"Then let me help you," he said, stepping closer. "Let me prove to you that I'm worth the risk." Her heart ached at the vulnerability in his eyes, but she couldn't ignore the doubts that lingered. "Ethan, what if this doesn't work? What if we both end up hurt?" "Then at least we'll know we tried," he said, his voice steady. "But I can't walk away without giving this a chance. Can you?" She stared at him, her resolve wavering. She wanted to say no, to protect herself from the pain she feared. But deep down, she knew the truth. "I don't know," she whispered. Ethan reached out, gently cupping her face. "That's enough for me." Before she could overthink it, he leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was both tender and passionate. For a moment, the world fell away, and all that mattered was the feel of his lips against hers. But as the kiss deepened, a rush of emotions flooded her-desire, fear, and an overwhelming sense of vulnerability. ----- Ethan Thornton, the charismatic, successful CEO of a multinational corporation. Ethan is known for his charm, good looks, and reputation as a notorious womanizer, someone who is never without a beautiful woman by his side. Eva Brooks, his new assistant, knowing the reputation that precedes him, is determined to keep things professional. She's not interested in his advances, particularly because she believes that behind his suave exterior, he's just another playboy who is incapable of a serious relationship. However, Ethan is intrigued by Eva. Her cool demeanor, intelligence, and beauty captivated him. For the first time in a long while, he finds himself wanting something more than just a casual fling. The narrative traces their evolving relationship, filled with tension, desire, misunderstandings, and ultimately, love. Little does she know, she's about to become part of his personal life in ways she never expected.
Ethan Thornton sat behind his massive mahogany desk, the city's skyline stretching out before him through the floor-to-ceiling windows of his penthouse office. He was a man used to getting what he wanted when he wanted it. But today, his patience was wearing thin.
The deal that was supposed to cement his company's position as an industry leader had fallen apart because of a mistake his secretary had made. The thought of it made his jaw tighten, and the grip on his pen became almost painful.
"Where are the revised contracts? I asked for them an hour ago!" Ethan's voice was cold, with a sharp edge to it that made his assistant, waiting nervously in the doorway, take a step back.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Thornton. I... I don't know what happened. I'm sure I printed them," came the shaky reply.
Ethan's gaze hardened. He'd been patient enough over the past few months, tolerating mistakes and small errors that usually wouldn't have bothered him. But this? This was unforgivable. A multi-million-dollar deal-ruined. All because of one mistake.
"Get out." The words were delivered with the weight of an avalanche.
Her eyes widened, and she opened her mouth, probably to beg for another chance. But Ethan wasn't listening. He already turned his attention to the email on his screen, dismissing her as though she was of no consequence.
"Mr. Thornton, please," she tried again, but her voice trailed off as he stood from his desk.
Without sparing her another glance, Ethan walked past her toward the glass doors leading out to the balcony. He could feel the heat rise in his chest. The only thing he hated more than incompetence was being made to wait. And now, he had to clean up someone else's mess.
The door clicked shut behind her as she left, but Ethan didn't bother turning around. Instead, he reached for the bottle of scotch in his cabinet, pouring himself a generous glass, hoping the burn of alcohol would ease the building frustration.
After a long sip, he picked up his phone and dialed his HR department. The woman on the other end sounded surprised to hear from him.
"Mr. Thornton, to what do we owe this honor?"
"I need a new secretary. Find me someone competent. Someone who doesn't waste my time," Ethan's voice was ice-cold.
"Understood. We'll begin the search immediately."
The line clicked off, and he was left with nothing but the hum of the city below and the faintest taste of regret. He wasn't a man who cared much for apologies. People in his world had no room for mistakes, no room for weakness. And this secretary? She had failed him.
---
The office, on the other hand, buzzed with whispers. Ethan's secretary had been dismissed in front of everyone, his anger evident even from across the room. His reputation as a ruthless businessman was no secret. But this? It wasn't the first time someone had lost their job under his watch, but it sure felt more dramatic than usual.
"She was too slow anyway," one of his employees muttered under her breath, eyes flicking toward Ethan as he returned to his desk. He was already focused on a different set of contracts, as though nothing had happened.
The atmosphere in the office shifted with a collective exhale like they were all relieved that Ethan's fury was finally over for the moment. But no one dared make eye contact with him. Ethan's employees learned long ago that when he was in a mood like this, it was best to keep your distance.
His reputation as a playboy billionaire, known just as much for his business prowess as his reckless personal life, ensured no one ever took him too seriously. But there was always this undercurrent of fear. Ethan was a man who demanded perfection, and if you didn't meet his standards, you were gone.
Minutes later, Ethan found himself alone in his office, pacing back and forth. It wasn't like him to let his temper get the best of him, but today, everything felt off. His mind wandered for a moment, drifting to the whispers in the hallways about his personal life. His ex-girlfriends, his flings, his parties-his name was always tied to some new scandal.
Ethan sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. No one ever seemed to get past his persona. The billionaire playboy. That was all anyone cared about. It was easier for people to label him that way, to dismiss him as a rich man who spent his time with women, booze, and bad decisions.
But no one knew the real Ethan Thornton. And frankly, no one ever would.
He turned back to his desk, irritated, and opened his laptop.
"Find me a new secretary."
It wasn't a request. It was an order.
