"When Gina Thompson's family business teeters on the brink of collapse, her mother proposes an unexpected solution: an arranged marriage to Michael Caruso, CEO of Caruso Enterprises. As they navigate their newfound union, Gina and Michael must confront their own desires, family secrets, and the weight of their legacy. Will love blossom, or will their bond be reduced to a mere business transaction? Follow Gina and Michael's journey as they discover the true meaning of love, loyalty, and family in this heart-wrenching romance."
Michael Caruso
Standing at 6 feet tall, Michael exuded a commanding presence. His chiseled features, piercing crystal blue eyes, and dark hair framed his face, captivating attention. His rugged exterior hid a soft spot for those he loved. As CEO of Caruso Enterprises, Michael demanded respect, inspiring both awe and intimidation in his employees. Behind closed doors, Michael's playboy reputation whispered among Chicago's elite. However, he strictly separated business and pleasure, refusing to mix the two.
Michael entered his mother's elegant living room, where Vivian awaited.
"Michael, darling, it's time we discussed your future," Vivian said, her eyes locked on his.
"What future, Mother?" Michael asked, taking a seat.
"Marriage, family. You're 23; it's time to settle down," Vivian replied, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "Your father always wanted you to find someone special, start a family. He'd want you to secure our legacy."
Michael raised an eyebrow. "I'm not ready."
Vivian's gaze turned serious. "I've spoken with Elizabeth Thompson. Her daughter, Gina, is lovely. Their family business needs support. A union would benefit both our families and expand Caruso Enterprises."
Michael's expression hardened. "I won't marry someone I've never met."
Vivian's voice took on a persuasive tone. "Gina's kind, intelligent, and beautiful. You'll adore her. Think of the legacy you'll build together."
Michael shook his head. "No, Mother."
Vivian's eyes narrowed, her voice laced with emotion. "Your father's passing left a void. He wanted you to settle down, have children. You owe it to him to continue our family's legacy."
Michael's jaw clenched. "That's not fair, Mother."
Vivian's voice softened. "I want you happy, Michael. But consider this: marrying Gina would secure our family's future and help the Thompsons. Meet with Gina; that's all I ask."
Michael hesitated, his mother's words weighing on him.
"Fine," he said finally. "I'll meet her."
Vivian smiled, triumphant. "I'll arrange dinner. You'll see, Michael. Gina's perfect for you."
Michael stood, his mind racing with the prospect of meeting Gina Thompson.
---
Later that day
Vivian sat in her plush living room, phone in hand, dialing Elizabeth's number.
"Elizabeth, dear, it's Vivian," she said, her voice warm.
"Hi, Vivian! How did Michael react to the idea?" Elizabeth asked, anticipation lacing her voice.
"He's hesitant, but I think he'll come around," Vivian replied. "He agreed to meet Gina."
"That's wonderful!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "I'll prepare Gina. When should we schedule the dinner?"
"This weekend, at our house. I'll arrange everything."
"Perfect. Gina will be thrilled."
"Elizabeth, ensure Gina understands the importance of this union. It's crucial for both our families."
"I'll make sure she's aware. Thank you, Vivian."
"We'll talk soon."
Vivian hung up, confident her plan was unfolding.
---
The next afternoon
Gina Thompson, 18, sat in the Thompsons' elegant garden, immersed in her favorite novel, "Twilight". The warm sunlight filtered through the lush greenery as she turned pages. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back, and her bright green eyes sparkled with excitement.
Elizabeth approached, clearing her throat to announce her presence.
Gina looked up, slightly startled.
"Oh, Mother."
Elizabeth smiled. "Sorry to interrupt. May I join you?"
Gina closed her book, marking the page. "Of course."
Elizabeth sat beside Gina. "Vivian Caruso and I have discussed our families' futures."
Gina's curiosity piqued. "What about our futures?"
Elizabeth hesitated before speaking. "A union between our families. A marriage, Gina."
Gina's eyes widened. "What? That's absurd!"
Elizabeth's expression turned serious. "Hear me out. Thompson Industries struggles financially. Caruso Enterprises can help."
Gina shook her head. "But what about love? Happiness?"
Elizabeth's voice softened. "Sometimes, sacrifices must be made for the greater good."
---
Later that evening
The Thompsons gathered in their luxurious living room.
James, Gina's father, entered, followed by Alex, her brother.
"Elizabeth, what's this about?" James asked.
Elizabeth explained Vivian's proposal, and James's expression turned thoughtful.
Alex scowled. "But Mother, Gina is only 18."
James nodded. "We'll consider this, Alex. Thompson Industries needs help."
