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Born into opulence, Elliot Hawke struggles to find his place in the world. As he grapples with the pressures of his family's legacy, he discovers Charlotte, a free-spirited person who inspires him to question everything. Join Elliot on his journey of self-discovery, love, and the courage to defy expectations.
I never solicited this existence. The opulent suits, the sprawling estates, the extravagant soirées-none of it was originally mine. However, here I find myself, ensnared in the midst of it all. My name is Elliot Hawke and I'm the sole offspring of the illustrious Hawke lineage. You know the one: a multi-billion dollar empire, luxury automobiles, private jets-the full package. Everyone anticipates that I will assume control one day. Everyone assumes I desire it. But the reality is, I do not. Not in the least.
As I sit in the rear of my father's sleek black SUV, observing the cityscape unfold as we journey to yet another charity gala-another dazzling occasion intended to bolster the family's standing-the sun begins its descent, casting an orange glow across the horizon. Although I recognize the beauty of the view, I feel indifferent. I have no interest in the wealth. I care not for any of it. "Are you prepared, son?" My father's voice jolts me from my reverie. His deep baritone is smooth, yet there is an undercurrent in his tone that I recognize all too well-expectation. "Of course, Dad." I manage a grin, although it is as disingenuous as the individuals we are about to encounter.
My father does not wait for a reply; he is acutely aware that I am not truly "prepared." I have never been prepared for this: the speeches, the small talk, the seemingly endless handshakes with individuals I will likely forget. This is not my realm, however, it is the one into which I have been born and I am expected to navigate it. The car decelerates as we approach the venue-an exclusive five-star hotel hosting the gala. A dozen photographers are snapping pictures as we exit, the flashbulbs momentarily blinding me. I detest the cameras. I loathe the attention. Yet, my father-ever the politician-strides ahead, all smiles, waving to the cameras as if he were destined for this life. As we enter, the weight of their gazes is palpable. They are all anticipating something; they desire me to embody the heir, the flawless son who will uphold the Hawke legacy. They expect me to conform to their expectations. But I do not. I cannot. "Elliot," my mother calls out from across the room. She stands beside a group of women in designer gowns, engaging in animated conversation, but her gaze locks onto me the instant she spots me. She is beautiful and poised, the epitome of high society; this, however, can also be utterly exhausting.
"Approach, my dear," she states with that contrived smile that invariably seems to conceal something deeper. She articulates it as if she genuinely means it; however, I recognize that she is merely gauging my adherence to the expected script. I stride toward her, donning my most convincing "I'm the ideal son" expression. "Hello, Mother." She plants a kiss on my cheek before redirecting her attention back to her conversation, as if I'm nothing more than an accessory in this gathering. I have grown accustomed to this dynamic over time. After all, I do not possess the authority; I am merely the child they anticipate will inherit the mantle when the moment arises. I seize a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, attempting to assimilate into the atmosphere, but I cannot dispel the sensation that I am suffocating within these confines. The opulent decor and the individuals exchanging insincere pleasantries-it all feels so... vacuous. "Elliot." I catch Xander's voice before I actually spot him, his tone reminiscent of a serpent slithering through the throng. I pivot and discover my cousin standing there, embodying every aspect of a future corporate mogul. He is clad in a sharp, tailored suit that could likely fund a modest island. He offers me a subtle, knowing smile. "What's it like to be the heir to the throne?"
I suppress a groan. Xander has never been particularly discreet; he constantly nudges at the fact that I'm the one designated to inherit the family business. However, the issue lies in my disinterest. "I'm just here for the drinks, Xander," I respond, forcing a tight smile. He chuckles, his gaze wandering around the room before settling back on me. "I understand that sentiment. But you won't be able to evade this reality for long. You'll come to realize, eventually, it's your destiny." I roll my eyes and take a sip from my glass. "Destiny?" I mutter, almost inaudibly. That word feels like a burdensome weight pressing against my chest. I don't subscribe to the notion of destiny. Not for me, not for anyone else. He leans in slightly closer, lowering his voice just enough for me to catch his words. "You ought to contemplate what's at stake. This isn't merely about money, Elliot. This is about power and influence. You'll never encounter a more opportune moment than this. The company, the empire... it's all ripe for the taking. Yet, you must cease pretending that you're not intrigued."
I fix my gaze upon him, my heart racing within my chest. My blood simmers at the mere idea of being tethered to this. This existence filled with superficial encounters and empty assurances. It's not who I am. I cannot embody his role. I refuse to be the heir. I reject the notion of being ensnared in a gilded cage, striving to meet the expectations of others. "I don't want it," I murmur, my tone more assertive than I had planned. However, it is the truth. I cannot conceal it any longer. Xander's grin wavers, albeit briefly, before it returns to its previous state. He claps me on the back, perhaps too forcefully. "You'll come around. You always do." I observe him as he walks away, but his words persist in echoing within my thoughts: You'll come around.
