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 Cameron had dismissed it as an outdated clause, but now it loomed over him like a ticking time bomb.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?
My name is Katia, and I am just trying to survive until my fated mate arrives. Which may be easier said than done. Rejectection is the last straw. Whispering my acceptance of his rejection. I run through the pack house, out across the manicured lawn into the forest. "I'm sorry, my sweet girl," I say to my wolf. I'm sorry you have been stuck with me and have had to suffer everything I have. She whispers," it's not your fault, Katia. We came to a cliff with a waterfall. The hurt keeps pounding at me. I need it to stop. My sweet girl, and I just want peace, I keep running and leap off the cliff. Spreading my arms wide, with tears streaming down my face, I fall, not making a sound, waiting for sweet oblivion where we feel nothing ever again. "I love you, my sweet girl! Until we meet again, "My wolf replied just before we hit the water, "I love you too, Katia. I have never regretted a moment with you." The Snow Moon pack is having their last barbecue of the summer next to the waterfall on their land. The adults are laughing and joking while watching the pups play. The alpha, beta, and gamma are swimming with some of the older children and playing a game of Marco Polo. Someone yells, "Oh my goddess, someone just jumped over the waterfall!" Everyone is frozen as they watch what looks to be a child falling arms spread wide, no one makes a sound. The small body hits the water like a plane crashing into the side of a mountain. The alpha, beta, and gamma, spring into action, swimming towards the area the person went under. The alpha is screaming his wolf is going crazy repeating, "Find her. Find her...find her!" They dive and the beta surfaces with a small person in his arms. Alpha takes the girl from his beta, laying her on the ground. The men are shocked by what they see. She is covered in scars and injuries. Her body is twisted and broken. The Beta asks, "Who could have done this to someone so defenseless?" Alpha drops to his knees, repeating, "MATE...MATE...MATE!"
In the eyes of the public, Elijah was ever the gentleman, always distant and reserved. But behind closed doors, he was an animal who relentlessly ensnared Ashley in a web of lust. No one knew of their secret relationship, yet at the same time, no one dared to bully her again. Then one day, she was hit with morning sickness right in front of everyone. To everyone’s shock, the aloof and domineering Elijah quickly knelt in front of her and caressed her pregnant belly. “Babe,” he crooned, “let’s go public with our relationship. I will give you my everything.”
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?"
6 years ago, Lydia suffered a brutal betrayal orchestrated by her own husband and step-sister, who drugged her and framed her. In a twist of fate, she ended up having a one-night stand with a stranger. Don't even remember what he looked like. Later, in the throes of death, she discovered the truth about her mother's death all those years ago. In the blink of an eye, she lost everything. 6 years later, Lydia returned with her genius son, vowing to exact revenge on all her enemies! Little did she know, she encountered an incredibly familiar man at the airport! *** The man was briskly pushing open the door to the restroom, heading to the urinal. Even with such a mundane action, he did it with unparalleled elegance and grace. Lydia, following him in a daze, saw his fierce lower body and suddenly snapped back to reality. She let out a high-pitched scream, instinctively covering her eyes with her hands, her cheeks flushed, and stood there stiffly, unsure of what to do. Lambert furrowed his brows slightly but remained calm as he continued to relieve himself. The sound of water hitting the urinal made Lydia's face even redder. She angrily shouted, "You pervert!" Little did Lydia know that Lambert, seeing her in this state, had a flicker of recognition in his eyes. Memories from many years ago flashed through his mind, and his heart couldn't help but stir. It was her!
"We are divorced, Adams." She sighed and wanted to walk away, but he held her. "It doesn't matter." He answered, his voice laced with determination. "I don't love you anymore." "That doesn't matter either. What matters is that I want you, and there's nothing you or anyone can do about it." ***** Alicia's life has been a series of ups and downs. She suffered abuse from her husband and his family because she couldn't give him a child. She thought she had seen it all, but not until the day she returned home only to receive the divorce papers from her husband's parents. She pleaded with them, but was met with deaf ears, and so she signed the documents and left. Little did anyone know that she was pregnant. She returned six years later with her baby girl only to find her Ex-husband craving her once more. How will she take this, and what other surprises does fate have in stock for her?
Two years ago, Ricky found himself coerced into marrying Emma to protect the woman he cherished. From Ricky's perspective, Emma was despicable, resorting to underhanded schemes to ensure their marriage. He maintained a distant and cold attitude toward her, reserving his warmth for another. Yet, Emma remained wholeheartedly dedicated to Ricky for more than ten years. As she grew weary and considered relinquishing her efforts, Ricky was seized by a sudden fear. Only when Emma's life teetered on the edge, pregnant with Ricky's child, did he recognize-the love of his life had always been Emma.