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Trapped in a fake engagement, Emily Wilson must navigate the treacherous world of billionaire Ryder Blackwood's making. But as his secrets surface, can she escape the possessive grip of a man who refuses to love?"
Trapped in a fake engagement, Emily Wilson must navigate the treacherous world of billionaire Ryder Blackwood's making. But as his secrets surface, can she escape the possessive grip of a man who refuses to love?"
I adjusted my clipboard, surveying the lavish ballroom. My event planning company had transformed the space into a fairy tale, complete with crystal chandeliers and a live string quartet. The evening's charity gala would be the talk of the town.
Just as I confirmed the catering details, a deep voice interrupted my thoughts.
"Emily Wilson?"
I turned to face the speaker, my eyes widening. Ryder Blackwood, billionaire entrepreneur and notorious bachelor, and my boss. Actually, my company's client was hosting the gala, as he was the one who invited us. He stood before me. His chiseled features and piercing blue eyes made my pulse quicken.
"Mr. Blackwood," I replied, extending my hand. He shook it firmly. "Please, call me Ryder. May I have a word?"I followed him to a secluded corner, curiosity piqued. What could Ryder Blackwood want with me?
"I've been impressed with your work, Emily," Ryder began. "Your attention to detail is unmatched."
"Thank you, sir," I replied, trying to sound professional despite the flutter in my chest.
"I have a proposal for you." His gaze locked onto mine, intense. "I need a fake fiancée for the next few months. Are you interested?"
My eyes widened. A fake fiancée? Was he kidding? Ryder's expression remained serious. "I'm finalizing a major business deal, and my investors require... stability. A fiancée would convey that.
I hesitated, weighing the pros and cons. My sister's medical bills loomed, and this opportunity could solve our financial struggles. But what would it cost me?
"What?" I asked, surprised. Mr Blackwood merely acknowledged my astonishment and continued
"You'll accompany me to events, pose for photos, and maintain the illusion," Ryder outlined. "In return, I'll pay off your sister's medical debts and provide a substantial stipend."
My heart skipped a beat. How the hell did he know about my sister? The offer was tempting, but something in Ryder's eyes made me wary.
I'm sorry, could you repeat that?" I asked, stunned. "You want me to pretend to be your fiancée?" Ryder nodded, his expression unreadable.
"Yes. It's a simple arrangement. You'll accompany me to events, pose for photos, and maintain the illusion."
I shook my head, trying to process. "And why would I do that?" Ryder's eyes narrowed slightly. "I'll pay off your sister's medical debts and provide a substantial stipend." My mind raced. The offer was enticing, but the absurdity of the proposal made me hesitant.
"I don't understand," I said, trying to clarify. "Why do you need a fake fiancée? Can't you just find someone... genuine?" Ryder's jaw clenched. "This is business, Emily. I don't have time for genuine relationships." His words sent a shiver down my spine. This was a man who saw people as assets, not individuals. "I'm not sure," I hedged, unsure if I wanted to get entangled in Ryder's world. Ryder's eyes flashed with impatience. "Don't play coy, Emily. You need the money, and I need the image. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement."His blunt words stung. Did he think I was that desperate?
"What's the catch?" I asked, searching for hidden strings.
Ryder's expression turned cold. "You'll adhere to my rules. No engaging with other men, no revealing our arrangement, and absolute discretion."
"I need time to think," I said, stalling.
Ryder's gaze intensified. "You have 24 hours. After that, the offer expires." With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me reeling.
What had just happened? Was I considering selling myself to a billionaire for the sake of my sister's medical bills? As I watched Ryder disappear into the crowd, I felt a shiver run down my spine.
As the event came to an end, I could still feel the gaze of Ryder on my back, watching my every turn. The question that kept ringing in my ear was, Why me? Mr Blackwood has been a long-time client of her company, as they have handled all his events, and they've crossed paths a few times, but I never thought he knew my name, let alone my personal life!
Feeling vulnerable, I gathered my things, my mind in a whirlwind of questions I was unable to answer. Saying my goodbyes to my colleagues, I got into my car and drove out.
The next morning, I arrived at my office, still lost in thought. My best friend, Rachel, greeted me with a concerned expression. "Emily, how was the gala?" she asked. I filled her in on Ryder's proposal, leaving out no details. Rachel's eyes widened. "Emily, this is huge! But are you sure you're ready for this?"
Biting my lips, I shook my head. "I don't know. I need time to think."
Just then, my phone buzzed. Mr. Blackwood's name flashed on the screen. "Emily," he said, his voice low and commanding. "I expect your answer soon.
"Emily, this is insane!" Rachel exclaimed. "You can't seriously consider pretending to be his fiancée."
"I know, but Sarah's medical bills..." I trailed off. Rachel's expression softened. "I get it. But think about the emotional toll. You'll be tied to this guy for months, pretending to be in love." Her words resonated. I valued my independence and honesty.
"Let's keep this between me and you for now. " I said, Rachel nodding, looking very unpleased.
