Isabella Cruz never asked for a fairy tale romance especially not with Rafael DeLuca, Manila's most ruthless CEO and heir to a powerful mafia empire. Thrown into an engagement she didn't choose, Bella tries to keep her heart safe from the cold, arrogant man who believes she's nothing but a gold-digger. But when she finds herself falling for him, her world shatters as Rafael's true intentions are revealed: he never wanted her, and he certainly never loved her. After signing their divorce papers with a broken heart and a secret child on the way Bella disappears from Rafael's life, determined to start anew. But when she reappears months later as the dazzling heiress of a wealthy business tycoon, Rafael's world is turned upside down. She's no longer the timid woman he underestimated she's now the queen of the city's elite, and everyone wants her. As Rafael grapples with the loss of the only woman who truly saw him, he realizes he might have thrown away the only love that ever mattered. But will he be able to win her back in a world that won't easily forgive his mistakes, or has Bella finally slipped beyond his reach?
Isabella's fingers trembled as she stared down at the intricate lace veil draped over her lap, ivory silk that looked delicate enough to dissolve at her touch. She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on her, of the decision she hadn't made for herself. Today wasn't supposed to feel like this. It was supposed to be joyous, shared with someone who'd chosen her, someone who'd loved her. But instead, she was preparing to become Mrs. Isabella DeLuca, not out of love, but out of obligation.
Her stomach tightened. The DeLuca family was famous throughout Manila, known for their wealth and influence, their pristine public image masking the infamous underworld ties whispered about in shadowy circles. And Rafael DeLuca, her soon-to-be husband, was both feared and revered, the kind of man who could make or break empires with a single command.
"Isabella, you're not even dressed yet," Clara's voice broke into her thoughts, grounding her. Her best friend stood in the doorway, watching her with a concerned frown.
Isabella managed a shaky smile. "I was just...thinking."
Clara crossed her arms. "You're scared, aren't you?"
Isabella glanced away, biting her lip. "Wouldn't you be?" she whispered. "I don't even know him, Clara. And he-he thinks I'm just after his family's wealth. That's all he sees when he looks at me."
Clara's eyes softened, and she crossed the room, kneeling beside Isabella. "Then show him who you are. Make him see past his assumptions. You're stronger than he thinks, Bella. You know that."
Isabella let Clara's words sink in, gathering a spark of courage. Yet, just as quickly, she felt it wane under the crushing weight of reality. "I just don't know if he'll ever look at me like...like I matter."
Before Clara could respond, a firm knock echoed through the room. Both women turned, and Isabella's breath hitched as she caught sight of Rafael standing in the doorway, his tall frame filling the space, an unreadable expression on his face.
Rafael's gaze was cold, piercing as his dark eyes scanned over her. He looked every inch the powerful, untouchable man she'd heard rumors about, his tailored suit molding to his lean frame. There was a subtle tension in his stance, as though he were holding back the force of his presence, keeping something volatile in check.
"Isabella," he said, his voice low and unyielding. "A moment alone, if you don't mind?"
Clara shot Isabella a concerned glance before slipping out of the room, leaving them in tense silence. Isabella could feel her pulse quicken, her nerves sharpening as she tried to steady herself.
"You're nervous," Rafael observed, his tone detached, almost clinical. His eyes flicked to the dress, then back to her, as if assessing her suitability as an accessory rather than a partner.
She lifted her chin, meeting his gaze with as much defiance as she could muster. "I think that's understandable, given that I'm marrying a stranger," she replied, forcing her voice to remain steady.
Rafael's mouth curved in a sardonic smile. "A stranger with a considerable fortune, one might add."
Isabella bristled, feeling the sting of his accusation. "I don't care about your money, Rafael. I agreed to this marriage because it was my family's wish. Not for whatever wealth or power your name carries."
He regarded her with a look of cool skepticism, one brow raised in silent challenge. "Is that so?" he murmured, taking a step closer. She could feel the intensity of his gaze bearing down on her, stripping away her defenses. "Then tell me, Isabella, what do you want from this marriage?"
