When billionaire Cameron Reed needs a wife to secure his family's business empire, he turns to beautiful lawyer Aurora "Rory" Wellesley. Their contract marriage promises a hefty payout, but as they navigate the complexities of their agreement, they must confront their growing feelings and the secrets threatening to tear them apart. Will their love be worth the risk, or will their bargain destroy everything?
Cameron Reed stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows of his penthouse office, gazing out over the city skyline. His mind wasn't on the breathtaking view, but on the financial reports scattered across his desk. The numbers were bleak.
Reed Corporation, the family business he'd dedicated his life to, was struggling. The once-thriving empire now teetered on the brink of collapse. Cameron's gut twisted with anxiety. He couldn't let his family's legacy crumble.
The intercom buzzed, breaking the silence. "Mr. Reed, your mother is here to see you."
Cameron's assistant, Rachel, ushered his mother, Catherine Reed, into the office. Catherine's elegant presence commanded attention. Her silver hair was styled impeccably, and her designer suit exuded confidence.
"Cameron, darling, I've come to discuss the business," she said, her voice firm but laced with concern.
Cameron nodded, gesturing for her to sit. "What's on your mind, Mother?"
"The board is growing restless. They're questioning your ability to lead the company." Catherine's words cut deep.
Cameron's jaw clenched. "I'll turn this around. I promise."
Catherine's expression softened. "I believe you, dear. However, there's another issue. The will."
Their family's patriarch, Cameron's late father, had left a stipulation in his will: Cameron must marry within the next six months to inherit the majority share of Reed Corporation. Cameron had dismissed it as an outdated clause, but now it loomed over him like a ticking time bomb.
"Find me a wife, Mother?" Cameron suggested, half-joking.
Catherine's eyes sparkled. "Actually, I've already found someone."
Cameron raised an eyebrow. "Who?"
"Aurora Wellesley. Brilliant lawyer, beautiful, and from a good family. She's the perfect candidate."
Cameron's curiosity piqued. "Tell me more."
Aurora "Rory" Wellesley was a rising star in the legal world. Her intelligence and determination had caught Catherine's attention. Cameron's mother had done her research, presenting him with a comprehensive dossier on Rory.
Cameron scanned the pages, impressed. Rory's credentials shone, but it was her photo that caught his breath. Stunning. He couldn't deny the spark of attraction.
"Arrange a meeting," Cameron said, his mind racing.
Catherine smiled, triumphant. "I'll set it up for tomorrow evening."
The wheels were in motion. Cameron would propose a contract marriage to Rory, securing his family's business and his own future.
Little did he know, this bargain would change everything.
Cameron's mind whirled with thoughts of Aurora Wellesley. He couldn't shake the feeling that this contract marriage might be the solution to his problems. His mother's words echoed in his mind: "She's the perfect candidate."
The next evening, Cameron arrived at the upscale restaurant where his mother had arranged for him to meet Rory. He took a deep breath, adjusting his cufflinks. This was business, after all.
Inside, Rory waited, sipping a glass of wine. Her beauty struck him anew. Porcelain skin, raven hair, and piercing green eyes that sparkled with intelligence.
"Mr. Reed," she said, extending a manicured hand.
"Cameron," he replied, shaking it firmly.
Their conversation flowed effortlessly. Rory's sharp wit and quick humor drew him in. Cameron found himself laughing, feeling at ease.
Rory, however, remained guarded. Her responses were measured, revealing only glimpses of her true self. Cameron sensed a depth to her, a complexity he wanted to unravel.
Over dessert, Cameron broached the subject. "Rory, I must admit, my mother has told me a great deal about you. I'm impressed."
Rory's eyes narrowed slightly. "And what, exactly, has she told you?"
"Your intelligence, your drive... your beauty." Cameron smiled.
Rory's cheeks flushed, but she didn't falter. "Flattery won't get you far, Mr. Reed."
Cameron chuckled. "I assure you, my intentions are genuine. I have a proposal for you."
Rory's gaze never wavered. "I'm listening."
Cameron took a deep breath. "I need a wife. A partner to help secure my family's business. In return, I'm willing to offer you a substantial sum."
Rory's expression remained neutral, but Cameron detected a flicker of interest.
"Go on," she said.
"The terms are simple: three years, $15 million. You'll be well taken care of."
Rory's eyes widened, but she didn't speak.
Cameron pressed on. "We'll maintain separate residences, of course. Public appearances will be necessary, but I assure you, it won't be too taxing."