Hi guys, I just started a new story
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And it's not edited ❤️
After hiding her true identity throughout her three-year marriage to Colton, Allison had committed wholeheartedly, only to find herself neglected and pushed toward divorce. Disheartened, she set out to rediscover her true self-a talented perfumer, the mastermind of a famous intelligence agency, and the heir to a secret hacker network. Realizing his mistakes, Colton expressed his regret. "I know I messed up. Please, give me another chance." Yet, Kellan, a once-disabled tycoon, stood up from his wheelchair, took Allison's hand, and scoffed dismissively, "You think she'll take you back? Dream on."
Due to the plight of her family, Phoebe had no choice but to embark on the path of selling herself. In an accident, she had a tangled night with Alexander. Everything began to derail, and even if she fled to the ends of the earth, she would still be found by him and entangled... *** Phoebe screamed in frustration, "What do you want from me?" What was this supposed to be? He raised an eyebrow wickedly. "What do I want? You'll find out soon enough." With that, he hoisted her up and carried her back into the office. The door slammed shut with a kick, and he cleared the desk with a sweep of his arm before laying her down on it, his body pinning hers in place, completely trapping her in his grasp. Every cell in his body was telling him he wanted her. He wanted to claim her again. This time, there would be no escape for her-he wouldn't let her slip away. Never again. If he had suffered for five years, then this woman wouldn't get off easily either!
Kallie, a mute who had been ignored by her husband for five years since their wedding, also suffered the loss of her pregnancy due to her cruel mother-in-law. After the divorce, she learned that her ex-husband had quickly gotten engaged to the woman he truly loved. Holding her slightly rounded belly, she realized that he had never really cared for her. Determined, she left him behind, treating him as a stranger. Yet, after she left, he scoured the globe in search of her. When their paths crossed once more, Kallie had already found new happiness. For the first time, he pleaded humbly, "Please don't leave me..." But Kallie's response was firm and dismissive, cutting through any lingering ties. "Get lost!"
There was only one man in Raegan's heart, and it was Mitchel. In the second year of her marriage to him, she got pregnant. Raegan's joy knew no bounds. But before she could break the news to her husband, he served her divorce papers because he wanted to marry his first love. After an accident, Raegan lay in the pool of her own blood and called out to Mitchel for help. Unfortunately, he left with his first love in his arms. Raegan escaped death by the whiskers. Afterward, she decided to get her life back on track. Her name was everywhere years later. Mitchel became very uncomfortable. For some reason, he began to miss her. His heart ached when he saw her all smiles with another man. He crashed her wedding and fell to his knees while she was at the altar. With bloodshot eyes, he queried, "I thought you said your love for me is unbreakable? How come you are getting married to someone else? Come back to me!"
Lindsey's fiancé was the devil's first son. Not only did he lie to her but he also slept with her stepmother, conspired to take away her family fortune, and then set her up to have sex with a total stranger. To get her lick back, Lindsey decided to find a man to disrupt her engagement party and humiliate the cheating bastard. Never did she imagine that she would bump into a strikingly handsome stranger who was all that she was currently looking for. At the engagement party, he boldly declared that she was his woman. Lindsey thought he was just a broke man who wanted to leech off her. But once they began their fake relationship, she realized that good luck kept coming her way. She thought they would part ways after the engagement party, but this man kept to her side. "We gotta stick together, Lindsey. Remember, I'm now your fiancé. " "Domenic, you're with me because of my money, aren't you?" Lindsey asked, narrowing her eyes at him. Domenic was taken aback by that accusation. How could he, the heir of the Walsh family and CEO of Vitality Group, be with her for money? He controlled more than half of the city's economy. Money wasn't a problem for him! The two got closer and closer. One day, Lindsey finally realized that Domenic was actually the stranger she had slept with months ago. Would this realization change things between them? For the better or worse?
"Who is she?" I asked, feeling tears well up in my eyes. "He met her at the Alpha training camp," he said. "She is a perfect suitor for him. It snowed last night, indicating that his wolf is happy with his choice." My heart sank, and tears made their way down my cheeks. Alexander took my innocence last night, and now he is taking that thing in his office as his Luna. **** Emily never shifted on her 18th birthday and became the laughingstock of the pack. When her old crush, Alexander Black, returns from Alpha Training, she never expected him to be her mate. After a night of passionate love, Emily finds out that young Alpha Alexander has taken a chosen mate. Heartbroken and humiliated, Emily runs off and disappears from the pack. Now, five years later, Emily is a high-ranking warrior in King Alpha's army, specializing in sensitive matters. When her best friend invites her to a night of music and laughter, she never expects to run into her mate, Alexander. Will Alexander figure out it is Emily? Will he chase after her, and most of all, will Emily be able to keep her secrets safe?