She hesitated, searching for an answer that would convey the truth without making her vulnerable. But all she could muster was, "I just want a chance."
He tilted his head, his expression hardening. "A chance for what?"
"To prove to you that I'm more than whatever assumptions you've made about me," she replied, the words spilling out before she could second-guess herself.
Rafael's eyes narrowed slightly, his silence stretching on as he studied her. She felt the weight of his scrutiny, the way he seemed to probe for weaknesses, for anything that might confirm his suspicions. But then, just as quickly, he dismissed her with a slight nod, as though he'd already made up his mind.
"Fine," he said curtly. "But let's get one thing straight, Isabella. This marriage is a formality. My grandfather wished for it, and I'll honor his request, but beyond that-there's nothing between us."
Her heart sank at the cold finality in his tone, but she fought to keep her composure. "I understand."
"Do you?" he challenged, his voice laced with quiet menace. "Because if you ever try to interfere with my life or make demands, this arrangement will end before it begins. I don't have time for childish games."
Anger flared within her, and she clenched her fists, struggling to maintain her calm. "I don't intend to interfere with anything, Rafael. But I won't be treated like some kind of accessory either."
His lips curved into a mocking smile. "Good. Then we understand each other."
With that, he turned, leaving her standing there, her chest tight with a mixture of fury and disappointment. She took a steadying breath, her gaze hardening. She wouldn't let him break her spirit, no matter how he saw her. She would prove herself-not for his sake, but for her own.
The wedding ceremony was a blur. She barely registered the priest's words, barely felt Rafael's hand as he slid the ring onto her finger. The weight of the vows felt hollow, their words spoken in a language foreign to the emotions they were supposed to hold. And when Rafael's lips brushed hers in the lightest, most perfunctory kiss, it was as though he'd merely brushed his lips against stone.
At the reception, Rafael was distant, polite but detached, and Isabella felt like an outsider in her own marriage. She could feel the curious stares from guests, the whispered speculations about their match, the subtle glances at Rafael's first love, Alessa Santiago, who stood by the corner, her gaze lingering a little too long on Rafael.
Isabella couldn't help herself. She approached him, her expression guarded but determined. "Rafael," she said quietly, drawing his attention.
He looked at her, his brow arching in mild surprise. "Yes?"
"I...I thought maybe we could talk," she said, feeling awkward under his cool gaze.
"About what?" he asked, his tone almost bored.
She hesitated, her heart pounding. "About us. About...this marriage."
Rafael glanced around, ensuring they were out of earshot, then looked back at her, his expression unreadable. "There's nothing to discuss, Isabella. We made a commitment. I intend to keep it. That's all."
She felt a pang of frustration, a spark of anger igniting. "Is that really all you have to say?"
His jaw clenched, and his eyes narrowed. "I don't know what you expected, Isabella. A fairytale? Love at first sight? You knew what this was from the beginning."
She swallowed, feeling a flush of anger rise to her cheeks. "I don't expect love, Rafael. But I did hope for respect."
He laughed, a cold, humorless sound. "Respect? For what? For being my grandfather's choice? For following orders?"
Her cheeks flamed with embarrassment and anger, and she glared up at him. "You know nothing about me."
He leaned in, his voice a dangerous murmur. "And I have no intention of learning."
Isabella felt her heart shatter, but she met his gaze head-on. "Then perhaps you'll regret that one day," she said quietly, her voice laced with a courage she barely felt.
For a moment, something flickered in his eyes, a flash of surprise or perhaps respect, but it vanished as quickly as it had come. He straightened, his expression closing off once more. "If you'll excuse me, I have guests to attend to."
And with that, he walked away, leaving Isabella standing there, feeling as though she'd just been punched in the gut.
The weeks that followed were a silent battle. They were civil to each other, polite in public, and indifferent in private. Rafael spent most of his nights away from home, either in his office or out at events. Isabella busied herself with her work, trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy, of control over her own life.
But it was Alessa's presence that gnawed at her the most, the way she lingered around Rafael, their shared history evident in every glance, every word exchanged between them. Isabella felt like an intruder, an outsider in her own marriage, watching as Rafael's attention drifted towards the woman he'd once loved.
