"I'm not a little girl," I snap. "I'm twenty-five." "And I'm almost twice your age, Natalie," he says, almost like he's giving up. "But that didn't stop you from coming to me." In a second, he has me pinned against the wall. His hands trail up the sides of my body. "Do you want me to stop?" he whispers, his breath hot against my neck. *** On the brink of her second wedding anniversary, Natalie Jones finds her husband, Michael Cooper, embraced passionately with his mistress. Confronting him in a dimly lit restaurant, Nat exposes his scheme to marry her for her father's fortune and storms out. Ric Steward, on the other hand - billionaire and philanthropist - never expected his evening to ignite with scandal. When he sees Natalie-radiant, powerful, and on the edge of a breakdown-he's immediately captivated. Only for him to learn that she's the daughter of a longtime friend. But that doesn't stop Nat. It only makes her want Ric more...
[NATALIE]
The clinking of silverware and the hum of conversation surround me as I sit at the corner table of our favorite Italian restaurant. It's the eve of our second wedding anniversary, and Michael insisted on dining out, even though I would've preferred a quiet night at home. He's always been the social butterfly, the life of every party, while I'm the grounded one-the devoted wife who treasures our private moments, despite being a budding actress in Hollywood.
I sip my wine, but there's this nagging feeling in the back of my mind that something's off. I made an effort to dress up tonight, slipping into a red silk dress that hugs my curves in all the right places. I look amazing-everyone's eyes linger on me, except for Michael's. He hasn't even looked at me properly, let alone complimented me.
The ache in my chest deepens. I know our relationship has faltered despite everything I've done to keep it together. The spark that once made him fall head over heels for me has faded. Lately, he's been distant, coming home late with weak excuses about work. He works for my father, so I know exactly what's going on-and his excuses are lies. But I keep giving him the benefit of the doubt.
Even his once tender kisses have become routine, and the desire that used to burn in his eyes is gone. He doesn't buy me flowers anymore - not even tonight, when it feels like a bare minimum for the occasion.
Does he even remember tomorrow's our anniversary?
Deep down, I know something's terribly wrong, but I keep burying my doubts, hoping they're just products of my overthinking. I love this man. He proposed to me in front of a crowded stadium, fearlessly declaring his love. I gave him everything-my heart, my love, my body, my soul. He's my everything.
"The alfredo's amazing," Mike says, his mouth full. I force a smile, but inside, I'm jealous that he compliments the pasta, yet hasn't said a word about me.
"It is," I say, dropping my fork, my appetite suddenly gone. Trying to sound hopeful, I ask, "What are we doing tomorrow? I took the day off."
Mike looks confused. Wiping his mouth with a napkin, he asks, "Why? What's tomorrow?"
I laugh to keep from crying. "Nothing," I murmur, fidgeting with my fingers. "We haven't gone out somewhere recently."
"We're out right now, silly," he says with a shake of his head. "Besides, I have an important meeting tomorrow."
He has to be joking. He's pretending to forget our anniversary because he's planning something huge, right? It has to be that.
"Sure," I mumble, my voice quieter than I intended. Then I get an idea, a way to test him. "I'll ask Meera to hang out with me tomorrow since you're busy."
Surely, he'll object. He'll feel guilty or show some sign he's planning something. But all Mike does is nod. "Sounds good. Do that."
My heart sinks. I want to scream at him, to storm out and never look back. But I remember my mom's words: You have to be patient, and understanding, and learn to make sacrifices for the man you love.
I rot through the next few minutes, watching as he gives more attention to his food than to me. He doesn't even notice I'm not eating. He doesn't care.
Until his phone starts buzzing, again and again. He tries to ignore it at first, but it's persistent.
"Just give me a moment, love," Mike says, flashing that charming smile as he stands up. "I need to take a quick call."
"Right now? Can't you just turn it off? Is work really more important than us?" I want to ask, but I just nod and watch him weave through the tables, disappearing around the corner.
As the minutes tick by, my anxiety grows. Why hasn't he come back? Did he leave me here? On the eve of our anniversary?
Unable to sit still any longer, I stand up and walk around to clear my head. The warm lighting and rustic charm of the restaurant usually calm me, but tonight, it feels suffocating.
I turn the corner, and my steps falter. There, in the dim hallway, I see him. Mike isn't alone. My breath catches as I watch him pull a beautiful woman into a passionate kiss. They cling to each other like they're the only two people in the world, completely unaware of anything else.
"This is dangerous," I hear the woman say, smiling as they break their kiss. "She's right inside!"
"Natalie's devoted to me. She would never doubt me for a second," Mike mutters with confidence before pulling her back in for another kiss. "After my company's launch event goes well, and her father sends me the check he promised, I'll leave her. Then you and I can be together."
