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Emilia Rosemont never expected her life to turn into a gilded cage. Forced into a marriage with billionaire CEO Alessandro DiLaurentis, she becomes a pawn in a twisted game of family legacy and cruel ambition. For Alex, the marriage is nothing more than an obligation one he despises and resents. His heart belongs to another, and he doesn't hide his disdain for the wife he was forced to marry. Trapped in his world of wealth and power, Emilia endures his coldness, his cruelty, and the haunting knowledge that her husband will never love her. But as Alex's possessiveness grows, so does his conflicted desire, leaving Emilia ensnared in a web of hate, obsession, and forbidden attraction. With his seductive mistress, Vanessa, pulling the strings from the shadows, Emilia realizes that escape might be impossible. In this dark billionaire romance of love and betrayal, Emilia must find the strength to survive a man who both despises and craves her, in a world where everyone has a price and love is the ultimate sacrifice. Will she ever be free, or is she destined to remain the Surrogate Wife forever?
The marble floors echoed with each reluctant step Emilia took, the sound a cold reminder that this house was not a home-it was a prison, a pristine cage crafted with glinting chandeliers, gold-trimmed mirrors, and walls that seemed to watch her every move. She clutched the delicate fabric of her dress, feeling out of place in her own skin as she made her way down the corridor toward the main living room. She had been summoned, of course. In this house, nothing was her choice.
When she reached the arched entrance, she paused. There, framed by the blinding sunlight pouring in from floor-to-ceiling windows, stood Alessandro DiLaurentis-Alex, the man she'd been forced to marry. His figure was imposing, tall and severe, with an aura that felt more like a threat than a presence. He wore a tailored black suit that accentuated his athletic frame, every inch of him radiating authority. He didn't look at her; he didn't even acknowledge her presence, his sharp gaze fixed on something beyond the glass, his expression unreadable.
"Alex," she said softly, her voice almost swallowed by the vastness of the room.
He turned his head slightly, as if it took an effort to bring her into focus. A faint scowl twisted his features, barely concealed under his polished exterior. He took his time answering, as though the sight of her was a chore he preferred to avoid.
"Emilia," he said, his tone edged with that familiar disdain. "You're late."
"I... I didn't know you needed me here so soon," she replied, keeping her voice steady, though her heart beat faster under his scrutiny.
"That's no excuse," he cut in, his eyes narrowing. "When I ask for you, you come. Is that clear?"
She nodded, biting her lip, feeling that sinking sensation she'd grown used to-the feeling of being diminished, of becoming something small and inconsequential under his gaze.
"Yes. I understand," she said, her voice barely a whisper.
For a brief moment, silence hung between them, thick and stifling. He looked away again, his gaze drifting back to the view outside, where the sprawling estate stretched in all directions. There was a stiffness in his posture, a tension she couldn't quite place.
Finally, he spoke, his voice a cold drawl. "My grandfather is expecting us for dinner tomorrow. You'll wear something appropriate."
Emilia blinked, thrown by the abruptness of his words. "I... of course. I'll find something."
He gave a slight nod, clearly already dismissing her in his mind. But just as she was about to turn and leave, his voice halted her.
"Make no mistake, Emilia," he said, each word slow and deliberate. "This arrangement between us-it's nothing more than a contractual obligation. You're here to serve a purpose, and once that's fulfilled, we'll part ways. Don't forget that."
Her throat tightened, but she forced herself to stand a little straighter. She had known this marriage was only a transaction, but hearing him say it so plainly made her chest ache with a hollow sort of pain. Yet, she wouldn't let him see it.
"Believe me," she replied, her voice steady this time, "I have no illusions about what this is."
A ghost of a smirk appeared on his lips, amused by her attempt at defiance. "Good. Then we understand each other."
Another long silence followed, his gaze lingering on her, studying her in a way that made her skin prickle. She felt exposed, like he could see every thought, every flicker of insecurity she fought so hard to hide.
"What?" she finally managed, desperate to break the oppressive quiet.
"Nothing," he said, his voice devoid of any warmth. "Just wondering what my grandfather saw in you."
The words cut, sharper than any physical blow, and though she kept her face neutral, inside, the hurt twisted deeper. She wanted to snap back, to make him feel the sting of his cruelty, but she knew it would be futile. Nothing she said would change his opinion of her. To him, she was an inconvenience-a placeholder.
"Will that be all?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
"For now." He dismissed her with a flick of his hand, his attention already drifting back to the view outside.
Turning, Emilia walked out of the room, her steps as quiet as she could make them. As she reached the hallway, her fingers found the wall, and she leaned against it for a moment, closing her eyes. She needed to steady herself, to force back the emotions he'd so effortlessly dredged up. She knew what he thought of her, and she had promised herself she wouldn't let it affect her. But sometimes, in moments like these, his words broke through her defenses, seeping into places she had tried to keep guarded.
