In the city that never sleeps, two worlds collided. Carissa Coyhen, a 24-year-old woman with a heart full of dreams and a pocket full of struggles, was just trying to make a name for herself in the concrete jungle of New York. Her life was a constant battle to make ends meet, a never-ending cycle of bills, deadlines, and disappointments. Enter Felix Blackwood, the 27-year-old CEO of Blackwood Enterprises, New York's most eligible bachelor, and a man with a reputation for being as ruthless in business as he was charming in the spotlight. His life was a carefully crafted facade of power, wealth, and control. When fate brought them together in a chance encounter, the sparks that flew were not of attraction, but of animosity. Their initial meeting was a clash of wills, a collision of opposing forces that left them both reeling. And yet, despite the hatred that simmered between them, they couldn't deny the inexplicable pull that drew them together. As their paths continued to cross, the tension between them grew thicker than the Manhattan fog. They were two people from different worlds, with different values and different goals. But the heart doesn't always listen to reason, and the attraction between them refused to be ignored. Will they find a way to bridge the gap between their two worlds, or will their differences tear them apart? Can the rose bloom in the darkness of the nightshade, or will it wither under the pressure? Dive into their story to discover what happens when the Rose meets the Nightshade
The sun rose over the concrete jungle of Manhattan, its golden light gilding the steel skyscrapers and bustling streets. Carissa Cohyen weaved her trusty Honda through the maze of traffic, her grip on the steering wheel tight, her nerves taut.
Her best friend, Rachel's, voice came through the phone's speaker, her buoyant enthusiasm a balm for Cara's anxious thoughts.
"Ugh, Rach," Cara groaned, her fingers clenching the steering wheel tighter.
"The Knight and Co Limited is the sixth company I applied for , and I'm running out of steam. I need this job. Mom's bills are piling up and moving to New York was supposed to be my big shot. I can't afford to fail"
"Cara, sweetie, take a deep breath and let the universe do its magic! You've got this far, and that's something to celebrate. Six interviews in, and you're still standing - that's like, ninja-level job-hunting skills right there! And hey, if Knight and Co Limited doesn't work out, we'll just dance it out and manifest the next opportunity. Your mom's bills will get paid, and we'll figure it out together, 'kay? You're strong, capable, and talented - and don't forget it!"
Cara's laughter rang through the speakers, a genuine smile tugging at her lips.
"Thanks, Rach." Cara continued, "Seriously though, I needed that. I just need to chill and be myself. I've prepared well for this interview; whatever happens, happens."
"See? A good laugh fixes everything," Rachel chirped. "Now go knock 'em dead, girl!
"Girl, I've got some news to share!"
"Come on, spill it!"
"Guess who asked to move in last night? Mike did! " Cara gushed.
Rachel's tone shifted, concern edging into her voice. "Girl, seriously? Mike? After what he did to you...ugh, I still can't believe you're giving him another chance.
The excitement that had been building in Cara deflated at Rachel's reaction. "I know he hurt me, Rach. But he's grown so much, and we've been so happy these last few months. I love him."
Rachel's skepticism was palpable through the phone. "I know you do, girl, but you deserve someone who treats you right. Mike might've changed, but he's gotta prove it. You deserve a king, not a man who treats you like a doormat."
Cara's voice was soft, but resolute.
"I hear you, Rach," Cara replied. "I'm not saying it's been easy. But I really think he's changed. He's more present, more attentive, more... everything. It's like he's become the man I always knew he could be."
Rachel's voice softened as well, "I just don't want you to get hurt again, Cara. But I'm here for you, no matter what."
Cara sighed, "Thanks, Rach. You're the best friend a girl could ask for"
"But if he hurts you again, tell him Rachel's coming for him!".
As Cara drove, a sleek, expensive car suddenly swerved past her, forcing her to veer to maintain control. Mud splattered onto her shirt and car tires.
"I will call you back," she said hastily into her phone before stepping out of her car.
Stepping out of her car, Cara's eyes widened in dismay at the mud stain on her top. "What the...! "What the fuck,Who does this bastard think he is?" she muttered, furious.
In a fit of anger, Cara grabbed a handful of mud and flung it at the expensive car as it drove away. She repeated the action, splattering more mud. But to her surprise, the car reversed and pulled up in front of her.
The door opened, and out stepped a tall, well-built man in a blue suit, his hair a rich shade of brown, and his eyes a piercing blue.
"I thought all the riffraff in the city knew their place," he said, his tone condescending.