One evening, when Rafael finally returned home, she mustered the courage to confront him. "I want to talk about Alessa."
He barely glanced at her, shrugging off his coat. "Why?"
"Because she's always around you. People are starting to talk, Rafael," she said, her tone sharper than intended.
He looked at her, his gaze cold. "What they talk about is none of my concern."
"But it's my concern," she retorted, her frustration boiling over. "I'm your wife, Rafael. Or did you forget?"
He smirked, an infuriatingly dismissive expression. "A title, Isabella.
When Sophia Reyes' younger brother crosses the most dangerous mafia family in Naples, she has no choice but to face Enzo Carbone, the ruthless heir to the Carbone empire. In exchange for her brother's life, Sophia strikes a dangerous deal: she'll pose as Enzo's fiancée to help him protect his family's fragile grip on power. Enzo is used to getting what he wants through charm or force but Sophia is unlike anyone he's ever met. Her fiery defiance and unshakable determination threaten to unravel his carefully constructed world. She's a pawn in his game, but the more he draws her into his darkness, the harder it becomes to let her go. As their arrangement spirals into something deeper, an old enemy resurfaces. Marcella Vargas, the cunning leader of a rival cartel, will stop at nothing to see Enzo and his empire burn and she knows exactly how to use Sophia to bring him to his knees. Caught between loyalty and love, deception and truth, Enzo and Sophia must decide how far they're willing to go to protect the people they care about. But in a world ruled by violence and betrayal, can love truly survive or will their bargain cost them everything? Some deals are made in blood. Others are sealed with a kiss.
Sienna Blake has built her career on exposing corruption, but when her latest investigation uncovers dark secrets about Viktor Ivanov, the ruthless Russian mafia kingpin, her life is irrevocably changed. Kidnapped and held captive, she finds herself in the heart of a dangerous world where trust is a luxury and betrayal is a guarantee. Viktor Ivanov didn't rise to power by letting his guard down. Yet, the fiery journalist tests his resolve at every turn, challenging his control and stirring feelings he buried long ago. Torn between protecting his empire and the unexpected pull of Sienna's defiance, Viktor faces a choice: silence her forever or risk everything to keep her alive. But as old enemies resurface and devastating truths come to light, Sienna and Viktor are thrust into a deadly game of power, revenge, and desire. In a world where loyalty can kill and love is a dangerous gamble, can they survive long enough to rewrite their own story?
Elena Carter has spent her life fighting to stay afloat. But when her late father's crushing debt threatens to ruin her completely, she faces an impossible choice accept help from the one man who could destroy her carefully built independence. Enter Damien Blackwood, a billionaire with a reputation as ruthless as it is dazzling. His solution? A marriage of convenience that will erase her debt and secure his business interests. Elena swears she'll never be just another possession in Damien's world, but resisting his charm proves more dangerous than she expected. Damien thought he could keep things strictly business, but the fierce, independent Elena stirs something he buried long ago. As their forced proximity ignites passion and unravels secrets, the walls he's built around his heart begin to crumble. But in the shadows, Veronica Steele Damien's scheming ex-fiancée has her own plans to ensure this union ends in disaster. When betrayal and deceit threaten to tear them apart, Damien and Elena must decide: can they trust each other enough to turn their fake marriage into something real?
Caroline Forbes never imagined her life would lead her here sold by her own father to a man the kingdom whispers about in fear. Damon Morningstar, the ruthless and enigmatic werewolf king, has buried three wives already, each one dying under mysterious circumstances. Now, Caroline is forced to become his fourth bride, trapped in a castle where secrets linger in every shadow. Rumors say he's cursed; that any woman he claims as his queen is doomed. Caroline knows that escape is her only chance at survival, yet she can't deny the magnetic pull she feels whenever Damon is near. To her horror, she discovers the truth Damon is her fated mate, her one bond that could either destroy her or break the curse haunting him. But Damon is possessive, and he's willing to risk everything to keep her in his grasp. As desire and danger intertwine, Caroline must decide whether to flee for her life or surrender to the call of a man who might just be her undoing. Will she escape his dark hold, or will she become the queen who saves him and herself?