"Did he send you running away already?"
The voice startled her, and her eyes flew open to see Vanessa Chen leaning casually against the wall. Vanessa's dark, glossy hair framed a face that was both beautiful and cruel, with eyes that held a glint of amusement as they fixed on Emilia.
"Vanessa," Emilia said, attempting to keep her tone polite.
Vanessa's smile was thin, predatory. "Poor Emilia. I almost feel sorry for you."
Emilia kept her expression neutral, not wanting to give Vanessa the satisfaction of seeing her ruffled. "I don't need your pity."
"Is that so?" Vanessa arched a perfectly shaped brow, her lips curving into a mocking smile. "Because, from where I'm standing, it looks like you're in over your head."
Emilia swallowed, determined not to let Vanessa see how much her words hit home. "Alex and I have an understanding. I don't expect you to understand it."
"Oh, I understand," Vanessa said, her voice dropping to a cold, quiet tone. "I understand perfectly. Alex may be tied to you on paper, but he belongs to me. He always has, and he always will. You're nothing more than a formality."
The words sliced into her, but Emilia didn't let it show. She met Vanessa's gaze with a calm she didn't feel. "Is that why you feel the need to remind me?"
For a second, something flickered in Vanessa's eyes-surprise, maybe even anger. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by a look of bored indifference.
"Enjoy your little charade while it lasts, Emilia," Vanessa said, her voice dripping with venom. "It won't be long before you're out of the picture."
With that, she turned on her heel and strode down the hall, leaving Emilia standing alone, the weight of her words pressing down on her. Emilia took a shaky breath, trying to gather the pieces of herself that had been chipped away in those brief, painful encounters.
She hadn't chosen this life, hadn't asked to be Alex's wife. But now that she was here, she realized that every day would be a battle-a test of how much she could endure without losing herself entirely. And in the dark, twisted world she'd been forced into, she knew one thing with absolute certainty: she was utterly, inescapably alone
A cold-hearted billionaire. A headstrong florist drowning in debt. A contract that binds them in a marriage of convenience-with no room for love. Xavier Harrington is a man who controls everything-his business, his reputation, his emotions. When a billion-dollar deal requires him to appear as a devoted husband, he does what he does best: he makes an offer no one can refuse. Mia Brooks never imagined she'd sign a contract to be a billionaire's wife, but with her flower shop on the verge of collapse, she has no choice. The rules are simple-no feelings, no attachments, and absolutely no falling in love. But behind Xavier's icy demeanor lies a scarred past and a desire he can't control. And behind Mia's defiance is a heart that refuses to be tamed. As passion blurs the lines of their arrangement, secrets surface, enemies close in, and a betrayal from the past threatens to destroy everything. When the contract ends, will Xavier let Mia go... or will he risk everything to make her stay?
Sebastian Hale is a man who gets what he wants-until his father, Gregory Hale, threatens to destroy everything he's built unless he agrees to a marriage of convenience. Trapped in his father's ruthless game, Sebastian's only option is to marry Ivy Collins, a fiery journalist with secrets of her own. For Ivy, the marriage is a means to an end. Marrying Sebastian gives her access to the Hale family empire-and the chance to expose their darkest secrets. But what begins as a cold business arrangement soon ignites into a fiery passion neither of them can resist. As the lines between love and betrayal blur, Ivy discovers the truth about Sebastian's family, including a devastating secret that could destroy them both. With Gregory pulling the strings, Ivy and Sebastian must decide whether to fight for each other-or lose everything in the process.
Grace Parker has dedicated her life to helping others, but when her nonprofit is on the verge of collapse, she's forced to strike a deal with the last man she ever wanted to rely on: Sebastian Cole. Cold, calculating, and devastatingly handsome, Sebastian offers to save her charity but only if she agrees to play the role of his fiancée in a high-stakes business negotiation. What starts as a business arrangement quickly spirals out of control when a single night of passion leaves Grace with a life altering secret. As their fake relationship begins to feel all too real, Grace and Sebastian are drawn together by more than just their shared goals. But standing in their way are Sebastian's manipulative ex, Natasha Blake, and his ruthless rival, Henry Adler, who will stop at nothing to destroy everything Grace and Sebastian have built. When lies, betrayal, and secrets threaten to tear them apart, Grace and Sebastian must confront their deepest fears and decide if the love they've found is worth fighting for.
Lucas Sterling has everything money, power, and a reputation as the city's most eligible bachelor. But behind the charm and billion-dollar smile lies a man scarred by betrayal and convinced love is nothing more than a liability. Emily Harper is his complete opposite a spirited schoolteacher with a passion for helping others and no patience for arrogant playboys like Lucas. When fate throws them together, sparks fly, and Lucas finds himself captivated by the one woman who refuses to fall for his charm. As Emily challenges Lucas to confront his demons, a shadow from his past resurfaces. Isabella Royce, his cunning ex-lover, is determined to reclaim him at any cost even if it means destroying everything Lucas holds dear. Can Emily's love tame the heart of a man who's built walls around it? Or will Isabella's schemes shatter their fragile bond before it has a chance to bloom?
