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Knowing she had been deceived and nearly assaulted, Serena Blooms almost believed she would never be saved. In the midst of her desperation, a miracle came like a tsunami: Edgar Graham, the heartthrob famous across America for his success in running the brand The Lux, arrived and accidentally became her savior. Serena, struggling to recover from the shock of the incident, begged Edgar to lend her his embrace for a moment to calm herself. Even though it was just an embrace, Edgar remained indifferent. And what Serena never knew was that from that moment on, Edgar demanded more than just a thank-you.
Serena hated it. Every hungry gaze from men she didn't know and the way she swayed her hips to entice their desire, Serena absolutely loathed it. Stripping had started to feel empty lately, and she only continued to sway her hips for a hundred dollars, stacking those hundreds just to survive. She only needed to work one night a week, but the club kept calling her almost every day because the customers knew her as "The Queen."
Serena didn't understand why she was called that, but she suspected it started after she lounged casually on stage, helping her friend with a pole dance. In truth, Serena hated dancing-she wasn't skilled in the art.
"Yeah, I like that move..."
Again, the man moaned to himself in his chair as Serena descended from the stage and approached him.
"It's already ten o'clock, dude. The session's over."
The man glanced at his watch and realized. "Oh, right. Are you really just going to leave?"
Serena grabbed her coat, covering her exposed body that was barely concealed by strips of cloth. She had to stop working like this-she needed to find a new, more respectable place soon.
"Yeah, Patrick. See you around."
"Serena, you know? You could do better than this."
Serena gave him a faint smile before stepping outside, feeling empty inside.
Broadway was still busy and bustling. Everyone seemed to be living their lives without a care, while Serena could only bow her head, feeling her whole body ache for the sake of a hundred dollars.
Serena exhaled and looked up at a huge billboard showing a video of a handsome man with a stern face and lazy hazel eyes gazing into the camera. Serena's lips curled into a slight smile.
It was the wealthy Edgar Graham. Everyone in New York knew who he was. Like Gucci or Hermes, Graham was the man who built the major fashion brand called The Lux. That brand was where Serena's aspirations had first begun.
She had to learn modeling to land a good agency and work for Graham.
Her phone rang in her pocket. Serena quickly answered when she saw the name on the screen. Her smile broadened.
"Hello, sir! Do you have good news?"
"Oh, of course, my dear. You've been accepted for a one-week trial shoot here. Can you come tomorrow?"
Serena's eyes widened in awe at the news. She almost jumped in excitement.
"Re-really, sir? Oh, thank you! Of course I can come! Tomorrow morning?"
"Yes, glad to hear you're so eager."
"Thank you, sir. I'll be there tomorrow!"
After hanging up, Serena's chest swelled with happiness. She felt like the happiest person on Broadway.
*
"What? They still haven't sent the model?"
"Yes, sir... sorry, but we've contacted the agency, and there's no answer."
"Damn it." Edgar Graham grabbed his phone and coldly spoke to someone on the other end.
"Get the car ready and bring some people for Michael."
After the terse command, no one dared to raise their heads or argue. Edgar walked out of his office, followed by a line of assistants and workers who worshipped him like a king. He slipped his hand into his pocket and gazed at all the workers waiting.
"I'm sick of these incompetent agencies. Open up the registration for all candidates. I'll choose the model myself."
That statement shocked everyone.
"But sir, what about Samantha? Isn't she supposed to be the main model for this winter project?"
Edgar looked indifferent. "Samantha needs a break. She's been working for almost a year-"
"Who said that?" a voice interrupted, and everyone turned to the source. A tall, slim woman with long hair walked confidently toward them. Edgar turned away, trying to avoid the protesting gaze of Samantha.
As a senior model, Samantha worked outside agencies. She had become an independent model with several managers handling client requests. Samantha's name as a judge on modeling shows had also boosted her fame. For the company, Samantha was a major asset, helping to drive sales even higher.
"Edgar," Samantha called him by his first name, glaring at him. "We need to talk."
Samantha quickly dragged him into a nearby room and shut the door. Edgar stood with his back to the woman, indifferent.