Rory's silence stretched out, making Cameron uneasy.
Finally, she spoke. "I'll need time to consider it."
Cameron nodded. "Of course. But know this, Rory: I'm not a patient man."
Rory's lips curved into a sly smile. "I'll keep that in mind."
Their meeting concluded, Cameron left the restaurant feeling hopeful. Had he found the perfect partner?
Rory watched Cameron depart, her thoughts swirling. $15 million was a life-changing sum. But at what cost?
She pulled out her phone, dialing a familiar number.
"Piper, it's me," Rory said, her voice barely above a whisper. "You won't believe what just happened."
Cameron's mind whirled with possibilities. Marriage to a stranger wasn't ideal, but desperate times called for drastic measures. He needed someone intelligent, beautiful, and willing to play the part.
"Mother, what makes you think Aurora Wellesley is the right choice?" Cameron asked, curiosity getting the better of him.
Catherine smiled, her eyes sparkling. "I've had my people research her. She's impressive, Cameron. Top of her class at Harvard Law, beautiful, and charming. She'll make an excellent wife."
Cameron raised an eyebrow. "And what about her motivations? Why would she agree to this arrangement?"
"Financial struggles, dear. Her family's been hit hard. Medical bills, mortgage payments... She's desperate for a solution."
Cameron's gut twisted. He understood desperation.
The next evening, Cameron stood outside the upscale restaurant, adjusting his cufflinks. His mother had arranged for him to meet Aurora here.
He took a deep breath and entered the restaurant. The maître d' escorted him to the private dining room.
Aurora Wellesley stood by the window, her beauty striking. Long, dark hair cascaded down her back, framing her heart-shaped face. Her bright green eyes sparkled as she turned.
"Cameron Reed," she said, extending her hand.
Cameron's handshake was firm. "Aurora Wellesley. Pleasure to meet you."
The dinner conversation flowed effortlessly. Aurora's intelligence and wit impressed Cameron. He found himself laughing, relaxing in her presence.
Over dessert, Cameron broached the subject. "Aurora, my mother tells me you're interested in our proposal."
Rory's expression turned serious. "Yes, Cameron. I'm willing to consider it."
Cameron leaned forward, his voice low. "I want to be upfront. This marriage would be a business arrangement. Three years, renewable if mutually agreed upon."
Rory's eyes narrowed. "And what would I receive in return?"
"Financial security for you and your family. A generous settlement, plus a yearly stipend."
Rory's gaze never wavered. "I want $15 million upfront, plus $1 million annually."
Cameron's eyebrows rose. She drove a hard bargain.
"I'll need to discuss this with my lawyers," Cameron said, impressed by her negotiation skills.
Rory nodded. "I understand. But let's be clear: I'm not interested in a real marriage. This is business."
Cameron smiled, intrigued. "I assure you, Aurora, our arrangement will be strictly business."
Their eyes locked, the tension palpable.
"I'll have my lawyers draw up the contract," Cameron said, standing.
Rory rose, her smile polished. "I look forward to reviewing it."
The deal was set in motion.
Cameron couldn't shake the feeling that he'd just made a deal with a shrewd businesswoman – and possibly his future wife.
Isla has spent her entire life waiting for the moment she would find her mate, believing in the fairy tales of fate and eternal love. But when her mate, Alpha Asher Nightshade, rejects her on the night of their fated union, Isla's world shatters. Deemed too "ordinary" for the powerful and ambitious Alpha, she is cast out of the Shadowfang Pack. Fate, however, has other plans. Years later, Isla has rebuilt herself, finding strength and purpose among a rogue pack that values her for who she is. But when Asher's pack is threatened by an ancient curse, he seeks her out, desperate for her unique gift to commune with the spirits of the forest. Thrown back into each other's lives, Isla and Asher must confront the wounds of the past while facing a dangerous future. Will Asher prove he is worthy of a second chance, or will Isla find a love even greater than the bond that once broke her?
In a world where family ties bind with unbreakable chains, Zara and Damon are caught in a web of loyalty, blood feuds, and forbidden love. The moment their eyes meet, sparks ignite, but their families have been enemies for generations. Zara, the daughter of a powerful crime lord, is promised to a man she does not love, while Damon is the heir to the rival family who killed her brother. As their paths intertwine, the heat of their passion becomes the ultimate betrayal, and every stolen moment could cost them everything. In a world of vengeance and sacrifice, can love survive the storm?
