/0/65218/coverbig.jpg?v=b72e4db33c7b8077cde7ecb9e396e08f)
One unforgettable night with a stranger leaves heiress Elara Kingston in ruin disowned, disgraced, and exiled with a secret she never intended to keep. Three years later, she returns, ready for revenge against those who betrayed her. But her carefully laid plans unravel the moment she locks eyes with Ronan Blackwood, the powerful CEO who was her mystery man...and the father of her child. As Elara tries to shield her secret while seeking her revenge, Ronan's intense, possessive pull is impossible to ignore. Drawn back into his world, she's caught between old betrayals, new passions, and a shocking truth that changes everything. When Ronan uncovers her secret, he'll do anything to claim what's his, including her heart. . Can Elara escape her past or is she destined to fall for the one man who could destroy her carefully built life all over again?
The glittering lights of the city blinked below as Elara Kingston stood on the rooftop terrace, clutching her champagne glass a little too tightly. Her engagement party was in full swing, guests mingling inside under crystal chandeliers, laughter and clinking glasses filling the air. But out here, with the cool night breeze brushing against her bare shoulders, she felt utterly alone. She drew in a slow breath, willing herself to smile, to hold onto the poised expression she had mastered over the years.
"Elara," came a familiar voice behind her, smooth and easy, like honey over gravel.
She turned to see her best friend, Mara, gliding toward her in a shimmering gold gown. They had been inseparable since childhood, sharing secrets, dreams, and late-night talks. Mara, with her dark hair and sharp features, had always been the fiery one, while Elara was the composed one. Tonight, Mara's eyes glittered as she reached out and squeezed Elara's hand.
"Why are you hiding out here?" Mara asked, tilting her head with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
Elara hesitated, forcing a laugh. "Just... taking a moment. It's a lot, you know?"
"A lot?" Mara echoed, arching an eyebrow. "You're engaged to Lucas Thorne. Every woman in that room would kill to be in your shoes right now."
Elara smiled, but the tension in her shoulders remained. "I know. It's just..." She trailed off, searching for words she couldn't quite find. For a moment, a shadow of something-doubt, perhaps-flickered in her gaze, but she pushed it away. Lucas was perfect, wasn't he? Ambitious, handsome, attentive. Everyone told her how lucky she was. She should feel lucky.
Mara's eyes sharpened, catching that moment of hesitation. "Is something wrong, Elara?"
"No, no," Elara said quickly. "I think I'm just... nervous. It's a big change."
Mara's hand tightened on her arm, her voice a low whisper. "Don't overthink it. Sometimes, we need to take what we can get in this world. And Lucas is... well, let's just say you'd be foolish to hesitate."
Elara felt a shiver run down her spine, but she brushed it off. Mara was right. She was probably just feeling the weight of the commitment. She forced a smile. "You're right. I just need to relax."
Mara's smile widened, her gaze lingering just a second too long before she released Elara's arm. "Exactly. Now, come back inside. Lucas has been looking for you."
As they walked back into the room, Elara caught sight of Lucas across the crowd. He was laughing with a group of guests, his blond hair catching the light, his blue eyes bright and warm as he scanned the room. When he saw her, his smile deepened, and he lifted his glass in her direction.
"Elara, there you are!" he called, making his way over. He slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. "Thought I lost you there for a moment."
"Just needed some air," she murmured, leaning into him, though her mind felt miles away.
Lucas kissed her temple, and for a moment, Elara closed her eyes, letting herself sink into the warmth of his embrace. But something-some small voice in the back of her mind-kept tugging at her. She brushed it aside, telling herself she was just overwhelmed.
The rest of the night passed in a blur of laughter, well-wishes, and sparkling champagne. Elara felt like a doll in a glass case, everyone's eyes on her, waiting for her to perform. She laughed at jokes she didn't find funny, nodded at conversations that floated past her, all while Mara and Lucas circled her like shadows.
At one point, Mara slipped away with a smile, disappearing into the crowd. Elara barely noticed, until later that night when Lucas whispered, "I'll be right back, darling." He pressed a quick kiss to her forehead, then vanished into the crowd as well.
Elara stood there, feeling a pang of unease as she watched him go. Something felt off, but she couldn't put her finger on it. Maybe it was just the champagne-or the weight of the evening itself. Deciding she needed a break from the endless small talk, she slipped out the side door and down the quiet hallway.
As she passed one of the rooms, she heard voices-a low murmur, followed by a soft laugh. Her steps slowed, and she paused by the door, her hand hovering over the handle. She shouldn't eavesdrop. It wasn't her business. But something about the tone, the familiarity in those voices, made her heart clench.
Against her better judgment, she inched the door open, peering inside. Her heart stopped.
