Lyana Solhart, a young woman from a cruel and manipulative family, is forced to marry a man she despises: a ruthless and domineering billionaire, Draven Blackthorn. Having grown up in a hostile environment where she was always underestimated and humiliated, Lyana has learned to hide her true strength and survive in the shadows. Draven, a man known for his immeasurable wealth, his icy charisma and his ruthless methods, agrees to this marriage for an obscure reason, but one thing is clear: he considers her insignificant. However, behind his cold and calculated exterior, he hides deep wounds and a dangerous secret. As Lyana is thrown into a world of dizzying luxury, family rivalries and power plays, she begins to discover that Draven is not the man he claims to be. Why did he really choose her, a woman everyone despises? What role does this mysterious contract play that he seems willing to do anything to protect? Gradually, the tension between them turns into a fierce attraction, but the shadows of Draven's past and the intrigues surrounding their marriage catch up with them. When Lyana uncovers a plot to destroy them both, she must decide: run away and protect her heart or stay and risk her life for a man who could be as much her salvation as her downfall. But is Draven really trustworthy? What truths does he hide behind his icy gaze and crooked smiles? Can Lyana survive in a world where every smile hides a dagger, and every ally could be a traitor?
The fading light of a winter afternoon streamed in through the large windows of the Solhart mansion, casting long shadows on the Persian rugs. Lyana stood straight in the main living room, her hands clenched on the armrests of the chair. Across from her, her mother, elegant but ruthless, observed her with a mixture of impatience and triumph. His father, stoic as always, absentmindedly adjusted his cufflinks. They had just dropped the news like a bomb, shattering the illusion of precarious peace in his already unstable daily life.
"You will marry Draven Blackthorn in two weeks. »
The silence that followed was almost deafening. Lyana felt her heart tighten, her mind desperately trying to grasp the meaning of those words.
" Pardon  ? » she finally whispered, her voice trembling slightly despite her efforts to sound calm.
Her mother placed a glass of champagne on a coffee table and stood up, her heels clicking on the marbled floor. "Don't act ignorant, Lyana . This marriage is the best thing that could happen to our family. You should thank us. »
"Thank me? Do you want me to thank those who use me as a bargaining chip? » Lyana 's gaze darkened, her tone becoming sharp. "Why Draven Blackthorn ?" Why me? »
His father, until then silent, intervened with his deep and authoritative voice. " Draven is a powerful man, far more powerful than you or even this family. Their support is crucial to get us out of this financial impasse. You should be honored that he chose you. »
A joyless laugh escaped Lyana . "Chosen? Do you really think a man like him *chose* me? He only saw me as a pawn, a practical solution. Just like you. »
Her mother's face hardened, but she maintained a posture of icy superiority. "It's not about your feelings or what you think. This marriage is recorded. You are a Solhart , and your loyalty to this family comes first. »
Lyana felt a burning anger rise within her, but she refrained from responding, knowing that any resistance would be useless at the moment. However, deep inside her, a promise was born: she would not let herself be crushed so easily.
---
The next day, Lyana was taken to a large hotel in the city to meet Draven Blackthorn in person. She had heard of him: an enigmatic billionaire, renowned for his business genius, but also for his complete lack of scruples. As she got into the elevator that led to the luxurious suite where he was waiting for her, she couldn't help but feel a slight apprehension mixed with anger.
When she entered the room, the first thing that struck Lyana was the coldness emanating from the man sitting by the window. Tall, impeccably dressed in a tailored black suit, Draven seemed to be the epitome of elegance and power. His dark eyes turned towards her, scrutinizing her with an intensity that made Lyana shiver despite herself.
"Miss Solhart . » His voice was low, controlled, but with a hint of sarcasm that did not escape him. "Sit down. »
She hesitated for a moment before sitting down in the armchair opposite him, trying to maintain an air of indifference despite the tumult that was rumbling within her.
