Aliyah stood at the altar, shocked to be marrying Luis, the masked man and the stranger who rescued her, instead of Fedrick. Luis's intense eyes locked onto hers, his voice low and husky. "You're mine now," he whispered. Aliyah's mind reeled, unsure what he wanted. She saw a glimmer of desire in his eyes and her heart skipped a beat. Their accidental marriage was just the beginning of a deadly game of power and passion. Aliyah was trapped, unsure what lay ahead, but she knew her life would never be the same. Luis had her now, and he wouldn't let her go.
I opened my eyes slightly and tried to sit up, but I felt a slight pain in my head. "Ahh," I flinched in pain, and I felt wet and sore underneath me. I removed the sheet cover and looked beneath me, and I was in a state of shock. Did I just lose myself recklessly? "What? How did this happen?" I looked around the environment, and the place was really unfamiliar to me.
I turned over, and my eyes fell on the naked stranger close to me. He was in a deep sleep. That was when reality hit me. I was fuming in anger, my fists clenched, and all I could think about was to fight or destroy him.
I screamed at the top of my lungs, "What did you do to me?" I hit him with all my might. "How did I end up in bed with you? Get the fuck up!"
"Sister, sister, sister, sister, no need to shout. Didn't you enjoy your little moment with him?" a familiar voice said.
"You," I looked at Aurora with stern eyes.
"Fernando, did you satisfy her well?"
"Yes, my lady, I did as you asked."
"Alright, you can leave now. I will call you."
Tears gathered in my eyes as I asked, "Why do you hate me so much to do this to me? First, I caught you in bed with my boyfriend, and now this?
"I am your sister, for God's sake! We're twins. We share a bond."
"Oh, be quiet with the twins' shit. You deserve it," my sister, Aurora, said.
"How can you have someone like Gabriel and expect me not to go after him? Yeah, yeah, we were sleeping with the same man-get over it, Aliyah."
"Since Mother left us, I've tried to be there for you, Aurora, but you've had this messed-up scenario playing in your head. Why?"
"You made a stranger take advantage of me. You drugged me into getting in bed with him," I fired at her.
"You haven't seen anything yet, Aliyah. This is just the beginning. Well, I have enough clips and pictures of you. Let's see what Father says when I show him your sex tape and upload it publicly, or even better-I send it to our boyfriend, Gabriel."
"Why are you doing this to me, Aurora? What have I ever done to you?" I asked, feeling helpless.
Aurora walked over to me and crouched to my level.
"You think making me feel like shit wasn't enough? And things had to get worse-I had to share Father's love with you. Always comparing me with you. Aurora, you have to follow your sister's footsteps. 'Hey, Aurora, please, I need your sister's number, I really like her. Can't you be just like Aliyah?'"
"Aliyah this, Aliyah that... I was left in the dark, a shadow of you. Hated among my peers. You were liked by the teachers, Father, strangers-everywhere. While I, your sister, the daughter of a respected wealthy man, was treated as a nobody."
She quickly stood up and said, "But everything will end now. I will destroy your reputation, and you will get to feel what I felt."
I saw my phone close to the table and tried to pick it up, but Aurora quickly took it away.
"What are you trying to do? You won't get to use this phone or call anyone. You'll receive it back when you're home."
"Aurora, please," I begged, but Aurora didn't give me a listening ear.
She walked away but stopped in her tracks. "I might not post it because I feel a little bit kind today. I will think of a better punishment. Goodbye, sister."
I took the sheets of the bed covers and sat in a crouched position, my knees pulled up to my chest. I cried uncontrollably. I knew if my mother were here, all of this wouldn't have happened. She would have surely put Aurora on the right track and not let her turn into the monster she is now.
That same day, in the evening, I came back home late and bumped into one of the maids on my way to my room.
"Greetings, Miss Aliyah. You seem hurt. Are you staggering?" But I ignored her greetings. I was already in so much pain, and all I wanted was to get myself cleaned up.
