Wealthy businessman Ryder Thompson inherits a struggling vineyard in Tuscany, he sees an opportunity to turn his life around. But what he doesn't expect is to fall for the vineyard's beautiful and fiercely independent manager, Sophia De Luca. As they work together to restore the vineyard to its former glory, Ryder and Sophia must navigate their own complicated pasts and confront the secrets that threaten to tear them apart. Will their love be enough to overcome the challenges that lie ahead?
Ryder Thompson stared out the window of his high-rise office building, his gaze fixed on the city skyline. His mind, however, was elsewhere. The past few years had been a blur of meetings, deals, and endless networking. But the excitement had worn off, replaced by a hollow sense of purpose.
His assistant, Rachel, interrupted his thoughts. "Ryder, you have a visitor."
Ryder turned, his eyes narrowing. "Who is it?"
"Mr. Jenkins from the law firm of Jenkins and Associates," Rachel replied.
Ryder's curiosity piqued, he nodded. "Send him in."
The door opened, and a middle-aged man with a kind face entered.
"Ryder Thompson, pleased to meet you," Mr. Jenkins said, extending his hand.
Ryder shook it firmly. "Likewise. What brings you here today?"
Mr. Jenkins took a seat. "I'm here to discuss the estate of your great-uncle, Leonardo Bianchi."
Ryder's eyes widened. He had never met his great-uncle, but he remembered his parents speaking of him fondly.
"Leonardo Bianchi passed away recently, leaving behind a substantial estate," Mr. Jenkins continued.
Ryder leaned forward, intrigued.
"The estate includes a vineyard in Tuscany, Italy," Mr. Jenkins said.
Ryder's eyes narrowed. A vineyard? That was the last thing he expected.
"Your great-uncle specifically named you as the beneficiary," Mr. Jenkins explained.
Ryder's mind reeled. Why would his great-uncle leave him a vineyard?
"What's the condition of the vineyard?" Ryder asked.
Mr. Jenkins hesitated. "It's struggling. The past few years have been challenging for the wine industry."
Ryder nodded thoughtfully. This could be an opportunity to turn his life around.
"I'd like to see the vineyard," Ryder said.
Mr. Jenkins nodded. "I've arranged for you to travel to Italy. You can assess the vineyard's potential."
Ryder stood, his decision made.
"I'll leave tomorrow," he said.
The Italian countryside unfolded before Ryder like a canvas of rolling hills and golden sunlight. The vineyard, Villa Bella Vita, lay nestled in the heart of Tuscany.
Ryder's driver, Giovanni, spoke broken English. "Welcome, Signor Thompson. Villa Bella Vita, beautiful, no?"
Ryder smiled. "Yes, Giovanni. It's stunning."
The villa's facade was weathered, its stone walls bearing the scars of time. Ryder felt a spark of excitement.
This could be his chance to rediscover purpose.
Giovanni led Ryder to the vineyard manager, Sophia De Luca.
Sophia's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing. "You're Ryder Thompson."
Ryder nodded. "And you are?"
"Sophia De Luca, vineyard manager," she replied.
Her beauty caught Ryder off guard – piercing green eyes, raven-black hair, and skin like Tuscan olive oil.
"I've heard a lot about you," Ryder said.
Sophia's expression turned skeptical. "I doubt that."
Ryder smiled. "I'm here to assess the vineyard's potential."
Sophia's eyes flashed. "You're thinking of selling?"
Ryder hesitated. He hadn't considered keeping the vineyard.
"I'm considering all options," Ryder replied.
Sophia's face darkened, her jaw clenched.
This was going to be more complicated than Ryder anticipated.
Sophia's eyes seemed to bore into Ryder's soul, her gaze intense. "Villa Bella Vita isn't just any vineyard," she said. "It's a legacy."
Ryder nodded thoughtfully. "I understand," he said. "But I need to make an informed decision."
Sophia's jaw clenched, her face pale. "Follow me," she said abruptly.
She led Ryder through the vineyard, explaining the intricacies of grape cultivation and wine production. Ryder listened intently, impressed by Sophia's expertise.
The sun beat down on them, casting long shadows across the vineyard.