"I don't have much time, Samantha-"
Samantha stood on her toes and pulled Edgar in for a kiss. Edgar clenched his eyes shut, pushing Samantha's shoulders, but she held on. She finally broke the kiss and looked at him in frustration.
"Why is it so hard for you to just love me, Edgar?"
Edgar sighed and stepped back, gazing at the slim, blonde-haired, green-eyed woman for a moment. "I'm polite to you because you're a senior model, Sam. I'll fire you if you try that again."
"Then don't stop me! I still want to work for you!" Sam shouted as Edgar turned in frustration.
This was all his mother's fault. That stupid arranged marriage brought up because of business. Everything had become so complicated, and Edgar hated being dragged into such pointless matters.
"I only care about The Lux, Sam. You know that. If you still want to work, then work. But I will still find a new model for the next project."
"This is so unfair, Edgar! You want to fire me because of our parents' arranged marriage, don't you?"
"Yes." Edgar replied quickly and coldly. Glancing out of the corner of his eye, the woman looked distressed and desperate. "I won't marry a model, Sam. I'm sorry."
With that, Edgar stepped out and waved toward his assistant in the corner. The assistant nodded and issued commands as coldly as Edgar strode out of the office.
"Get the car ready; the boss is leaving."
*
The modeling agency was quite large, having produced several famous models. Serena entered the building, feeling a little awkward when she noticed there was no receptionist at the lobby desk.
The door behind the desk opened, and a middle-aged man in formal attire smiled broadly.
"Oh, you must be Miss Bloom?"
Serena nodded. "That's right. And you are...?"
"Alex." He approached and shook Serena's hand with a firm grip. "Come on in."
The man guided Serena through a narrow hallway to a small meeting room. When she saw how shabby the room was, Serena hesitated.
"Um, sir, where are the other models?"
The door locked behind her. Serena froze when she turned around and saw the man's face had grown cold and serious. His eyes landed on Serena's chest, hunger filling his gaze. Instantly, her blood ran cold.
"They all left and called me a fraud. Damn sluts. Will you think the same?"
Serena's eyes widened as the man grabbed her shirt and tore it.
"What are you doing?!" Serena screamed. She was a sex worker, but never had she been treated like this. She struggled to break free, kicking whatever she could reach, but she was trapped in Alex's grip.
"Do you want me to force you? You'll be just like those runaway models, you whore."
Alex's lips closed in, and Serena screamed, kicking him hard in the groin. He groaned and collapsed to the floor.
Using what little strength she had left, Serena scrambled toward the door. Her legs felt like jelly, her breath labored, and her vision blurred with tears. How had she ended up in such a situation? Serena often satisfied clients, but she had never been threatened like this.
Dear God...
Her fingers trembled as she tried to unlock the door. Just as she was about to bolt out of the room, she landed in the arms of someone standing behind it.
"Oh my God!" exclaimed the man. Serena fell to the floor, and she saw Alex lunging at her from behind, knocking her to the ground. Serena screamed, grabbing Alex's face and holding him off with all her might-luckily, before Alex could force himself brutally onto her, the man who had collided with her at the door pulled Alex off and shoved him to the ground.
Another man grabbed Alex's collar and punched him hard. Blood splattered onto the floor, and Serena gasped. Tears welled up, and without realizing it, her whole body shook as she looked up.
Those hazel eyes pierced her with a mix of confusion and concern. Serena tried to get up, but the man grabbed her arm again.
"Let me go!" Serena cried, trying to pull herself free.
"Ben," said the man to the one still beating Alex senseless. Serena tugged on her arm, but the man locked her in place. Her energy was almost drained from fighting off that pervert.
In Ben's grasp, Alex was barely conscious. His eyes were closing, blood pouring from his eyes, nose, and the corner of his mouth. He looked half-dead, but the threat haunted Serena to the point where she broke into sobs.
"Sir?" Ben turned and looked at Alex for a moment before releasing him. Serena tried to break free, but the grip of the man called 'sir' didn't loosen.
"Take her," he said flatly. Serena's eyes widened as she stared at the green-eyed man.
