He didn't bid for her, yet took her away from the highest bidder. Not only that, he wiped them all out. And Just like that, Rena's savior, showed her a glimpse into his dark world. She should have taken to her heels, run away from him as fast as she could, but no, she had nowhere to go. On one side of her world, was her boyfriend, Roland, and his girlfriend, Soni, who put her up for sale in the first place, like a commodity. They killed her mother and ruined her life, and Rena was sure they would be waiting to catch her again. And on the other side of her world, the highest bidder, who was killed by Rena's savior, was no small fry. His people might go looking for her to settle accounts. Her surrest bet was with her savior, who wanted nothing in return from saving her, except to win his daughter over. To Rena, It was an easy task. She was good with kids... Except that her savior's daughter wasn't a kid, she was Soni, her mortal enemy. Rena vowed for vengeance, but how would she seek vengeance when her savior loved his daughter a little too much?
Rena's POV.
It's yet another desperate day for me, the countdown to my mom's death was ticking away.
Arriving at the doctor's office, he began without pleasantries. "Miss Rena, you only have a few days left. If your mother doesn't receive treatment now, she will die. Hope you know?"
He's told me this more than anyone has called my name in the last eight days that my mom's sickness relapsed. But what more can I do, than what I've already done?
"Is there no buyer for my kidney yet?" I asked.
Doctor Mark's expression changed. He looked shocked, as if I've grown several heads. It was the same look he gave me when I first proposed selling one of my kidneys last week.
I felt a surge of frustration. Why was he judging me? He knows I have no other options. My mom's treatment is expensive, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes.
It's not like he would treat her for free, so why condemn my choice?
"Let's focus on exploring alternative options," Doctor Mark said gently, avoiding my question.
He gave me a pitiful look, making me frown. He's always looked at me this way and I hate to be pitied.
"Please, Doctor Mark. I need to know if there's a buyer. It's my only chance to save her." My voice cracked, betraying my desperation, despite my calm facade.
With a calm breath, he began. "Miss Rena, selling your kidney is riddled with risks," he continued with a stern face. "It's illegal, and complications can arise, such as organ failure, excessive bleeding, and a shortened lifespan. Even if you avoid these, you may live with regret and psychological distress."
I clenched my fist. He was right, I'll regret it, because right now, I was scared to even conceive the thought of losing one kidney. But my mom was as important as my kidney.
"You lecture me about risks, but what choice do I have?" My voice trembled. "If I don't act, my mom will die. Do you have a better option?"
Doctor Mark's gaze softened as he pondered the situation. After a few seconds of deep thought, he spoke.
"Take a loan, talk to friends, do whatever you can to raise the funds - just please, don't consider selling your organs."
He paused, leaning back in his chair. "I'll make you a deal: if you can cover half of the medical bills, we'll commence treatment immediately."
I shook my head in my mind. I have no friends. Suddenly, Roland, my millionaire boyfriend, flashed in my mind, but my stomach twisted into knots. He'd never help me without strings attached.
Today marked our one year anniversary. We were supposed to have a celebration later tonight, but that was all our relationship was about. He'd do anything for me, except give me money.
I have to earn it, even from him.
It's not as if I haven't spoken to him before. I begged Roland when my mom suddenly had a relapse, and he'd agreed to help me in exchange for favors. I readily did what he wanted, except the last one. It crossed a moral line and I couldn't see myself doing it.
But now, as desperation clawed at my heart, I began to consider it. Should I compromise? If I don't, my mom might really die.
I don't have anyone else in this world. She's the only one I have, the only family I know.
"Maybe I can ask my boyfriend." I muttered, the words tasting bitter on my tongue.
Doctor Mark nodded, "That'll be better. You should hurry up and get the money before the end of tomorrow, so we can start the operation as soon as possible."
I clenched my fist, as my resolve hardened. I have no choice. I hope I can forgive myself after this.
Leaving Doctor Mark's office, I headed to Roland's penthouse.
Entering the house, I glanced around at the luxurious living room. I've been here many times but I've not really gotten used to the luxury. I'd never experienced luxury before I met Roland.
My life took a dramatic turn when Roland walked into the coffee shop where I worked a year ago as a barista, and we fell deeply in love. It still feels like a dream that a nobody like me was dating a billionaire, though a stingy one, I'd say.
"Roland?" I called out, my voice bouncing off the white walls.
I ascended the twirling staircase, my sneakers thudding softly on the marble steps.
Checking the rooms I knew he'd be, he wasn't there. He wasn't in the bedroom, bathroom, study, or living room. A familiar thought struck me – he must be unwinding in his jacuzzi with friends.
