Blurb: I'm Flora Grace, the only daughter of the Grace family, my parents were involved in a ghastly motor accident, which led to their death, leaving me alone to survive. I struggled with no one to assist or cater for my needs, I left my parents house where they were buried. After being rejected by my uncles and aunties, in our family house, I was banished by them, looking for a means to survive. But then I met Mark Grifford, he is tall, handsome with a good build and nicely trimmed mustache, his reassuring words and his kindness made me realised, I still have a reason to live, Mark is the Man of My dreams.
Chapter 1
Unbelievable moments
The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon as I, Flora Grace, watched from a narrow path near the family house, feeling the weight of my world collapse around me. My entire life had changed in the blink of an eye. Only a few days had passed since my parents' accident-since they were taken from me in a way I could never have anticipated. With them gone, I'd hoped, even expected, that my family would step up and rally around me. Instead, their reaction was a cold dismissal.
Standing outside the wrought-iron gates of the Grace estate, I thought about everything I'd been through in such a short time. I had begged my uncles and aunts to let me stay, to give me a small space in the house where I'd grown up. But their faces had twisted in disgust and resentment, as if I were a burden they wanted nothing to do with.
"Flora, we have our own lives to live. You can't expect us to carry your troubles on our shoulders," my Uncle Edward had sneered, his eyes narrow and unforgiving.
My Aunt Lydia had been equally harsh, casting me out as if I were a stranger. "It's best you find your own way, dear. Your parents are gone, and there's nothing left here for you."
The words echoed in my mind as I turned away, their coldness chilling me to my core. I was now homeless, penniless, and utterly alone. My only choice was to leave everything I had ever known. With one last glance at the house, I walked away with nothing but the clothes on my back, wondering where I would go and how I would survive.
I had no idea that, at my lowest point, someone was about to enter my life in a way that would change everything.
---
The next few days were rough. I wandered from place to place, searching for somewhere to sleep. I spent a night under a bridge and another huddled in the doorway of a closed shop. I hadn't eaten in nearly three days and could feel my strength slipping away. Each step felt heavier than the last, and I wasn't sure how much longer I could keep going. Just as I was about to give up, I found myself in a small park near the city center.
I collapsed onto a bench, too exhausted to care who might be watching. The world spun around me as I stared at the ground, my vision blurring. I closed my eyes, trying to gather enough energy to stand up and continue walking, but I couldn't.
"Excuse me, miss, are you alright?"
The voice was soft yet firm, with a hint of genuine concern. I opened my eyes to see a tall man standing in front of me, looking down with a gentle expression. He had dark, piercing eyes, a neatly trimmed beard, and wore an expensive suit that looked like it belonged in a fashion magazine. His presence felt almost surreal-like he didn't belong in this world of hardship and struggle I'd come to know.
"Are you alright?" he asked again, his gaze never leaving mine.
I wanted to respond, to tell him I was fine, but I couldn't find the words. Instead, a single tear rolled down my cheek, betraying how vulnerable I truly felt.
"Here," he said, extending his hand toward me. "Let's get you something to eat."
My stomach growled involuntarily, as if it had been waiting for those words. I nodded weakly, allowing him to help me to my feet. As we walked, he introduced himself.
"My name is Mark Grifford," he said, his voice calm and steady. "I live nearby and couldn't help but notice that you seemed...in need of some help."
"Flora," I managed to whisper. "Flora Grace."
We walked in silence until we reached a nearby café. Mark guided me inside and ordered food, letting me sit down to rest. When the food arrived, I couldn't hold back. I ate as if it were my first meal in ages, which, in a way, it was. I barely noticed Mark watching me with a look of curiosity mixed with concern.
Once I finished eating, Mark leaned forward, his eyes intent. "Flora, forgive me if I'm overstepping, but...what happened to you? You don't seem like someone who should be out on the streets."
His question brought back all the memories I'd been trying to bury-the accident, my parents' death, the rejection from my family. I explained everything to him, leaving out no details, my voice trembling as I recounted the story. Mark listened patiently, nodding in understanding, never once interrupting me.
By the time I finished, I felt a strange sense of relief. It was as if I'd shed a weight I didn't realize I was carrying. Mark sat in silence for a few moments, his expression unreadable.
"I can't imagine what you've been through, Flora," he said finally, his voice filled with empathy. "Losing your parents, being abandoned by your family-it's a lot for anyone to bear, especially someone so young."
His words were kind, but they didn't change my reality. I was still alone, still struggling. However, there was something about the way he looked at me that made me feel...seen. For the first time in days, I didn't feel invisible.
"I want to help you, Flora," Mark said, his tone resolute. "If you're willing to accept it."
"Help me?" I echoed, unsure of what he meant.
"Yes," he replied. "I can offer you a place to stay, at least until you figure out your next steps. And if there's anything else you need...you only have to ask."
