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Emelie Beatrice never imagined her life could fall apart in an instant. Betrayed by her fiancé who vanished with their wedding funds, then waking up beside a stranger after a night of heartbreak-it all happened too fast, too painfully. Just when she's on the edge of despair, the stranger returns, offering protection and a sense of responsibility. But behind his captivating gaze lies a dark secret-Franz, the man who appeared out of nowhere, is the hidden heir of a powerful family kept in the shadows because of a dangerous mental disorder. Caught between the trauma of her past and a sincerity too fragile to trust, Emelie must choose-run from the truth, or face a love that arrives in the most unexpected form.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
A smile had never left Emelie Beatrice's lips all day. She was full of excitement as her wedding day drew near. During her break, she took a moment to write down the names of hotel colleagues she would invite to her wedding. Her childhood dreams were slowly coming true - from working at a prestigious place to now planning to marry at one of the five-star Hurwizt hotels in the heart of Brussels.
"Emelie, aren't you coming to the cafeteria?" asked Delia, one of the sales marketing staff and a close friend of hers.
"Thanks, Delia. I already had breakfast this morning. I think I need to cut back a little before the wedding," Emelie replied with a gentle smile.
"You still want to diet? Your body's already slim, Emelie. Think of Matthew-he might not know what to hold on to on your wedding night," Delia said bluntly. She was known for speaking her mind without much filter.
"You should get your boobs done. I know a reliable doctor if you're interested," she added with a wink before quickly leaving after seeing Emelie's sharp glare.
Emelie let out a sigh, stretching her arms slightly. She had been working at Hurwizt for nearly three years as a financial manager. Despite the hardships, she endured it all to save for her wedding.
Lately, however, something had felt off. For the past three days, her fiancé Matthew hadn't been in touch - quite unusual, since he always managed to send a message or video call her even briefly. Emelie knew he'd been busy with his work as an architect, and just a week ago, he had flown to Bogotá.
She kept sending him messages, calling multiple times. All she wanted was a little reassurance from the man she loved.
"Baby... are you okay? Why is it so hard to reach you?"
Emelie typed another message and sent it. The message was only marked with one check mark - and a few minutes later, it changed to "read."
"I'm sorry, love. I've been busy. I'll call when I get a moment. I love you, Emelie."
Her eyes sparkled with relief as she read Matthew's reply. All her doubts faded away in an instant. She felt calm again, trusting in Matthew's love.
"I love you more, Matt!"
That short message was her reply. She put away her phone just as Monica - a woman seventeen years her senior and the trusted manager of the Hurwizt Hotel - approached her.
"Emelie, are you busy?" Monica asked in her usual flat tone. Her blood-red lipstick and cold expression left no trace of warmth.
"No, Miss. Do you need something?" Emelie stood straight, slightly bowing her head.
"Good. I need you to work late tonight. I want the annual financial report redone. I need it finished by tomorrow morning, if possible. I believe in you, Emelie. Can you do that?"
"I'm sorry, Miss. But didn't I already submit that report two weeks ago?"
"Yes. But it's gone, and it's best that you redo it," Monica replied, rolling her eyes slightly.
"Understood, Miss Monica. I'll work on it and hand it over first thing tomorrow."
It wasn't easy for Emelie to redo everything from scratch. She barely moved from her chair, munching on a piece of bread and sipping warm coffee Delia had brought her. Time passed, coworkers went home one by one, and the office grew quiet. Even Delia complained when she heard Emelie was staying behind to work late.
Still, Emelie wasn't scared - just afraid of making a mistake in the numbers on her screen.
Most computers were off, except hers. She rubbed the bridge of her nose. The report was nearly complete; she only needed to print and file it on Monica's desk.
Her hazel eyes glanced at the diamond ring on her finger - the one Matthew had given her on Christmas Eve, during his heartfelt proposal. It still felt surreal that someone could love her so deeply. She had never known love growing up. Her father was a drunk and a cheater. Her mother endured his abuse until illness finally took her. Emelie was still young when her mother died, and since then, she had survived on her own. She worked hard to support herself through school and life.
Matthew was the first person who had taught her what love really was - not through material things, but with genuine care and affection, something she'd never received from her father.
She completed her work at 9 PM. After waiting quite a while for a taxi, one finally stopped for her. She leaned back and closed her eyes once they left the hotel. Her body was drained. It wasn't the job, salary, or position that exhausted her - it was dealing with her boss, Monica, that wore her down the most.