Sophia's passion for the vineyard was palpable, her love for the land evident.
Ryder found himself drawn to her, despite her prickly demeanor.
They walked to the winery, the scent of fermentation filling the air.
Ryder's eyes widened. "This is impressive," he said.
Sophia smiled, her face softening. "Grape harvesting is an art," she said.
Ryder watched, captivated, as Sophia expertly navigated the winemaking process.
Her dedication was inspiring, her knowledge unparalleled.
Ryder's initial skepticism began to fade.
Maybe this vineyard was worth saving.
The tour concluded, Sophia led Ryder to the villa.
Giovanni waited, a warm smile on his face.
"Dinner is served, Signor Thompson," he said.
Ryder's stomach growled, anticipating the feast.
Sophia's eyes met his, a hint of warmth in their depths.
"Join me for dinner," she said.
Ryder nodded, his heart racing.
The dinner table was set with fine china and crystal.
Sophia sat across from Ryder, her beauty illuminated by candlelight.
Giovanni served the first course, a delicious risotto.
Ryder savored each bite, the flavors exploding on his palate.
Sophia's eyes sparkled. "Tuscan cuisine is simple yet elegant," she said.
Ryder smiled. "I couldn't agree more."
Conversation flowed easily, Ryder learning more about Sophia's connection to the vineyard.
Her family had worked the land for generations.
Villa Bella Vita was more than a business – it was her heritage.
Ryder's admiration for Sophia grew.
He saw beyond her tough exterior to the vulnerable woman beneath.
The evening wore on, the night air filled with laughter.
Ryder felt alive, his senses reawakened.
The villa's warmth enveloped him, a sense of belonging.
He hadn't felt this way in years.
Sophia's eyes locked onto his, a hint of surprise.
Ryder's heart skipped a beat.
Had he misread the situation?
Was Sophia feeling the same spark?
The night air vibrated with tension.
Ryder's phone shattered the silence, its ring piercing.
"Sorry," Ryder muttered, answering the call.
Sophia's face fell, the moment lost.
Ryder listened, his expression darkening.
"What's wrong?" Sophia asked.
Ryder's jaw clenched. "Business," he replied.
The call ended, Ryder's mind racing.
He had obligations, responsibilities.
Could he truly leave it all behind?
Sophia's eyes searched his.
Ryder's heart ached.
He didn't know.
Ryder's thoughts swirled, his mind torn between his business obligations and the unexpected connection he felt with Sophia.
Sophia's voice broke the silence. "I'll show you to your room."
Ryder nodded, following her up the stairs.
The villa's interior was just as beautiful as its exterior, with ornate furnishings and intricate artwork.
Sophia stopped outside a door, her hand on the handle.
"Your room," she said.
Ryder smiled. "Thank you."
Sophia's eyes met his, a hint of warmth.
"Goodnight, Ryder," she said.
Ryder's heart skipped a beat.
"Goodnight, Sophia," he replied.
The door closed behind him, Ryder's thoughts racing.
He couldn't shake the feeling that his life was about to change dramatically.
The room was comfortable, the bed inviting.
Ryder undressed, his mind still reeling.
He slipped into bed, his eyes adjusting to the darkness.
Sleep eluded him, his thoughts consumed by Sophia.
Her passion for the vineyard was infectious.
Her beauty was captivating.
Ryder's phone lay on the bedside table, its screen glowing.
He picked it up, scrolling through emails.
The business world was still spinning, despite his absence.
Ryder's jaw clenched.
He couldn't ignore his responsibilities.
The hours ticked by, Ryder's exhaustion growing.
Eventually, sleep claimed him.
Morning sunlight streamed through the windows.
Ryder woke refreshed, his mind clear.
He dressed quickly, eager to explore the vineyard.
Sophia waited in the kitchen, a warm smile.
"Caffè?" she asked.
Ryder nodded.
Sophia poured two cups.
They sipped their coffee in comfortable silence.
Ryder broke the silence. "I'd like to review the vineyard's finances."
Sophia nodded.
"I'll get the documents," she said.
The morning passed quickly, Ryder poring over spreadsheets.
The vineyard's struggles were evident.
