/0/65738/coverbig.jpg?v=9fb2a1a805a312141b376967e1df8f09)
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?
It was a bitter, overcast day, the kind where the wind felt sharper, and the sky hovered close enough to make breathing feel like a chore. Lily Hart adjusted the delicate lace trim of her wedding gown, hands trembling as she watched her reflection in the grand mirror of the bridal suite. The dress was flawless, a masterpiece of silk and pearls, chosen by her father himself-of course, without her say. It clung in all the right places, radiating an elegance that felt more like a cage than a celebration.
"Are you nervous?" came a voice behind her. Lily looked over to see her best friend, Eliza, who stood with an expression as pale as her own. She was fidgeting with the hem of her dress, looking as if she'd bolt from the room if she could.
"Nervous?" Lily forced a smile, though it tasted bitter. "What's there to be nervous about? I'm just... signing my life away."
Eliza's mouth twitched with sympathy. She walked over and took Lily's hand, squeezing it tight. "I don't know why you're doing this. You don't have to, Lily."
But they both knew that wasn't true. Lily was doing this because her father had forced her hand, because he'd made promises to the infamous Adrian Blackwood, the dark-eyed CEO with a reputation as sharp as his suits. The kind of man who, in another life, she might have avoided, a man who haunted high society with a presence that was felt more than welcomed. He was cold, calculating, and, from the few times she'd encountered him, utterly dismissive of her.
And now she was marrying him.
"Dad would never forgive me if I didn't go through with this." Lily's voice came out softer than she intended, almost a whisper. Her father had made it clear that her worth was tied to her obedience, and to defy him would mean more than just disinheritance; it would mean exile from everything and everyone she'd known.
The sound of the door creaking open caught her attention. A man dressed in sleek black entered, clearing his throat. "Miss Hart, it's time."
Lily's heart sank. She wasn't ready. Every fiber of her being screamed to run, to grab Eliza's hand and flee into the city. But her feet felt rooted to the floor. The weight of duty, of family expectation, pressed her forward.
With a final look at her friend, she nodded. Eliza gave her a supportive smile, but Lily could see the worry in her friend's eyes. She was as scared as Lily was.
The aisle stretched out like an endless road, lined with faces she barely recognized, guests brought in by her father's influence, business allies, and people who would whisper about her lack of power and the fact that she, Lily Hart, was just another pawn in a bigger game.
As she took one step after another, her gaze fell upon Adrian, who waited at the end of the aisle with a gaze that looked as cold as stone. His eyes met hers, unreadable, his jaw clenched. He didn't smile, didn't nod. He merely waited, as though he was as impatient to get this over with as she was.
When she finally reached him, his hand reached out for hers, firm and unyielding. His touch was cold, almost lifeless. She shivered at the contact, but he didn't notice-or perhaps didn't care. As they turned to face the officiant, Adrian leaned slightly toward her, his voice a low whisper meant only for her ears.
"Don't think this changes anything. You're only here because I needed to secure your father's company."
Her breath caught, but she quickly steadied herself. She glanced up at him, her voice barely a murmur. "And you think I want this? I didn't have a choice."
His expression didn't change. "Neither did I."
The words stung more than she expected. Of course he didn't want her-he already had someone else, someone he actually cared about. Celeste. The woman with piercing beauty and a confidence that radiated, a woman who already held his heart. And now, in some twisted irony, Lily was to be his wife, while Celeste remained in the shadows, a mistress with far more power over him than Lily would ever possess.
The officiant's voice droned on, but her mind was elsewhere. Her life as she knew it was over. Whatever dreams she'd once held, whatever hopes-those were all irrelevant now.
"You may kiss the bride," the officiant finally announced, his voice breaking through her daze.
Lily turned to Adrian, her lips slightly parted, waiting, tense. His face betrayed nothing, but he leaned in with the precision of someone performing a transaction rather than sharing a moment. His lips brushed hers-cool, controlled, devoid of affection. The kiss was fleeting, almost a ghost of a touch, and it left her feeling even colder than before.
As they turned to face the crowd, the applause washed over her like a distant wave. She felt Adrian's hand tighten on hers, as though he was reminding her, staking a claim. She was his now, no matter how little he actually wanted her.
The reception that followed was a blur of forced smiles and hollow toasts. People fawned over her dress, her beauty, the "lucky" union she had landed. She laughed when she was expected to, smiled until her cheeks hurt, and exchanged empty words with strangers congratulating her on what was, in reality, a slow descent into captivity.
It wasn't long before she felt a cold, familiar presence beside her. Adrian's hand was suddenly on her arm, his grip firm as he leaned down, his voice laced with irritation.
"Come. It's time to leave," he said, a hint of impatience flashing in his eyes.
"Already?" she asked, trying to hide her discomfort at the abruptness.
He ignored her question, merely guiding her through the crowd with a controlled, almost possessive grip. She stole a glance at him, catching a hardness in his gaze as they made their way out. It was as if being near her was a burden, an annoyance he couldn't wait to shake off.
