Liana stood torn, hidden amidst a whirlwind of conflicting emotions surging within her. Her body trembled under Aiden's sensual touch, every cell in her igniting. He approached her with confident steps, his piercing gaze tracing the quiver of her lips and the blush blooming on her cheeks. In a low, gravelly whisper, he murmured, "Does my brother make you feel this way? Does he awaken this fire in you?" Liana hummed, unable to form a coherent word. She was fully aware of the sin lurking in her response, yet she couldn't resist those hands that seemed to summon the deepest parts of her. "Aiden... we shouldn't... we mustn't!" she whispered, her trembling hands pressing against his chest, caught in the balance between desire and fear. A glint sparked in his eyes, as though savoring her struggle to resist, only to surrender. He drew closer until his warm breath brushed her skin. Her fingers curled around his shirt, holding him in place, unwilling to let him retreat. He chuckled softly and murmured, "You're greedy, my beautiful one. This passion... doesn't it make you crave more?" Words lodged in her throat, and all she could do was let her head rest against his shoulder, drowning in the euphoria of the moment. He leaned in, brushing his lips against her neck before pressing a searing kiss to her skin. Then, with a deliberate yet gentle bite, he marked her, as if declaring her his. But just as passion reached its peak, an angry voice shattered the silence of the room. "Aiden! Step away from her!" Aaron's voice, laden with fury and protectiveness, sliced through the intimacy like a blade. Aiden turned slowly, a smug smile curling on his lips. In a defiant tone, he murmured, "She's my mate too, you know."
It was her first day of school. She stood at the entrance of the university, her eyes scanning everything around her. There was no room for weakness in her life, not even for a moment.
Here she was, standing at the gates of her new university, the vast campus before her presenting a new challenge in her harsh life. Students strolled through the hallways, chatting cheerfully; some laughed while others hurried to their classes. But to her, everything felt empty, as if she were trapped in her own bubble.
She wore a practical black outfit, her hair tightly pulled back. From a distance, she appeared invisible, but she felt their gazes upon her, heard the whispers that revealed everything.
"Look, it's the daughter of the abandoned alpha..." she overheard some girls whispering, not even attempting to hide their scorn.
This had always been her title. For years, that was what they called her, but it meant nothing to her. True, her father had abandoned her and his pack, but at least he had left her something-strength, skills, and an inability to trust anyone.
Without showing any reaction, she pushed her way through the crowds, ignoring the hurtful glances and harsh whispers that followed her wherever she went. She didn't need their acknowledgment. She was here for a greater purpose.
The whispers came from a group of students standing near the entrance. They looked at her with eyes filled with contempt and mockery. They knew her story, or at least they had heard the version that circulated: the daughter of a pack leader who had stepped down, abandoning her.
She moved toward them calmly, her shoulders squared. She knew that weakness would not be forgiven here. She took slow steps, her expression impassive, observing them all with her sharp eyes.
There were three boys and a girl, all dressed in lavish clothing that signified their social status. The girl, with her green eyes filled with malice, spoke sharply, "I can't believe they allow someone like you to be here..." as if seeking attention.
She simply cast a glance their way. A look that spoke a thousand words. The girl felt the tension, but she didn't back down; she knew she was protected. The three boys beside her were ready to intervene at any moment, but she didn't need anyone. She was not afraid of them.
"The daughter of the abandoned alpha... are you planning to run away like your father did?" one of the boys said loudly, and his companions laughed.
She felt her blood boil in her veins. His tone was sharp, provocative, and he was looking for a reaction from her, but she remained still. She was in control. She didn't want to reveal her true strength now, not in front of them.
Bullying was to be expected. She knew she would be the center of attention. Yet, it was hard to ignore the contempt they directed toward her.
As Liana approached the classroom door, she inadvertently collided with someone. The impact, though unintentional, was enough to draw attention. She paused for a moment and lifted her gaze to meet cold, blue eyes.