Cara shot back, "And I thought a decent human being should have at least been taught manners! You were the one who overtook me for no reason"
The man's eyes narrowed, his gaze lingering on Cara's mud-stained top before meeting her fiery gaze. The air was electric with tension as they stood there, locked in a silent standoff.
"Rude low life bitch lecturing me about manners" He took a step closer to Cara, his voice low and menacing.
Cara met the man's glare with her own, her jaw set in a stubborn line. "Look who's talking, you spoiled, arrogant brat. If you'd had any manners yourself, we wouldn't even be in this situation. But here we are."
Cara scoffed, "Yeah, yeah, I've heard it all before. Some rich jerk with a god complex, who thinks he can intimidate his way out of any situation."
The man's nostrils flared, a muscle in his jaw twitching. "You're pushing your luck"
Cara crossed her arms defiantly. "What, are you going to call your daddy to handle this for you?"
The man's face darkened, his jaw tightening. "I don't need anyone's help to deal with low-life scum like you. And don't think you're getting off easy just because you're a woman. I'll have you arrested for vandalism."
"Arrested? You must be joking.Cara, her chin raised defiantly, replied, " you, Mr. Fancy Suit, can take your charges and shove them where the sun don't shine."
The man checked his watch, his expression darkening. "You've wasted enough of my time," he snarled. "You have no idea what you just cost me."
Cara raised an eyebrow. "Oh, poor baby. Maybe you should have thought of that before you decided to play chicken with me on the road."
The man's face twisted in anger. "This isn't over," he growled. "You'll pay for this."
He turned and got back into his car, peeling away from the curb with a screech of tires. Cara watched him go, her heart still racing from the confrontation.
"Great, just great," she muttered to herself, shaking her head. She looked down at her mud-stained top and tires, and groaned. Now she was going to be late for her interview, and she looked like a mess.
She pulled into a nearby convenience store parking lot, trying to think of a way to clean up the mud. She spotted a hose and some cleaning supplies outside, and grabbed them. As she cleaned, she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease.
After finally managing to remove most of the mud from her car. Cara got back into her car, feeling frazzled and anxious. She took a deep breath, trying to calm down. She had to focus on her interview now.
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New York city,
Blackwood enterprises,
11:21 pm,
Felix Blackwood, CEO of Blackwood Enterprises, entered the office with a disheveled appearance and an angry expression, much to the amusement of his staff. But they were required to greet him with a straight face.
Klaus, felix best friend, and COO, quipped, "Look who finally decided to grace us with his presence. The CEO, one hour late to his own interview for an assistant, and with an untidy appearance. You're really making a great impression, Felix."
Paula, the HR Manager, added, "The New York Times described him as a charming and competent young bachelor. I wonder what they would say if they knew he was late to his company for the fourth time this week.
Felix scowled, "It wasn't my fault, Klaus. I got held up by some infuriating woman on the way here." The mere mention of Carissa conjured her face in his mind's eye for a brief moment.
Paula raised an eyebrow, "Felix, I know you're trying your best, but seriously, remove the rose-tinted glasses. Half the board members seem to be in favor of your step mom taking over, despite your father's last wishes."
Felix's expression darkened, "I don't think you know what you're insinuating, Paula. So you please shut the fuck up and leave me alone" He snapped and his temper rose.
Klaus, stepping in between them, shouted, "Hey, don't you talk to her like that! As the COO and HR manager, Paula and I have been nothing but loyal to you since you became CEO. We've been taking care of your affairs and defending you against the board, while you lounge around playing the role of New York's finest bachelor in your little Playboy panties and don't you dare forget that we were still the only ones who stood by you during your crazy phases when your dad died you fucking bastard"
Paula calmed Klaus down, "Look at me, Klaus. Just calm down, okay? Felix didn't mean it that way. He was annoyed, and we know how well he trusts his uncle.Right Felix"
Felix, his face contorted with guilt, barely managed a reply. "Yes, I didn't mean it that way. you know you guys mean a lot to me and for a second there I just snapped. "
Klaus, still fuming, muttered under his breath, "Whatever. Let's just get to the interview."
Paula, her voice calm, picked up the phone and dialed.
"Hello, Julie? This is Miss Dante. Could you send over a new pair of suit for Mr. Blackwood?"
"Yes, ma'am. Someone will be over with it soon."
Moments later, there was a knock on the door, and a secretary entered with a fresh set of suit.
Paula dismissed her, "Thank you. We'll be ready in a few minutes."
Paula hung up the phone and turned to Felix. "Let's get started with the interview. Our first candidate is waiting."