It feels like a promise I can't escape.
As I survey the room, I observe a sea of unfamiliar faces (all adorned with smiles) that somehow render the atmosphere insincere. I could simply exit; I could effortlessly slip through the back door and vanish into the night. However, I choose not to. Not at this moment.
I need to figure out what I'm doing.
As if fate itself had been observing, my gaze finally rests upon her. She stands near the entrance, engaging with a group of students from the university I intend to attend. This girl is not like the others; she seems out of place here. Dressed simply in a navy dress, she lacks flashy jewelry or any designer label on display. However, there is something about her-something that compels me to approach and initiate a conversation. Her name is Charlotte Stone, or Charlie, as I will later discover. She embodies the type of person who doesn't conform to societal expectations. I can sense it in the way she carries herself: confident, independent and entirely oblivious to how her presence reverberates throughout the room. When she glances up, our eyes connect. For a fleeting moment, everything else dissipates-the gala, the chatter, the clinking of glasses-it all vanishes. And for the first time in what feels like an eternity, I experience a sense of vitality.
Lily believed she had successfully escaped her perilous past; however, when Damon-an old adversary from a life she presumed she could leave behind-reemerges, she discovers there is no exit. His enigmatic warnings regarding the future, along with his unyielding quest for dominance, pull her back into a conflict she never sought. Although Alexander stands by her, Lily thought she had secured a sanctuary, yet the more she uncovers about Damon's designs, the more she realizes that trust might not suffice. Alexander's obscure background and his ties to Damon further complicate matters, compelling Lily to reevaluate who deserves her trust. In a desperate race against time, Lily confronts an insurmountable dilemma: to accept her darker legacy, which Damon is determined to seize, or to jeopardize everything she cherishes. With threats encroaching and alliances fracturing, Lily must navigate the delicate balance between safeguarding herself and those she loves. But in a reality where appearances are deceptive, will Lily succeed in making the right decision before it's too late?
After enduring a brutal werewolf attack, photographer Ava Moreno is thrust into a world filled with shadows and yearning. As the full moon rises, Ava must confront her newfound curse, with assistance from the enigmatic hunter, Ryder Blackwood. However, as their passionate connection deepens, Ava's dual identity presents a threat to everything she cherishes. Can Ryder's love suppress the beast that resides within her, or will Ava's transformation consume them both? Although the risks are considerable, this relationship has the potential to alter their destinies completely.
When Julian Blackwood proposes to artist Ava Morales, things start spiralling out of control in a wave after wave of passion, secrets and lies. A pact of a whirlwind marriage with such financial and social security, but really? While Ava maneuvers the dangerous waters of Julian's world & high society, she is forced to deal with all her demons as well as the shadows lurking in Julian's past. Will their budding bond be strong enough to withstand the secrets that could tear them apart? Or wave goodbye to their hearts forever, the murmurs incarcerated by their bond?
In a realm that feels entirely foreign to her, the formidable werewolf Aurora is compelled to confront her haunting past and the adversary that relentlessly pursues her. With the mentorship of Asher, she begins to unravel age-old mysteries and forms unexpected alliances. As the Blood Moon approaches, Aurora faces a critical decision: she must choose between vengeance and redemption. This choice could demand everything, including her capacity for love. Embark on an extraordinary journey alongside Aurora as she navigates her tumultuous path. She uncovers concealed truths about her history and the prophecy that binds her existence, while simultaneously battling merciless forces intent on exploiting ancient magic. Moreover, she traverses the perilous terrain of werewolf politics and experiences the complexities of forbidden love. However, she is also forced to confront the darkness that dwells within her, grappling with her destiny. Ultimately, the question arises: will Asher's love be sufficient to redeem Aurora's troubled past, or will the encroaching shadows engulf them both? Dive into this exhilarating tale of supernatural romance to discover the answer.
Lily believed she had liberated herself from her perilous past; however, when Damon-an old adversary from a life she thought she could escape-reemerges, she discovers there is no avenue for retreat. His enigmatic forewarnings regarding the future, coupled with his unyielding quest for dominion, pull her back into a conflict she never sought. With Alexander at her side, Lily initially felt she had secured a sanctuary, but as she uncovers more about Damon's schemes, it becomes increasingly apparent that trust might not suffice. Alexander's obscure history and his ties to Damon only muddle the situation, compelling Lily to scrutinize whom she can genuinely rely upon. Faced with a relentless countdown, Lily confronts a daunting decision: to accept her ominous legacy, which Damon is fiercely determined to seize, or to risk everything she cherishes. As peril encroaches and alliances fracture, Lily must strive to maintain equilibrium between safeguarding herself and those she loves. Nevertheless, in a realm where nothing is as it appears, will Lily manage to make the correct decision before it becomes too late?