"What are you going to do?! Let me go! Let me go!" Serena struggled as she was passed into Ben's much stronger hold. Her body was lifted onto his shoulder, and Serena shook even harder, hoping she could free herself. But no matter how hard she fought, it was useless-Ben, Edgar Graham's bodyguard, had her locked in his grasp.
*
Serena's breath hitched. She sat on a plush sofa, placed in a large office on the outskirts of the city. Her eyes were locked on the hazel-eyed man, who had already removed his jacket. He rolled up the sleeves of his black shirt and leaned against the door. The door was locked, and Serena knew that Ben was likely waiting outside.
"What do you want?" Serena asked, resigned, desperate, and exhausted. She didn't know why this well-dressed, beautiful-eyed man had shown up at Alex's place just as she was trying to escape. He could be one of Alex's friends... but if that were the case, why did Ben beat Alex up?
Serena's mind felt overwhelmed; she couldn't think straight after what had just happened.
"Are you the model Alex was supposed to send to me?" the man asked coldly.
"What?"
The man approached, grabbing Serena's chin and forcing her to look up. Serena retaliated, gripping his wrist.
"Let go-"
The man's fingers pressed into her cheekbones, making Serena wince.
"Answer me, or I won't let you speak."
"I don't know what you're talking about, you bastard!" Serena pushed the man's hand away with all her strength, succeeding.
The man's green eyes flashed slightly. "Why did you run away from Alex's place?"
Serena narrowed her eyes. "Why did I run away? That bastard almost raped me! You think... you think I wouldn't run if I met a man like that?"
"Alex said you worked at a club. You should be grateful he accepted you-"
"Screw that! Alex deceived me! That wasn't a modeling agency, it was a cage for his own pleasure! Why do you believe Alex, for crying out loud?" Serena's breath quickened. She didn't understand why this man was suddenly defending Alex, especially after having just beaten him up.
"Alex is the head director of that modeling agency. Even though it's small, I recruit many new models from there for my clothing line."
"Your clothing line?" Serena frowned, suddenly piecing things together. Her eyes scanned the photos and decor around the room. Everything had the logo 'The Lux' written in elegant typography.
Serena's eyes widened. "You... Edgar Graham?" Her voice trembled as she said it, but she forced herself to be brave.
Edgar stepped closer, his sharp gaze unwavering. "Because of you, my entire division has to redo the model selection process. Do you think I'll let you go just like that?"
Serena's throat tightened. She stared at Edgar, panic creeping over her face. "What are you going to do?"
"Alex kept me waiting too long; I have no mercy for him. But you..." Edgar's eyes trailed down Serena's neck and body. "You will work for me."
Amelia Miller, a simple woman who was supposed to marry Ethan Blackwell-the CEO of the renowned Blackwell fashion brand-was instead left at the altar with nothing but a letter of apology. Humiliated by the failed wedding, Amelia tried to call Ethan, but all access to him was cut off, and it was as if he had vanished in a single day. Their two-year relationship crumbled into a massive question mark. But what shocked her even more was when she found a picture of Ethan looking intimate with another woman.
Amara Reyes' trauma resurfaced when she met Sebastian Cole, a mafia who had saved her from an attack at Lady Lilie's art exhibition. During the attack, the exhibition lights went out, and someone pulled her from the darkness. Amara panicked, thinking she was being kidnapped again, but it turned out to be Cole who had saved her. Amara thanked him but left immediately because she felt uncomfortable being near Cole. However, when Cole held her back and asked, "Where have you been?" Amara ran away. She found Cole strange for suddenly asking such a question, unaware that Cole had finally found his wife who had been missing for almost three months since that fateful night.
Eveline Amber finds herself in dire straits after she accepts a fake marriage contract with Nolan Wellington. With just a bank check promised by her high school friend Nolan, Eve agrees, thinking that the money from this job will be enough to bail out her father who is in prison. Unfortunately, it's not as simple as that. Eve gets involved in a scandal with Danny-Nolan's philandering brother-and meets Lizette, who both want to seize the Wellington family's sacred will. As an aristocratic family of the '70s, the family's complicated conflicts leave Eve trapped in a choice that is not favorable at all. Especially when Nolan's father finds out that Eveline's mother is a former stripper with whom he had an affair. This problem is compounded by the fact that Nolan was tricked into paying off his father's debts through the will. Both Nolan and Eve's lives are in big trouble. Especially when Nolan starts to secretly fall in love with Eve.
