In the charming coastal town of Willow Haven, Grace Delaney is starting over. After a devastating breakup and the closure of her small bakery, she returns to her hometown to regroup and rediscover herself. Enter Lucas Hayes, a former big-city architect who has moved to Willow Haven to escape his own troubled past. When a community project brings Grace and Lucas together, their undeniable chemistry begins to spark. But Grace's guarded heart and Lucas's lingering guilt over a family tragedy threaten to tear them apart. As they navigate the challenges of trust, healing, and love, the autumn leaves falling around them remind them that letting go of the past may lead to a brighter future.
Grace Delaney tightened her grip on the steering wheel, her knuckles white against the dark leather. The coastal road to Willow Haven curved sharply, flanked by towering pine trees on one side and the endless expanse of ocean on the other. The late afternoon sun bathed the horizon in shades of amber and gold, a breathtaking view she'd once taken for granted.
The radio played a soft acoustic tune, but it did little to soothe the whirlwind of emotions inside her. Returning to her hometown felt like stepping back into an old pair of shoes-familiar but ill-fitting. She hadn't been back in years, not since leaving for culinary school and chasing dreams that now felt like fragments of a different life.
Pulling into the driveway of her grandmother's cottage, Grace killed the engine and sat motionless for a moment. The house stood just as she remembered it-quaint and welcoming, with ivy curling around the wooden porch posts and a small, hand-painted sign that read Welcome to Rosewood Cottage.
She pushed open the car door and inhaled deeply, the salty tang of the sea mingling with the earthy scent of pine. It grounded her in a way she hadn't expected. With slow, deliberate steps, she made her way to the front door, her suitcase trailing behind her. The key, worn and familiar, turned easily in the lock.
Inside, the cottage was untouched by time. Faded floral wallpaper covered the walls, and crocheted doilies adorned the furniture. A framed photograph of her grandparents sat on the mantle, their smiling faces a bittersweet reminder of happier days.
Her chest tightened. She'd come here to heal, to rediscover herself in the quiet of the town she once called home. Yet standing here, surrounded by echoes of her past, she wasn't sure if she was ready.
The sound of a knock startled her from her thoughts. Turning, she found her childhood friend, Mia Caldwell, peeking through the screen door with a wide grin.
"Grace! You're finally here!" Mia swung the door open and pulled her into a tight hug. "It's been forever!"
Grace returned the embrace, her tension easing slightly. "Hey, Mia. I wasn't sure you'd still be in town."
"Of course I'm here," Mia said, stepping back to study her. "You look... different. Not bad, just different."
"Life does that to you," Grace replied with a small smile.
Mia tilted her head, her expression softening. "I heard about the bakery. I'm sorry, Grace. That must've been tough."
Grace shrugged, not ready to unpack the full weight of her failure. "It is what it is. I'm here now, and that's what matters, right?"
"Absolutely." Mia's eyes sparkled with excitement. "And speaking of being here, you couldn't have picked a better time. Have you heard about the new community center project?"
Grace shook her head.
"It's all the town's been talking about," Mia continued. "Lucas Hayes-the architect overseeing the project-is working on turning the old lighthouse property into something amazing. They're hosting a fundraiser next weekend, and I immediately thought of you."
Grace raised an eyebrow. "Why would you think of me?"
"Because we need your baking skills! Everyone still remembers your strawberry tarts from high school bake sales. You'd be perfect."
A protest formed on Grace's lips, but Mia cut her off. "Think about it. It's a great way to reconnect with the community, and who knows? It might even help you find some inspiration."
Grace hesitated. She'd come to Willow Haven to escape, not to get involved. Yet Mia's enthusiasm was infectious, and the thought of baking again stirred something deep within her.
"I'll think about it," she said finally.
"That's all I ask." Mia grinned. "Now, let's get you settled. I'm dying to catch up."
The hours slipped by as the two women talked, their laughter filling the cottage. By the time Mia left, the sun had set, and Grace felt a flicker of something she hadn't felt in months-hope.
The next morning, Grace awoke to the sound of seagulls and the distant crash of waves. Sunlight streamed through the lace curtains, painting the room in warm, golden hues. She stretched, savoring the rare sensation of waking without a heavy weight on her chest.
After a quick breakfast of toast and coffee, she decided to take a walk through town. Willow Haven was just as picturesque as she remembered, with its cobblestone streets, brightly colored storefronts, and the faint aroma of saltwater lingering in the air.
Stopping outside the local café, she debated whether to go inside when a deep voice called out behind her.
"Excuse me. You're blocking the entrance."