Draven stared at her for a moment in silence, as if weighing each word before speaking. "You know why you're here, I suppose." »
Lyana raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Because my family sold their daughter to you to settle their debts? »
A slight smile appeared on Draven 's lips, but he failed to soften his icy expression. " Sold  ? No. I would rather say that it is a mutually beneficial exchange. You gain my protection and a life of comfort. And me... I earn what I need. »
She felt her anger rising. "And what exactly do you get?" A compliant wife? »
Draven leaned forward slightly, his eyes darkening further. "Don't confuse this marriage with romance, Miss Solhart . This is an agreement. You will play the role I assign to you, nothing more. »
Lyana 's heart sank, but she refused to show any weakness. "What if I refuse? »
A tense silence ensued. Draven finally stood up, a cold smile on his lips. "You will not refuse. Because you know, just like me, that your parents won't give you a choice. And because, unlike them, I don't have the habit of failing. »
These words sounded like a threat, although no direct aggression came through in his tone. Lyana understood that she was facing a man used to getting what he wanted, no matter the cost.
---
Later that evening, Lyana was going through the marriage contract in her room. The pages were filled with complex legal terms, but one detail caught his eye: a mysterious clause mentioning a particular condition.
She frowned, rereading the cryptic lines. The clause stipulated that in the event of premature breakdown of the marriage, a colossal sum would be paid to an organization whose name was unknown to him. Why such a clause? And why would an outside organization be involved in their union?
She felt a cold sweat running down her neck. Something was wrong with all this.
A quiet knock on her door pulled her from her thoughts. She sat up, surprised, and opened it to find a maid holding a tray with an envelope on it.
"This is from Mr. Blackthorn , miss. He insisted that you read it before the night was over. »
Lyana took the envelope, a strange feeling knotting her stomach. When she opened it, she found a handwritten note, in elegant and firm handwriting:
"Don't try to understand yet. Everything will be explained to you in due time. In the meantime, respect your role and do what is expected of you. We both have a lot to lose. - Draven Blackthorn . »
She clutched the paper between her fingers, her eyes glistening with frustration. Did this man really think she would meekly comply with his demands?
No. If Draven Blackthorn wanted to play this game, she was ready. But she would play by her own rules.
For three years, Althea lived in the shadow of an arranged marriage with Damian Crowe, a billionaire as ruthless as they are insistent, known for his dark things and his absolute control over the elite. This marriage, designed by their families to unite two dynasties by the decline, quickly turned into a nightmare. Ignored by Damian, and closely monitored by his allies, Althea has discovered a world of unavowable secrets and questionable transactions. One night, she comes across compromising information that could ruin Damian and her whole family. Realizing that she is only a pawn in their game, she disappears without warning, leaving behind an empire in danger and a man plagued by her own demons. When Althea resurfaces three years later, she was unrecognizable: independent, formidable and armed with a infallible strategy to undermine the power of Damian. In parallel, it becomes the target of the rivals of the latter, who see in it the key to destroy the reign of the Crowe. But Damian did not say his last word. Torn between his desire to reconquer and the fear of the truths that Althea could reveal, he embarks on a battle where love and destruction are intertwined. Does Althea play a vengeance game, or is it about to overthrow a world that she has sworn to never suffer?
Lea, an orphan since she was thirteen, was raised by her charismatic guardian, Gabriel, a man of dazzling success and a reputation as an alpha in the business world. As her eighteenth birthday approaches, Lea surprises a disturbing scene: Gabriel embraces a mysterious-looking assistant in the private office where she has always believed that trust reigned. This unexpected moment awakens in her a storm of feelings: admiration, anger, and a burning fascination for this man who has always been her protector. Determined to turn the situation around, Lea concocts a daring plan to seduce Gabriel. But as she approaches him with newfound confidence, the guardian struggles between his responsibilities and a desire he thought repressed. What is Gabriel really hiding behind his self-confident appearance? Can he resist the growing attraction to this young woman who is no longer the child he raised? Events take a dramatic turn when Lea discovers a shocking secret about Gabriel's past-a secret that could destroy everything between them. Will she be able to handle the consequences of what she's discovered? Is their relationship doomed to be a dangerous game, or could it turn into something even deeper? As tensions rise and passions flare, Lea must face heartbreaking choices: sacrifice her heart to protect the one she loves, or dive headfirst into this forbidden romance, no matter the risk?