The kindness in his voice was overwhelming. I was wary, unsure if I could trust him, yet something in his eyes reassured me. Mark didn't seem like he was offering charity. It felt like he genuinely wanted to help, with no strings attached.
---
A few hours later, I found myself standing in a beautiful apartment with sleek, modern furniture and large windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city. Mark had led me here, insisting that I make myself at home. It was strange being in such a luxurious space after the days I'd spent on the streets. I couldn't shake the feeling that I didn't belong here, but Mark seemed to sense my discomfort.
"You're welcome here, Flora," he said gently. "Consider this place yours for as long as you need."
I spent the first night in the guest room, marveling at the softness of the bed and the warmth of the blankets. It was a small luxury, but it felt like a miracle. As I lay there, staring up at the ceiling, I couldn't help but wonder why Mark had helped me. He had no reason to care about someone like me, and yet he'd taken me in without hesitation.
Over the next few days, Mark became a steady presence in my life. He was often busy with work, but whenever he was home, he made time to talk to me, asking about my day, sharing stories from his life, and listening as I talked about my parents and the life I'd lost. I found myself opening up to him in ways I hadn't expected.
One evening, as we sat together in the living room, Mark looked at me thoughtfully. "Flora, have you thought about what you'd like to do moving forward?"
I hesitated, unsure how to answer. My life had been so chaotic that I hadn't even considered the future. "I...I don't know," I admitted. "I haven't really thought about it."
"Well, if you could do anything, what would it be?" he asked, his gaze steady.
I thought about it for a moment before answering. "I always wanted to do something meaningful. Something that would make my parents proud. But now...I don't even know where to start."
Mark smiled, a glint of admiration in his eyes. "You're stronger than you think, Flora. And I have a feeling that whatever you choose, you'll succeed."
His words filled me with a renewed sense of hope. For the first time since my parents' death, I felt like I had a purpose, a reason to keep going. Mark's support was the lifeline I hadn't known I needed.
---
One evening, after we'd spent hours talking and laughing, Mark leaned back and gave me a contemplative look. "Flora, there's something I want to discuss with you," he began, his voice serious.
"What is it?" I asked, sensing a shift in his tone.
"It's a proposal," he said, choosing his words carefully. "An arrangement that might benefit both of us."
I was intrigued, though unsure of what he meant. "What kind of arrangement?"
Mark hesitated, his eyes locking onto mine. "I need a partner-someone I can trust, someone who can stand by me in public. I have a reputation to uphold, and a partnership with someone like you could be mutually beneficial."
His words took me by surprise. A partnership? I'd barely begun to rebuild my life, and now he was suggesting an arrangement that sounded...intense. But as I thought about it, I realized that this might be the chance I needed to secure my future.
"What would this partnership involve?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.
"It's a contracted relationship," Mark explained, his tone measured. "We'd attend events together, present ourselves as a couple. In return, you'd have financial security, a place to live, and a way to rebuild your life."
The idea was overwhelming, yet strangely appealing. It was unconventional, but given my circumstances, it could be the answer to my problems. Still, I had to be sure of one thing.
"Mark," I said cautiously, "are there...expect
ations beyond this partnership?"
He shook his head, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "No, Flora. This would be a professional arrangement. You'd be free to make your own choices, and I'd never ask anything of you that you're uncomfortable with."
A strange sense of relief washed over me. This was a lifeline, an opportunity to rebuild my life and start fresh. And Mark had been nothing but kind and respectful. If he was willing to extend this offer, maybe it was time I took a leap of faith.
After a long pause, I nodded, meeting his gaze with newfound determination. "Alright, Mark. I'll accept your offer."
When Ronan accidentally texts her ex-boyfriend Gideon to assemble her bed, she doesn't expect him to show up-or to reignite old sparks in the most awkward of ways. But between steamy misunderstandings, mischievous matchmaking, and a very suspicious medical intern named Tobias, Gideon begins to suspect he's caught in a love triangle. For a man who thought he had moved on, Gideon is hopelessly drawn back to Ronan's chaotic world, where laughter and scandals are interwoven. Can they navigate love's messy strings and accept they just might be each other's fate?
**Blurb**: When Blondie Apple escapes to Texas City for a fresh start, the last thing she expects is to be forcefully kissed by a mysterious, infuriatingly handsome stranger in the middle of the street. But that's exactly what happens when she crosses paths with Cavan Noah-a man whose breathtaking looks are matched only by his audacious arrogance. Caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, Cavan uses Blondie as an unwitting pawn to evade his pursuers. Furious and determined to hold him accountable, Blondie demands an apology, only to be swept into a whirlwind of danger, secrets, and unexpected passion. In a city where no one dares to defy him, Blondie's fiery spirit is a rare challenge to Cavan's dominance. But as the lines between hostility and attraction blur, both are forced to confront truths about themselves-and the undeniable spark that ignites every time they're near. In a tale of bold clashes and stolen kisses, **"An Unwanted Kiss"** will keep you on the edge of your seat, where every twist hides a secret and every touch threatens to break the walls around their hearts. Will Blondie hold her ground, or will Cavan's dangerous allure sweep her away?
