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Selena Quintanilla, sole heir to the city's most feared mafia family, finds her life turned upside down when the sudden death of her father bequeaths the family throne to her. However, in order to maintain peace amid the bloody conflict between the mafia, the father has devised a difficult choice: Selena must marry Enzo Salvatore, the son of their family's sworn enemy, or face an endless war.
A clear evening sky cools the campus courtyard. The light of the sun slowly faded, warming Selena Quintanilla's body, which was sitting leisurely under a shady tree. A classic novel opens on her lap, while large headphones cover her ears, playing music that brings calm in between the rush of her routine. Around her, other students pass by, busy with their own affairs, but Selena feels comfortable in her own world-a quiet world away from her family's dangerous shadow.
Selena enjoyed this rare moment. Despite her status as the only daughter of a well-known mafia family, she feels as if she is an ordinary girl, who only needs to think about books, classes, and music. Suddenly, the calm was broken.
Her phone vibrated on the bag lying beside her. She almost ignored it, thinking it was just a message from her friends, but the vibe continued. With a slight annoyance, she removed the headphones from her ears, put the book next to her, and reached for her cell phone.
The name displayed on the screen made her heart suddenly pound. ** Antonio* * - his father's personal assistant. He rarely calls, except for important matters that cannot be postponed.
Selena swallowed, feeling an uncomfortable feeling that slowly crept in. She knew, every time Antonio called, that something was going on. Her eyes looked at the phone screen for a few seconds, as if hoping that the call was just a mistake.
However, reality cannot be ignored. She sighed deeply, then shifted the screen to accept the call.
"Yes?" her voice sounded calm, although her heart was racing.
"Selena"" Antonio's deep voice sounded at the other end, leaving no room for pleasantries. "I need you to come home immediately."
Selena was silent for a moment, a sense of anxiety began to fill every corner of her mind. "What is it?" she asked briefly, trying to remain calm.
"Your father... Passed away this morning."Antonio's voice sounded deeper, loaded with seriousness.
Selena's world stopped for a moment. The novel she is holding fell to the ground silently. The music in the headphones still hanging around her neck suddenly sounded distant, like an illusion that was no longer relevant to reality.
"What do you mean?"her voice trembled. She needed to be sure, even though her heart already knew the answer.
"Your father is dead, Selena. And ... there's something you should know," Antonio continued, his tone more emphatic. "It's about the legacy and the choices he left for you. I'll explain more when you arrive."
Selena clasped her phone tightly, her eyes blinking without focusing on anything around her. She never thought that this seemingly ordinary day would turn into a nightmare. In the midst of the quiet of college, Selena's world begins to crumble, and she knows her life will never be the same again.
**
When Selena was a child she always looked at her father as the perfect figure. A respected successful businessman, who with one touch of his hand can change the fate of their family. Mansions, luxury cars and holidays abroad were commonplace in her life. In the eyes of little Selena, her father was a hero, a man who ruled the business world with unparalleled elegance and authority.
However, everything changed one evening, when Selena was 10 years old.
That night, she overhears a conversation between her father and someone who has just come to the House. The man in the black suit looked nervous, while his father stood in front of his study window, his back to his guest. Selena hid behind the door, intrigued by the seemingly unusual serious talk.
"I've given you enough time," her father's voice sounded cold, far from the gentle figure Selena knew. "If you can't pay off your debts, then your family will bear the consequences."
The man in front of his father begged, his voice full of fear. "Please, Sir. Give me some more time, I will definitely pay for it. I just need a little more-"
"There is no more time."His father turned around, his face hard and unforgiving. "You already know the consequences when borrowing from me."
Selena didn't understand all those words. But what she did know, that night something dark and sinister began to unfold. The man's fear, the coldness of his father's attitude, and the threat implied in every word made her fur bristle.
Since that night, Selena began to notice more and more things. The faint conversations heard on the phone, the tense-faced guests who came and went, and the presence of large men who always followed his father everywhere. The more Selena asked, the more secrets were revealed. Until finally, one day, she learned the harsh truth-her father was not just a businessman. He is the feared mafia boss in this city.
An indescribable sense of disappointment filled Selena's heart. Her father, the hero of her childhood, turns out to be a figure full of violence, threats and power defended with blood. From that moment on, Selena decided to stay away.
At the age of 15, Selena began talking to her father. Selena stood in front of the man she was once proud of.
"I don't want to be involved in the family business, Dad," she said in a trembling but determined voice. "I want to live independently, without the frills of our surname."
