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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?
The heavy oak doors of Knight Enterprises' boardroom swung open with a low creak. Damon Knight, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, stepped inside, his polished shoes clicking against the marble floor. The room was already buzzing with tension, the kind that came from desperate negotiations and unspoken demands. His father, Gregory Knight, stood at the head of the table, his face a mask of authority and impatience. Opposite him sat Arturo Castellano, his thick fingers drumming rhythmically on the mahogany table.
Damon took his place beside his father, sparing a brief glance at the documents spread across the table. "Why the urgency?" His voice was calm but edged with steel.
Gregory adjusted his tie, a sure sign he was about to say something Damon wouldn't like. "Arturo and I have come to a solution to secure the merger. It's the only way to stabilize our position against Velcor Industries."
The name Velcor sent a flicker of irritation through Damon's mind. Their rival's aggressive strategies had pushed Knight Enterprises to the brink of vulnerability, a position he despised. He folded his arms, his sharp gaze moving from his father to Arturo. "And this solution involves me, I presume?"
Arturo leaned forward, his booming voice filling the room. "My daughter, Elena. She'll marry you. With our families united, the merger will be seamless. Velcor won't stand a chance."
The air seemed to still for a moment. Damon's jaw tightened, his calm exterior threatening to crack. He didn't need to ask if Elena had agreed; the answer was irrelevant to these men. Women in their world were often treated as chess pieces, moved for advantage.
"I'm not interested," Damon said, his voice flat.
Gregory's hand slammed against the table, drawing startled glances from the few executives still lingering in the room. "This is bigger than you, Damon. Do you think I built this empire for you to dismantle it with your arrogance? This isn't a request."
The words landed like a blow, but Damon held his ground. "What happens when your perfect plan fails? You think a marriage contract will stop Velcor from targeting us?"
Arturo's chuckle rumbled through the room. "You underestimate the power of loyalty, Damon. With our families combined, Velcor won't dare touch us. And Elena... she's not the kind of woman who will sit quietly in the corner. She has her own strengths."
"Strengths that don't interest me," Damon shot back.
"Enough!" Gregory's voice cut through the rising tension. "You'll meet her. That's all I ask. If you're still opposed after one meeting, we'll reconsider."
Damon didn't believe that for a second. Gregory Knight wasn't a man who reconsidered anything.
Elena Castellano stared at the invitation in her hand, the elegant script almost mocking in its perfection. A private dinner with the Knights, scheduled like a business meeting. She tossed the card onto her cluttered studio table, where it landed amidst paint-streaked brushes and half-finished canvases.
Her mother's voice echoed from the doorway. "You can't avoid this forever, Elena. Your father's worked hard to arrange this meeting."
Elena turned, her paint-smeared hands on her hips. "Worked hard? You mean he sold me off like a piece of property to save his business."
Maria Castellano stepped into the room, her carefully styled hair and pearls a sharp contrast to the chaos of Elena's studio. "You're exaggerating. This is a partnership, not a sacrifice. Damon Knight is a suitable match."
Elena laughed, the sound bitter. "A suitable match for whom? Certainly not for me. I don't care how much money or power he has. I don't want this."
"You'll change your mind once you meet him. He's handsome, successful-"
"And cold as ice," Elena interrupted. "I've read enough about him to know he's nothing more than a corporate shark."
Maria sighed, her polished composure slipping for a moment. "This isn't just about you, Elena. It's about our family. The gallery, the legacy your father has built... it's all at stake."
Elena turned back to her canvas, her brush moving in sharp, frustrated strokes. "Maybe it's time to let it go. Maybe it's time for all of us to stop pretending this world is worth sacrificing everything for."
Her mother didn't respond immediately. When she finally spoke, her voice was softer. "Just meet him. For me. For your father. That's all I ask."
Elena didn't look up, but her brush stilled. She knew her mother wouldn't leave until she agreed. "Fine. One meeting. But don't expect miracles."
The restaurant Gregory had chosen was one of the city's most exclusive, its private dining room filled with an understated opulence that screamed wealth without effort. Damon arrived early, his irritation barely concealed behind a mask of indifference. He hated these orchestrated encounters, the false smiles and underlying agendas.
The door opened, and he turned to see her. Elena Castellano.
She wasn't what he expected. Instead of the polished, demure woman he'd imagined, she was vibrant and unapologetic, her dark hair framing a face that held both beauty and defiance. Her dress was elegant but understated, a clear signal she wasn't here to impress anyone.
"Damon Knight, I presume," she said, her voice smooth but edged with sarcasm.
He stood, extending a hand. "And you must be Elena. Shall we?"
They took their seats, the tension between them palpable. Elena met his gaze without flinching, her eyes sharp and assessing.
