Synopsis He was the most powerful man in the city, feared by everyone and known for his devilishly handsome face. Raymond Ray had everything anyone could desire-wealth, influence, and respect. Yet, he harbored no interest in women. It all began as a scheme to extort money from him. Ariana found herself trapped in a marriage she never wanted. It wasn't that she was opposed to marriage, but certainly not to the most dangerous man in the city. Her aunt lied to the world, claiming that Raymond had gotten Ariana pregnant and refused to take responsibility, all in a bid to swindle him. But the truth was far from that-Ariana wasn't pregnant, nor had she ever been close to Raymond. To everyone's shock, instead of denying the accusations, Raymond announced his intention to marry her. He knew it was all a lie, but he had a plan-a dangerous one. He would make Ariana pay for daring to play with fire. And whoever plays with fire always gets burned.
Chapter 1
Raymond's POV
They call me ruthless. Calculating. The devil in a custom suit.
It's all true. I've earned those titles and wear them like armor. Every deal, every victory, every enemy crushed beneath my polished shoes-each one has built this reputation. But as I sit at the head of the boardroom table, staring at the morning's entertainment on the projector screen-a recording of Ariana's aunt spinning her absurd story-I feel something unusual.
Amusement.
No one has ever dared something this desperate with me. Forcing a pregnancy scandal? Laughable. I have no interest in women-none. They're deceitful, dangerous, and endlessly calculating in their games of manipulation. I've spent my life ensuring I never fall into their traps. Or so I thought.
"She's bold," I mutter, leaning back in my chair as the video replays. Ariana's aunt, crocodile tears streaming, accuses me of ruining her precious niece's life. The headlines plastered beneath the footage scream: City's Most Feared Bachelor Caught in Scandalous Affair.
"Shall we address this in court, Mr. Ray?" Simon, my head of legal, asks, his tone careful, as though he's walking on glass. He adjusts his tie, avoiding my gaze. He knows better than to look me in the eye when I'm in this kind of mood.
"No." I steeple my fingers, my eyes fixed on the freeze-frame of the aunt's overly dramatic face. "We won't waste time with lawyers."
"Should I arrange for... a visit?" Simon ventures, his voice low and deliberate.
A faint smirk tugs at the corner of my lips. "Not yet."
The room falls into tense silence. No one dares to speak out of turn, knowing how thin the ice is under them. But my mind isn't on the aunt or her ridiculous lies-it's on the girl at the center of this mess. Ariana.
I don't recall ever meeting her, but the tabloids have plastered her face everywhere. Wide, frightened eyes. A quiet, undeniable beauty. She looks like someone who doesn't belong in my world, someone who couldn't survive even a day in it.
And yet, here she is.
"Sir?" Simon prods, clearly unnerved by my silence.
"She lied," I say softly, my tone sharp enough to cut glass. "But not convincingly enough to bother me." I pause, letting the tension hang in the air before adding, "That doesn't mean I'll let it slide."
Simon clears his throat, his brow furrowed. "What's the plan, then?"
I stand, straightening my cuffs with deliberate precision. "Marriage."
Simon chokes on his coffee. "Excuse me?"
"Marriage," I repeat, savoring the weight of the word. "Announce it publicly. Tell the media I've claimed responsibility and that the wedding is imminent."
"But... why?" Simon blurts, his professional mask slipping for the first time. "You don't even know this girl."
"Exactly," I say, my smirk widening. "I don't know her, but I will. And when I do, I'll make sure she regrets letting her aunt drag me into this charade."
Simon frowns, crossing his arms in a rare display of defiance. "And if she's just another pawn?"
"She's not just a pawn," I say, my tone hardening. "She's going to be useful.
Simon raises an eyebrow, waiting for me to elaborate.
"Do you think I don't hear the whispers in the boardroom?" I ask, my voice cold. "The questions about my personal life? They've been circling like vultures for months, pressuring me to settle down. Marrying this girl kills two birds with one stone."
Simon exhales sharply, realization dawning. "You're using her to shut them up."
"Precisely," I say, my smirk returning. "This scandal plays right into my hands. By marrying Ariana, I silence the board and take control of the narrative."
"And if she doesn't cooperate?"
"She will," I reply firmly. "She doesn't have a choice."
