Sophia Rivera has always relied on her own grit and determination to carve a name for herself in the cutthroat world of art. At 29, she's on the cusp of success, managing an exclusive New York City gallery. The last thing she needs is distractions-especially in the form of Alexander Pierce, a devastatingly handsome tech billionaire nearly two decades her senior. Reserved, enigmatic, and harboring scars from a bitter past, Alexander is everything Sophia shouldn't want but can't seem to resist. Drawn together by chance, their connection quickly ignites into something undeniable. But their budding romance is anything but simple. Whispers of their age gap and Alexander's reclusive reputation follow them everywhere, while his cunning COO, Victoria Lannister, has her own reasons to keep him single-and firmly under her control. When hidden agendas and secrets threaten to tear them apart, Sophia must decide if love is worth risking her independence, while Alexander faces the ultimate challenge: lowering his walls and trusting in a love that defies logic and societal expectations. In a world where age, power, and appearances matter more than the truth, can two souls find their way to a love that's worth fighting for?
The rain slicked streets of Manhattan glistened under the muted glow of streetlights as Sophia Rivera tugged her coat tighter around her. The cold November wind bit at her cheeks, but she hardly noticed. Her mind was a whirl of thoughts as she hurried down Madison Avenue, her heels clicking against the pavement in a rhythmic cadence that matched the restless energy coursing through her veins.
She was late. Again.
The gallery's private opening was her chance to prove herself, to show the board of directors that she was more than just an idealistic curator with an eye for modern art. She had fought for tonight's exhibit, convinced them to take a chance on an up-and-coming artist no one had ever heard of. Failure was not an option.
Pushing through the heavy glass doors of the Rivera Gallery-her namesake, though only in coincidence, not ownership-Sophia was greeted by the low hum of polite conversation, the clinking of champagne glasses, and the soft strains of a live cello. The scent of lilies and cedarwood lingered in the air, mixing with the faint hint of paint and varnish.
She smoothed her dress, a sleek black number she had snagged on sale, and quickly scanned the room. The exhibit's centerpiece, a breathtaking installation of suspended metallic sculptures that reflected light in mesmerizing patterns, hung in the center of the gallery. Guests circled it like moths to a flame.
"Late again, I see," came a familiar voice to her left.
Sophia turned, bracing herself. Marcella Bennett, the gallery's managing director, stood with her arms crossed, a glass of champagne in hand. Her perfectly coiffed blonde hair and sharp designer suit exuded authority, but it was the faint smirk on her lips that set Sophia on edge.
"Traffic," Sophia replied smoothly, offering her most practiced smile.
"Of course." Marcella's gaze flicked over her, assessing. "Your artist's work better impress tonight. The board is watching."
"They'll love it," Sophia said, though her stomach twisted into knots.
Marcella raised an eyebrow but said nothing more, moving to greet a group of patrons near the far wall.
Sophia exhaled and took a moment to collect herself before weaving through the crowd. She stopped occasionally to exchange pleasantries with guests, subtly steering conversations toward the exhibit's theme of industrial beauty and the resilience of human creativity. Her artist, Theo, stood near his installation, looking every bit the tortured genius in his worn leather jacket and perpetually tousled hair.
"You're doing great," she whispered as she approached him.
Theo shot her a nervous smile. "If by great you mean trying not to pass out, then yeah."
Sophia chuckled softly. "Just talk about your work. People love hearing about the inspiration behind the pieces."
Before Theo could respond, a sudden ripple of energy passed through the room. Heads turned, and the low murmur of conversation hushed.
That was when she saw him.
Alexander Pierce.
He entered the gallery with the kind of quiet authority that demanded attention without asking for it. Dressed in a tailored charcoal suit that fit him like a second skin, he moved with an effortless confidence that made the room seem smaller. His sharp, chiseled features were framed by neatly combed dark hair streaked with hints of silver, and his piercing blue eyes scanned the crowd with calculated precision.
Sophia's breath caught.
"Is that...?" Theo whispered, his voice tinged with awe.
"Yes," Sophia said, her voice barely audible. She had seen Alexander Pierce in magazines and television interviews, but in person, he was an entirely different force of nature.
Before she could think of a reason why he, of all people, was at her gallery, Marcella swooped in.
"Mr. Pierce, what a pleasure to have you here," Marcella said, her tone sugary sweet as she extended a hand.
Alexander's expression didn't change as he shook Marcella's hand briefly. "I heard good things about this exhibit," he said, his deep, velvety voice cutting through the room like a command.
Sophia felt an inexplicable pull toward him, as if the air around him crackled with an unseen energy. She didn't realize she was staring until his gaze shifted and locked onto hers.
Time seemed to slow.