I had my shower, cleaned myself up properly. I tried washing away every bit of dirt I had on me. I got dressed and took some painkillers to help ease the pain I was feeling.
Moments later, a knock was heard on my door.
"Miss Aliyah, it's me, Margret. Dinner is ready. Your father is around. He will be joining you and your sister for dinner," the maid said, and she left as she got no response.
I forgot all about Father. Some of the diamond investors were coming today, and I'm sure Aurora knew about this. That's why she made all of this happen.
Julian and Aurora were already eating their dinner when I walked into the dining room.
"Good evening, Father," I greeted.
"Aurora," I called out as I glared at her. But Father didn't seem pleased to see me.
"How could you miss such an important meeting today?" he asked, his voice stern. "Yes, if you knew you were going to disappoint me, you shouldn't have agreed to speak to the investors. Your secretary had to come to me and give me a heads-up about the situation. Thank God my meeting was almost at the end point, or we would have lost them.
"Where were you, anyway?.
I looked at Aurora while my father asked about my whereabouts. Aurora winked at me, urging me to talk.
"Yes, Aliyah, where were you?" she chimed in, trying to make me look bad in Father's eyes. I felt a surge of anger towards her, but I tried to remain calm.
"Father, I'm sorry. I had some complications, and I lost track of time. It won't happen again."
"It better not," he replied.
"Can I be excused, Father?"
"Ahh, yes, before I forget. You have a meeting with someone tomorrow. You will get all the details in the morning."
"Why, Father? Is he buying wines or investing in our company?" I asked, curious about the meeting.
"You'll have to wait till tomorrow. Then you'll find out," he said, his expression unreadable.
The next day was the day of the meeting, and I couldn't help but wonder who the mysterious stranger was that my father spoke of. I walked downstairs when Margret approached me.
"Miss Aliyah, your coffee. Just as you like it, little milk and no sugar."
"Thank you, Margret. You're the best," I said, taking three sips of the strong caffeine. I dropped the cup and walked to my car.
"Good morning, Miss Aliyah," the chauffeur greeted.
The chauffeur opened the door for me, and I entered the car.
"Miss Aliyah, your father has given me a location. He said, "You have a meeting there."
"Alright, drive," I replied.
It was the East Wing, a famous restaurant for the rich. Who could I be meeting for Father to send me to such a place?
I walked into the restaurant and was greeted by the waitress close to the entrance of the door.
"Good morning, ma'am. Can I get your name, please?"
"Aliyah, Aliyah Gómez."
"Oh, finally," the girl at the door responded. "Your table is three tables ahead. Your guest is waiting for you."
I walked over to my seat and saw a familiar figure seated at my table.
"You," I exclaimed, surprised to see him.
Aliyah Rhodes, a driven and ambitious young woman, is left reeling after her company mysteriously went ablaze. But her luck changes when she's unexpectedly offered a job as personal secretary to Alexander Thompson, the arrogant billionaire and CEO of Thompson Industries. Initially, they were at each other's throats, with Aliyah disliking Alex's arrogant attitude and Alex underestimating Aliyah's determination. However, as times changed, they began to look at each other differently, their mutual attraction growing and they found themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. But Aliyah's world is shattered when she discovers the shocking truth about Alex. He is married, and he's been the mastermind of her company's downfall. Heartbroken and betrayed, Aliyah disappears, only to return weeks later with a life-changing secret: she's pregnant with Alex's child. But her courage is tested when she catches Alex in bed with the woman he claimed not to love. Consumed by self-loathing and anger, Aliyah runs to start afresh from his toxicity. Years later she got into a contract marriage with Alex best friend and marries him with Alex divorcing his wife. As reality hits Alex, he finds out about Aliyah and his friend's marriage, not accepting his loss he's determined to get his woman back at all cost. Will Aliyah be able to forgive Alex's past mistakes and return back to him with their child, or will the obstacles between them prove insurmountable?
