Is love worth fighting for, a danger worth escaping? When ambitious nature photographer Annabel Allen flees her dictatorial father's arranged marriage, she finds happiness in Scotland and love with Greg. But two years later, her past catches up. Her father's business deal with the ruthless Reynold family demands her marriage to Shawn, a cunning and attractive playboy. As Greg discovers Annabel's impending wedding, he races against time to stop it. But Shawn refuses to let Annabel go, sparking a bitter family feud.
Annabel's P.O.V
I was pacing back and forth in my room, my mind filled with anxiety. Now that I have completed the discipline my father wanted and gotten my college degree, I want to become a nature photographer, but deep inside, I know my father won't allow it. He has always not cared what I'd like to do, but I'm sure he would not let me be a photographer, not to talk about a nature photographer.
"But for every shot not taken is a shot missed," I said as I stopped pacing. "Was that Jordan or Kobe's words?" I asked myself. "Well, I don't know whose words are those, but what I do know is that I am going to tell my father what I want regardless of what I think he is going to say."
Approaching my father's study, my palms were sweaty, and each step taken was heavy, filled with thoughts to turn back, but I was determined to tell him no matter what. I was about to knock when I noticed the door of the study was slightly open. I could hear my father and another man discussing his study. I don't know why I didn't turn back, I listened.
"We would so much like to invest in Allen Tech, but having just twenty percent of the profit is too low." I could hear a deep hoarse voice say to my father.
"What percentage are you looking to work with?"
"Thirty-five percent."
"Deal."
Did I just eavesdrop on my father's business meeting? I am sure it is not a bad thing, or is it? I said as I thought of heading back to my room. I mean I can always come back and talk to him.
"To further solidify the relationship between the two companies, or should I say families, I'd like to propose a marriage alliance." I heard my father continue the discussion just as I was about to leave. Because of my curiosity, I froze to listen further.
"Go on, Mr. Allen." The other man nudged my father to continue.
I think a marriage alliance between my lovely daughter Annabel and Shawn sounds nice and would solidify the bond between both families.
I was shocked upon hearing this, and I felt rage from the depths of my guts.
I turned and ran to my room, slammed the door behind me not minding the sound it would make, and proceeded to lock it. Different emotions came rushing. I could not say I wasn't surprised yet I was surprised.
I felt anger raging inside of me as I started to let out a sniffle. I Couldn't stop the tears from rolling down my cheek. I lay in my bed and wept.
**********
After hours had passed, I had so many thoughts, and I finally decided to run away. I am going to move to Scotland and live my life away from this, all of this.
I opened my wardrobe, picked out some clothes, and arranged them into my luggage.
Suddenly, I heard a knock on the door, which I didn't reply to, and then again, there was a knock again.
"Who is that?" I shouted.
"Ma'am, Mrs. Allen would like to know if you would join her by the pool this afternoon. Gloria, one of the house helpers in the house, asked in a polite and calm voice.
I immediately felt bad for shouting upon hearing Gloria's voice. I took a deep breath.
"No, I'd like to rest in my room today."
"Okay, ma'am," Gloria replied as I could hear her steps residing.
Finally, I was able to pack my essential needs. All that is left is to get some cash as I already booked my flight earlier.
My flight was for 22:00. It's still 15:15.
I got ready and told Gloria that I would be dropping off some of the clothes I wouldn't be needing anymore at the pick-and-drop center. She insisted on helping drop them, but I couldn't let her.
Upon leaving home, I went to the nearest bank around to get enough cash to sustain me for the first few months. I checked my time to see I had barely fifteen minutes to get to the airport.
I headed to the airport, got checked in with my ticket, and am now waiting for the boarding time.
GREG POV
"I would miss you," Helen said as she fell on my bed. "I can not believe you are leaving now. My birthday is in 3 weeks." She added.
"I am deeply sorry Helen. But I'd just be gone for a couple of months. And I'd also be visiting once or twice between those months. I'd make it up to you during one of those visits." I said as I patted her head now that she was sitting up.
"Really!"
"Yeah. Now, put on a smile for me and don't be a crybaby." I laughed as she pouted.
Immediately Helen left the room to help me get some of my clothes from the dryer out back, my phone rings. I picked it up and answered without checking the caller ID.
"Yo, fam!" I immediately recognized it was Edward speaking over the phone.
"Wagwan brother," I replied with a slang we usually use in greeting each other.
"Have you left already?" He asked. "I was just calling to check on you. I also have good news."
"Nah, I haven't. I'm still packing my bags. What's the good news bro?"
"Mehn, I passed the exams, bro. I am now a certified detective." He said excitedly. "I mean, my letter just came in, and I haven't told my dad yet."