"Sophia Rivera," Marcella said, her voice jolting Sophia back to reality. "She's the curator behind tonight's exhibit."
Alexander's eyes lingered on Sophia, a flicker of interest crossing his face. "Impressive work," he said simply, his words deliberate and measured.
Sophia felt her cheeks flush. "Thank you," she managed, her voice steady despite the flutter in her chest.
Marcella stepped in, clearly eager to monopolize his attention, but Alexander didn't seem to notice. His focus remained on Sophia.
"I'd like to hear more about the artist," he said. "Perhaps you could show me around?"
Sophia blinked, caught off guard. "Of course," she said quickly, glancing at Marcella, whose polite smile had turned razor-sharp.
Alexander gestured for her to lead the way, and as they moved through the gallery, Sophia was acutely aware of his presence beside her.
"Is this your first time here?" she asked, breaking the silence.
"It is," he replied, his tone unreadable. "Though I've been meaning to visit. The Rivera Gallery has a reputation for bold choices."
Sophia couldn't tell if that was a compliment or a critique. "We aim to showcase work that challenges conventional perspectives," she said carefully.
He glanced at her, a faint smile playing at the corner of his lips. "And does that philosophy extend to the curator as well?"
Sophia's heart skipped a beat. Was he teasing her?
"I like to think so," she said, matching his tone.
As they stopped in front of Theo's installation, Alexander studied the piece in silence, his expression inscrutable. Sophia found herself watching him instead, drawn to the intensity in his eyes.
"It's remarkable," he said finally. "The way it captures both strength and fragility."
Sophia nodded, her voice soft. "That's exactly what Theo was aiming for. The resilience of human creativity, even in the face of adversity."
Alexander turned to her, his gaze penetrating. "You have an eye for more than just art, Ms. Rivera."
Sophia's breath hitched. There was something in his tone, something that hinted at a deeper meaning. But before she could respond, the moment was interrupted by Marcella's sharp voice.
"Mr. Pierce, I'd love to introduce you to some of our patrons."
Alexander hesitated, his eyes lingering on Sophia for a moment longer before he nodded. "Another time, then," he said, his words carrying a weight that sent a shiver down her spine.
As he walked away, Sophia couldn't shake the feeling that her life had just shifted in ways she couldn't yet comprehend.
In the shadowy town of Black Hollow, secrets run as deep as the surrounding forests. Elena Voss, a young veterinary assistant, returns to uncover the truth about her late mother's past, only to stumble into a world she never knew existed-a world of ancient rivalries and untamed beasts. Damon Grey, the enigmatic alpha of the Shadowfang Pack, has always walked a fine line between duty and darkness. When Elena unknowingly trespasses on his territory, she becomes the target of Magnus Kane, a ruthless rogue alpha bent on revenge. Tasked with protecting her, Damon must confront his own demons while keeping her safe. As Elena unravels her connection to the werewolf legacy, a dangerous attraction grows between her and Damon. But when a shocking truth about her heritage comes to light, she must choose between the life she thought she wanted and the one destiny has in store. With betrayal lurking at every turn and war brewing on the horizon, will Elena and Damon's bond be enough to overcome the forces threatening to tear them apart? Or will their love ignite a war that will destroy them both
Elena Ricci's world shatters when her mother falls critically ill, leaving her with no options but desperation. A whispered suggestion from a friend leads her to a dark and twisted auction where the rich buy more than just art. Desperate for the money to save her mother, Elena agrees to auction herself, only to be swept away by a man far more dangerous than she ever imagined. Dante Moretti, the ruthless Mafia Lord of Milan, didn't plan to buy anyone that night. But something about Elena's fire her defiance, her desperation captivates him. He saves her, but his intentions are anything but pure. Now trapped in his luxurious world of power and violence, Elena fights to keep her independence, even as Dante's possessive obsession over her deepens. Two years later, with her mother saved and a child born from their twisted union, Elena plans to escape. But Dante's enemies have other plans, using her and their child as pawns in a deadly game. Just when she thinks she's nothing more than a bargaining chip, Dante risks everything to rescue her, unraveling a passion neither of them can deny. Can Elena break free from the Mafia Lord's grasp, or will Dante's love prove to be the most dangerous force of all?
One unforgettable night with a stranger leaves heiress Elara Kingston in ruin disowned, disgraced, and exiled with a secret she never intended to keep. Three years later, she returns, ready for revenge against those who betrayed her. But her carefully laid plans unravel the moment she locks eyes with Ronan Blackwood, the powerful CEO who was her mystery man...and the father of her child. As Elara tries to shield her secret while seeking her revenge, Ronan's intense, possessive pull is impossible to ignore. Drawn back into his world, she's caught between old betrayals, new passions, and a shocking truth that changes everything. When Ronan uncovers her secret, he'll do anything to claim what's his, including her heart. . Can Elara escape her past or is she destined to fall for the one man who could destroy her carefully built life all over again?