They reached his car, a sleek, black sedan waiting with a driver at the ready. Without another word, he opened the door and motioned for her to get in. She hesitated, but one look from him sent her sliding into the seat, her heart beating faster.
Once inside, the silence was stifling. Adrian settled into the seat beside her, his face a mask of indifference as the car pulled away. Lily kept her gaze fixed out the window, watching the city blur past, feeling the weight of his presence beside her, cold and distant.
After a long silence, she finally dared to break it. "Is this how it's going to be? You ignoring me, barely even looking at me?"
He let out a low, humorless chuckle. "Did you expect anything different?"
She bit her lip, swallowing the resentment that rose in her throat. "I don't know what I expected. But I thought... maybe we could at least be civil."
He turned to her then, his gaze like steel. "Civil? I didn't marry you for companionship, Lily. You're here to fulfill a purpose. Once that's done, I have no further use for you."
His words were like a slap. She turned her head away, clenching her fists, feeling her nails dig into her palms. She didn't dare respond, knowing anything she said would only add fuel to his anger.
The car ride felt like an eternity. When they finally arrived at his penthouse-a towering structure of glass and steel that seemed to touch the sky-she felt a strange mix of dread and resignation. She knew this place would be her new prison, the walls that would close in around her every day.
Adrian didn't wait for her, didn't extend a hand. He strode ahead, expecting her to follow, his figure tall and unyielding as he moved through the lobby, indifferent to her struggle to keep up. By the time they reached the elevator, she was almost out of breath, more from the tension than the physical effort.
Inside, the silence stretched again, taut and unyielding. She dared a glance at him, studying the harsh angles of his face, the way his jaw clenched in irritation.
"You don't have to make this any harder than it already is," she said quietly, feeling the words tumble out before she could stop them.
He looked down at her, his eyes narrowing. "And what exactly do you want from me, Lily? You want me to pretend? To play the loving husband?"
"I'm not asking for that," she replied, her voice firmer than she expected. "But I deserve at least a shred of respect."
A bitter smile twisted his lips. "Respect? From me?" He laughed softly, the sound low and mocking. "You should know better than that."
She felt her face flush, anger and humiliation boiling under her skin. "You act like I chose this. Like I wanted any of this."
He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper that sent a chill down her spine. "You didn't choose this, but you're here. And now, you're mine. You may not like it, but you'll learn to accept it."
The doors slid open, and he pulled back, his expression hard once more. He stepped out first, and she followed, feeling as though the walls were already closing in around her.
The penthouse was as cold and sterile as she'd expected, all glass and sharp edges, a place that reflected its owner's personality. Adrian led her through the main room, past walls adorned with abstract art, to a door at the
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?
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?
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?
Janet was adopted when she was a kid -- a dream come true for orphans. However, her life was anything but happy. Her adoptive mother taunted and bullied her all her life. Janet got the love and affection of a parent from the old maid who raised her. Unfortunately, the old woman fell ill, and Janet had to marry a worthless man in place of her parents' biological daughter to meet the maid's medical expenses. Could this be a Cinderella's tale? But the man was far from a prince, except for his handsome appearance. Ethan was the illegitimate son of a wealthy family who lived a reckless life and barely made ends meet. He got married to fulfill his mother's last wish. However, on his wedding night, he had an inkling that his wife was different from what he had heard about her. Fate had united the two people with deep secrets. Was Ethan truly the man we thought he was? Surprisingly, he bore an uncanny resemblance to the impenetrable wealthiest man in the city. Would he find out that Janet married him in place of her sister? Would their marriage be a romantic tale or an utter disaster? Read on to unravel Janet and Ethan's journey.
Two years ago, Ricky found himself coerced into marrying Emma to protect the woman he cherished. From Ricky's perspective, Emma was despicable, resorting to underhanded schemes to ensure their marriage. He maintained a distant and cold attitude toward her, reserving his warmth for another. Yet, Emma remained wholeheartedly dedicated to Ricky for more than ten years. As she grew weary and considered relinquishing her efforts, Ricky was seized by a sudden fear. Only when Emma's life teetered on the edge, pregnant with Ricky's child, did he recognize-the love of his life had always been Emma.
Kara Martin was known as Miss Perfect. She was a beauty with good personality and successful career. Unfortunately, her life changed at one night. She was accused of adultery, losing her job, and abandoned by her fiance. The arrogant man who slept with her did not want to take responsibility. He even threatened to kill her if they met again. What's worse, Kara was pregnant with twins and she chose to give birth to them. Four and a half years later, Kara returned to work at a large company. As the secretary, she would frequently face their notorious CEO. Kara thought it wouldn't be a problem, but as it turned out ... the CEO was the father of the twins!
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."
Belinda thought after divorce, they would part ways for good - he could live his life on his own terms, while she could indulge in the rest of hers. However, fate had other plans in store. "My darling, I was wrong. Would you please come back to me?" The man, whom she once loved deeply, lowered his once proud head humbly. "I beg you to return to me." Belinda coldly pushed away the bouquet of flowers he had offered her and coolly replied, "It's too late. The bridge has been burned, and the ashes have long since scattered to the wind!"
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."