My heart shatters into a million pieces, but all I hear is silence-a deafening, crushing silence. The man I've devoted my life to, the man I've loved unconditionally, is betraying me in the most unforgivable way. And I've stumbled upon them, just around the corner.
I used to admire his confidence, but now I want to spit on it. The pain threatens to consume me, but my anger rises higher. I won't be the victim in this twisted story.
"Well, well, well," I say, stepping forward with my arms folded, my voice surprisingly steady. "Isn't this a cozy little scene?"
Mike jerks away from the woman, his eyes widening in shock and guilt. I recognize her now-from his office parties. She has the decency to look ashamed, but I'm not about to let her off the hook.
"Nat, my love," Mike stammers, stepping toward me. "This isn't what it looks like."
"Save it," I snap, holding up my hand. "I don't need your lies, Mike. I've had enough of those to last a lifetime."
I turn to the woman, who's wringing her hands nervously. "And you," I say, my voice dripping with contempt. "Didn't you know he was married? It was in the fucking newspapers, sweetheart. Do you have any idea what you've done?"
She opens her mouth to speak, but I cut her off. "No, you don't. Because if you did, you wouldn't be standing here, pretending to be innocent. You didn't steal my man. You did me a favor."
Her eyes widen, and she steps back as if my words have struck her. I see the guilt and confusion battling inside her, but I don't care. I have more important things to deal with.
"Mike," I say, turning back to him. "You said you loved me. You professed it in front of a fucking stadium full of people. Was it all for show? Just to impress my father? Was I just a convenience? A trophy wife to show off at parties?"
"That's not true, Nat," he pleads, reaching for me. "I do love you. This... this was a mistake."
"A mistake?" I laugh bitterly. "A mistake is forgetting our anniversary-which is tomorrow, by the way - or misplacing your keys. This is a choice. A deliberate, cruel choice."
I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of my decision settle over me. "But you know what? I'm done. I'm done being your fool. I'm done being the dutiful wife who sacrifices her happiness for a man who doesn't deserve it."
Mike looks stricken, but I feel liberated. "I'm going to take my life back," I say firmly, more to myself than to him. "And I'm going to enjoy my freedom. For the first time in years, I'm going to live for myself."
I turn to leave but pause, looking back at the woman. "And you," I say, a touch of pity in my voice. "You can have him. Just remember, a man who cheats once will cheat again. Don't fool yourself into thinking you're special."
With that, I walk away, my heart heavy but my spirit unbroken. The cool night air greets me as I step outside, stinging my skin, but I welcome it. As I take a deep breath, I feel a sense of clarity. I loved Mike with all my heart, but I deserve better.
I'm not going to be a damsel in distress. I'm Natalie Jones, and it's time to remember that. I lost myself becoming Natalie Cooper, loving a man who never truly loved me back.
I hail a cab and give the driver the address to my penthouse. As we drive through the city, I let myself imagine a future - a future where I'm free. I picture myself traveling, rediscovering my passions, and finding the woman I lost along the way. But I also picture myself kicking Mike's ass.
When the cab pulls up to my penthouse, I snicker to myself. I step inside, taking in the familiar scent of home-every corner of it nurtured by me-and pour myself a glass of wine, savoring the rich flavor as it slides down my throat. I strip off my clothes, admire my figure in the mirror, and sink into the hot bath I've prepared. The steam wraps around me like a warm embrace as I let out a contented sigh.
Freedom never tasted so sweet. Swirling the wine in my glass with a smile, I can't wait to get back into the game.
"I, Alec Tawr of Lunar Crest pack, reject you, Elara Wildewood, of Lunar Crest pack," he utters, his voice cutting through the silence. The words sear into my soul, and my heart shatters, broken pieces scattering within me. The pain consumes me, wrapping its icy tendrils around my spirit. "Why?" I ask, letting out a painful cry as my knees give away and I collapse to the floor. Does he think that I agreed to marry Prince Magnus willingly? That I don't wish to be with him? "Why?" I repeat. He blinks and I see him shiver as he clenches his jaw. "Just accept the rejection, El. Make it stop," he says, his voice sharp and hard. I allow myself to cry, letting the tears cascade down my cheeks until I'm a sobbing mess. "I can't. I want you." He clutches his chest and I hate to see him hurting. "It's not possible. Please accept the reception." And so I do it. "I, Elara Wildewood of Lunar Crest pack, accept your rejection." ---- Elara Wildewood knows her life is doomed when she is forced to step in as the substitute bride for Magnus Blackwell, the disabled and cruel Prince of Caelondor. After she is rejected by her mate, she has no choice but to accept her fate. However, after she's wed, she finds out that the truth is not as it seems and the grand palace of Caelondor holds a lot more intrigue and secrecy than she anticipated earlier. Trapped in a web or lies and deception, Elara decides to take control of her life and trains to become stronger. As she gains the admiration of her court, she also attracts the Prince attention's who will stop at nothing to keep her safe.