Natalie Carter is the daughter of Charles Carter, a powerful real estate tycoon known for his colossal financial empire. She left her family home to live among ordinary people after a humiliating rejection from her fiancé, an influential man she thought was her soul mate. Her escape caused a scandal, bringing shame on her family. Three years later, Natalie leads a discreet life in Manhattan. She lives in a modest apartment in a picturesque neighborhood and works as an executive assistant in a small advertising agency. She is in a relationship with a simple and unremarkable man. All seems peaceful until her neighbor mysteriously disappears. This disappearance is followed by a series of disturbing events, including murders linked to influential figures in high society. Her mother, Elizabeth Carter, contacts her to alert her of an imminent danger linked to their past. Driven by circumstances, Natalie crosses paths with her former fiancé, Alexander Drake, an enigmatic and ruthless billionaire. Faced with plots, betrayals, and shocking revelations, Natalie finds herself forced to return to the world she fled, ending her simple and anonymous life. But can she navigate this whirlwind of lies and power without losing who she has become? And is Alexander an ally or a threat?
In the dark forests of the Dark Moons pack, Elia Ross, a young healer, seeks to heal the wounds of her past. Sent as a protector to the fragile and gentle Liora, she discovers the disturbing secrets of the lupine hierarchy. At the top of this society reigns Kael Drax, the dominant Alpha, as fascinating as he is ruthless. Ten years earlier, Kael was involved in the tragedy that destroyed Elia's family, but he seems not to remember her. When an arranged marriage between Kael and Liora is announced to unite two powerful packs, Elia sees an unexpected opportunity: to protect Liora, but also to confront the Alpha with his sins. However, troubling questions haunt her mind: why does Kael seem strangely attracted to her? What is he hiding behind his brutal decisions? And, most importantly, is she willing to betray her own principles to uncover the truth and break the chains of her past? As tensions rise and pack rivalries intensify, Elia will have to choose between justice, vengeance, and a forbidden desire.
Alessia Ford, an ambitious young woman disillusioned by her family's betrayals, leaves everything to rebuild her life far from her past. She lands a job in the financial empire of Nathan Drake, a billionaire with an icy charm and a fearsome reputation. Alessia, with her sharp mind and natural audacity, intrigues Nathan from their first meeting. But why does this man, used to dominating the business world, seem troubled by a simple employee? While he proposes an arranged marriage for mysterious reasons, Alessia accepts, driven by the need to protect herself from her own family demons. However, as soon as she settles into the luxurious Drake villa, she realizes that Nathan hides much more than a simple financial interest behind this contract. What is he trying to escape or protect? Why do menacing glances fall on her at every gala? Between corporate secrets, all-consuming jealousies and a budding love, Alessia will have to discover the truth before the stakes of this contract become completely beyond her control.
Eloise "Ellie" Carter, a young woman from a tyrannical elite family, is forced to marry a man she despises: a ruthless billionaire Alpha, Adrian Wolfe. Heir to an ancient line of werewolves, Ellie is the shame of her family because her wolf has never shown up. Adrian, leader of the Silversand pack and CEO of a colossal financial empire, agrees to this arranged marriage to solidify a deal vital to his pack. Arrogant, domineering, and elusive, Adrian hides a deep wound: a dark past marked by loss, betrayal, and a curse that eats away at his wolf, threatening his control. In a world where business mixes with pack hierarchy, Ellie is propelled into a world of luxury, power, and rivalry. But she soon discovers that Adrian is not just a domineering Alpha and a business tycoon: he is also a man haunted by a secret that could destroy everything. Why did Adrian really agree to this marriage? What is this strange bond that seems to be forming between them, teetering between hatred and uncontrollable desire? As Ellie tries to prove her worth in a world that sees her as weak, she uncovers conspiracies within Adrian's pack, shady financial alliances, and a threat that could destroy their world. What if her wolf is not lost but simply asleep? What will happen when Ellie discovers she is linked to an ancient prophecy that could either save Adrian or destroy him?
