.
As I turn around, I open my mouth and lean forward a bit to try and catch some air. A reflection appears next to mine, and just like that, I find myself a foot away from Janus Phillips, tapping his hand against his leg at a fast pace, staring at the board, fiddling with a leather bracelet on his wrist. Slowly, I turn around to see that he's already looking at me, and a huge smile spreads across his face as two dimples appear.
And, my god, he's more handsome than in the photos: messy black hair tousled on his head, thick lashes around dark brown eyes, and a smile so lopsided that one side of his mouth is much higher than the other. How is it possible for someone's mouth to do that?
My lips are pressed together, my breath still stuck in my nose. His jaw has that shadow that... He coughs, raising an eyebrow.
Shit.
Caught.
Staring.
Heat rises up my neck as my eyes return to the elevator. My damned skin is going to blotch. Ugh. I try to discreetly broaden my chest. Calm down, Jo. Why can't I just say "Hi!" like a normal person? Would that be too hard? I glance at him out of the corner of my eye. Is this encounter nerve-wracking enough to go to the top? To him? My god, this huge company and it's his. He's thirty-one and handles data for some of the world's largest organizations.
A cool designer jean hangs so low on his hips that the waistband of his boxer is visible, and I almost laugh when I see the faded logo of a rock band on the front of his T-shirt. At least he's not wearing one of those "OMG The Element of Surprise" T-shirts: I'm sick of software developers who find that funny. He's cute, but he must know it, right?
And if the gossip columns are to be believed, his type isn't techie girls like me, just a bunch of blonde models – he's always on the go with a gorgeous girl or something like that. I'm sure he has an ego the size of a planet. Given my short stature and flat chest, I can guarantee I wouldn't interest someone like him.
As I look at the status board above our heads, my right arm seems to be on fire. Thank god, the elevator is only two floors away. The silence is overwhelming until, without warning, the elevator dings loudly and I rush forward, almost bumping into the doors as they open. My god, how blotchy must I be now? I probably match my hair color.
"Easy now."
The slightly condescending tone of his voice ignites a fire in me. Is he patronizing me? He's right behind me as I step in and press the button for my floor.
"I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I've seen you before. Do you work in marketing?" he says.
His voice is all friendly, warm, and deep. And when I turn to him, the little monkey on my shoulder decides to wake up and have some fun. Nobody patronizes me and gets away with it. That urge to poke the bear drove my father to the brink: he was constantly called to school to "talk about his daughter."
"Oh no." I pinch my lips together. "I'm here for a meeting."
He gives me a nod like people do when they're waiting for you to say more. I bet he expects me to know who he is. I bet women usually love that. Smiling, I turn away, desperately hoping the words will come before I have to say anything else. A heavy silence settles between us and he clears his throat.
"What company are you from?"
Bingo. Curiosity killed the cat, Mr. Phillips. As I turn to smile at him, I have to stop myself from doing a little victory dance at the somewhat puzzled expression on his face.
"Oh, I'm an independent contractor." I'm not exactly lying here, am I? "Why are you here?" My smile is sweet as sugar.
Janus's eyes widen slightly and he absentmindedly runs a hand through his unruly brown hair, making it stick up at crazy angles. I watch him with fascination. Is there gel in it? His hand drops to his chest in the silence that follows, and I trace his long, thin fingers, square nails.
"Oh, yeah, uh, I work here?"
Ah, very interesting. That's not the answer I would expect from someone whose ego must be as big as a planet. I thought he'd say he was Janus Phillips and give me a knowing smile. Where's all that arrogance?
"Oh, nice." I nod like a bobblehead. "It must be great to have a job here." I lean in and lower my voice. "I've heard it's super cool to work for Janus Phillips. A friend of mine knows someone who works here and said it's amazing." I tilt my head, trying not to laugh. What am I saying? Janus's jaw drops and a blush starts at the base of his neck; it makes me want to twist the knife a little more. "Have you met him?" I whisper.
He studies the floor for a moment, and when his gaze returns to mine, I'm surprised by the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes, that conspiratorial glint.
"I've had a few meetings with him," he murmurs, and his eyes trace my hair and cheeks, landing on my lips.
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Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the dark... He was handsome and shiny, shredded and white-hot. I was attracted to him like I had never been towards anything or anyone in my life. I wanted his touch like a drug, even though I knew it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily... Gideon knew it. He had his own demons. And we would become the mirrors that would reflect the deepest wounds intimate... and the desires of each. The bonds of his love have transformed me, even if I prayed that the torments of our past would not tear us apart...