Caden Miller is Willowbrook High School's notorious rebel, known for his devil-may-care attitude, grey hoodies, and a reputation that precedes him. Ruby Norman, on the other hand, is Willowbrook's epitome of sweetness and innocence. She excels academically, volunteers at the local shelter, and dreams of a life beyond the confines of her small town. When their paths cross, sparks fly, igniting a rollercoaster of emotions that neither Caden nor Ruby saw coming. Underneath their heated exchanges and antagonistic banter, a deep-rooted attraction simmers. The more they try to deny it, the stronger their feelings become. Drawn to each other like magnets, they embark on a forbidden romance that challenges societal norms and tests their own personal boundaries.
The island of Bellpond is a welcoming place for tourists—and a home to werewolves. Vanessa Martin, a member of the Silver Crescent pack knows that Jordan Hale is the forbidden fruit—someone off limits. He belongs to the rival pack. And yet, she's attracted to him in ways she cannot explain. When a tragedy befalls him, Nessa wants to be there in some way to comfort him. She goes out of her way, ignoring all words of advice and warnings from her peers and her grandma and soon, a friendship blossoms between them. The smooth wheel rolling down breaks when they find a body washed up on the shore, and soon a couple more follow, piling up. Nessa and Jordan pair up, vowing to get to the bottom of this, but as they investigate more, they realise the matter is more sinister than they expected. Will they stop and expose those involved in these gruesome murders or fall down the rabbit hole trying to uncover the mystery?
Katie was forced to marry Dillan, a notorious ruffian. Her younger sister mocked her, "You're just an adopted daughter. Count your blessings for marrying him!" The world anticipated Katie's tribulations, but her married life unfurled with unexpected serenity. She even snagged a lavish mansion in a raffle! Katie jumped into Dillan's arms, credited him as her lucky charm. "No, Katie, it's you who brings me all this luck," Dillan replied. Then, one fateful day, Dillan's childhood friend came to her. "You're not worthy of him. Take this 50 million and leave him!" Katie finally grasped Dillan's true stature—the wealthiest man on the planet. That night, trembling with trepidation, she broached the subject of divorce with Dillan. However, with a domineering embrace, he told her, "I'd give you everything I have. Divorce is off the table!"
" Don't say anymore word than you already have, don't..." I stuck a finger out at him, sauntering away on my heels when a hand wrapped itself around my arm. Breathlessly he whispered, "You know that I do love you and...fine, what exactly was I supposed to do?" "Protect me and stand up for me. That is what you do for someone who you claim you love!" ************ Out to spite her ex-boyfriend after he had broken up with her on her birthday, Daphne slept with a stranger who turned out to be his uncle while trying to rebuff his words that she was unwanted by others. Was she ready for the wild chase that followed when he found out years later that she had been pregnant with his heirs and that she had been hiding the truth all this while? Faced with the ruthless CEO, known as the beast, who wasn't ready to back down, Daphne does everything possible to make sure her kids wouldn't be taken from her, but what happens when love gets in the mix of it all? Would she be able to conquer these weird feelings and give in her all amidst her scars? And with how deadly he turned out to be? And faced with her ex who still wants her back, what choice is she going to make?
“You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don’t we get married?” Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful tycoon. Jayden thought Elyse only married him for his money, and planned to divorce her when she was no longer of use to him. But after becoming her husband, he was faced with a new dilemma. “She keeps asking for a divorce, but I don’t want that! What should I do?”
In their three years of marriage, Chelsea had been a dutiful wife to Edmund. She used to think that her love and care would someday melt Edmund's cold heart, but she was wrong. Finally, she couldn't take the disappointment any longer and chose to end the marriage. Edmund had always thought that his wife was just boring and dull. So it was shocking when Chelsea suddenly threw divorce papers at his face in front of everyone at the Nelson Group's anniversary party. How humiliating! After that, everyone thought that the formerly-married couple would never see each other again, even Chelsea. Once again, she thought wrong. Sometime later, at an award ceremony, Chelsea went onstage to accept the award for best screenplay. Her ex-husband, Edmund, was the one presenting the award to her. As he handed her the trophy, he suddenly reached for her hand and pleaded humbly in front of the audience, "Chelsea, I'm sorry I didn't cherish you before. Could you please give me another chance?" Chelsea looked at him indifferently. "I'm sorry, Mr. Nelson. My only concern now is my business." Edmund's heart was shattered into a million pieces. "Chelsea, I really can't live without you." But his ex-wife just walked away. Wasn't it better for her to just concentrate on her career? Men would only distract her—especially her ex-husband.
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.
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."