In a world shattered by a catastrophic disaster, Jillian and Tom are among the last survivors, bound together by a shared will to survive and the budding, undeniable bond between them. As they traverse the wreckage of civilization, scavenging for supplies and navigating the horrors of a world stripped of life, they find comfort in each other's presence. But as the days slip by, they must confront the question: Can love bloom in the midst of darkness and death? Amidst campfires, fleeting moments of joy, and the harsh reality of their new world, Jillian and Tom face not only the danger of the outside world but also the fear of losing each other. Will their connection be enough to overcome the shadows that threaten to consume them?
Emerson Grant, a successful event planner, returns to her hometown after a painful divorce. She butts heads with her new neighbor, former NFL star Caleb Mitchell, who's hiding a secret. As they work together to restore the town's iconic lighthouse, their initial animosity turns into a fiery attraction. But will their pasts and fears extinguish the flames of love or will they find their forever?
Wealthy businessman Ryder Thompson inherits a struggling vineyard in Tuscany, he sees an opportunity to turn his life around. But what he doesn't expect is to fall for the vineyard's beautiful and fiercely independent manager, Sophia De Luca. As they work together to restore the vineyard to its former glory, Ryder and Sophia must navigate their own complicated pasts and confront the secrets that threaten to tear them apart. Will their love be enough to overcome the challenges that lie ahead?
Struggling musician Avery Wells meets enigmatic billionaire Elijah Stone, their worlds collide in a whirlwind romance. But as their love deepens, dark secrets from Elijah's past threaten to tear them apart. Can Avery's music heal Elijah's heart, or will their love song fade into silence?
Kaelyn devoted three years tending to her husband after a terrible accident. But once he was fully recovered, he cast her aside and brought his first love back from abroad. Devastated, Kaelyn decided on a divorce as people mocked her for being discarded. She went on to reinvent herself, becoming a highly sought-after doctor, a champion racer, and an internationally renowned architectural designer. Even then, the traitors sneered in disdain, believing Kaelyn would never find someone. But then the ex-husband’s uncle, a powerful warlord, returned with his army to ask for Kaelyn’s hand in marriage.
Eliana was framed by her best friend and her fiance into sleeping with a boy toy in the club and getting impregnated by him. Five years after she had given birth to twins, she returned home and worked under the Moran Group, where she met the CEO-- Maurice. Maurice was a brilliant businessman who did his job well. But in order to stay under the radar, he lived a double life. One as Maurice, and one as Preston. Fate brought the two together again, roping them in on an exciting love story. It all became more complicated when Eliana faced Preston, the man she had slept with before, once again. Now that she was being pursued by two men, how could she ever choose? When would Eliana uncover the secret of Maurice's identity? When was Maurice going to know that he already had two children of his own? How would Eliana face this man when the truth came to light one day? Come and find out.
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."
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.”
I'm a Luna. After three years of marriage to Alpha Nathaniel Blackwood, I'm finally pregnant with his pup. But he's unclaimed me for his first love. I'm leaving the pack with this secret, praying he never finds out. Nathaniel Blackwood is a handsome, powerful Alpha. In a world where humans and werewolves coexist, he has it all: a billion-dollar empire, untold power, a massive pack, and, most importantly, the perfect Luna. But the return of his first love shattered our marriage. When he finds out the secret I've been hiding, will he regret rejecting me? Will I ever be able to forgive him? Dive into this gripping serialized novel to find out more-Enjoy the ride!
Warning! Mature Contents! ***Excerpt*** "You belong to me, Sheila. I alone am capable of making you feel this way. Your moans and body belong to me. Your soul and your body are all mine!" *** Alpha Killian Reid, the most dreaded Alpha in all of the North, wealthy, powerful and widely feared in the supernatural world, was the envy of all other packs. He was thought to have it all... power, fame, wealth and favour from the moon goddess, little was it known to his rivals that he has been under a curse, which has been kept a secret for so many years, and only the one with the gift of the moon goddess can lift the curse. Sheila, the daughter of Alpha Lucius who was an arch enemy to Killian, had grown up with so much hatred, detest and maltreatment from her father. She was the fated mate to Alpha Killian. He refused to reject her, yet he loathed her and treated her poorly, because he was in love with another woman, Thea. But one of these two women was the cure to his curse, while the other was an enemy within. How would he find out? Let's find out in this heart racing piece, filled with suspense, steamy romance and betrayal.