The last time Mike and Christine saw each other, one of them walked away with a broken heart. Mike turned around to see her standing in a maroon suit, holding a briefcase, her eyes filled with hurt and exhaustion. He took a step forward. Longing swept over Mike, and he moved to draw Christine into his arms, his lips fiercely claiming hers. * * * * * * * * Mike Russo's life was perfect-until his ex-girlfriend, six teens, and a little girl moved into his mansion.The last thing Christine Frank wanted was to move in with her ex, the man who broke her heart to pieces. Christine Frank's life is turned upside down when a fire destroys the Foster home she runs, leaving her and seven kids without a place to call their own. Then, Mike Russo, her ex-boyfriend and billionaire hotel owner, offers them shelter in his estate. But Mike has a different motive: using Christine and the kids to boost his hotel's image. As they live together, sparks fly; they can't resist each other. Mike is going crazy from each kid's personality. Can Mike's deceitful plan ruin their second chance at love, or will they find redemption and forgiveness?
"Get out," I spat; my voice shook with rage as I stepped back, creating a distance between my boyfriend and me.
Mike hesitated, his voice pleading. "Please Christine-"
"Hurt me? You cheated on me with your secretary." A lump formed in my throat, and tears spilled down my cheeks.
Mike's hands rose, palms up, in a defense gesture. "She came onto me," holding my shoulders, he continued. "You caught us at the wrong moment. Look, I swear to you, Christine, I would never dream of hurting you."
I stepped away from him and wiped my eyes with the back of my hand. "You have hurt me for the last time, Mike Russo."
Mike licked his lips with a resigned expression. "I love you, but you need to trust me on this one, baby."
"Love?" I burst into a bitter laugh. "The only person you love is yourself. I never want to see you again."
Then I slammed my front door shut and leaned by it, my body shaking as I broke into a sob, feeling my heart shatter to a million pieces.
A year later, I clipped my ID badge to my jacket. I took a deep breath, pushing away thoughts of Mike's betrayal from my mind.
I stepped onto the porch and rang the doorbell to Mrs. Smith's Group Home, in the suburbs of Seattle. I loved my job as a social worker, and inspections like this one were my favorite part. I got to see the kids and ensure they received the best care possible.
When the door opened, Mrs. Gladys Smith, the manager, greeted me without her usual warm smile. "Hi, Christine. Right on time, as always."
I creased my brows together, pulling out my clipboard and my pen. "Let's get started, shall we?"
The living room space was tidy, and Kimiko, aged six, was sitting in front of the TV watching a popular preschool cartoon.
She turned to face me with a bright gap-toothed grin. "Hi, Ms. Frank."
"Miko, ah, enjoying the fine entertainment TV has to offer, I see?" I asked.
Kimiko shot me a confused look and shrugged. "I guess."
Gladys led me through the usual routine: medication, security alarm, food plan. I checked through my list as I glanced through the fridge contents. The sound of a ball bouncing echoed through the walls as Jayden and Tommy burst through the kitchen back door.
I lifted a warning finger as they froze. "Uh-uh, take it outside, boys. No dunking in the kitchen."
Jayden frowned. "Aw man."
Tommy snatched the ball and ran out the door, followed closely by Jay. Annabeth played hula hoops with Daphne and Millie in the backyard. Meanwhile, Noah was likely playing video games in his room.
"And another perfect record, Gladys, as usual. Thank you for making my job easier." I turned to face her.
Her expression turned serious. "Christine, can I talk to you for a minute in my office?"
My curiosity rose, and I nodded, following her to the office. But as I sat behind her desk, Gladys dropped the bombshell: "I'm dying, Christine."
I widened my eyes and waited for a laugh and a 'just kidding.' "Oh God, Gladys." I gave a nervous chuckle. "Save the spooky talk for Halloween."
Her green eyes remained serious. "It's terminal lung cancer, and the doctor. Damn the man says I have about six months to get my affairs in order before I die. It's the result of my smoking habit."
