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 Cameron had dismissed it as an outdated clause, but now it loomed over him like a ticking time bomb.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?
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...
Lindsey's fiancé was the devil's first son. Not only did he lie to her but he also slept with her stepmother, conspired to take away her family fortune, and then set her up to have sex with a total stranger. To get her lick back, Lindsey decided to find a man to disrupt her engagement party and humiliate the cheating bastard. Never did she imagine that she would bump into a strikingly handsome stranger who was all that she was currently looking for. At the engagement party, he boldly declared that she was his woman. Lindsey thought he was just a broke man who wanted to leech off her. But once they began their fake relationship, she realized that good luck kept coming her way. She thought they would part ways after the engagement party, but this man kept to her side. "We gotta stick together, Lindsey. Remember, I'm now your fiancé. " "Domenic, you're with me because of my money, aren't you?" Lindsey asked, narrowing her eyes at him. Domenic was taken aback by that accusation. How could he, the heir of the Walsh family and CEO of Vitality Group, be with her for money? He controlled more than half of the city's economy. Money wasn't a problem for him! The two got closer and closer. One day, Lindsey finally realized that Domenic was actually the stranger she had slept with months ago. Would this realization change things between them? For the better or worse?
It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mistake of falling in love with Kristopher. When the time came that she needed him the most, her husband was in the company of another woman. Enough was enough. Carrie chose to divorce Kristopher and move on with her life. Only when she left did Kristopher realize how important she was to him. In the face of his ex-wife’s countless admirers, Kristopher offered her 20 million dollars and proposed a new deal. “Let’s get married again.”
Leanna's life had been full of hardships until her Uncle Nate, who wasn't related to her, offered her a home. She fell deeply in love with Nate, but as he was about to get married, he ruthlessly sent her abroad. In response, Leanna immersed herself in the study of andrology. When she came back, she was renowned for her work on solving problems like impotence, premature ejaculation, and infertility. One day, Nate trapped her in her bedroom. "Seeing various men every day, huh? Why don't you check me out and see if I have any problems?" Leanna laughed slyly and quickly unbuckled his belt. "Is that why you're engaged but not married? Having trouble in the bedroom?" "Wanna try it out for yourself?" "No thanks. I’m not interested in experimenting with you."
"Then let's get a divorce!" With courage, Leora left her husband's house, after being accused of poisoning his mistress. Her in-laws and sister-in-law had planned various ways to kick her out of Peter's house and in the end Leora gave in. However, no one expected that things would turn 180 degrees after the divorce. When everyone who had hurt her was happy with each other's lies, Leora returned. This time, she was no longer the poor orphan girl from the orphanage. She has changed and not only that, she also carries a big secret that will make everyone turn to worship her feet.
"Sign the divorce papers and get out!" Leanna got married to pay a debt, but she was betrayed by her husband and shunned by her in-laws. Seeing that her efforts were in vain, she agreed to divorce and claimed her half of the properties. With her purse plump from the settlement, Leanna enjoyed her newfound freedom. The constant harassment from her ex's mistress never fazed her. She took back her identities as top hacker, champion racer, medical professor, and renowned jewelry designer. Then someone discovered her secret. Matthew smiled. "Will you have me as your next husband?"