There, in the dimly lit room, stood Lucas and Mara, close enough to touch. Too close. His hand rested on Mara's waist, their heads bent together as they whispered, and then... Mara leaned in, pressing her lips to his.
Elara felt the world tilt. Her breath caught in her throat, her fingers tightening on the doorknob as she watched, frozen, while everything she thought she knew shattered in an instant.
She stumbled back, her mind reeling, trying to make sense of what she'd just seen. But the truth was undeniable, sinking into her like a knife.
Lucas and Mara. Her fiancé. Her best friend.
She didn't know how long she stood there, numb and hollow, before her legs finally moved. Without a second thought, she turned and fled down the hallway, pushing open the doors and stepping out into the cool night air. The streets stretched before her, empty and quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos in her chest.
She didn't know where she was going. She just needed to get away, to escape the betrayal that now clung to her skin like poison. Her heels clacked against the pavement as she wandered through the city, her mind a whirlwind of anger, heartbreak, and disbelief.
Somewhere along the way, she found herself in front of a high-end nightclub, the kind of place she rarely visited. But tonight, she didn't care. She wanted to forget, to drown out the image of Lucas and Mara with anything else.
Inside, the music was loud, the lights dim. She slid onto a barstool, barely noticing the people around her as she ordered a drink. Her fingers trembled as she took a sip, the burn of the alcohol grounding her, if only slightly.
"Rough night?" a deep voice asked from beside her.
She turned, finding herself face-to-face with a man who exuded an effortless confidence. Dark hair, piercing eyes, and a smile that was equal parts charm and mystery. He looked at her with an intensity that made her pulse quicken.
"You could say that," she replied, surprised at the steadiness in her own voice.
"Care to talk about it?" he asked, his gaze unwavering.
She shook her head. "Not really."
"Then let's not talk." His smile widened, a flicker of something dangerous in his eyes. He held out his hand. "Dance with me?"
Without thinking, she took his hand, letting him lead her to the dance floor. The music pulsed around them, drowning out everything else as he pulled her close. His hands rested on her waist, his touch firm and reassuring, grounding her in a way she hadn't expected.
For a few precious moments, she forgot. She forgot about Lucas, about Mara, about the betrayal waiting for her back at the engagement party. She let herself get lost in the stranger's gaze, in the way he looked at her like she was the only person in the room.
One song blended into another, and soon they were moving in sync, their bodies swaying together in a rhythm that felt both natural and electric. His hand moved up to her cheek, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his gaze dark and searching.
"Elara," he murmured, his voice barely audible over the music.
She blinked, startled. "How do you know my name?"
He tilted his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You're unforgettable."
Heat flooded her cheeks, but she couldn't look away. Something about him felt... familiar, yet she couldn't place it. And right now, she didn't care. She leaned in, her lips brushing against his, soft and hesitant at first, before deepening as the desperation, the hurt, and the need to feel something-anything-overcame her.
They barely made it to the hotel room before their hands found each other, their movements urgent and hungry. For one night, she let herself forget everything, losing herself in the warmth of his touch, the intensity of his gaze, the comfort of his embrace.
It was only the next morning, when she woke alone in an unfamiliar bed, that reality crashed back in. Her head pounded, memories of the previous night a hazy blur. But as she sat up, her heart racing, she found herself staring at a note left on the bedside table.
It read, simply: Until we meet again.
She clutched the note, feeling an ache in her chest she didn't understand.
Sophia Rivera has always relied on her own grit and determination to carve a name for herself in the cutthroat world of art. At 29, she's on the cusp of success, managing an exclusive New York City gallery. The last thing she needs is distractions-especially in the form of Alexander Pierce, a devastatingly handsome tech billionaire nearly two decades her senior. Reserved, enigmatic, and harboring scars from a bitter past, Alexander is everything Sophia shouldn't want but can't seem to resist. Drawn together by chance, their connection quickly ignites into something undeniable. But their budding romance is anything but simple. Whispers of their age gap and Alexander's reclusive reputation follow them everywhere, while his cunning COO, Victoria Lannister, has her own reasons to keep him single-and firmly under her control. When hidden agendas and secrets threaten to tear them apart, Sophia must decide if love is worth risking her independence, while Alexander faces the ultimate challenge: lowering his walls and trusting in a love that defies logic and societal expectations. In a world where age, power, and appearances matter more than the truth, can two souls find their way to a love that's worth fighting for?