In a world where werewolves reign supreme, the last white wolf, Astrid Howlington, is the key to an ancient prophecy that will determine the fate of their kind. Born with a rare gift, Astrid's existence has been shrouded in mystery and danger. As the last of her line, she is the final hope for the werewolf packs. Astrid's life was forever changed when she was rejected by her fated mate, Thane Wolford, the ruthless and cunning alpha of the Lupari pack. Thane's rejection was not only a blow to Astrid's heart but also a brutal awakening to the harsh realities of their world. As Thane's abuse and manipulation pushed Astrid to the brink of destruction, she was forced to flee and hide her true identity. Years later, Astrid's life is turned upside down when she encounters Kieran, a werewolf who hated the word mate, a powerful and feared werewolf from the Shadow pack. Kieran is rumored to be unbeatable in battle, and his reputation strikes fear into the hearts of even the bravest warriors. As Astrid and Kieran's paths cross, they are drawn to each other with an inexplicable force, igniting a passion that threatens to consume them both. As Luna's prophecy begins to unfold, Astrid and Kieran must navigate the treacherous landscape of pack politics, ancient magic, and forgotten lore. With Thane's sinister presence a threat to their wolf kind, Astrid must confront her painful past and learn to trust Kieran, her new mate, who is determined to protect her at all costs. As the stakes grow higher, Astrid and Kieran must join forces to unravel the secrets of Luna's prophecy and save their world from destruction and stop the curse laid upon all black wolves. Will Astrid find the strength to overcome her past and claim her rightful place as the last protector of the wolf kind, or will the forces of darkness prevail?
Ember Thornhill thinks she has found her forever mate in Asher Blackwood Alpa of the Blackwood pack, but he rejects her for his manipulative Ex lover Lila Shadowglow, Ember couldn't accept rejection, so she fled heartbroken and pregnant. 10 years gone and Asher discovers his little affair with his mate Ember got her pregnant with twin pup's Ava and Owen. Determined to write his wrongs for a second chance with his family and prove his love for his Luna , he is set to find her beyond the depths of the grounds, can Ember forgive her mate and trust him again? As they both try to rekindle their past relationship, they find the loopholes of their complicated past and the present dangers that move around them. Ember and Asher must accept the truth and make sure their bonds remain unbroken. With rogue werewolves threatening Asher's clan and his family's safety, Ember's hidden wolf powers surface. Can the Alpha and his mate overcome their differences and break free from the chains of their past ? Or will Asher and Ember's second chance at love be a total disaster.
June Rivera was divorced by her husband after three years of marriage because he wanted to be with her sister who was pregnant for him. Kicked to the curb with a divorce and rejected by her parents,she struggles to make ends meet and get a job until she saves Luis Ambrose from an accident - the only child of Rafael Ambrose, a widowed man and the CEO of Ambrose Corporation. When little Luis asks to have her as a nanny, and Rafael's mother pressures him to get married, they draw a contract. To be Luis's nanny and his fake wife for one year in exchange for 50 million dollars!
As a simple assistant, messaging the CEO in the dead of night to request shares of adult films was a bold move. Bethany, unsurprisingly, didn't receive any films. However, the CEO responded that, while he had no films to share, he could offer a live demonstration. After a night filled with passion, Bethany was certain she'd lose her job. But instead, her boss proposed, "Marry me. Please consider it." "Mr. Bates, you're kidding me, right?"
"I've warned you from the beginning. Don't marry him, but you won't listen." She stood close to me and smiled with concern. "You are not a woman worthy of a man as handsome, rich, smart, and virile as Blaze." My whole body trembled at her words. "Have you no shame?" I asked in a quivering voice. "Take a good look at yourself, Heather." She looked at me in the mirror. "You can't even look at your ugly face. Do you think Blaze can endure a lifetime of looking at that face?" Heather Bailey had a surprise from her husband that night: a divorce agreement. After a year of marriage and facing ups and downs, she couldn't believe Blaze intended to divorce her. But she was devastated when she saw him gazing lovingly at another woman because that person was closest to her. Shortly after she put her signature on their divorce papers, shock waves caught her up. Her flower shop was severely burnt, beyond repair. Her father's company collapsed, and her parents blamed her. She struggled to rebuild her life from the ground up and became more successful than ever. Having many customers who came from influential families, she started her action against Blaze. She won the very thing he wanted. But that was just the beginning.