Leah Orbert is trapped in a loveless marriage with an arrogant, indifferent man who never touched her in the year they were together. Devoid of intimacy and happiness, her life was marked by hardship and sorrow. Her husband, eager to divorce her, orchestrated a cruel plan that left her devastated. She was drugged and ended up in another man's bed, providing her husband the excuse to accuse her of infidelity and divorce her swiftly. Leah found herself destitute, alone, and begging on the streets. Just weeks later, she discovered she was pregnant by the stranger. Despairing and wishing for death, she struggled to survive, hoping for a miracle. Richard Leo, a billionaire, had a fleeting encounter with Leah during a drunken night, unaware of her identity but haunted by her memory. Seven years later, he encounters twin boys bearing a striking resemblance to him, complete with his family's birthmark. Determined to find their mother, he exclaims, "Take me to your mother, this instant!" Join me as we unravel Leah's journey from misfortune to redemption, and witness the unfolding drama and romance.
After Martina Martinez and Benjamin Walker's breakup, paparazzi captured photos of the business tycoon entering the Walker family mansion with a mysterious woman late at night. This caused a stir, and this wealthy family was bombarded by various media outlets. During a phone interview, the gossip reporter asked, "Miss Martinez, how do you feel now that Mr. Walker has a new girlfriend?" Martina held her painful forehead and looked towards Benjamin, who was adjusting his suit by the floor-to-ceiling window. He gestured for her to come over and help him with his tie. Holding her phone, Martina responded, "It's... complicated!" The reporter's heart leaped with joy and asked, "Is it heartbroken?!" Martina was about to nod, but Benjamin raised his eyebrows and took her phone away. His deep and alluring voice was heard on the other end of the line, "New girlfriend? Whose?"
It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mistake of falling in love with Kristopher. When the time came that she needed him the most, her husband was in the company of another woman. Enough was enough. Carrie chose to divorce Kristopher and move on with her life. Only when she left did Kristopher realize how important she was to him. In the face of his ex-wife’s countless admirers, Kristopher offered her 20 million dollars and proposed a new deal. “Let’s get married again.”
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."
Marrying her best friend was a dream come true for Kelly, but everything truly has a limitation. Pierce is Kelly’s first love, but as his best friend, she knew well there was always another woman deep in his heart. Lexi Gilbert. The woman Pierce could never forget even if he had already been arranged to marry Kelly. *** Kelly finally realized their happy marriage of the last three years was just a beautiful dream when Pierce asked for a divorce just because Lexi returned. She could only be his best friend even if she was carrying his baby. *** Since their friendship had become a cage, Kelly chose to set him free, as well as the miserable herself. But why then, it was Pierce who became the one who refused to move on? To make matters worse, her devil stepbrother also domineeringly stepped in at the same time, asking her to be his. *** Her Prince Charming vs. Her Devil Stepbrother? How could Kelly save her heart in this battle of love and hate?
“Gabriel Bryce, how can you stand being so shameless?” Leonica asked, staring daggers at her atrocious husband and his mistress. “This is the house gifted to my by grandmother, yet you dare bring another woman into it? Aren’t you afraid that grandmother would be disappointed with you actions…?” Leonica’s words remained unfinished as an enraged Gabriel swung his hand through the air, smacking his palm clean on her left cheek. Leonica held her throbbing cheek, eyes wide and teary as she stared at her husband who glared down at her ferociously. “The nerves of you to mention my grandmother. You have no right to do so!” He spat, taking a step forward and jabbing his index finger painfully into her shoulder, making her take several steps back. “Bare this in mind, Leonica Romero, if not for the wishes of my late grandmother, I’d much rather be dead than associate myself with somebody like you.” *~*~* *~*~* Leonica Romero has always had a long time crush on Gabriel Bryce, CEO of Bryce Empire and Norway’s Business tyrant. Fortunately, at the request of his Ill grandmother, her family’s long time friend, Leonica gets the chance to marry her beloved. Feeling elated, she abandoned her position and dream job in the Romero household and becomes a humble housewife for Gabriel. However, Three years later, on the day of Gabriel’s grandmother’s funeral, Leonica is stunned speechless when he demands for a divorce, as his ex girlfriend Angelina Fernandez had suddenly returned, proclaiming her undying love for him. But that wasn’t the only shock Leonica received that day. Hours after Gabriel’s declaration for a divorce, Leonica wakes up in the hospital to a shocking news. She was two months pregnant. And Gabriel knew nothing about this!