I bit back a smile. Gladys was about sixty-five, still agile for her age, but I suddenly noticed her cheerfulness was gone. Tears formed in my eyes, and I quickly wiped them away.
"Do the kids know about..." I whispered.
She sighed. "Just Noah, he, uh, found me passed out in the bathroom, called nine-one-one. Listen, you know my kids don't particularly like this job, and I have no one to hand the home to."
If no one would take the job, then it would be a problem; group homes were in shortage... and there was a possibility of separation.
Gladys' eyes locked onto mine. "I know you're thinking about the system. You can't let them be separated; they're a family, and even when they fight, hell, they always find a way."
Mrs. Smith's coughing fit sent a jolt through me. I leapt from my seat, my pulse racing, as I rushed to her side. "Gladys!" I took a stride towards her by the window.
She lifted a hand as I helped her sit on the leather sofa. "I'm...fine." She wheezed.
I filled a glass of water and handed it to her.
"Listen, I'll do my best to convince the authorities. They'll be together," I said, sitting next to her. "The house may need a temporary manager."
She looked at me with precision. "Or a permanent one."
I felt a surge of surprise as Mrs. Smith's words sank in. "You're suggesting... me? As the permanent manager?"
Mrs. Smith nodded, her gentle smile filling me with a sense of wonder. "Who better to care for them than someone who already loves them like family? I've watched you interact with them better than anyone, Christine," she said, her eyes really believing.
I thought back to all the moments I'd shared with the kids-the laughter, the tears, the quiet moments of connection. I had grown to love them, but taking on the responsibility of managing the group home was a great task ahead.
"But Mrs. Smith, I... I don't know if I'm qualified," I stammered, my doubts creeping in.
As she sipped the water, I processed her words. Becoming the permanent manager would change my life, but I couldn't bear the thought of the kids being separated.
She took my hands in hers. "I put my faith in you, Frank. This is my final wish."
"Gladys, I'll do everything I can," I promised.
She smiled weakly. "I knew I could count on you, Christine."
I swallowed as I heard the kids' voices from outside. How would they cope without her? Six months later, Gladys passed away in her sleep.
Book One in the Spinelli Chronicles Fiona Higgins' life is shattered when. She uncovers the shocking truth about her family's dark legacy: she's the daughter of a ruthless Mafia king, Don Spinelli. As she fights for her freedom from the Mafia, she's drawn to Kane McGregor, the billionaire who saved her life one fateful night. But as they surrender to their forbidden love, they will risk everything to escape the deadly world that binds them. ★ ★ ★ "If you want a war, I'll give it to you," Kane's blue eyes blazed with intensity. "I won't rest until your father, your brothers, and anyone else in that gang rots in jail for the rest of their natural lives." I let out a slow sigh. "I'm not here to compare firepower; I'm just a businesswoman trying to make a deal." Kane's laughter was low and mocking. "Right, and just to be clear, you're not exactly a skilled 'businesswoman.' I almost took you to my bed, and I'm glad it didn't happen." One of my brows arched. "I'm curious, though, would you?" "Would I what?" Kane asked. I leaned forward and whispered into his ear. "Would you still take me to your bed if I wasn't a Spinelli?" The silence that followed was deafening, and I knew I had my answer.
The last time Mike and Christine saw each other, one of them walked away with a broken heart. Mike turned around to see her standing in a maroon suit, holding a briefcase, her eyes filled with hurt and exhaustion. He took a step forward. Longing swept over Mike, and he moved to draw Christine into his arms, his lips fiercely claiming hers. * * * * * * * * Mike Russo's life was perfect-until his ex-girlfriend, six teens, and a little girl moved into his mansion.The last thing Christine Frank wanted was to move in with her ex, the man who broke her heart to pieces. Christine Frank's life is turned upside down when a fire destroys the Foster home she runs, leaving her and seven kids without a place to call their own. Then, Mike Russo, her ex-boyfriend and billionaire hotel owner, offers them shelter in his estate. But Mike has a different motive: using Christine and the kids to boost his hotel's image. As they live together, sparks fly; they can't resist each other. Mike is going crazy from each kid's personality. Can Mike's deceitful plan ruin their second chance at love, or will they find redemption and forgiveness?