When Elena Cross is snatched from her life and forced into the dark world of the Blackstone Pack, she learns the ruthless truth about Alpha Kael Thorn a man as dangerous as he is powerful, and as captivating as he is cruel. Bound to him by a primal mate bond she never asked for, Elena finds herself trapped in a twisted battle of wills, where her humanity is both her shield and her curse. Kael despises everything about her. To him, she's a weakness, a threat to his pack, and a constant reminder of a past betrayal. Yet no matter how he tries to deny it, the bond keeps pulling him back to her, fueling an obsession he cannot escape. She's his mate, his property yet she defies him at every turn. In a world where freedom seems impossible, Elena is determined to resist him and break free. But as the tension between them blurs the line between hate and desire, she realizes that Kael's hold on her is far more dangerous than she ever imagined. Can Elena find the strength to escape, or will she be bound forever to a man who might be her worst nightmare... and her only salvation?
Kaelyn devoted three years tending to her husband after a terrible accident. But once he was fully recovered, he cast her aside and brought his first love back from abroad. Devastated, Kaelyn decided on a divorce as people mocked her for being discarded. She went on to reinvent herself, becoming a highly sought-after doctor, a champion racer, and an internationally renowned architectural designer. Even then, the traitors sneered in disdain, believing Kaelyn would never find someone. But then the ex-husband’s uncle, a powerful warlord, returned with his army to ask for Kaelyn’s hand in marriage.
Rosalynn's marriage to Brian wasn't what she envisioned it to be. Her husband, Brian, barely came home. He avoided her like a plague. Worse still, he was always in the news for dating numerous celebrities. Rosalynn persevered until she couldn't take it anymore. She upped and left after filing for a divorce. Everything changed days later. Brian took interest in a designer that worked for his company anonymously. From her profile, he could tell that she was brilliant and dazzling. He pulled the stops to find out her true identity. Little did he know that he was going to receive the greatest shocker of his life. Brian bit his finger with regret when he recalled his past actions and the woman he foolishly let go.
Madisyn was stunned to discover that she was not her parents' biological child. Due to the real daughter's scheming, she was kicked out and became a laughingstock. Thought to be born to peasants, Madisyn was shocked to find that her real father was the richest man in the city, and her brothers were renowned figures in their respective fields. They showered her with love, only to learn that Madisyn had a thriving business of her own. "Stop pestering me!" said her ex-boyfriend. "My heart only belongs to Jenna." "How dare you think that my woman has feelings for you?" claimed a mysterious bigwig.
To the public, she was the CEO's executive secretary. Behind closed doors, she was the wife he never officially acknowledged. Jenessa was elated when she learned that she was pregnant. But that joy was replaced with dread as her husband, Ryan, showered his affections on his first love. With a heavy heart, she chose to set him free and leave. When they met again, Ryan's attention was caught by Jenessa's protruding belly. "Whose child are you carrying?!" he demanded. But she only scoffed. "It's none of your business, my dear ex-husband!"
She was a world-renowned divine doctor, the CEO of a publicly traded company, the most formidable female mercenary, and a top-tier tech genius. Marissa, a titan with a plethora of secret identities, had hidden her true stature to marry a seemingly impoverished young man. However, on the eve of their wedding, her fiance, who was actually the lost heir to a wealthy dynasty, called off the engagement and subjected her to degradation and mockery. Upon the revelation of her concealed identities, her ex-fiance was left stunned and desperately pleaded for her forgiveness. Standing protectively before Marissa, an incredibly influential and fearsome magnate declared, "This is my wife. Who would dare try to claim her?"
Betrayed by her mate and sister on the eve of her wedding, Makenna was handed to the ruthless Lycan Princes as a lover, her indifferent father ignoring her plight. Determined to escape and seek revenge, she captured the interest of the three Lycan princes, who desired her exclusively amid many admirers. This complicated her plans, trapping her and making her a rival to the future Lycan queen. Entwined in jealousy and vindictiveness, could Makenna achieve her vengeance in the intricate dance with the three princes?