"Wow. Congratulations, bro. This is huge. You deserve it. I'm so happy for you. I am also very proud of you. I'm sure your dad would be happy about it and proud of you too."
"Man, can you come celebrate with me later today before you leave. You can just fly the jet out in the early hours tomorrow."
"Nah, bro, you know how I feel using the jet. Moreover, I already booked my ticket, and my flight is 22:00." I said in a dejected voice. "I'm sorry, but can we do it next time? Like when I'm back." I said, knowing Edward would try persuading me more
"Alright, it's fine. We can hold it till you return. His tune was calmer."
"Really... thanks, man. It's on me when I get back."
He laughed. "Of course, it's on you. Later, man, gotta tell my pops."
"Alright" I said as we ended the call.
*******
I got to the airport, got checked in with my flight tickets, and I was now walking down to the boarding station
My cell phone chimed and I brought it to my face to check who had messaged me.
3 messages from Helen
2 messages from Edward
Damn, I'm not even out of the country yet. I better check and reply to Helen's first, else I get an ear full later.
WHAM!!
I bumped into someone. I looked up to find the person I had bumped into and it was a lady and she had landed on her ass.
"I'm so sorry, I wasn't paying attention." I said as I stretched my hand offering to help her up.
I couldn't help but notice her beautiful eyes as she held my hands to support herself standing up.
"It's okay, I'm equally at fault as I was also not paying attention." She said as she took my hand.
But at this point, I could barely hear her. I was so mesmerized by her eyes. I give anything to take her nose mask and face cap off to get a proper look at her face.
Someone snapped their fingers and I realized she was the one. As I came back to reality, I babbled some. "I'm sorry I said again..."
"It's fine," She said as she cut me off and walked away before I could say anything else.
"Passengers for flight A10297, DANA Airline. London, England to Glasgow, Scotland. Please proceed to the boarding station." The flight announcer spoke over the mic.
"Let's make the most of the next few months." I said to myself out loud.
Daniel and Celine must be excited. Celine especially, she's been wanting me to come earlier. Anyway, they will be seeing me soon. I thought as I proceeded to the boarding station.
I blame my reckless drinking for my wild night with a masked stranger, who turned out to be my ruthless CEO. Who cares that I'm promised to another man? But our impromptu wedding leads to so much more than I bargained for. His dirty promises warm me. The hate turns to friendship, and makes me dream of more. He's like the most dangerous kind of wine. That's why I blame him for making me fall in love with him. But when I find out our marriage was nothing more than revenge against my family, I figured out I can exact mind too. Just when I was about to finalize my revenge, a stunning revelation was discovered. Will love overcome revenge or is happy ever after just a figment of my imagination.
"What do you mean? Don't get this wrong but we are not even friends" "Friends with benefits, stepsiblings with benefits, what the difference flower" He somehow made sense, what is the worst that can happen?" ***** Good girls don't fall for bad boys, especially not their stepbrothers. And I, Dahlia Peterson know this. There's only one problem... I might have accidentally, um... it was just one night, alright? One really good night. Panties? Yup, they're melted. It was a mistake, it doesn't mean anything. Sorry, there's two problems. Did I mention our parents are away and we're stuck home alone together for a while? I'm the responsible one. The good girl with perfect grades. And I'm trapped with a bad boy who showed me what it's like to give in to my wild side.
Oh Yes! I moaned, one if my hands on the wall while the other found its way to cover my mouth. I couldn't believe I was the one sounding like that. "This is so... so f*ck*ng good... oh sh*t; I never want this to end." "It never will, my goddess."I felt his hot breath on my ear from behind and wanted more. "More, I want more," I said in whimpers. "Please, give me more.." I knew I was acting like Oliver twist but I never wanted this to end either. The thrusting became more intense. Then, he suddenly stopped. "Oh no," he said, worry evident on his face. "I think we need to change the condom." "It's okay," I said, trying to keep my voice calm. "There's no need to worry. I can't get pregnant, so there's nothing to worry about. Just keep doing what you were doing. Please, don't stop now." *** Daphne Trego felt her life crumbling when she received a notification that Renold, her fiance, was going to be the father of another woman's child. After an intense confrontation, Daphne was left to confront the painful reality of their shattered relationship. Soon, Daphne encountered Self-made Billionaire CEO David Allen in disguise, leading to an unexpected passionate night. Even though they didn't use a condom during their one-night stand, Daphne wasn't worried - after all, one of the reasons she broke up with her ex-fiance was that she couldn't provide him a heir. However things turned out differently as Daphne found out she was pregnant... What would Daphne do when she finds out that the man she slept with is about to be married?