The person she had bumped into was Aron. Taller than her by several inches, his body was taut, and his muscles were distinctly defined beneath his white school shirt, part of the uniform. His dark brown hair fell freely across his forehead. Yet, it was his eyes that captivated her the most-cold, blue, and enigmatic.
"Watch where you're going!" he said in a calm yet deep voice. His tone wasn't hostile.
She raised her head to meet his piercing blue gaze. It was indeed Aron.
"Sorry, I wasn't paying attention," she replied, her tone stiff, expecting him to dismiss her like the others.
But he didn't move; instead, he continued to regard her with curiosity. "You're the new girl, aren't you? I haven't seen you here before."
She attempted to retreat, but his gaze held her captive. "Yes, I'm new."
"It's strange that you've been avoiding everyone," he remarked with a slight smile, as if her behavior intrigued him.
Feeling compelled to respond, though she preferred not to engage, she said, "I'm not here to be part of their lives. I have other matters to attend to."
Aron raised an eyebrow slightly, as if contemplating her words. "Other matters? Like what?"
"That's none of your business." She interrupted firmly, trying to end the conversation.
He didn't seem put off by her cold reply. On the contrary, his smile widened. "Well, I'll find out soon enough. You can't remain a mystery for long."
She didn't reply. She wasn't interested in conversing with him. Turning away, she continued on her path, ignoring him completely.
This disregard sparked his confusion, yet he made no attempt to follow her. He appeared accustomed to girls who would engage him immediately or, at the very least, show some interest. But Liana displayed nothing but utter disdain for him.
"Who is she?" one of his followers asked.
"We'll find out soon enough..." Aron replied with an air of interest, which surprised her. Why would he care about someone like her? To him, she was merely a new puzzle, and he delighted in solving puzzles.
She paused briefly, taking a deep breath, then resumed her walk toward the classroom. She felt his sharp gaze following her until she was out of sight.
Upon entering the classroom, she chose a seat in the back, away from everyone. She didn't want to draw any more attention than she already had. Seated, isolated from others, she kept a keen eye on her surroundings.
Eyes darted quickly between faces as she analyzed every movement, every glance, every whisper. But she had no time to dwell on their feelings or opinions. She was there for a specific purpose, and she could not allow anyone to obstruct her path or hinder her mission.
She remained in her seat, calm on the surface, though a wave of anxiety crept beneath. The task that had brought her here was far more complex than she had anticipated. She was ready for a challenge, but she wasn't prepared for the intensity of hostile stares and the incessant bullying. Still, she had to endure. She had trained for years to withstand everything, to control her emotions, and to prevent them from ruling her.
Yet something about Aron unsettled her. He was different from the others. His gaze held neither contempt nor mockery but a curious intrigue, as if she represented something he couldn't fully comprehend. She needed to stay focused on her mission and not let anyone obstruct her way.
Glancing around the bustling classroom filled with students exchanging conversations and laughter, she realized she was the only one sitting in silence at the back. She wasn't part of their world, and she had no desire to be.
What you do to me means nothing to you... But to me, your touch burns-it hurts, Mikhail! Because it makes this damned heart beat for you, despite everything... In just a month and a few days, this tour will be over, and we'll go our separate ways. You'll return to your steady life, to the woman who has always been there... And I? I'll return with a hollow void in my chest, a gaping wound in my heart that aches as if I were cursed. Who will pay the price in the end, Mikhail? Huh?~ --- The Kitchen – Midnight We moved in silence until we reached the kitchen. I was placing the cup in the sink when I suddenly felt strong arms wrap around my waist, pulling me into a firm embrace from behind... "Mikhail!" My breath hitched, my throat tightening with heat. Damn it, what is he doing?! "Shhh... just stay like this for a moment, Celine... please." He murmured, his voice low, laced with something unsettling-something close to madness. I felt his chin rest atop my head, his warm breath seeping through my hair. "Mikhail, what are you doing?" My voice trembled, heat flooding my senses, leaving me lightheaded. My stomach clenched painfully, as if I had been struck with a sudden, incurable illness. "Let me see it, Celine..." he whispered, lowering his head until his ragged breaths brushed against my bare shoulder, striking a nerve so deep it sent a shiver down my spine. "Mikhail..." I breathed his name as if it were air itself, my eyes shutting involuntarily. Every wall I had built around myself crumbled, without resistance. "Don't say my name like that, Celine..." His voice quivered, just as mine had-like we were drowning in the same storm. But... why?! Why is he doing this to me?! He has an entire life waiting for him... He already has a woman. A complete woman, steady in his world-unwavering, unbreakable. She's beautiful, tall, with a flawless body, as if she were sculpted to be perfect. She is everything. Everything I can never be. So why, then... is he toying with me?!
