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 Cameron had dismissed it as an outdated clause, but now it loomed over him like a ticking time bomb.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?
Once upon a time, there were two kingdoms once at peace. The kingdom of Salem and the kingdom of Mombana... Until the day, the king of Mombana passed away and a new monarch took over, Prince Cone. Prince Cone, has always been hungry for more power and more and more. After his coronation, he attacked Salem. The attack was so unexpected, Salem never prepared for it. They were caught off guard. The king and Queen was killed, the prince was taken into slavery. The people of Salem that survived the war was enslaved, their land taken from them. Their women were made sex slaves. They lost everything, including their land. Evil befall the land of Salem in form of Prince Cone, and the prince of Salem in his slavery was filled with so much rage. The prince of Salem, Prince Lucien swore revenge. 🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳 Ten years later, thirty-years old Lucien and his people raided a coup and escaped slavery. They went into hiding and recuperated. They trained day and night under the leadership of the fearless and cold Lucien who was driven with everything in him to get back their land, and take Mombana land too. It took them five years before they ambushed and attacked Mombana. They killed Prince Cone and reclaimed everything. As they screamed out their victory, Lucien's eyes found and pinned the proud princess of Mombana. Princess Danika. The daughter of Prince Cone. As Lucien stared at her with the coldest eyes anyone can ever possess, he felt victory for the first time. He walked to the princess with the slave collar he'd won for ten years rattling in his hand as he walked. He reached close to her and with a swift movement, he collared her neck. Then, he tilted her chin up, staring into the bluest eyes and the most beautiful face ever created, he gave her a cold smile. "You are my acquisition. My slave. My sex slave. My property. I will pay you in spades, everything you and your father ever did to me and my people." He stated curtly. Pure hatred, coldness and victory was the only emotion on his face. .
Yelena discovered that she wasn't her parents' biological child. After seeing through their ploy to trade her as a pawn in a business deal, she was sent away to her barren birthplace. There, she stumbled upon her true origins—a lineage of historic opulence. Her real family showered her with love and adoration. In the face of her so-called sister's envy, Yelena conquered every adversity and took her revenge, all while showcasing her talents. She soon caught the attention of the city's most eligible bachelor. He cornered Yelena and pinned her against the wall. “It's time to reveal your true identity, darling.”
Linsey was stood up by her groom to run off with another woman. Furious, she grabbed a random stranger and declared, "Let's get married!" She had acted on impulse, realizing too late that her new husband was the notorious rascal, Collin. The public laughed at her, and even her runaway ex offered to reconcile. But Linsey scoffed at him. "My husband and I are very much in love!" Everyone thought she was delusional. Then Collin was revealed to be the richest man in the world. In front of everyone, he got down on one knee and held up a stunning diamond ring. "I look forward to our forever, honey."
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.”
For as long as Emily can remember, she has wanted to overcome her shyness and explore her sexuality. Still, everything changes when she receives an invitation to visit one of the town's most prestigious BDSM clubs, DESIRE'S DEN. On the day she chose to peruse the club, she noticed three men, all dressed in suits, standing on the upper level, near the railing. Despite her limited vision, she persisted in fixating on them. Their towering statues belied the toned bodies concealed by their sharply tailored suits-or so she could tell. The hair of two of them was short and dark, and the third had light brown-possibly blond-hair that reached the shoulders. The dark, crimson background incised their figures, exuding an air of mystery and strength. They stood in stark contrast to the unfiltered, primal energy that pulsed through the club. Shocked by the desires these men aroused in her, she was disappointed to learn that they were masters seeking a slave to divide and conquer. She couldn't afford the fee, and she also realized that they were outside her league. Emily hurriedly left the club, feeling disappointed and depressed, unaware that she had also caught the group's attention. A world of wicked pleasure, three handsome men. Over the years, they have lived a life of decadence, their lavish lair serving as a stage for their most sinister desires. But despite the unending parade of willing subjects, one woman sticks out. A mysterious stranger with white porcelain skin and a killer body, a slave, a name with no address, the first lady to attract their eye and they will go to any length to obtain her no matter the consequences.
Life was perfect until she met her boyfriend's big brother. There was a forbidden law in the Night Shade Pack that if the head Alpha rejected his mate, he would be stripped of his position. Sophia's life would get connected with the law. She was an Omega who was dating the head Alpha's younger brother. Bryan Morrison, the head Alpha, was not only a cold-blooded man but also a charming business tycoon. His name was enough to cause other packs to tremble. He was known as a ruthless man. What if, by some twist of destiny, Sophia's path were to intertwine with his?