When Rebecca's father's will reveals a surprising condition: marry within twelve months or lose the family business and inheritance, Tariq Sly's crazy proposal seems like the perfect solution. Marry his friend, Jeremy Will, Rochester Industries' charming co-CEO by day and infamous king of owning women's panties by night. Yes, everyone stands to gain from this temporary arrangement. But can they pretend to be in love long enough to tie the knot? Playing fiancé to the competitor's daughter isn't easy. Would Rebecca settle for Jeremy or would she pick Tariq instead? And can Rebecca trust her fake husband to be only a husband on paper?
He's an emperor. She's but a servant. He's a werewolf, She's but an...elf? Stephen Calipher, the King of Lycans, has ruled over the supernatural kingdom, Lyall, for decades, without a mate to call his own. Aurora Evel has a slightly unique feature, unfortunately, those features brought trouble to her doorstep. However, where there's a damsel in distress, there's a chance for a hero. But when she finds herself in the arms of the Alpha King Stephen, will her unique features be a blessing or a curse?
The many nights here with the Rossi men have left me on a whole roller coaster of emotions possible, but as I stand here with Dimitri's hand on my waist, the familiar guilt overcomes me. Guilt for having a crush on my boyfriend's brother - and my professor. For two years, Arabella Lucia has been in a relationship with Blake Rossi until one afternoon, he isn't hers anymore. Shattered by his betrayal, Arabella's sole comfort becomes her sinfully hot tattooed professor who explains Shakespeare in class enigmatically and whispers filthy things in her ears when they are alone. He becomes her passion. Her addiction. She becomes his obsession. But fate has other plans and getting it on with your ex-boyfriend's brother never ends well.
Allison fell in love with Ethan Iversen, the soon-to-be Alpha of the Moonlight Crown pack. She always wanted him to notice her. Meanwhile, Ethan was an arrogant Alpha who thought a weak Omega could not be his companion. Ethan's cousin, Ryan Iversen, who came back from abroad and was the actual heir of the pack, never tried to get the position nor did he show any interest in it. He was a popular playboy Alpha but when he came back to the pack, one thing captured his eyes and that was Allison.
The whispers said that out of bitter jealousy, Hadley shoved Eric's beloved down the stairs, robbing the unborn child of life. To avenge, Eric forced Hadley abroad and completely cut her off. Years later, she reemerged, and they felt like strangers. When they met again, she was the nightclub's star, with men ready to pay fortunes just to glimpse her elusive performance. Unable to contain himself, Eric blocked her path, asking, "Is this truly how you earn a living now? Why not come back to me?" Hadley's lips curved faintly. "If you’re eager to see me, you’d better join the queue, darling."
Kaelyn devoted three years tending to her husband after a terrible accident. But once he was fully recovered, he cast her aside and brought his first love back from abroad. Devastated, Kaelyn decided on a divorce as people mocked her for being discarded. She went on to reinvent herself, becoming a highly sought-after doctor, a champion racer, and an internationally renowned architectural designer. Even then, the traitors sneered in disdain, believing Kaelyn would never find someone. But then the ex-husband’s uncle, a powerful warlord, returned with his army to ask for Kaelyn’s hand in marriage.
Two years ago, Ricky found himself coerced into marrying Emma to protect the woman he cherished. From Ricky's perspective, Emma was despicable, resorting to underhanded schemes to ensure their marriage. He maintained a distant and cold attitude toward her, reserving his warmth for another. Yet, Emma remained wholeheartedly dedicated to Ricky for more than ten years. As she grew weary and considered relinquishing her efforts, Ricky was seized by a sudden fear. Only when Emma's life teetered on the edge, pregnant with Ricky's child, did he recognize-the love of his life had always been Emma.
Belinda thought after divorce, they would part ways for good - he could live his life on his own terms, while she could indulge in the rest of hers. However, fate had other plans in store. "My darling, I was wrong. Would you please come back to me?" The man, whom she once loved deeply, lowered his once proud head humbly. "I beg you to return to me." Belinda coldly pushed away the bouquet of flowers he had offered her and coolly replied, "It's too late. The bridge has been burned, and the ashes have long since scattered to the wind!"
As a simple assistant, messaging the CEO in the dead of night to request shares of adult films was a bold move. Bethany, unsurprisingly, didn't receive any films. However, the CEO responded that, while he had no films to share, he could offer a live demonstration. After a night filled with passion, Bethany was certain she'd lose her job. But instead, her boss proposed, "Marry me. Please consider it." "Mr. Bates, you're kidding me, right?"