Everyone was shocked to the bones when the news of Rupert Benton's engagement broke out. It was surprising because the lucky girl was said to be a plain Jane, who grew up in the countryside and had nothing to her name. One evening, she showed up at a banquet, stunning everyone present. "Wow, she's so beautiful!" All the men drooled, and the women got so jealous. What they didn't know was that this so-called country girl was actually an heiress to a billion-dollar empire. It wasn't long before her secrets came to light one after the other. The elites couldn't stop talking about her. "Holy smokes! So, her father is the richest man in the world?" "She's also that excellent, but mysterious designer who many people adore! Who would have guessed?" Nonetheless, people thought that Rupert didn't love her. But they were in for another surprise. Rupert released a statement, silencing all the naysayers. "I'm very much in love with my beautiful fiancee. We will be getting married soon." Two questions were on everyone's minds: "Why did she hide her identity? And why was Rupert in love with her all of a sudden?"
Three years ago, the Moore family opposed Charles Moore's choice to marry his beloved woman and selected Scarlett Riley as his bride. Charles didn't love her. In fact, he hated her. Not long after they got married, Scarlett received an offer from her dream university and jumped on it. Three years later, Charles's beloved woman fell terribly ill. In order to fulfill her last wish, he called Scarlett back and presented her with a divorce agreement. Scarlett was deeply hurt by Charles's abrupt decision, but she chose to let him go and agreed to sign the divorce papers. However, Charles seemed to delay the process deliberately, leaving Scarlett confused and frustrated. Now, Scarlett was trapped between the consequences of Charles's indecision. Would she be able to break free from him? Would Charles eventually come to his senses and face his true feelings?
Compelled by her dad's dilemma and the looming fate of their business, Irene agreed to become Braydon's lover. To outsiders, Braydon seemed invulnerable, yet only Irene was privy to the tempestuous passions he unleashed behind closed doors. Gradually, Irene found herself tangled in the intricate emotional snare Braydon had woven, her heart craving more, only to be shattered by the revelation of his engagement. Devastated, she left and soon encountered Braydon's archrival. It was then that the formidable Braydon confronted the esteemed surgeon Dr. Mitchell, all in a fierce struggle over Irene.
P-please, I beg you. Come let's go tell Christian I had no hand in whatever happened, p-please." I clutched the lapel of his jacket desperately. "Let's go. You need to tell my husband you were paid." "Young lady, you're harassing me." His tone was cold and his stare granite. But I could care less. "You harassed me first! You had sex with me without my consent, my husband knows and now I'm pregnant with this child he doesn't want. You ruined my marriage! I-I hate you!" ************************************ Caught by her husband with another man on their matrimonial bed the morning after her birthday, Hailey Codza could not defend herself. As though it's not enough, she gets pregnant. Her enraged husband decides to pay her back for her infidelity by having an affair with his ex-girlfriend - Denise Kellers, the family Hailey never knew she had. Losing her family's wealth and company to her husband and his ex (now girlfriend), she is devastated, homeless and penniless as all her credit cards are blocked by her husband. She sees the man who is responsible for her pregnancy. The man she has no idea how he'd found his way to her matrimonial bed - Jared Johnson. Jared is annoyed when this strange woman disrupts his meeting and accuses him of ruining her life, marriage and impregnating her. It affects his business deals and having no choice, he marries her to calm the public whilst engaged to someone else. But he loathes her and allows his family treats her badly. Hailey who has fallen in love with Jared is broken when she can no longer take the humiliation. She signs the divorce papers and leaves, only to arrive six years later to the country as a self-made, secret billionaire and a mother of twins. Now her two ex-husbands are begging to have her back...
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!"
Dear readers, this book has resumed daily updates. It took Sabrina three whole years to realize that her husband, Tyrone didn't have a heart. He was the coldest and most indifferent man she had ever met. He never smiled at her, let alone treated her like his wife. To make matters worse, the return of the woman he had eyes for brought Sabrina nothing but divorce papers. Sabrina's heart broke. Hoping that there was still a chance for them to work on their marriage, she asked, "Quick question,Tyrone. Would you still divorce me if I told you that I was pregnant?" "Absolutely!" he responded. Realizing that she didn't mean shit to him, Sabrina decided to let go. She signed the divorce agreement while lying on her sickbed with a broken heart. Surprisingly, that wasn't the end for the couple. It was as if scales fell off Tyrone's eyes after she signed the divorce agreement. The once so heartless man groveled at her bedside and pleaded, "Sabrina, I made a big mistake. Please don't divorce me. I promise to change." Sabrina smiled weakly, not knowing what to do...