She was a diamond covered by ashes.... King Dakota was known as the most Powerful Alpha King of all times - more powerful than any other King that had ruled from his lineage. He was cold hearted, introverted and dangerous in anger. Cursed by the Moon goddess, King Dakota had to get married to three wives all in search of a male child that would become his heir, but it was impossible as the curse would only let his wives bear she -wolves. But on a different day, the King meets a lady who offends him and as a punishment, he took her home as his fourth wife. Her name was Shilah. Shilah was a powerless wolf and as a result, was disregarded and intimidated by all. But, when she begins to do things that the King had never felt for years, he began to wonder who she really was. Slowly, she crawled her way into his icy heart and turned out to be something nobody ever expected - a storm.
After being kicked out of her home, Harlee learned she wasn't the biological daughter of her family. Rumors had it that her impoverished biological family favored sons and planned to profit from her return. Unexpectedly, her real father was a zillionaire, catapulting her into immense wealth and making her the most cherished member of the family. While they anticipated her disgrace, Harlee secretly held design patents worth billions. Celebrated for her brilliance, she was invited to mentor in a national astronomy group, drew interest from wealthy suitors, and caught the eye of a mysterious figure, ascending to legendary status.
"There will be no falling in love, we will only act as a loving couple when we are in public, we will share a room to make it believable, but no intimacy, touching is off-limits. We'll only have sex once a month, and that's solely to produce an heir. You won't interfere in my business, and I won't interfere in yours. You will be my wife in every sense and you will not be involved with any other man," he said, arrogance seeping from every word. I watch his mouth move, I'm not ready to fall in love with any man, especially not one as arrogant and egoistic as him. I can handle acting as a loving couple, and as for intimacy once a month. I can agree to that just to satisfy my sexual cravings with no strings attached. "Where can I sign?" I asked since I had nothing to lose. *** Nadine's wedding dreams turned to nightmares when she caught her sister and fiancé cheating! With a secret recording, she's ready for revenge. But then mysterious billionaire Logan West offers a deal: A Contract Marriage to take down her ex's empire. But what Nadine doesn't know is her life is getting complicated as she takes her chance to get revenge or risks everything for a chance at love?"
[Cute Baby + Secret Identity + Powerful hero and heroine!] Caroline loved Damian with all her heart for five whole years. She devoted herself to him and lived humbly for his sake. However, when the couple faced a crisis, she hoped that the news of her pregnancy would fix their marriage, but what she got in return was just a divorce agreement. And to make things worse, while she was about to give birth, she had fallen into someone's trap and her life was in danger. After managing to survive such a harrowing experience, she was determined to cut all ties with the man. Five years later, she re-emerged with her head held high, being the CEO of a famous company. Those who used to bully her now got a taste of their own medicine. And the truth about the past gradually surfaced... Dazzled by Caroline's newfound confidence, her ex-husband wanted to get back together with her, but she just turned a blind eye to his advances. Damian pleaded desperately, "Honey, our baby needs both his parents. Please remarry me!"
Charlee was left at the altar and became a laughingstock. She tried to keep her head high, but ultimately lost it when she received a sex tape of her fiance and her half-sister. Devastated, she ended up spending a wild night with a hot stranger. It was supposed to be one-time thing, but he kept popping up, helping her with projects and revenge, all while flirting with her constantly. Charlee soon realized that it was nice having him around, until her ex suddenly appeared at her door, begging for another chance. Her tycoon lover asked, “Who will you choose? Think carefully before you answer.”
Her fiance and her best friend worked together and set her up. She lost everything and died in the street. However, she was reborn. The moment she opened her eyes, her husband was trying to strangle her. Luckily, she survived that. She signed the divorce agreement without hesitation and was ready for her miserable life. To her surprise, her mother in this life left her a great deal of money. She turned the tables and avenged herself. Everything went well in her career and love when her ex-husband came to her.