Felix nodded, still looking a bit disheveled. "Yes, let's get this over with."
------------------------------------------
Cara swore angrily as she drove into Blackwood Enterprises'. She cursed the rude bastard who caused her to be so late for her last chance at securing a job in this dog-eat-dog city.
As she pulled into the parking lot, Cara caught a glimpse of herself in the rearview mirror. Her hair was disheveled, and her top was still stained with mud. She groaned, feeling a sense of dread wash over her. This was not how she wanted to present herself for the interview.
Cara took a few moments to collect herself, trying to shake off the lingering unease. She got out of the car, smoothing her hair and trying to straighten her clothes. She took one last deep breath, and then headed into the building. Time to put the confrontation behind her and focus on the interview.
As she entered the building, she hoped she wasn't too late. At the secretary's desk, she said, "Good afternoon, Ma'am. I'm here for the interview."
Miss Julie looked up, smiling. "You're late, Miss...?"
"Carissa Coyhen. I know I'm late, but I had trouble on the road." Cara gestured to the mud stain on her shirt. "Please, can I still be considered?"
Miss Julie's expression softened. "You're in luck. The interview is still ongoing. Here's your ID card. hold on to it and take a seat in the room down the hall. You'll be called soon."
Cara thanked her and entered the room, feeling a surge of anxiety as she scanned the other candidates. But she remembered her Rachel words of encouragement and steeled herself with confidence.
When a night of passion with a charismatic stranger, leaves Anna pregnant and alone. she leaves New York City determined to heal her broken heart and build her career. Eight years later, she's a successful fashion designer, devoted single mother, and convinced she's closed the door on love forever. But when an opportunity brings her back to New York, she's face to face with the one person she never forgot - Adrian, the father of her child and a powerful CEO. As Anna navigates her rekindled connection with Adrian,she must confront the heartbreak of the past she ran away from. Can she resist the temptation of a second chance at love, or will she choose to protect herself and her child from the risk of getting hurt again?
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.
It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mistake of falling in love with Kristopher. When the time came that she needed him the most, her husband was in the company of another woman. Enough was enough. Carrie chose to divorce Kristopher and move on with her life. Only when she left did Kristopher realize how important she was to him. In the face of his ex-wife’s countless admirers, Kristopher offered her 20 million dollars and proposed a new deal. “Let’s get married again.”
COALESCENCE OF THE FIVE SERIES BOOK ONE: THE 5-TIME REJECTED GAMMA & THE LYCAN KING BOOK TWO: THE ROGUES WHO WENT ROGUE BOOK THREE: THE INDOMITABLE HUNTRESS & THE HARDENED DUKE *** BOOK ONE: After being rejected by 5 mates, Gamma Lucianne pleaded with the Moon Goddess to spare her from any further mate-bonds. To her dismay, she is being bonded for the sixth time. What’s worse is that her sixth-chance mate is the most powerful creature ruling over all werewolves and Lycans - the Lycan King himself. She is certain, dead certain, that a rejection would come sooner or later, though she hopes for it to be sooner. King Alexandar was ecstatic to meet his bonded mate, and couldn’t thank their Goddess enough for gifting him someone so perfect. However, he soon realizes that this gift is reluctant to accept him, and more than willing to sever their bond. He tries to connect with her but she seems so far away. He is desperate to get intimate with her but she seems reluctant to open up to him. He tries to tell her that he is willing to commit to her for the rest of his life but she doesn’t seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that he’s different; and a chance to love her. But when not-so-subtle crushes, jealous suitors, self-entitled Queen-wannabes, an old flame, a silent protector and a past wedding engagement threaten to jeopardize their relationship, will Lucianne and Xandar still choose to be together? Is their love strong enough to overcome everything and everyone? Or will Lucianne resort to enduring a sixth rejection from the one person she thought she could entrust her heart with?
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."
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!"
Blurb: Nina Morrison's life is a relentless struggle, torn between caring for her bedridden father and enduring her stepfamily's cruelty. But her world is shattered when a near-fatal encounter with Lucien Gray-the ruthless, untouchable head of a global consortium-pulls her into a nightmare of possession. Lucien is captivated by Nina's fiery defiance, determined to possess her at any cost. But Nina's will to rebuild herself is stronger than his obsession. As their paths collide, desire and revenge intertwine, forcing them to confront the darkness within themselves. Can Nina reclaim her life? Will Lucien's obsession destroy them both, or will they truly fall in love and live happily ever after?