"So," she began, leaning back in her chair, "you're the man I'm supposed to marry to save our families. How romantic."
Damon's lips twitched in what could have been a smile. "And you're the woman I'm supposed to marry to salvage my father's empire. Equally romantic."
For a moment, neither spoke, the weight of their shared predicament settling between them.
"I'm not sure what they told you," Elena said finally, "but I'm not interested in being anyone's trophy wife. I have my own life, my own goals."
Damon tilted his head slightly, intrigued despite himself. "And yet you're here."
"Because I was forced," she shot back.
"Join the club," Damon replied, his tone dry.
The waiter appeared, interrupting their verbal sparring to take their orders. When he left, Damon leaned forward, his expression serious. "Let's get one thing straight. I'm not here to play games. If we do this, it's a business arrangement. Nothing more."
Elena's jaw tightened, but she nodded. "Fine by me. But don't expect me to fall in line with your corporate world. I'm not changing who I am for anyone."
"Good," Damon said. "Then we have an understanding."
Their gazes locked, a silent challenge passing between them. Neither realized it, but the battle lines had already been drawn.
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?
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.
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.
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-wifeâs countless admirers, Kristopher offered her 20 million dollars and proposed a new deal. âLetâs get married again.â
My name is Katia, and I am just trying to survive until my fated mate arrives. Which may be easier said than done. Rejectection is the last straw. Whispering my acceptance of his rejection. I run through the pack house, out across the manicured lawn into the forest. "I'm sorry, my sweet girl," I say to my wolf. I'm sorry you have been stuck with me and have had to suffer everything I have. She whispers," it's not your fault, Katia. We came to a cliff with a waterfall. The hurt keeps pounding at me. I need it to stop. My sweet girl, and I just want peace, I keep running and leap off the cliff. Spreading my arms wide, with tears streaming down my face, I fall, not making a sound, waiting for sweet oblivion where we feel nothing ever again. "I love you, my sweet girl! Until we meet again, "My wolf replied just before we hit the water, "I love you too, Katia. I have never regretted a moment with you." The Snow Moon pack is having their last barbecue of the summer next to the waterfall on their land. The adults are laughing and joking while watching the pups play. The alpha, beta, and gamma are swimming with some of the older children and playing a game of Marco Polo. Someone yells, "Oh my goddess, someone just jumped over the waterfall!" Everyone is frozen as they watch what looks to be a child falling arms spread wide, no one makes a sound. The small body hits the water like a plane crashing into the side of a mountain. The alpha, beta, and gamma, spring into action, swimming towards the area the person went under. The alpha is screaming his wolf is going crazy repeating, "Find her. Find her...find her!" They dive and the beta surfaces with a small person in his arms. Alpha takes the girl from his beta, laying her on the ground. The men are shocked by what they see. She is covered in scars and injuries. Her body is twisted and broken. The Beta asks, "Who could have done this to someone so defenseless?" Alpha drops to his knees, repeating, "MATE...MATE...MATE!"
After my family's sinister plots collapsed, they lashed out at me, taking their rage to a violent level. Cornered and desperate, I married Jaxtonâthe town's most sought-after bachelorâdue to an unplanned pregnancy. Love had no part in this marriage; I assumed he married me purely out of responsibility, his heart belonging elsewhere. The moment I chose to let him go and turned to leave, he grabbed me and pinned me down hard. "Jaxton, you promised you'd never touch me!" I snapped, glaring fiercely. His eyes flashed arrogantly as he leaned closer. "You're the one who started this!"
After two years of marriage, Sadie was finally pregnant. Filled with hope and joy, she was blindsided when Noah asked for a divorce. During a failed attempt on her life, Sadie found herself lying in a pool of blood, desperately calling Noah to ask him to save her and the baby. But her calls went unanswered. Shattered by his betrayal, she left the country. Time passed, and Sadie was about to be wed for a second time. Noah appeared in a frenzy and fell to his knees. "How dare you marry someone else after bearing my child?"
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. Whatâs 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 couldnât 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 doesnât seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that heâs 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?
Three years ago, Cecilia was left battered and alone by the man she loved most, Alston, yet she bravely completed the wedding ceremony while pregnant. Three years later, although they were married, they grew apart over time. Cecilia focused on her career, no longer foolishly believing in love. But her transformation instantly threw Alston into a panic... And what is the secret from 11 years ago that Cecilia has always been reluctant to reveal? *** "She went to a law firm, met with a lawyer..." A lawyer? Is Cecilia suing someone? Who? Is there any recent litigation against the company? Alston suddenly chuckled coldly, "Who could she sue? I'm the CEO of this company. How come such a matter doesn't come to me first?" The assistant swallowed nervously, speaking softly, "Sir, there's no litigation against the company. She met with... a divorce lawyer."