He clicked through the files his assistant had left behind, scanning over résumés with an almost clinical detachment. Some were impressive-graduates of Ivy League schools and former employees of top firms. They all had the right qualifications, but they lacked something important. None of them intrigued him. None of them seemed like they could handle him or his world.
And then, one résumé caught his eye.
Her name was Eva Brooks. A woman with a list of credentials that made him raise an eyebrow. No Ivy League degree. No prestigious firm. But she had something else.
Ethan clicked on the file, intrigued by her background. There was something about the way she presented herself, the way she'd managed to work in the high-pressure industry despite her unconventional path.
This was the one.
He picked up his phone again, dialing HR.
"Get her in here. Now."
As Ethan leaned back in his chair, staring at the city below, he couldn't shake the feeling that today wasn't just another day. Something about this woman-Eva Brooks-had caught his attention in a way no one else had. Maybe it was her confidence. Maybe it was the challenge she seemed to represent. But either way, Ethan Thornton wasn't one to ignore something that piqued his interest.
He was about to meet his new secretary. And for the first time in a long while, he wasn't sure what to expect.
Alexander Grant, the 27-year-old CEO of Grant Enterprises, believed his life was perfect-an empire at his feet and a stunning fiancée by his side. But just 24 hours before their lavish wedding, his fiancée walked away, leaving him heartbroken and humiliated. With no other options, Alexander turned to his trusted secretary, Emma, proposing an unthinkable arrangement: become his bride for the day to save face and keep his reputation intact. Emma had always been the calm in Alexander's storm, secretly nursing feelings for the enigmatic man she worked for. While the proposal shocked her, it was also an opportunity she couldn't refuse-a chance to be by his side, even if it was only for show. But what began as a charade soon turned into something neither of them anticipated. As they navigated the complexities of their fake marriage, their bond deepened, unravelling layers of vulnerability, passion, and longing. Emma's gentle strength and Alexander's growing trust created a love neither of them thought they deserved. Just as they begin to embrace the undeniable connection between them, old wounds and insecurities threaten to tear them apart. Will Alexander conquer his fears of love, and will Emma believe she is worthy of happiness? Dive into this heartwarming romance filled with unexpected twists, steamy chemistry, and the kind of love that can turn a lie into forever.
After three years of loveless marriage, Kira was slapped with divorce papers. She has shown him her unrequited love throughout her entire marriage with him, but he decided to turn blind eyes all because of his lover. Distraught and heartbroken, Kira choose to sign the divorce papers with bitter heart. But then and there, she promised herself that when she's back, he will come crawling to her, but she will make him pay for hurting her. Join Kira as she transform to a wealthy heiress and soared as the CEO of a multi-billion-dollar empire, a remarkable healer and make her ex-husband pay!
Lindsey's fiancé was the devil's first son. Not only did he lie to her but he also slept with her stepmother, conspired to take away her family fortune, and then set her up to have sex with a total stranger. To get her lick back, Lindsey decided to find a man to disrupt her engagement party and humiliate the cheating bastard. Never did she imagine that she would bump into a strikingly handsome stranger who was all that she was currently looking for. At the engagement party, he boldly declared that she was his woman. Lindsey thought he was just a broke man who wanted to leech off her. But once they began their fake relationship, she realized that good luck kept coming her way. She thought they would part ways after the engagement party, but this man kept to her side. "We gotta stick together, Lindsey. Remember, I'm now your fiancé. " "Domenic, you're with me because of my money, aren't you?" Lindsey asked, narrowing her eyes at him. Domenic was taken aback by that accusation. How could he, the heir of the Walsh family and CEO of Vitality Group, be with her for money? He controlled more than half of the city's economy. Money wasn't a problem for him! The two got closer and closer. One day, Lindsey finally realized that Domenic was actually the stranger she had slept with months ago. Would this realization change things between them? For the better or worse?
Life was a bed of roses for Debra, the daughter of Alpha. That was until she had a one-night stand with Caleb. She was sure he was her mate as determined by Moon Goddess. But this hateful man refused to accept her. Weeks passed before Debra discovered that she was pregnant. Her pregnancy brought shame to her and everyone she loved. Not only was she driven out, but her father was also hunted down by usurpers. Fortunately, she survived with the help of the mysterious Thorn Edge Pack. Five years passed and Debra didn't hear anything from Caleb. One day, their paths crossed again. They were both on the same mission—carrying out secret investigations in the dangerous Roz Town for the safety and posterity of their respective packs. Caleb was still cold toward her. But as time went on, he fell head over heels in love with her. He tried to make up for abandoning her, but Debra wasn't having any of it. She was hell-bent on hiding her daughter from him and also making a clean break. What did the future hold for the two as they journeyed in Roz Town? What kind of secrets would they find? Would Caleb win Debra's heart and get to know his lovely daughter? Find out!
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?
Linsey was stood up by her groom to run off with another woman. Furious, she grabbed a random stranger and declared, "Let's get married!" She had acted on impulse, realizing too late that her new husband was the notorious rascal, Collin. The public laughed at her, and even her runaway ex offered to reconcile. But Linsey scoffed at him. "My husband and I are very much in love!" Everyone thought she was delusional. Then Collin was revealed to be the richest man in the world. In front of everyone, he got down on one knee and held up a stunning diamond ring. "I look forward to our forever, honey."