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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.
My boyfriend called, "Baby!" as he jumped out of bed and scrambled to pull his pants off the ground. "Please, I can explain my love." Shutting my eyes, I inhaled deeply and tried not to cry when I realized that my dream of the man not being my boyfriend had been dashed. "What?" I asked, "What do you want to explain?" How did you lie about having a business meeting while you were in bed enjoying yourself with my best friend, even though I told you I was in serious pain, is that it?" I stood there, my heart pounding, and tears streaming down my face...
In her previous life, Kimberly endured the betrayal of her husband, the cruel machinations of an evil woman, and the endless tyranny of her in-laws. It culminated in the bankruptcy of her family, and ultimately, her death. After being reborn, she resolved to seek retribution against those who had wronged her, and ensure her family's prosperity. To her shock, the most unattainable man from her past suddenly set his sights on her. "You may have overlooked me before, but I shall capture your heart this time around."
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.
After three loveless years, Neil's betrayal deeply wounded Katelyn. She wasted no time in getting rid of that scoundrel! After the divorce, she devoted herself to career pursuits. Rising to prominence as a top designer, skilled doctor, and brilliant hacker, she became a revered icon. Neil, realizing his grave mistake, tried in vain to win her back, only to witness her magnificent wedding to another. As their vows were broadcast on the world's largest billboard, Vincent slid a ring onto Katelyn's finger and declared, "Katelyn is now my wife, a priceless treasure. Let all who covet her beware!"
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.
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.”