Olive's existence undergoes a profound transformation when she encounters Caleb, an enigmatic and enchanting celebrity actor who rapidly weaves himself into her life. However, just as she starts to lower her emotional barriers and accept her feelings for him, another figure appears-Daniel, an ostensibly ideal partner whose smile seems to have the remarkable power to eliminate any lingering doubts. Caught in the whirlwind of her emotions, Olive finds herself divided between her deep-seated attachment to Caleb and her growing affection for Daniel. Although secrets begin to surface and the intricacies of Daniel's hidden life gradually unfold, she faces a crucial decision about whom she can truly trust. With her heart precariously poised, Olive must confront a choice that could irrevocably reshape her reality: love, loyalty and the concealed truths that pulse beneath their intertwined pasts.
I'm a Luna. After three years of marriage to Alpha Nathaniel Blackwood, I'm finally pregnant with his pup. But he's unclaimed me for his first love. I'm leaving the pack with this secret, praying he never finds out. Nathaniel Blackwood is a handsome, powerful Alpha. In a world where humans and werewolves coexist, he has it all: a billion-dollar empire, untold power, a massive pack, and, most importantly, the perfect Luna. But the return of his first love shattered our marriage. When he finds out the secret I've been hiding, will he regret rejecting me? Will I ever be able to forgive him? Dive into this gripping serialized novel to find out more-Enjoy the ride!
"Who is she?" I asked, feeling tears well up in my eyes. "He met her at the Alpha training camp," he said. "She is a perfect suitor for him. It snowed last night, indicating that his wolf is happy with his choice." My heart sank, and tears made their way down my cheeks. Alexander took my innocence last night, and now he is taking that thing in his office as his Luna. **** Emily never shifted on her 18th birthday and became the laughingstock of the pack. When her old crush, Alexander Black, returns from Alpha Training, she never expected him to be her mate. After a night of passionate love, Emily finds out that young Alpha Alexander has taken a chosen mate. Heartbroken and humiliated, Emily runs off and disappears from the pack. Now, five years later, Emily is a high-ranking warrior in King Alpha's army, specializing in sensitive matters. When her best friend invites her to a night of music and laughter, she never expects to run into her mate, Alexander. Will Alexander figure out it is Emily? Will he chase after her, and most of all, will Emily be able to keep her secrets safe?
Elena, once a pampered heiress, suddenly lost everything when the real daughter framed her, her fiancé ridiculed her, and her adoptive parents threw her out. They all wanted to see her fall. But Elena unveiled her true identity: the heiress of a massive fortune, famed hacker, top jewelry designer, secret author, and gifted doctor. Horrified by her glorious comeback, her adoptive parents demanded half her newfound wealth. Elena exposed their cruelty and refused. Her ex pleaded for a second chance, but she scoffed, “Do you think you deserve it?” Then a powerful magnate gently proposed, “Marry me?”
Joelle thought she could change Adrian's heart after three years of marriage, but she realized too late that it already belonged to another woman. "Give me a baby, and I'll set you free." The day Joelle went into labor, Adrian was traveling with his mistress on his private jet. "I don't care whom you love. My debt is paid. From now on, we have nothing to do with each other." Not long after Joelle left, Adrian found himself begging on his knees. "Please come back to me."
[Cute Baby + Secret Identity + Powerful hero and heroine!] Caroline loved Damian with all her heart for five whole years. She devoted herself to him and lived humbly for his sake. However, when the couple faced a crisis, she hoped that the news of her pregnancy would fix their marriage, but what she got in return was just a divorce agreement. And to make things worse, while she was about to give birth, she had fallen into someone's trap and her life was in danger. After managing to survive such a harrowing experience, she was determined to cut all ties with the man. Five years later, she re-emerged with her head held high, being the CEO of a famous company. Those who used to bully her now got a taste of their own medicine. And the truth about the past gradually surfaced... Dazzled by Caroline's newfound confidence, her ex-husband wanted to get back together with her, but she just turned a blind eye to his advances. Damian pleaded desperately, "Honey, our baby needs both his parents. Please remarry me!"
Charlee was left at the altar and became a laughingstock. She tried to keep her head high, but ultimately lost it when she received a sex tape of her fiance and her half-sister. Devastated, she ended up spending a wild night with a hot stranger. It was supposed to be one-time thing, but he kept popping up, helping her with projects and revenge, all while flirting with her constantly. Charlee soon realized that it was nice having him around, until her ex suddenly appeared at her door, begging for another chance. Her tycoon lover asked, “Who will you choose? Think carefully before you answer.”