"You're a creepy bastard." His eyes smolder me and his answering grin is nothing short of beautiful. Deadly. "Yet you hunger for me. Tell me, this appetite of yours, does it always tend toward 'creepy bastards'?" **** Widower and ex-boss to the Mafia, Zefiro Della Rocca, has an unhealthy fixation on the woman nextdoor. It began as a coincidence, growing into mere curiosity, and soon, it was an itch he couldn't ignore, like a quick fix of crack for an addict. He didn't know her name, but he knew every inch of her skin, how it flushed when she climaxed, her favourite novel and that every night she contemplated suicide. He didn't want to care, despising his rapt fascination of the woman. She was in love with her abusive husband. She was married, bound by a contract to the Bratva's hitman. She was off-limits. But when Zefiro wanted something, it was with an intensity that bordered on madness. He obsessed, possessed, owned. There'd be bloodshed if he touched her, but the sight of blood always did fascinate him. * When Susanna flees from her husband, she stumbles right into the arms of her devilishly handsome neighbour with a brooding glare. He couldn't stand her, but she needed him, if she was ever going to escape her husband who now wanted her dead. Better the devil you know than the angel you don't. She should have recalled that before hopping into Zefiro's car and letting him whisk her away to Italy. Maybe then, she wouldn't have started an affair with him. He was the only man who touched her right, and the crazy man took no small pains in ensuring he would be the last.
For ten years, Daniela showered her ex-husband with unwavering devotion, only to discover she was just his biggest joke. Feeling humiliated yet determined, she finally divorced him. Three months later, Daniela returned in grand style. She was now the hidden CEO of a leading brand, a sought-after designer, and a wealthy mining mogul—her success unveiled at her triumphant comeback. Her ex-husband’s entire family rushed over, desperate to beg for forgiveness and plead for another chance. Yet Daniela, now cherished by the famed Mr. Phillips, regarded them with icy disdain. "I’m out of your league."
COALESCENCE OF THE FIVE SERIES BOOK ONE: THE 5-TIME REJECTED GAMMA & THE LYCAN KING BOOK TWO: THE ROGUES WHO WENT ROGUE BOOK THREE: THE INDOMITABLE HUNTRESS & THE HARDENED DUKE *** BOOK ONE: After being rejected by 5 mates, Gamma Lucianne pleaded with the Moon Goddess to spare her from any further mate-bonds. To her dismay, she is being bonded for the sixth time. What’s worse is that her sixth-chance mate is the most powerful creature ruling over all werewolves and Lycans - the Lycan King himself. She is certain, dead certain, that a rejection would come sooner or later, though she hopes for it to be sooner. King Alexandar was ecstatic to meet his bonded mate, and couldn’t thank their Goddess enough for gifting him someone so perfect. However, he soon realizes that this gift is reluctant to accept him, and more than willing to sever their bond. He tries to connect with her but she seems so far away. He is desperate to get intimate with her but she seems reluctant to open up to him. He tries to tell her that he is willing to commit to her for the rest of his life but she doesn’t seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that he’s different; and a chance to love her. But when not-so-subtle crushes, jealous suitors, self-entitled Queen-wannabes, an old flame, a silent protector and a past wedding engagement threaten to jeopardize their relationship, will Lucianne and Xandar still choose to be together? Is their love strong enough to overcome everything and everyone? Or will Lucianne resort to enduring a sixth rejection from the one person she thought she could entrust her heart with?