"Thank you," Emelie said, handing over the taxi fare.
She stepped out and stared at the apartment she had bought a year ago - her dream place. It was meant to be the home she and Matthew would share after their wedding. She entered a special number combination - their anniversary date - and the door clicked open. The lights turned on automatically as she walked inside. Everything was in place. The space was cozy, and the modern furniture made her smile.
She walked into the master bedroom - or rather, their bedroom, as the apartment only had two: one for them, and the other a shared walk-in closet.
After stripping off her clothes, she stood under the shower, letting the warm water wash away the stress of the day.
"You should be here, Matt. I'm using your favorite-scented soap," she muttered with a soft giggle, imagining the steamy things they'd do after marriage.
That was one thing she admired about Matthew - he never pressured her into sex. From the moment she told him she wanted to wait until marriage, he respected her. All he ever asked for was a gentle kiss.
After her shower, she headed to the kitchen, pulling out ingredients for a salad and some lean beef - her current diet to ensure her wedding dress would still fit perfectly.
****
The hotel was unusually busy today. The ballroom had been decorated with flowers for the hotel's 10th anniversary celebration. Everyone was bustling around with tasks. Emelie, now working a different role, was arranging name cards for the guests. She felt awkward among the more experienced partygoers - especially compared to Matthew, who was known for his charisma and vast social circle. He often attended office parties and events.
Emelie wore a simple black dress and left her hair down. Her makeup was minimal, except for her dark red lipstick - a bold change from her usual nude shades.
She had wanted to skip the event, but Monica and Delia had pushed her to come. Her thoughts were muddled. Last night, during a call with Matthew, she had heard a woman whisper "Honey" in the background.
When she asked him about it, he snapped, saying it was just a coworker who happened to be on the phone with him too.
"Come on, Emelie. What's wrong with trusting your fiancé for once? You're just being jealous," she told herself while staring at her reflection in the restroom mirror.
As she was about to leave the restroom, a familiar voice called out.
"Emelie!"
"Gabriela," Emelie replied with a faint smile.
"Emelie, I was just about to call you. I didn't expect we'd meet tonight. Can we talk?" Gabriela gently touched Emelie's arm, trying to read her expression.
"Of course. Is there something wrong with the wedding preparations?" Emelie trusted Gabriela, her wedding planner, to handle everything.
"Are you sure things are okay between you and your fiancé?" Gabriela asked, ignoring the question.
"Yes, of course. Matthew and I are doing fine. We spoke last night," Emelie replied calmly, though her heart was pounding.
"There's been a complication. Two days ago, Matthew contacted me... and he said something that shocked me," Gabriela said carefully.
"What do you mean? What did Matthew say?" Emelie asked, voice rising with panic.
"He canceled the wedding, Emelie," Gabriela said in a low voice, watching the tears well up in Emelie's wide, shocked eyes.
"No! That's not true. Matthew and I would never cancel our wedding. There must be some mistake," Emelie backed away, shaking her head.
"I didn't believe it either... until I saw this," Gabriela said, showing Emelie photos and videos of Matthew with another woman at her office, requesting the wedding be canceled.
Emelie's world shattered as she stared at the evidence. She couldn't speak. Her body trembled as her tears fell uncontrollably.
"Didn't Matthew tell you anything?" Gabriela asked gently, placing a hand on Emelie's shoulder as she collapsed to the floor.
Emelie shook her head, sobbing. Her chest felt tight, her voice lost. She never imagined this would be her fate - so heartbroken, humiliated.
"Did he take the money, too?" Emelie asked.
"Yes. Matthew took everything. The only thing that couldn't be refunded was the hotel suite," Gabriela replied, her own voice full of guilt.
Devastated, Emelie drank glass after glass of golden liquid handed to her by a waiter. She didn't care anymore. Tears kept streaming down her cheeks.
She tried calling Matthew again and again - dozens, then hundreds of times. But he never picked up. Her phone finally died from low battery.
"Stop drinking, Emelie. You're drunk," Delia scolded, snatching away another glass.
"What's wrong with you? Are you upset because Matthew isn't answering?" Delia probed, seeing how distraught Emelie had become.
"I have to go, Delia," Emelie said, brushing her off and stumbling away, refusing help.
Tears streamed down her face as she walked down the hotel corridor. Her heart was in pieces. She decided to spend the night in the presidential suite - the very room meant for her wedding night, now the witness of her ruin.