That evening, I drove to the hospital. Tears streamed down my face, as I struggled to steady my breath. "You've got this," I whispered to myself, watching as the nurses went in and out of the hospital. I picked up my phone and got down of the car, and headed inside.
I got to her room, standing by the door, I watched as she struggled to breathe, even with the oxygen attached to her face. A tear escapes my eye. I whipped it off immediately, and she spotted me and smiled weakly. I walked up to her and sat beside her hospital bed, holding her frail hand.
"Hey, sis," I said, trying to sound cheerful. "I have something to tell you."
Sarah's eyes sparkled with curiosity." What is it, Emily?"
I hesitated, unsure how to share Ryder's proposal. "There's this... opportunity," I began. "A way to pay off your medical bills, but it's complicated." Sarah's grip on my hand tightened. "Tell me," she urged.
"I can't, I'm sorry," I said, begging her with my eyes. "But I promise, you'll get your surgery done and I'll get you out of here."
"What are you going to do, Emily?" she asked, worry etched on her features. I shrugged. "It's nothing for you to worry about." I smiled weakly. Sarah's eyes locked onto mine.
"Emily, I don't want you to sacrifice your happiness for me," she said, her voice trembling. "But... I don't know how much longer I can keep fighting."
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. Sarah's words broke my heart. "We'll figure it out together," I promised, hugging her tight. As I held Sarah close, I realized I needed to make a decision.
The whispers said that out of bitter jealousy, Hadley shoved Eric's beloved down the stairs, robbing the unborn child of life. To avenge, Eric forced Hadley abroad and completely cut her off. Years later, she reemerged, and they felt like strangers. When they met again, she was the nightclub's star, with men ready to pay fortunes just to glimpse her elusive performance. Unable to contain himself, Eric blocked her path, asking, "Is this truly how you earn a living now? Why not come back to me?" Hadley's lips curved faintly. "If you’re eager to see me, you’d better join the queue, darling."
Arabella, a state-trained prodigy, won freedom after seven brutal years. Back home, she found her aunt basking in her late parents' mansion while her twin sister scrounged for scraps. Fury ignited her genius. She gutted the aunt's business overnight and enrolled in her sister's school, crushing the bullies. When cynics sneered at her "plain background," a prestigious family claimed her and the national lab hailed her. Reporters swarmed, influencers swooned, and jealous rivals watched their fortunes crumble. Even Asher-the rumored ruthless magnate-softened, murmuring, "Fixed your mess-now be mine."
After two years of marriage, Kristian dropped a bombshell. "She's back. Let's get divorced. Name your price." Freya didn't argue. She just smiled and made her demands. "I want your most expensive supercar." "Okay." "The villa on the outskirts." "Sure." "And half of the billions we made together." Kristian froze. "Come again?" He thought she was ordinary-but Freya was the genius behind their fortune. And now that she'd gone, he'd do anything to win her back.
Lyric had spent her life being hated. Bullied for her scarred face and hated by everyone-including her own mate-she was always told she was ugly. Her mate only kept her around to gain territory, and the moment he got what he wanted, he rejected her, leaving her broken and alone. Then, she met him. The first man to call her beautiful. The first man to show her what it felt like to be loved. It was only one night, but it changed everything. For Lyric, he was a saint, a savior. For him, she was the only woman that had ever made him cum in bed-a problem he had been battling for years. Lyric thought her life would finally be different, but like everyone else in her life, he lied. And when she found out who he really was, she realized he wasn't just dangerous-he was the kind of man you don't escape from. Lyric wanted to run. She wanted freedom. But she desired to navigate her way and take back her respect, to rise above the ashes. Eventually, she was forced into a dark world she didn't wish to get involved with.
Isabelle Everett's perfect life crumbles when her billionaire husband, Damion Ryder, serves her divorce papers on their anniversary. Betrayal, heartbreak, and deceit propel her into a six-year journey of self-discovery. Now, with secrets exposed and old flames rekindled, Isabelle must choose between the man who broke her heart or her high school sweetheart, the one who's always loved her but has an ulterior motive. Will forgiveness transform their lives, or will the past destroy their future?
The day Raina gave birth should have been the happiest of her life. Instead, it became her worst nightmare. Moments after delivering their twins, Alexander shattered her heart-divorcing her and forcing her to sign away custody of their son, Liam. With nothing but betrayal and heartbreak to her name, Raina disappeared, raising their daughter, Ava, on her own.Years later, fate comes knocking when Liam falls gravely ill. Desperate to save his son, Alexander is forced to seek out the one person he once cast aside. Alexander finds himself face to face with the woman he underestimated, pleading for a second chance-not just for himself, but for their son. But Raina is no longer the same broken woman who once loved him.No longer the woman he left behind. She has carved out a new life-one built on strength, wealth, and a long-buried legacy she expected to uncover.Raina has spent years learning to live without him.The question is... Will she risk reopening old wounds to save the son she never got to love? or has Alexander lost her forever?
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