Suddenly, she stopped at a news channel. The anchor was speaking seriously about breaking news. "Max Holden, the millionaire and well-known businessman..." Before she could finish the sentence, Max's image appeared on the screen. Amelia froze in place, her eyes widening in disbelieving shock. "Max...?" she whispered, her heart pounding fiercely. She stared at the image more closely, and as the details became clearer, the shock intensified. "Charles..." she uttered the name with trembling lips. She couldn't control her trembling hands, and she almost dropped the pillow from her grasp. Charles, the man she had loved so deeply, was none other than Max Holden, the groom she had fled from on their wedding day. He was the man she had believed she knew well, but he had deceived her with a different guise.
Ethan always viewed Nyla as a compulsive liar, while she saw him as aloof and insensitive. Nyla had cherished the notion that she was dear to Ethan, yet she felt coldly rejected when she realized her place in his heart was insignificant. No longer trying to break through his coldness, she stepped back, only for him to alter his approach unexpectedly. She challenged him, "If you trust me so little, why keep me around?" Ethan, who had once carried himself with pride, now stood before her with a humble plea. "Nyla, I've made mistakes. Please don't walk away from me."
Looking at the divorce papers my lips curled up into a mocking smile. 'How big fool I am? How can I think that he will give a chance to this marriage? How can I forget that I was nothing more a tool in his eyes to vent his anger until his beloved Tara is back. Since, she was back, how can he let me stay there?' "After you will sign these papers, you will receive 100 million dollars as alimony." the lawyer added. Because of his words, I came back to my senses took the pen from him, and signed the name. I have also gotten exhausted from this marriage both physically and mentally. Even though I had wanted my child to be born into a complete family, I didn't want my child to have a stepmother and live miserably like me for the rest of his life. After taking the papers from my hand, the lawyer gave me the bank card, turned around, and was about to leave when he paused at the door. He then turned around and added, "Mr. Carter said that he hoped that you won't pester him, or you have to bear the consequences." The lawyer's words were like a knife stabbing in my heart, but I still nodded. Anyway, I also don't plan to have anything to do with him anymore. I just want to live a good life with my children. After the lawyer left, the ward fell into silence. I placed my hand on my belly and said to my children, "Baby, I am sorry, Mommy can't give you a complete family! But I promise you, I will do my best to give the love of both mother and father." 'As for giving one of my child, I will never do that. They are my babies and my alone. I and I will give birth to all of them and raise them no matter what.' Four Years Later... Anya came back to the country with her three kids, to inherit the company left by his grandfather...
Yelena discovered that she wasn't her parents' biological child. After seeing through their ploy to trade her as a pawn in a business deal, she was sent away to her barren birthplace. There, she stumbled upon her true origins—a lineage of historic opulence. Her real family showered her with love and adoration. In the face of her so-called sister's envy, Yelena conquered every adversity and took her revenge, all while showcasing her talents. She soon caught the attention of the city's most eligible bachelor. He cornered Yelena and pinned her against the wall. "It's time to reveal your true identity, darling."
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.
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!"
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.