Elsewhere, a man was stumbling down the hallway. Franz's head was spinning, his body burning. He tore off his expensive jacket and loosened his bowtie, overwhelmed. He had no idea what drink had done this to him - or maybe it was the taste of freedom after being released from that cursed white room. His mind was filled with images of a sensual woman riding him, his desire building rapidly.
He reached his room, swiping his card repeatedly, but the door wouldn't open. Frustrated, he pounded on the door. Just as he was about to give up, the door opened. Standing there was a blurry but incredibly sexy woman - wet hair cascading down her back, wearing only a white shirt.
Overcome by lust, Franz pulled her inside and captured her lips in a fiery kiss, one hand tangling in her damp hair, the other gripping her waist.
No introductions. No thoughts. Just raw desire.
Emelie was stunned by the sudden kiss, pushed back inside her room. She tried to resist to scream, but the man overpowered her, lips never leaving hers.
"Don't do this!" she gasped, breathless, struggling as his hand slid under her shirt.
Franz didn't stop. The scent of strawberries only made him hungrier. He glanced at her face for a moment, then resumed kissing her.
"Trust me, I won't hurt you," he whispered huskily.
Franz had no intention of letting go. Tonight, he would be selfish. He didn't care if she hated him after this. He just needed her - all of her.
Emelie, exhausted from fighting, finally gave in. Something about his touch his voice made her feel safe.
The sound of fabric tearing echoed in the room. His hands explored every inch of her skin, his kisses igniting her entire body.
That night, she gave herself fully to Franz - the man who would unknowingly ruin and reshape her future.
And as he drifted off beside her, arms wrapped around her waist, he murmured:
"You're mine. Only mine."
***
After giving everything to Carlos Holland, Morana Hartley received betrayal in return, committed by Carlos along with Laura Perry, who was once Carlos's girlfriend. Morana also faced ridicule for not being able to bear children for Carlos. Morana couldn't accept everything easily, especially after finding out that Carlos's family was responsible for killing her father. Morana accidentally met Valdés Theodorv, who used to be Carlos's rival. Valdés offered a condition to marry and bear children for him. Morana agreed to whatever Valdés wanted as long as she could destroy the life of Carlos Holland and his affair.
"Die. Die Camelia, I hate your arrogant attitude! It would help if you died," Samuel added, continuing to choke Camelia until she was out of breath. Camelia tried to rebel, but it was difficult. Her chest was tight; tears kept flowing down her eyes as her gaze continued to stare hatefully at Samuel's face. Samuel released the choke on Camelia's neck. The woman's body fell to the floor limply. "Since you already know everything about Simona and me, There is no choice but to kill you, Camelia," Samuel said in a cold and piercing tone. Samuel accepted the golf club from his girlfriend, Simona. Without thinking, he hit Camelia's head with the golf club not only once but repeatedly until fresh blood flowed from Camelia's head. "Camelia Shanon, I have hated you for a long time. I won't apologize; you've ruined my happiness! You're an arrogant eldest daughter; I had to be forced to marry you. After this, I will live quietly without you." Samuel laughed with his lover. "Where are we taking Camelia's body?" Simona asked Samuel. "You can rest easy. I have prepared the most beautiful funeral for Shanon's dear daughter." "God, I want to live! To avenge all the pain of my heart," she thought with the pain at the end of her life. *** Camellia shannon philips has been devastated after finding out that the man she was married to all along was just using her. Having an affair and openly saying no after taking away all of Camellia's possessions, her husband Samuel also killed Camellia and threw her into a ravine. but Camelia didn't expect that she would be given the opportunity to be in Elisabelt's body. Camelia lives a new life as Elisa to take revenge for her hurt
First love will never succeed But for Angelica Gabriela Christopher. She will get whatever she wants, by any means including trapping Christian Logan Grayson in a contract marriage. A mutually beneficial marriage for both of them, makes them involved in unresolved heart issues. Will they stay together or divorce instead?
Auristella, often called Ella, is a woman with a cold face, rarely smiles, and has a glamorous style, often considered arrogant. She is married to Neal Wilson, who has openly cheated on her several times in front of Ella. Even Ella, who often cleans up all the mess and covers up her husband's scandals. What is love? Ella no longer has love for Neal, only pity for the foolishness that Neal has done all this time. LOVE CAN CHANGE, including Ella who suddenly falls in love with Archie, her husband's friend
RETURNING THE FAVOR! That's what happened Ruby didn't expect. Victor Anthony asked for something back that Victor's parents had given her as a child. Not in the form of money, not in the form of property! Victor, asks Ruby to give him a son. Ruby had to agree to a letter, stating that she agreed to carry Victor's baby. "It's only a moment Ruby! You only need to be pregnant for 9 months, after that you are free to go anywhere."