Grace turned, her cheeks flushing slightly. Standing before her was a man in his early thirties, tall and broad-shouldered with sharp, angular features and piercing blue eyes. His dark hair was slightly tousled, and he held a cup of coffee in one hand while balancing a stack of papers in the other.
"Sorry," she muttered, stepping aside.
"No problem." He gave her a polite nod and moved past her into the café.
Curiosity sparked as she watched him disappear inside. Something about him seemed out of place, yet oddly intriguing.
Shaking off the thought, she continued her walk, eventually finding herself near the old lighthouse property. The site was bustling with activity, construction equipment scattered across the landscape. Workers moved purposefully, their shouts blending with the hum of machinery.
"Grace?"
She turned to find Mia approaching, clipboard in hand and an excited gleam in her eye.
"Perfect timing!" Mia said. "I was just about to introduce you to Lucas. He's the one heading the project."
Before Grace could protest, Mia was dragging her toward the site.
"Lucas!" Mia called out, waving.
The man from the café looked up from his blueprints, his expression neutral as they approached.
"Grace, meet Lucas Hayes. Lucas, this is Grace Delaney, my best friend and the best baker you'll ever meet."
Lucas extended a hand, his gaze steady. "Nice to meet you."
Grace hesitated for a fraction of a second before shaking his hand. "Likewise."
Mia beamed. "Grace is considering helping with the fundraiser. Maybe she could set up a baking booth or something."
Lucas nodded. "We could use all the help we can get. The fundraiser's crucial for securing additional funding."
"I haven't agreed to anything yet," Grace said quickly, feeling her cheeks heat under Lucas's piercing gaze.
"No pressure," he replied, though there was a hint of amusement in his tone.
Mia clapped her hands together. "Great! Now that you two have met, I'll leave you to it. I've got a million other things to do."
Before Grace could protest, Mia was gone, leaving her alone with Lucas.
"So," he said, folding his arms across his chest. "Are you always this enthusiastic about helping others, or is it just me?"
Grace blinked, caught off guard by his dry humor. "I didn't say no. I just... need time to think."
He nodded, his expression softening. "Fair enough. But if you do decide to help, let Mia know. She'll rope you into it either way."
Grace couldn't help but smile. "I'll keep that in mind."
Walking back toward the cottage, she replayed the encounter in her mind. Lucas Hayes was a puzzle, and she wasn't sure she wanted to solve it. But something about him, and the project, stirred a sense of curiosity she hadn't felt in a long time.
Maybe, just maybe, Mia was right. Getting involved might be exactly what she needed.
Jade's life is turned upside down when she's wrongfully convicted of drug trafficking. Upon her release, she discovers that her boyfriend, Luke, has been cheating on her and now has a child with her childhood best friend. Just as her world crumbles, fate steps in with an unexpected twist. Grayson Westbrook, a billionaire with a cold and distant demeanor, has sworn off marriage and children after a devastating event in his past. When his mother's pressure becomes unbearable, he proposes a deal to Jade: a marriage of convenience. But what starts as a business arrangement soon stirs deeper emotions. Grayson's words are dry, his affection seems absent, but there's something in his touch that stirs an undeniable passion in Jade. As they navigate their complex and troubled lives, secrets begin to unravel: Will Jade accept the proposal, despite the pain it brings? What truly led to Jade's wrongful conviction, and who betrayed her? What dark trauma haunts Grayson, making him swear off love and commitment?
Olivia Hayes, a renowned attorney, is drawn to the charismatic and enigmatic tech mogul, Luca Drake. His charm, humor, and innovative vision tick all the boxes for her, and their whirlwind romance sweeps her off her feet. Olivia is already deeply in love with Luca, but behind his thriving tech company lies a dark secret-he is the notorious drug lord of the city's underworld, a side of him he has carefully hidden. Olivia's world unravels when her latest high-profile case puts her directly in Luca's path, sparking suspicions and uncovering threads that lead to his shady dealings. As her feelings for Luca deepen and her case escalates, Olivia begins to uncover chilling clues that suggest Luca's involvement in the very crimes she's dedicated her life to fighting. Torn between her duty to uphold the law and her love for Luca, Olivia is forced to navigate the dangerous world of organized crime, deception, and betrayal.
Mira has always lived in the shadows of despair. With a life full of pain and little hope, she's learned to survive but never to dream. For Jaxon, the scars of his first love run deep. The hollow void left by that lost connection makes it impossible for him to commit, and he drifts from one fleeting relationship to the next. But everything changes when Mira enters his life. Their meeting is anything but fateful. Hatred fills the air as Jaxon rejects the bond that should unite them, forcing Mira to endure his indifference. Jaxon loves her even as he resists, while Mira bears the weight of his inner turmoil. Can they conquer the trials that threaten to tear them apart, or will the shattered pieces of their bond destroy them forever?