Simon still looks skeptical but nods. "Understood."
"I want the wedding tomorrow," I add, my tone leaving no room for debate.
Simon freezes mid-step, turning to look at me as though I've gone mad. "Tomorrow? That's..." He falters.
"I hate delays," I say, already heading for the door.
As I make my way to the parking lot, I can feel the whispers of my staff trailing behind me like shadows. Let them talk. Let them speculate. None of it matters.
I drive through the city, the familiar streets passing in a blur. My mind races with the details of what needs to happen next. By the time I arrive home, the plan is crystal clear.
Dinner is waiting when I step inside, but I barely taste it. The maids hover in the background, whispering amongst themselves. It's always the same: fear and curiosity. They've learned to keep their distance, but I can feel their eyes on me.
After dinner, I head to my room, loosening my tie as I go. Stripping down to my undershirt, I collapse onto the bed.
Tomorrow will be a long day.
Tomorrow, I get married.
I pick up my phone and send a text to the handful of people who need to be there. No big wedding. Keep it simple. Attendance mandatory.
The message is cold, clinical, and leaves no room for excuses.
As I set the phone down, my thoughts wander back to Ariana. Her image has been burned into my mind since the moment I saw it. Those wide eyes, that hint of fear-she's different. And I don't know why that bothers me.
But it doesn't matter.
This isn't about her. It's about me. My power. My reputation. She has to pay the price of making fake reports about me.
What did she think? Just ruined my reputation and walk away.
No! Things aren't done like that, especially in my world.
Tomorrow, I'll take what I want. And she'll have no choice but to fall in line.
Standing by the hallway, lost in thoughts as she admired the grand look of the mansion. She heard a cry from the hallway and then a little figure hugging her so tight! "Mommy, why did you leave me and Dad?!"
"Wa..wh-wha-what do you mean?". Lizzy stuttered as everything happening here sounded like joke m "I'm what...?" She yelled. "You're pregnant Lizzy". The doctor answered. Lizzy fell silent at this sudden need. Love is sacrificial! For love, there are things you have to risk at times.. be it... Personality, wealth, career, just name it! All Lizzy could remember was getting drunk, seeing her aggressive boyfriend about to abuse her and then a savior whom she felt safe in his arms. That was the only memory that played in her head .. the next thing was getting pregnant for her saviour whom she doesn't know from Adams. His name, identity, personality just made her curious and nervous! The only thing that occured to her was she had a one night stand with a stranger! What happens when she has to give up her career? Would that saviour save her from bringing up the child alone? Would that saviour just love and care for the child in her even if he doesn't consider her? Find out fams as your ride on in this intriguing life surrounding Lizzy! 😍
He's arrogant. Kim Tae Hyun, aged forty five. A fashion designer best known in Korea. He is known for his fame and riches. He order with just the snap of his fingers but it changed when he met Eun Ae, a crazy girl, a lowlife breed. Just their first encounter, the dogs could cry... In the verge for a job, she founds his secret. "You... You... are...a v-a-m-p-i-r-e" She said stammering spelling the word out.. HE'S A VAMPIRE.. HE SUCKS, KILLS AND DOES NOT GIVE A DAMN... Now that a human knows, what would become of her?? Will she go scot-free? Find out..
This book is about a couple, who never loved each other. They got married by contract and gave birth to a girl child by mistake and lust. This contract soon had to be terminated, but there is no way out... Bryan, the husband, never had time for his family, he was more concerned about his business. But you know what? He was a criminal with pretence in him. Why don't you read this book filled with contents like love, hypocrisy, crisis,criminal act,mystery and high school love. When Bryan faces a lot of challenges with his wife who cant cope with him anymore. She decides to move on. There is also another set of lovers in high school who starts their relationship with curses and fight. One has to revenge the mother's death and the other, find his real father. Love therefore penetrates into them but many obstacles comes their way.... Enjoy reading😀😀🤩
In her previous life, Kimberly endured the betrayal of her husband, the cruel machinations of an evil woman, and the endless tyranny of her in-laws. It culminated in the bankruptcy of her family, and ultimately, her death. After being reborn, she resolved to seek retribution against those who had wronged her, and ensure her family's prosperity. To her shock, the most unattainable man from her past suddenly set his sights on her. "You may have overlooked me before, but I shall capture your heart this time around."