Elizabeth Bennet, a lively and independent young woman, faces social challenges and personnel of his time in 19th century England. The arrival of Mr. Bingley, a rich man single, and his proud friend Mr. Darcy turns the Bennets' lives upside down. While Jane, Elizabeth's older sister, bonds with Bingley, Elizabeth and Darcy clash with beginning due to mutual pride and prejudice. Their relationships evolve over time. misunderstandings, confrontations and revelations. Darcy, despite his firsts mistakes, proves himself to be an honorable man, while Elizabeth discovers the truth about the intrigues of Mr. Wickham. The two protagonists overcome their prejudices, learn the importance of understanding and forgiveness, and eventually get engaged. The marriages of Jane and Bingley, then of Elizabeth and Darcy, mark a conclusion happy, illustrating the triumph of true love and personal evolution.
Power couple Ethan and Lila build an entrepreneurial empire together while overcoming many personal and professional challenges. Their journey begins with creating a successful business, but they face economic crises, media scandals and internal betrayals. Despite these trials, their love and their determination strengthens them. Lila proposes humanitarian projects and plays a key role in the global expansion of the company, while Ethan prepares the next generation to take the reins. Their relationship is put to the test by family tensions, Lila's pregnancy and the professional pressures, but they find balance by relying on their mutual trust and commitment. Finally, after a series of successes and renovations of the company based on values of integrity and transparency, they are celebrating a decade of success. Ethan and Lila, always united and inspired, is committed to continuing to develop their business while preserving their love and family, ready for new adventures.
Linsey was stood up by her groom to run off with another woman. Furious, she grabbed a random stranger and declared, "Let's get married!" She had acted on impulse, realizing too late that her new husband was the notorious rascal, Collin. The public laughed at her, and even her runaway ex offered to reconcile. But Linsey scoffed at him. "My husband and I are very much in love!" Everyone thought she was delusional. Then Collin was revealed to be the richest man in the world. In front of everyone, he got down on one knee and held up a stunning diamond ring. "I look forward to our forever, honey."
"Mr. Evans, please maintain some dignity. Don't forget I'm your brother's wife!" Having caught her husband and best friend together in the bed, Elena wanted nothing more than to exact revenge on the people she once called family. She refused to be a pitiful divorcee and vowed to make everyone who had once looked down on her beg for forgiveness. And to start with her newfound freedom, Elena indulges in a one-night stand with a stranger. However, what was meant to be a fleeting escape turns into a nightmare when she learns that the stranger is none other than her husband's older brother! Would Elena be free from the shackles of her marriage? Or would the mysterious stranger make her life a living hell since he seemed to have a personal vendetta against his family? [The story is 18+ and involves mature content.]
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Dear readers, this book has resumed daily updates. It took Sabrina three whole years to realize that her husband, Tyrone didn't have a heart. He was the coldest and most indifferent man she had ever met. He never smiled at her, let alone treated her like his wife. To make matters worse, the return of the woman he had eyes for brought Sabrina nothing but divorce papers. Sabrina's heart broke. Hoping that there was still a chance for them to work on their marriage, she asked, "Quick question,Tyrone. Would you still divorce me if I told you that I was pregnant?" "Absolutely!" he responded. Realizing that she didn't mean shit to him, Sabrina decided to let go. She signed the divorce agreement while lying on her sickbed with a broken heart. Surprisingly, that wasn't the end for the couple. It was as if scales fell off Tyrone's eyes after she signed the divorce agreement. The once so heartless man groveled at her bedside and pleaded, "Sabrina, I made a big mistake. Please don't divorce me. I promise to change." Sabrina smiled weakly, not knowing what to do...
"Sign the divorce papers and get out!" Leanna got married to pay a debt, but she was betrayed by her husband and shunned by her in-laws. Seeing that her efforts were in vain, she agreed to divorce and claimed her half of the properties. With her purse plump from the settlement, Leanna enjoyed her newfound freedom. The constant harassment from her ex's mistress never fazed her. She took back her identities as top hacker, champion racer, medical professor, and renowned jewelry designer. Then someone discovered her secret. Matthew smiled. "Will you have me as your next husband?"
Rosalynn's marriage to Brian wasn't what she envisioned it to be. Her husband, Brian, barely came home. He avoided her like a plague. Worse still, he was always in the news for dating numerous celebrities. Rosalynn persevered until she couldn't take it anymore. She upped and left after filing for a divorce. Everything changed days later. Brian took interest in a designer that worked for his company anonymously. From her profile, he could tell that she was brilliant and dazzling. He pulled the stops to find out her true identity. Little did he know that he was going to receive the greatest shocker of his life. Brian bit his finger with regret when he recalled his past actions and the woman he foolishly let go.