As a third-generation heir to the esteemed Harrington empire, Roland's lifestyle was that of recklessness, wastefulness, and scandal. His father, the CEO of Harrington empire was there to protect his only son, so why won't Roland walk with his head?
Arriving at the balcony, the warm glow of the setting sun spilled across the floor. As I stepped outside, the sound of gentle bubbles and soft music enveloped me.
There he was, alone, without his friends, submerged in the jacuzzi, eyes closed, a glass of scotch resting on the edge. Steam rose from the water, misting the air. The city skyline stretched out before him, a breathtaking view.
I was mesmerized by the look. He's a handsome guy with a wicked charm.
Roland's eyes opened, locking onto mine. A hint of a wicked smile played on his lips.
"Join me, Rena," he said, his voice low and inviting.
I hesitated, my purpose for coming here wasn't to indulge in his luxuries. "I need to talk to you, Roland," I said, closing the distance between us, sitting on the lounge chair beside the jacuzzi.
"Business or pleasure, Rena?" he asked, his voice low and smooth.
My face flushed. Clearing my throat, I replied. "Business."
Roland's smile widened, and he leaned back, cradling his scotch glass. "I'm listening."
"Roland, I need your help. My mom's condition has worsened, and I need financial assistance for her treatment."
A glint flashed in his eyes and I could swear I saw his lips raise for a split second before he masked it with indifference. "Go on."
I took a deep breath, my heart drumming in my chest. "I want to borrow some money, lots of it. What do you want in return?"
A sly smile spread across his face. "You know exactly what I want."
My stomach twisted. I did. And I dreaded it.
Rachel used to think that her devotion would win Brian over one day, but she was proven wrong when his true love returned. Rachel had endured it all—from standing alone at the altar to dragging herself to the hospital for an emergency treatment. Everyone thought she was crazy to give up so much of herself for someone who didn’t return her feelings. But when Brian received news of Rachel’s terminal illness and realized she didn’t have long to live, he completely broke down. "I forbid you to die!" Rachel just smiled. She no longer needed him. "I will finally be free."
While Sienna reached the pinnacle of her success, Julian remained the forgotten son of his family, the one who had secretly stolen her first kiss in the shadows of the night. As Sienna hit her darkest moment, Julian returned home, leaving his life behind, only to witness her tears glistening in the moonlight as she reluctantly accepted another man's proposal. When Sienna needed Julian more than ever, he had risen to a position of power and had become her most steadfast pillar of support. "Please marry me." There was no one else in the world who could love Sienna as deeply as Julian did.
"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.
Eveline married Shane, an obstetrician, at the age of 24. Two years later, when she was five months pregnant, Shane aborted the baby himself and proceeded to divorce her. It was during these dark times that Eveline met Derek. He treated her tenderly and gave her warmth like she had never known before. He also caused her the greatest pain she ever had to endure. Eveline only grew stronger after everything she experienced, but would she be able to bear the truth when it was finally revealed? Who was Derek behind his charismatic facade? And what would Eveline do once she found out the answer?
Belinda thought after divorce, they would part ways for good - he could live his life on his own terms, while she could indulge in the rest of hers. However, fate had other plans in store. "My darling, I was wrong. Would you please come back to me?" The man, whom she once loved deeply, lowered his once proud head humbly. "I beg you to return to me." Belinda coldly pushed away the bouquet of flowers he had offered her and coolly replied, "It's too late. The bridge has been burned, and the ashes have long since scattered to the wind!"
For as long as Emily can remember, she has wanted to overcome her shyness and explore her sexuality. Still, everything changes when she receives an invitation to visit one of the town's most prestigious BDSM clubs, DESIRE'S DEN. On the day she chose to peruse the club, she noticed three men, all dressed in suits, standing on the upper level, near the railing. Despite her limited vision, she persisted in fixating on them. Their towering statues belied the toned bodies concealed by their sharply tailored suits-or so she could tell. The hair of two of them was short and dark, and the third had light brown-possibly blond-hair that reached the shoulders. The dark, crimson background incised their figures, exuding an air of mystery and strength. They stood in stark contrast to the unfiltered, primal energy that pulsed through the club. Shocked by the desires these men aroused in her, she was disappointed to learn that they were masters seeking a slave to divide and conquer. She couldn't afford the fee, and she also realized that they were outside her league. Emily hurriedly left the club, feeling disappointed and depressed, unaware that she had also caught the group's attention. A world of wicked pleasure, three handsome men. Over the years, they have lived a life of decadence, their lavish lair serving as a stage for their most sinister desires. But despite the unending parade of willing subjects, one woman sticks out. A mysterious stranger with white porcelain skin and a killer body, a slave, a name with no address, the first lady to attract their eye and they will go to any length to obtain her no matter the consequences.