Trapped in a marriage she never wanted, Lily Hart is thrust into the cold, calculating world of billionaire CEO Adrian Blackwood. He married her only to claim her father's company, and his resentment is as intense as his possessiveness. Behind his mask of power and wealth, Adrian harbors a dark affection for his mistress, Celeste. a beauty with a vengeful soul and her sights set firmly on destroying Lily. In Adrian's world, love is as elusive as freedom, and for Lily, it's nowhere to be found. She's nothing but a pawn, forced to endure his cruelty and trapped in a twisted game of control and desire. But as the walls close in and secrets unravel, Adrian's indifference begins to shift into something else, something possessive and obsessive that even he can't deny. Lily must find the strength to survive in a world built to shatter her and face the question: will she ever escape Adrian's ruthless grasp, or will she be forever bound to a man who will do anything to keep her?
Sophia Russo never imagined she'd be standing on the auction block, her future sold to the highest bidder to save her mother's life. But when desperation drove her to a world of danger and dark desires, she came face to face with Dante DeLuca Milan's ruthless Mafia King. Cold, possessive, and unstoppable, Dante didn't just buy her freedom; he claimed her soul. Trapped in his luxurious mansion, Sophia vows to escape and protect her heart from the man who controls her every move. Yet, with every heated glance and forbidden touch, she finds herself drawn deeper into his world of power and seduction. Two years later, just when she's ready to break free, Sophia becomes a pawn in a deadly mafia war. Dante will risk everything to save her, but as the past unravels, shocking secrets surface forcing Sophia to question whether she can ever truly escape him... or if she even wants to. In this high-stakes game of love and danger, is it better to run from the devil or fall for him completely?
"Please trust me, I didn't do anything." "I don't believe you. I am rejecting you as my Queen and giving you the punishment of death." Alina was living outside her pack for five years. Her parents didn't try to contact her and always ignored her. Her best friend convinced her to go back to their pack and she agreed. But she had never imagined what was waiting there for her. She never thought she would meet her mate and had to face betrayal from everywhere. She had to pay for the crime which she never committed. Aaron Robertson is the king of Lycans. He is a very dominant and powerful King who not only rules Lycans but also rules other ranks of werewolves. Everyone is afraid of Lycans and he is the king of them. But who knew that he would get a mate who was just a simple Omega with no powers and strengths? He called her weak all the time but little did he know that his weak Omega would give him the biggest betrayal of his life for which he had to give her the sentence of death.
"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!
They don't know I'm a girl. They all look at me and see a boy. A prince. Their kind purchase humans like me for their lustful desires. And, when they stormed into our kingdom to buy my sister, I intervened to protect her. I made them take me too. The plan was to escape with my sister whenever we found a chance. How was I to know our prison would be the most fortified place in their kingdom? I was supposed to be on the sidelines. The one they had no real use for. The one they never meant to buy. But then, the most important person in their savage land-their ruthless beast king-took an interest in the "pretty little prince." How do we survive in this brutal kingdom, where everyone hates our kind and shows us no mercy? And how does someone, with a secret like mine, become a lust slave? . AUTHOR'S NOTE. This is a dark romance-dark, mature content. Highly rated 18+ Expect triggers, expect hardcore. If you're a seasoned reader of this genre, looking for something different, prepared to go in blindly not knowing what to expect at every turn, but eager to know more anyway, then dive in! . From the author of the international bestselling book: "The Alpha King's Hated Slave."
After two years of marriage, Sadie was finally pregnant. Filled with hope and joy, she was blindsided when Noah asked for a divorce. During a failed attempt on her life, Sadie found herself lying in a pool of blood, desperately calling Noah to ask him to save her and the baby. But her calls went unanswered. Shattered by his betrayal, she left the country. Time passed, and Sadie was about to be wed for a second time. Noah appeared in a frenzy and fell to his knees. "How dare you marry someone else after bearing my child?"
There was only one man in Raegan's heart, and it was Mitchel. In the second year of her marriage to him, she got pregnant. Raegan's joy knew no bounds. But before she could break the news to her husband, he served her divorce papers because he wanted to marry his first love. After an accident, Raegan lay in the pool of her own blood and called out to Mitchel for help. Unfortunately, he left with his first love in his arms. Raegan escaped death by the whiskers. Afterward, she decided to get her life back on track. Her name was everywhere years later. Mitchel became very uncomfortable. For some reason, he began to miss her. His heart ached when he saw her all smiles with another man. He crashed her wedding and fell to his knees while she was at the altar. With bloodshot eyes, he queried, "I thought you said your love for me is unbreakable? How come you are getting married to someone else? Come back to me!"
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.