On a dark and windy night, I found myself kissed by a handsome stranger-not just once, but twice! Who does he think I am, someone he can just kiss whenever he feels like it? And now he's saying he should take responsibility, get engaged, even marry me? Absolutely not! I left home to escape an arranged marriage, and now this man suddenly thinks he can swoop in and propose? No way... But why does this school seem filled with handsome guys? There are the cold ones, the gentle ones, and those with a devilish charm-and they all seem to have their eyes on me.
Rumors about Ethan Joseph's fiancée painted a picture of someone from the countryside-plain, uneducated, and as dull as a straw bag. But when Cheryl Margaret appeared at the banquet, she turned those rumors on their head. "This is far from ugly!" "Isn't that the Movie Emperor's younger sister?" "Her father is the world's richest man?" "And the mysterious designer Leo? That's her?" One by one, the crowd's preconceptions crumbled, leaving them in stunned silence. Yet, despite the surprise, Ethan Joseph's disinterest was evident. Then came a jaw-dropping announcement from Ethan's Group's official Instagram account: "Getting along very well, preparing for marriage." The reaction was unanimous disbelief.
Having a one night stand with Mark has been one of my greatest mistake in my life, I was heartbroken by My Ex Thomas, he cheated on me with Melissa, My step sister and after that I got drunken, had a one night stand with The Trillionare.
Kallie, a mute who had been ignored by her husband for five years since their wedding, also suffered the loss of her pregnancy due to her cruel mother-in-law. After the divorce, she learned that her ex-husband had quickly gotten engaged to the woman he truly loved. Holding her slightly rounded belly, she realized that he had never really cared for her. Determined, she left him behind, treating him as a stranger. Yet, after she left, he scoured the globe in search of her. When their paths crossed once more, Kallie had already found new happiness. For the first time, he pleaded humbly, "Please don't leave me..." But Kallie's response was firm and dismissive, cutting through any lingering ties. "Get lost!"
Rena got into an entanglement with a big shot when she was drunk one night. She needed Waylen's help while he was drawn to her youthful beauty. As such, what was supposed to be a one-night stand progressed into something serious. All was well until Rena discovered that Waylen's heart belonged to another woman. When his first love returned, he stopped coming home, leaving Rena all alone for many nights. She put up with it until she received a check and farewell note one day. Contrary to how Waylen expected her to react, Rena had a smile on her face as she bid him farewell. "It was fun while it lasted, Waylen. May our paths never cross. Have a nice life." But as fate would have it, their paths crossed again. This time, Rena had another man by her side. Waylen's eyes burned with jealousy. He spat, "How the hell did you move on? I thought you loved only me!" "Keyword, loved!" Rena flipped her hair back and retorted, "There are plenty of fish in the sea, Waylen. Besides, you were the one who asked for a breakup. Now, if you want to date me, you have to wait in line." The next day, Rena received a credit alert of billions and a diamond ring. Waylen appeared again, got down on one knee, and uttered, "May I cut in line, Rena? I still want you."
Life was perfect until she met her boyfriend's big brother. There was a forbidden law in the Night Shade Pack that if the head Alpha rejected his mate, he would be stripped of his position. Sophia's life would get connected with the law. She was an Omega who was dating the head Alpha's younger brother. Bryan Morrison, the head Alpha, was not only a cold-blooded man but also a charming business tycoon. His name was enough to cause other packs to tremble. He was known as a ruthless man. What if, by some twist of destiny, Sophia's path were to intertwine with his?
Cathryn, an orphan with no family ties to Grayson, regarded him only as family. He, however, valued her as a precious jewel. From their very first encounter, Cathryn's destiny was intertwined with his. Once lonely and desiring affection, she was ensnared by his love, unable to break free. Eventually, she managed to escape his emotional clutches. Shockingly, she had fallen for someone else. Grayson confronted her sharply. "How could you feel for another?" Unable to meet his eyes, she whispered, "You're family. I can't..." Looking down, he pressed further. "You can't, or you wouldn’t dare?"
"It was just one night stand, and now I'm pregnant with triplets? Gosh!" Josephine Jade never thought that she would have to run away from her own family while pregnant. She was alone, without money, without connections, with three fetuses in her stomach. How can she survive? However, Josephine couldn't give up now, until she managed to reclaim her arbitrarily seized property and get back at everyone who tried to get rid of her. A sick child, a past crush that comes back, a mysterious eccentric man, and a family that hates her, will weave together the journey of Josephine Jade's new life. "You have no right to separate me from my children, you bastard! I will survive and you will submit to me. Just watch!"
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!"