In the shadowy town of Black Hollow, secrets run as deep as the surrounding forests. Elena Voss, a young veterinary assistant, returns to uncover the truth about her late mother's past, only to stumble into a world she never knew existed-a world of ancient rivalries and untamed beasts. Damon Grey, the enigmatic alpha of the Shadowfang Pack, has always walked a fine line between duty and darkness. When Elena unknowingly trespasses on his territory, she becomes the target of Magnus Kane, a ruthless rogue alpha bent on revenge. Tasked with protecting her, Damon must confront his own demons while keeping her safe. As Elena unravels her connection to the werewolf legacy, a dangerous attraction grows between her and Damon. But when a shocking truth about her heritage comes to light, she must choose between the life she thought she wanted and the one destiny has in store. With betrayal lurking at every turn and war brewing on the horizon, will Elena and Damon's bond be enough to overcome the forces threatening to tear them apart? Or will their love ignite a war that will destroy them both
Elena Ricci's world shatters when her mother falls critically ill, leaving her with no options but desperation. A whispered suggestion from a friend leads her to a dark and twisted auction where the rich buy more than just art. Desperate for the money to save her mother, Elena agrees to auction herself, only to be swept away by a man far more dangerous than she ever imagined. Dante Moretti, the ruthless Mafia Lord of Milan, didn't plan to buy anyone that night. But something about Elena's fire her defiance, her desperation captivates him. He saves her, but his intentions are anything but pure. Now trapped in his luxurious world of power and violence, Elena fights to keep her independence, even as Dante's possessive obsession over her deepens. Two years later, with her mother saved and a child born from their twisted union, Elena plans to escape. But Dante's enemies have other plans, using her and their child as pawns in a deadly game. Just when she thinks she's nothing more than a bargaining chip, Dante risks everything to rescue her, unraveling a passion neither of them can deny. Can Elena break free from the Mafia Lord's grasp, or will Dante's love prove to be the most dangerous force of all?
22-year-old Evelyn Carter is attempting to start over in California while avoiding her past. She will be embarking on a new career path as a private school teacher. She is smart, attractive, and doesn't put up with nonsense. Who wouldn't notice her? However, what happens when she attracts the attention of someone unwilling to let her go? Who wants her and nothing else after falling in love at first sight? A 25-year-old billionaire CEO and single father, Lucian Carrington. He takes what he wants and he is also a very dangerous man. All it needed was one look at a stunning woman to realize she was HIS, even though he doesn't believe in relationships because they always end. Preview: Miss Carter, you will be mine. I say firmly. "Release my arm, Mr. Carrington, before I force you to." She says, seeming to smile at me. I give her a sly smile. Squeezing my wrist with her other hand, she twists it uncomfortably. I gave a painful hiss. "Don't underestimate me, Mr. Carrington." "This is the only time I will allow you to walk away from me, Miss Carter." She glared at me as she turned. "Mr. Carrington, I am no possession of yours." I was left standing there when she opened the classroom door and left.
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?
As a simple assistant, messaging the CEO in the dead of night to request shares of adult films was a bold move. Bethany, unsurprisingly, didn't receive any films. However, the CEO responded that, while he had no films to share, he could offer a live demonstration. After a night filled with passion, Bethany was certain she'd lose her job. But instead, her boss proposed, "Marry me. Please consider it." "Mr. Bates, you're kidding me, right?"
Iris grew from an orphaned child to the adopted daughter of the Stewart family at age ten, finding warmth in her nominal uncle Vincent's kindness. Seven years later, she became his secret lover. When Vincent's engagement was announced, gossip spread about the notorious playboy CEO finally settling down. But only Iris knew the extent of his cold, two-faced nature. Iris fell for Vincent and, through tears, begged, "Marry me," only to be met with his frosty refusal. Defeated, she accepted a lawyer's proposal, sparking public excitement. Then, on her wedding day, Vincent pleaded desperately, "Don't marry him…"
"Love is blind!" Lucinda abandoned her beautiful and comfortable life because of a man. She married him and slaved off for him for three long years. One day, the scales finally fell off her eyes. She realized that all her efforts were in vain. Her husband, Nathaniel still treated her like shit. All he cared about was his lover. "Enough is enough! I quit wasting my years with an ungrateful man!" Lucinda's heart was shattered into many pieces, but she summoned up the courage to ask for a divorce. The news caused a stir online! A filthy rich young woman recently got divorced? She was a good catch! Countless CEOs and handsome young men immediately swarmed to her like bees to honey! Nathaniel couldn't take it anymore. He held a press conference and begged with teary eyes, "I love you, Lucinda. I can't live without you. Please come back to me." Would Lucinda give him a second chance? Read to find out!
For three years, Shane and Yvonne were wed, sharing heated nights, while his devotion clung to his ex. Yvonne strove to be a dutiful wife, yet their marriage felt hollow, built on desire rather than real warmth. All changed when she became pregnant, only for Shane to thrust her onto the operating table, warning, “Either you or the baby survives!” Broken by his cruelty, she vanished in grief and later returned, radiantly accomplished, leaving everyone awestruck. Haunted by remorse, Shane begged for another chance, but Yvonne only smiled and replied, “I’m sorry, men no longer interest me.”