Queenzella or often called Zella is one of the secret agents. Zella is on a mission where she has to track down a serial killer in Cristopher's house, no, more precisely she is trying to pry information from Kenneth Cristopher who is the brother of the very private Mikequel Cristopher. Being a maid in Cristopher's house is crazy, especially since Kenneth has something inside him that always disturbs Zella's peace. Will all of Zella's plans work? or instead, he fell into a complicated love story? then how Zella completed all her missions and caught Mikequel the serial killer who loved her
Trigger warning!!! Intended for mature readers who enjoy morally complex, slow-burn, poseesive, forbidden, dark romance that pushes boundaries. ***EXCERPT*** Blood everywhere. Trembling hands. "No!" My eyes blurred. His lifeless eyes stared back at me, his blood pooling at my feet. The man I loved-dead. Killed by the one person I could never escape - my stepbrother. *** Kasmine's life was never hers to begin with. Kester, her stepbrother, controlled and monitored her every move. At first, it was all sweet and brotherly until it began to turn into an obsession. Kester was the Alpha, and his word was law. No close friends. No boyfriends. No freedom. The only consolation Kasmine had was her twenty-first birthday, which was supposed to change everything. She dreamt of finding her mate, escaping the sickening control of Kester, and finally claiming her own life. But fate had other plans for her. On the night of her birthday, not only was she disappointed that she wasn't mated to the love of her life, but she found out that her mate was none other than him - Her tormentor. Her stepbrother. She'd rather die than be mated to a man whom she had known as her big brother all her life. A man who would do just anything to make sure she was his. But when love turns to obsession, and obsession turns to blood, how far can one girl run before she realizes there is nowhere else to run to?
Rachel used to think that her devotion would win Brian over one day, but she was proven wrong when his true love returned. Rachel had endured it all—from standing alone at the altar to dragging herself to the hospital for an emergency treatment. Everyone thought she was crazy to give up so much of herself for someone who didn’t return her feelings. But when Brian received news of Rachel’s terminal illness and realized she didn’t have long to live, he completely broke down. "I forbid you to die!" Rachel just smiled. She no longer needed him. "I will finally be free."
Lyric had spent her life being hated. Bullied for her scarred face and hated by everyone-including her own mate-she was always told she was ugly. Her mate only kept her around to gain territory, and the moment he got what he wanted, he rejected her, leaving her broken and alone. Then, she met him. The first man to call her beautiful. The first man to show her what it felt like to be loved. It was only one night, but it changed everything. For Lyric, he was a saint, a savior. For him, she was the only woman that had ever made him cum in bed-a problem he had been battling for years. Lyric thought her life would finally be different, but like everyone else in her life, he lied. And when she found out who he really was, she realized he wasn't just dangerous-he was the kind of man you don't escape from. Lyric wanted to run. She wanted freedom. But she desired to navigate her way and take back her respect, to rise above the ashes. Eventually, she was forced into a dark world she didn't wish to get involved with.
Rumors said that Lucas married an unattractive woman with no background. In the three years they were together, he remained cold and distant to Belinda, who endured in silence. Her love for him forced her to sacrifice her self-worth and her dreams. When Lucas' true love reappeared, Belinda realized that their marriage was a sham from the start, a ploy to save another woman's life. She signed the divorce papers and left. Three years later, Belinda returned as a surgical prodigy and a maestro of the piano. Lost in regret, Lucas chased her in the rain and held her tightly. "You are mine, Belinda."
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.
On the day of their wedding anniversary, Joshua's mistress drugged Alicia, and she ended up in a stranger's bed. In one night, Alicia lost her innocence, while Joshua's mistress carried his child in her womb. Heartbroken and humiliated, Alicia demanded a divorce, but Joshua saw it as yet another tantrum. When they finally parted ways, she went on to become a renowned artist, sought out and admired by everyone. Consumed by regret, Joshua darkened her doorstep in hopes of reconciliation, only to find her in the arms of a powerful tycoon. "Say hello to your sister-in-law."