Desperate to handle her grandmother's towering medical bills, Gianna agreed to a contract marriage with Tristan, the enigmatic man she'd once shared a one-night stand with. She assumed they'd fulfill each other's needs and dissolve the arrangement once the terms expired. Unbeknownst to Gianna, this marriage was a dream Tristan had clung to for ten relentless years. Certain she was just filling someone else's role, Gianna prepared to leave when that other woman returned. But Tristan, his eyes burning with unspoken emotion, seized her trembling hand and declared, "You’re mine. Now and always."
For three years, Shane and Yvonne were wed, sharing heated nights, while his devotion clung to his ex. Yvonne strove to be a dutiful wife, yet their marriage felt hollow, built on desire rather than real warmth. All changed when she became pregnant, only for Shane to thrust her onto the operating table, warning, “Either you or the baby survives!” Broken by his cruelty, she vanished in grief and later returned, radiantly accomplished, leaving everyone awestruck. Haunted by remorse, Shane begged for another chance, but Yvonne only smiled and replied, “I’m sorry, men no longer interest me.”
Elodie took a deep breath and knocked, the sound echoing in the quiet corridor. A moment of silence passed, broken only by the pounding of her heart. Finally, the door snicked open, revealing a surprised Dashiell. 'Can't you see the Do Not Disturb sign? We don't want-' His initial frown quickly morphed into confusion at the sight of his wife. 'What are you doing here?' he demanded. 'Your girlfriend invited me,' Elodie replied, her voice laced with icy calm. She tried to peer past him, but his broad frame blocked the view. A saccharine voice chimed in from within the room. 'Elodie? Oh dear, we didn't mean for you to find out this way. It's just that-' Elodie cut her short. 'Oh please, Selene. Spare me the fake apologies. You wouldn't have sent me all those texts if you didn't want me to know.' Dashiell shifted uncomfortably, his face a mask of annoyance. 'What texts?' Elodie stepped past him, taking in the luxurious suite with a sardonic smile. The king-sized bed, the scattered rose petals, the lingering scent of sex – it all painted a vivid picture of their betrayal. She looked up at Dashiell, her gaze unwavering. 'I want a divorce.' ****** Dashiell lived a life of luxury, surrounded by the best things money could buy. But when a car accident left him vulnerable, he met Elodie, a seemingly ordinary woman who nursed him back to health. Mistaking her for just another employee, Dashiell entered into a loveless marriage with her solely for convenience. However, fate had a different script in store. Elodie, the 'ordinary nurse,' held a secret more precious than any diamond: she was the sole heiress to Northstar, a vast and powerful enterprise. Unaware of her true identity, Dashiell cast her aside when his ex-girlfriend returned, leaving Elodie humiliated. But Elodie was not one to be easily broken. She shed the facade of the meek nurse, reclaiming her rightful inheritance and stepping into the role of Northstar's CEO. Now, the woman Dashiell discarded was the one holding the reins of power. As Elodie thrives in her new role, Dashiell is consumed by regret. He finally sees Elodie for the extraordinary woman she truly is, realising the depth of his mistake. But will his remorse be enough to win back the heart he so carelessly discarded?
Rosalynn's marriage to Brian wasn't what she envisioned it to be. Her husband, Brian, barely came home. He avoided her like a plague. Worse still, he was always in the news for dating numerous celebrities. Rosalynn persevered until she couldn't take it anymore. She upped and left after filing for a divorce. Everything changed days later. Brian took interest in a designer that worked for his company anonymously. From her profile, he could tell that she was brilliant and dazzling. He pulled the stops to find out her true identity. Little did he know that he was going to receive the greatest shocker of his life. Brian bit his finger with regret when he recalled his past actions and the woman he foolishly let go.
Natalie used to think she could melt Connor’s icy heart, but she was sorely mistaken. When at last she decided to leave, she discovered that she was pregnant. Even so, she chose to quietly leave his world, prompting Connor to mobilize all of his resources and expand his business to a global scale—all in a bid to find her. But there was no trace of Natalie. Connor slowly spiraled into madness, turning the city upside down and leaving chaos in his wake. Natalie finally surfaced years later, with wealth and power of her own, only to find herself entangled with Connor once again.