Her father just looked at her from behind the table, as if studying the decision her daughter had made. "You know it's not as easy as you think, Selena. The world is cruel, and without the protection of family, you will fall."
"I'd rather fall and stand on my own feet than live in the shadow of your power," Selena replied, her eyes full of determination.
Her father was silent for a moment, then smiled faintly. "We'll see how long you can hold out, Selena. The outside world is not as beautiful as you think."
Selena was undaunted. She's made up her mind. From then on, she worked hard to stay away from the big name of the family. She chose to continue her studies abroad, hoping to live as an ordinary girl away from the dark world of her family.
In college, Selena was known not as the heir to the mafia throne, but as an independent and intelligent girl. She occupied herself with her studies, friendships, and hobby of reading books. However, even though she tried so hard to escape, the shadow of her extended family always followed. Whenever she sees the news or hears stories about the atrocities of the mafia in her city, the image of her father always comes to mind.
Even so, Selena promised herself that she would continue to walk forward. The mafia world is not for her and she will do whatever it takes to stay on a different path-a path away from blood and violence.
***
I am Raveline Black, known to most as Rosaline. Until recently, no one knew my real name. I'm recognized as a beautiful girl with a charm like a rose – elegant, graceful, and utterly captivating. With a flawless body and naturally red lips that need no lipstick, my long brown hair cascades beautifully. My allure is intoxicating to anyone who lays eyes on me. As a woman often referred to as a street walker, I spend my nights working as a prostitute. Despite the luxuries my life affords me, nothing can fill the emptiness in my heart. I yearn for peace and true love. In my growing boredom, I made a decision I never imagined: to seek someone who could accept my past and offer me genuine happiness. In the midst of shadows and secrets, will I find someone who can see beyond my sinful life and embrace the true Rosaline? Or will the pursuit of true happiness remain an elusive dream? "Black Water" is a poignant journey of self-discovery, love, and redemption.
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.
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.
Elena, once a pampered heiress, suddenly lost everything when the real daughter framed her, her fiancé ridiculed her, and her adoptive parents threw her out. They all wanted to see her fall. But Elena unveiled her true identity: the heiress of a massive fortune, famed hacker, top jewelry designer, secret author, and gifted doctor. Horrified by her glorious comeback, her adoptive parents demanded half her newfound wealth. Elena exposed their cruelty and refused. Her ex pleaded for a second chance, but she scoffed, “Do you think you deserve it?” Then a powerful magnate gently proposed, “Marry me?”
Bailey seems to be never destined to fit in, a little geeky, but under it all, a hidden beauty that so many seem to miss, but still not what her pack Alpha is looking for in a fated mate... so he is determined to reject her and make her life hell. Bailey, knowing her life will likely never be the same focuses on what she can control, her future, and heads off to study; becoming a teacher. Asher is the Beta of Autumn Valley Pack, a neighbouring pack. A broken man having suffered the loss of his mate after a rogue attack, Asher is slowly crumbling. Falling to pieces. A shadow of his former self, and not a man that anyone wants to be around anymore... Until, Autumn Valley Pack require a new teacher, and Bailey finds herself there and pushed together with the Beta. Is there a connection building or is that in their imaginations? And what will happen when Bailey's mate comes back to claim what is his?
After two years of marriage, Sadie was finally pregnant. Filled with hope and joy, she was blindsided when Noah asked for a divorce. During a failed attempt on her life, Sadie found herself lying in a pool of blood, desperately calling Noah to ask him to save her and the baby. But her calls went unanswered. Shattered by his betrayal, she left the country. Time passed, and Sadie was about to be wed for a second time. Noah appeared in a frenzy and fell to his knees. "How dare you marry someone else after bearing my child?"
Dear readers, this book has resumed daily updates. It took Sabrina three whole years to realize that her husband, Tyrone didn't have a heart. He was the coldest and most indifferent man she had ever met. He never smiled at her, let alone treated her like his wife. To make matters worse, the return of the woman he had eyes for brought Sabrina nothing but divorce papers. Sabrina's heart broke. Hoping that there was still a chance for them to work on their marriage, she asked, "Quick question,Tyrone. Would you still divorce me if I told you that I was pregnant?" "Absolutely!" he responded. Realizing that she didn't mean shit to him, Sabrina decided to let go. She signed the divorce agreement while lying on her sickbed with a broken heart. Surprisingly, that wasn't the end for the couple. It was as if scales fell off Tyrone's eyes after she signed the divorce agreement. The once so heartless man groveled at her bedside and pleaded, "Sabrina, I made a big mistake. Please don't divorce me. I promise to change." Sabrina smiled weakly, not knowing what to do...