Born of a forbidden union, Ashen is haunted by the brutal murder of his mother. Seeking revenge, he infiltrates the powerful Obsidian Pack, determined to bring justice to those who shattered his world. Within the pack, he meets Penelope, the fierce and determined Alpha female destined to lead. Drawn to Ashen despite his outcast status, Penelope finds herself falling for the one man she's forbidden to love. Bound by unyielding tradition, her love for him threatens everything she's ever known. As Ashen's plan for vengeance unfolds, he must confront an impossible choice: sacrifice his growing love for Penelope or abandon his quest for justice. For Penelope, the stakes are just as high-will she risk breaking her pack's laws for a love that could destroy them all?
When billionaire heir Damon Knight is forced into an arranged marriage to secure a business merger, he expects a compliant, gold-digging bride. What he doesn't anticipate is his match, Elena Castellano-a fiercely independent artist who has no interest in his wealth or his world. Bound by duty but divided by pride, Damon and Elena embark on a marriage neither of them wants but can't escape. As their lives intertwine, passion ignites, revealing secrets that could shatter everything. In a world driven by power and betrayal, will their love grow strong enough to defy the odds, or will it crumble under the weight of their lies and pasts?
After being rejected by his mate years ago, Alpha Tristan is forced to face the truth: his heart still belongs to Selene. Now, a threat looms over their pack, and when Selene returns to help with the danger, the bond between them is undeniable once more. But can they overcome the scars of the past, or is their second chance doomed to repeat the same mistakes? As danger grows and secrets are revealed, Tristan and Selene must decide if their love is strong enough to heal old wounds and protect the future of their pack.
On the day of their wedding anniversary, Joshua's mistress drugged Alicia, and she ended up in a stranger's bed. In one night, Alicia lost her innocence, while Joshua's mistress carried his child in her womb. Heartbroken and humiliated, Alicia demanded a divorce, but Joshua saw it as yet another tantrum. When they finally parted ways, she went on to become a renowned artist, sought out and admired by everyone. Consumed by regret, Joshua darkened her doorstep in hopes of reconciliation, only to find her in the arms of a powerful tycoon. "Say hello to your sister-in-law."
There was only one man in Raegan's heart, and it was Mitchel. In the second year of her marriage to him, she got pregnant. Raegan's joy knew no bounds. But before she could break the news to her husband, he served her divorce papers because he wanted to marry his first love. After an accident, Raegan lay in the pool of her own blood and called out to Mitchel for help. Unfortunately, he left with his first love in his arms. Raegan escaped death by the whiskers. Afterward, she decided to get her life back on track. Her name was everywhere years later. Mitchel became very uncomfortable. For some reason, he began to miss her. His heart ached when he saw her all smiles with another man. He crashed her wedding and fell to his knees while she was at the altar. With bloodshot eyes, he queried, "I thought you said your love for me is unbreakable? How come you are getting married to someone else? Come back to me!"
Melanie married Ashton out of gratitude, but she quickly found herself entangled in a web of relentless challenges. Despite these struggles, she stayed true to her commitment to the marriage. In the hospital room, Ashton indifferently attempted to draw her blood, disregarding her discomfort. This callous act was a harsh revelation for Melanie, awakening her to the grim reality of their relationship. Resolved to prioritize her own welfare, she decided to sever ties. With newfound resolve, Melanie filed for divorce. In the process, she unveiled her concealed identities, leaving everyone in shock. Throughout these turbulent times, Melanie realized that Derek, Ashton’s uncle, had been discreetly protecting her all along.
"Sign the divorce papers and get out!" Leanna got married to pay a debt, but she was betrayed by her husband and shunned by her in-laws. Seeing that her efforts were in vain, she agreed to divorce and claimed her half of the properties. With her purse plump from the settlement, Leanna enjoyed her newfound freedom. The constant harassment from her ex's mistress never fazed her. She took back her identities as top hacker, champion racer, medical professor, and renowned jewelry designer. Then someone discovered her secret. Matthew smiled. "Will you have me as your next husband?"
[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!"
To the public, she was the CEO's executive secretary. Behind closed doors, she was the wife he never officially acknowledged. Jenessa was elated when she learned that she was pregnant. But that joy was replaced with dread as her husband, Ryan, showered his affections on his first love. With a heavy heart, she chose to set him free and leave. When they met again, Ryan's attention was caught by Jenessa's protruding belly. "Whose child are you carrying?!" he demanded. But she only scoffed. "It's none of your business, my dear ex-husband!"