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?"
On her wedding day, Khloe’s sister connived with her groom, framing her for a crime she didn’t commit. She was sentenced to three years in prison, where she endured much suffering. When Khloe was finally released, her evil sister used their mother to coerce Khloe into an indecent liaison with an elderly man. As fate would have it, Khloe crossed paths with Henrik, the dashing yet ruthless mobster who sought to alter the course of her life. Despite Henrik’s cold exterior, he cherished Khloe like no other. He helped her take retribution from her tormentors and kept her from being bullied again.
Rena got into an entanglement with a big shot when she was drunk one night. She needed Waylen's help while he was drawn to her youthful beauty. As such, what was supposed to be a one-night stand progressed into something serious. All was well until Rena discovered that Waylen's heart belonged to another woman. When his first love returned, he stopped coming home, leaving Rena all alone for many nights. She put up with it until she received a check and farewell note one day. Contrary to how Waylen expected her to react, Rena had a smile on her face as she bid him farewell. "It was fun while it lasted, Waylen. May our paths never cross. Have a nice life." But as fate would have it, their paths crossed again. This time, Rena had another man by her side. Waylen's eyes burned with jealousy. He spat, "How the hell did you move on? I thought you loved only me!" "Keyword, loved!" Rena flipped her hair back and retorted, "There are plenty of fish in the sea, Waylen. Besides, you were the one who asked for a breakup. Now, if you want to date me, you have to wait in line." The next day, Rena received a credit alert of billions and a diamond ring. Waylen appeared again, got down on one knee, and uttered, "May I cut in line, Rena? I still want you."
The dream of everyone with regards to marriage is to be able to find that special someone and settle down with them. Even arranged marriages grant you an opportunity to meet your partner briefly before the wedding. How will you feel about waking up in the morning with someone sleeping next to you who is not just anyone but your legally married partner yet with no memory of how that had happened in just a few hours of going out the previous day? This is the story of Jason Haward and Julia Harrison, two strangers trapped in a marriage they never planned. The quest to find out why led to the unfolding of a mystery which made them realize they are both living a lie. To find out more, read this amazing story of love, betrayal, revenge and murder.
"Love is blind!" Lucinda abandoned her beautiful and comfortable life because of a man. She married him and slaved off for him for three long years. One day, the scales finally fell off her eyes. She realized that all her efforts were in vain. Her husband, Nathaniel still treated her like shit. All he cared about was his lover. "Enough is enough! I quit wasting my years with an ungrateful man!" Lucinda's heart was shattered into many pieces, but she summoned up the courage to ask for a divorce. The news caused a stir online! A filthy rich young woman recently got divorced? She was a good catch! Countless CEOs and handsome young men immediately swarmed to her like bees to honey! Nathaniel couldn't take it anymore. He held a press conference and begged with teary eyes, "I love you, Lucinda. I can't live without you. Please come back to me." Would Lucinda give him a second chance? Read to find out!
Darya spent three years loving Micah, worshipping the ground he walked on. Until his neglect and his family's abuse finally woke her up to the ugly truth-he doesn't love her. Never did, never will. To her, he is a hero, her knight in shining armour. To him, she is an opportunist, a gold digger who schemed her way into his life. Darya accepts the harsh reality, gathers the shattered pieces of her dignity, divorces him, takes back her real name, reclaims her title as the country's youngest billionaire heiress. Their paths cross again at a party. Micah watches his ex-wife sing like an angel, tear up the dance floor, then thwart a lecher with a roundhouse kick. He realises, belatedly, that she's exactly the kind of woman he'd want to marry, if only he had taken the trouble to get to know her. Micah acts promptly to win her back, but discovers she's now surrounded by eligible bachelors: high-powered CEO, genius biochemist, award-winning singer, reformed playboy. Worse, she makes it pretty clear that she's done with him. Micah gears up for an uphill battle. He must prove to her he's still worthy of her love before she falls for someone else. And time is running out.