But Ryder saw potential.
Sophia's eyes met his.
"You're thinking of staying," she said.
Ryder's heart skipped a beat.
"I'm considering it," he replied.
Sophia's face lit up.
"Villa Bella Vita needs someone like you," she said.
Ryder's thoughts swirled.
Was he ready to leave his old life behind?
The sound of tires crunching gravel interrupted.
Sophia's expression darkened.
"Expecting someone?" Ryder asked.
Sophia's jaw clenched.
"My brother, Alessandro."
Ryder's curiosity piqued.
"Alessandro De Luca," Sophia continued.
"Alessandro has...ideas about the vineyard's future."
Ryder's instincts warned him.
This could get complicated.
Isla has spent her entire life waiting for the moment she would find her mate, believing in the fairy tales of fate and eternal love. But when her mate, Alpha Asher Nightshade, rejects her on the night of their fated union, Isla's world shatters. Deemed too "ordinary" for the powerful and ambitious Alpha, she is cast out of the Shadowfang Pack. Fate, however, has other plans. Years later, Isla has rebuilt herself, finding strength and purpose among a rogue pack that values her for who she is. But when Asher's pack is threatened by an ancient curse, he seeks her out, desperate for her unique gift to commune with the spirits of the forest. Thrown back into each other's lives, Isla and Asher must confront the wounds of the past while facing a dangerous future. Will Asher prove he is worthy of a second chance, or will Isla find a love even greater than the bond that once broke her?
In a world where family ties bind with unbreakable chains, Zara and Damon are caught in a web of loyalty, blood feuds, and forbidden love. The moment their eyes meet, sparks ignite, but their families have been enemies for generations. Zara, the daughter of a powerful crime lord, is promised to a man she does not love, while Damon is the heir to the rival family who killed her brother. As their paths intertwine, the heat of their passion becomes the ultimate betrayal, and every stolen moment could cost them everything. In a world of vengeance and sacrifice, can love survive the storm?
In a world shattered by a catastrophic disaster, Jillian and Tom are among the last survivors, bound together by a shared will to survive and the budding, undeniable bond between them. As they traverse the wreckage of civilization, scavenging for supplies and navigating the horrors of a world stripped of life, they find comfort in each other's presence. But as the days slip by, they must confront the question: Can love bloom in the midst of darkness and death? Amidst campfires, fleeting moments of joy, and the harsh reality of their new world, Jillian and Tom face not only the danger of the outside world but also the fear of losing each other. Will their connection be enough to overcome the shadows that threaten to consume them?
When billionaire Cameron Reed needs a wife to secure his family's business empire, he turns to beautiful lawyer Aurora "Rory" Wellesley. Their contract marriage promises a hefty payout, but as they navigate the complexities of their agreement, they must confront their growing feelings and the secrets threatening to tear them apart. Will their love be worth the risk, or will their bargain destroy everything?
Emerson Grant, a successful event planner, returns to her hometown after a painful divorce. She butts heads with her new neighbor, former NFL star Caleb Mitchell, who's hiding a secret. As they work together to restore the town's iconic lighthouse, their initial animosity turns into a fiery attraction. But will their pasts and fears extinguish the flames of love or will they find their forever?
Struggling musician Avery Wells meets enigmatic billionaire Elijah Stone, their worlds collide in a whirlwind romance. But as their love deepens, dark secrets from Elijah's past threaten to tear them apart. Can Avery's music heal Elijah's heart, or will their love song fade into silence?
Warning! Mature Contents! ***Excerpt*** "You belong to me, Sheila. I alone am capable of making you feel this way. Your moans and body belong to me. Your soul and your body are all mine!" *** Alpha Killian Reid, the most dreaded Alpha in all of the North, wealthy, powerful and widely feared in the supernatural world, was the envy of all other packs. He was thought to have it all... power, fame, wealth and favour from the moon goddess, little was it known to his rivals that he has been under a curse, which has been kept a secret for so many years, and only the one with the gift of the moon goddess can lift the curse. Sheila, the daughter of Alpha Lucius who was an arch enemy to Killian, had grown up with so much hatred, detest and maltreatment from her father. She was the fated mate to Alpha Killian. He refused to reject her, yet he loathed her and treated her poorly, because he was in love with another woman, Thea. But one of these two women was the cure to his curse, while the other was an enemy within. How would he find out? Let's find out in this heart racing piece, filled with suspense, steamy romance and betrayal.
