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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?
Jade stood on the steps of the courthouse, her heart a heavy weight in her chest. The warm spring breeze tousled her hair, but she hardly noticed. Everything felt unreal, like a bad dream she couldn't wake up from. A place that had once been her home-the place where her friends, family, and dreams resided-now felt like a foreign land.
Her fingers curled into fists as memories of the last few years flooded her mind. The wrongful conviction. The years behind bars. The betrayal by the man she had loved and trusted, and the betrayal by the best friend who she thought would always stand by her. It was too much for one person to bear.
The sharp click of heels against the pavement drew her attention. She turned and saw her mother, her face creased with worry, walking toward her. The woman had aged since Jade's arrest, her once-vibrant face now a reflection of the anguish she had endured.
"I don't know how you managed to stay so strong," her mother said, wrapping her arms around her daughter. Jade's tears, which she had kept at bay for so long, began to fall freely.
Her mother's arms tightened around her. "It's over now, Jade. You're free. You can finally move on."
But could she?
The truth still lay buried beneath the surface, the real reason behind her conviction. And then there was Luke.
The idea of facing him again was almost too much to bear. How could he have done this to her? He was supposed to be the one person who never turned his back on her. Instead, he had betrayed her in the worst possible way. She had been locked away, and he had moved on. With her best friend, no less.
Grayson Westbrook had no idea how badly she needed to get away from the memories that were now strangling her life. But when he made her an offer, everything changed.
---
Hours later, Jade sat in a small, nondescript coffee shop, the scent of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. Her fingers drummed nervously against the edge of the table as she waited for him. Grayson Westbrook-the billionaire who had made her an offer she couldn't refuse.
The door to the shop opened with a soft chime, and in walked Grayson, his tall frame casting a shadow over the table. His piercing blue eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, the world outside ceased to exist. He was everything she had imagined-handsome, powerful, composed-but there was something cold about him. A sharpness to his movements, as though he had been hardened by something that no one could see.
Grayson took a seat across from her, his gaze never leaving her face. He studied her with an intensity that unsettled her. Jade opened her mouth to speak, but the words got stuck. His presence was suffocating, and she couldn't find the strength to voice the questions that had been circling in her mind for days.
"Jade," Grayson finally spoke, his voice low and controlled. "I'm glad you could meet me."
He placed a folder on the table, its edges crisp and untouched. "I have a proposition for you. One that could benefit both of us."
Jade raised an eyebrow. "I'm listening."
Grayson's lips twitched into the faintest smile, a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I understand that your situation is complicated, and I'm aware of the betrayal you've experienced. But I also know what it feels like to have the world expect things from you, to have your every move scrutinized."
She leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "What are you talking about?"
"A marriage of convenience," Grayson said plainly. "I need a wife. Someone who can help me with family matters and my business dealings. You need security, a fresh start, and someone to help you put your life back together. I've studied your case, Jade. I know your history and what you've gone through." He paused, his gaze piercing hers. "You don't have to like me, but we can both benefit from this arrangement."
Jade felt a chill crawl up her spine. "You want me to marry you?" Her voice was incredulous, even though she knew the answer. This wasn't a fairytale. This wasn't love. It was a business deal.
"That's right," Grayson replied, his expression unfazed. "This will be a marriage based on mutual needs, nothing more. A way to keep the pressure from my family off my back and to give you a chance to rebuild your life without the constant reminder of what you've lost."
Jade stared at him, her mind racing. She had no idea what he was hiding behind those cool eyes, what kind of trauma had turned him into this man who saw everything as a transaction. But for the first time in weeks, she saw an opportunity. A way out.
"What's in it for you?" Jade asked, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions within her. "Why would you need a wife? What does it do for you?"
Grayson exhaled, leaning back in his chair. "I've made it clear that I don't believe in relationships. Marriage and children are things I've sworn off. But my mother doesn't understand that. She's been pressuring me for years, trying to set me up with women she deems suitable for my 'status.' This," he gestured between them, "is a way to stop her from meddling in my life."
Jade nodded slowly, absorbing the information. This was a man with a past-a past that haunted him, and now it was threatening to dictate his future.
She didn't know if she could trust him. The idea of marrying a stranger who was offering her security out of sheer necessity felt wrong. But at the same time, there was something in his eyes-a vulnerability he didn't want anyone to see. A side to him that hadn't been hardened by money or power.
Grayson opened the folder in front of him and slid a piece of paper across the table to her. "This is the contract. It's simple. We live as husband and wife in name only. You'll have access to the funds you need to get your life back on track. I'll provide for you, and in return, you'll help me with my family's expectations and maintain the illusion of a perfect marriage."
Jade scanned the document quickly. There were no hidden clauses, no fine print that would come back to haunt her. It was as straightforward as it could be, but the reality of what she was about to do hit her with full force.
"I don't know if I can do this," she whispered, her hand trembling as she touched the paper.
"You don't have to love me," Grayson said, his voice softer now, though still distant. "Just trust me, for now. We'll go through with this and see where it takes us. I'll be nothing but professional with you. We both need this. You know that."
Jade took a deep breath, looking at the man in front of her. She had no other options. This was her way out, a lifeline thrown to her when everything else had failed. The contract before her wasn't just a piece of paper-it was her ticket to freedom.
Slowly, her fingers reached for the pen, and with one quick motion, she signed her name at the bottom.
"Deal," she said quietly, looking up to meet Grayson's gaze.
The moment their eyes locked, Jade knew her life would never be the same again.
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?
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?
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.
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.
When they were kids, Derek saved Norah's life. Years later, after Derek ended up in a vegetative state from a car crash, Norah married him without a second thought and even used her medical knowledge to heal him. For two years, Norah was devoted, seeking his affection and looking to settle her life-saving debt. But when Derek's first love returned, Norah, faced with divorce, didn't hesitate to sign. Despite being labeled as forsaken, few knew of her true talents. She was a race car driver, a famed designer, a genius hacker, and a renowned doctor. Regretting his decision, Derek begged for her forgiveness. Just then, a charming CEO intervened, embracing Norah and declaring, "Back off! She's my wife!" Taken aback, Norah blurted out, "What did you say?"
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."
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-wife’s countless admirers, Kristopher offered her 20 million dollars and proposed a new deal. “Let’s get married again.”
After three secretive years of marriage, Eliana never met her enigmatic husband until she was served with divorce papers and learned of his extravagant pursuit of another. She snapped back to reality and secured a divorce. Thereafter, Eliana unveiled her various personas: an esteemed doctor, legendary secret agent, master hacker, celebrated designer, adept race car driver, and distinguished scientist. As her diverse talents became known, her ex-husband was consumed by remorse. Desperately, he pleaded, "Eliana, give me another chance! All my properties, even my life, are yours."
"Never let anyone treat you like shit!" I learned that the hard way. For three years, I lived with my in-laws. They didn't treat me as their son-in-law but as a slave. I put up with everything because of my wife, Yolanda Lambert. She was the light of my life. Unfortunately, my whole world came crashing down the day I caught my wife cheating on me. I have never been so heartbroken. To have my revenge, I revealed my true identity. I was none other than Liam Hoffman—the heir of a family with trillions of dollars in assets! The Lamberts were utterly shocked after the big reveal. They realized what fools they had been for treating me like trash. My wife even knelt down and begged for my forgiveness. What do you think I did? Did I take her back or made her suffer? Find out!