6 years ago, Lydia suffered a brutal betrayal orchestrated by her own husband and step-sister, who drugged her and framed her. In a twist of fate, she ended up having a one-night stand with a stranger. Don't even remember what he looked like. Later, in the throes of death, she discovered the truth about her mother's death all those years ago. In the blink of an eye, she lost everything. 6 years later, Lydia returned with her genius son, vowing to exact revenge on all her enemies! Little did she know, she encountered an incredibly familiar man at the airport! *** The man was briskly pushing open the door to the restroom, heading to the urinal. Even with such a mundane action, he did it with unparalleled elegance and grace. Lydia, following him in a daze, saw his fierce lower body and suddenly snapped back to reality. She let out a high-pitched scream, instinctively covering her eyes with her hands, her cheeks flushed, and stood there stiffly, unsure of what to do. Lambert furrowed his brows slightly but remained calm as he continued to relieve himself. The sound of water hitting the urinal made Lydia's face even redder. She angrily shouted, "You pervert!" Little did Lydia know that Lambert, seeing her in this state, had a flicker of recognition in his eyes. Memories from many years ago flashed through his mind, and his heart couldn't help but stir. It was her!
22-year-old Evelyn Carter is attempting to start over in California while avoiding her past. She will be embarking on a new career path as a private school teacher. She is smart, attractive, and doesn't put up with nonsense. Who wouldn't notice her? However, what happens when she attracts the attention of someone unwilling to let her go? Who wants her and nothing else after falling in love at first sight? A 25-year-old billionaire CEO and single father, Lucian Carrington. He takes what he wants and he is also a very dangerous man. All it needed was one look at a stunning woman to realize she was HIS, even though he doesn't believe in relationships because they always end. Preview: Miss Carter, you will be mine. I say firmly. "Release my arm, Mr. Carrington, before I force you to." She says, seeming to smile at me. I give her a sly smile. Squeezing my wrist with her other hand, she twists it uncomfortably. I gave a painful hiss. "Don't underestimate me, Mr. Carrington." "This is the only time I will allow you to walk away from me, Miss Carter." She glared at me as she turned. "Mr. Carrington, I am no possession of yours." I was left standing there when she opened the classroom door and left.
My boyfriend called, "Baby!" as he jumped out of bed and scrambled to pull his pants off the ground. "Please, I can explain my love." Shutting my eyes, I inhaled deeply and tried not to cry when I realized that my dream of the man not being my boyfriend had been dashed. "What?" I asked, "What do you want to explain?" How did you lie about having a business meeting while you were in bed enjoying yourself with my best friend, even though I told you I was in serious pain, is that it?" I stood there, my heart pounding, and tears streaming down my face...
Marriage was a bed of thorns for Stella. She lived like an overworked and unhappy slave for six years in her matrimonial home. One day, her uncaring husband, Waylon said to her, "Ayla will be back soon. You have to move out tomorrow." "I want a divorce," responded Stella. She left without shedding a tear or trying to change Waylon's stone-cold heart. Days after their divorce, they met again. Stella was in the arms of another man. Waylon's blood boiled at the sight of her looking so happy. "So, you couldn't even wait a while before jumping into another man's arms?" he queried distastefully. "And who are you to question my decision? It's my life, so I call the shots. Stay out of my business!" Stella fired at him before turning to look at her new man with shiny eyes. Waylon immediately lost it.
Rumors claimed that Fernanda, newly back with her family, was nothing more than a violent country bumpkin. Fernanda just flashed a casual, dismissive grin in response. Another rumor suggested that the usually rational Cristian had lost all sense, madly in love with Fernanda. This frustrated her. She could tolerate gossip about herself, but slander against her beloved crossed the line! Gradually, as Fernanda's multiple identities as a celebrated designer, a savvy gamer, an acclaimed painter, and a successful business magnate came to light, everyone realized they were the ones who had been fooled.