In the shadowy underworld of the Mafia, power is everything. Alpha, a mysterious and ruthless leader, rules his hidden empire with an iron fist. But when a forbidden romance ignites between Alpha and a fierce, independent woman, their worlds collide in a whirlwind of passion, danger, and betrayal. As secrets unravel and enemies close in, will their love be strong enough to survive the ultimate test?
The heat in the Astoria ballroom was stifling, even worse than the scrutiny of the other guests. Aurora adjusted the hem of her dress, the silk clinging to her skin like a second skin, and subtly shifted the weight of her clutch. Inside, nestled against her thigh, lay her weapon: a tiny camera, disguised as a lipstick case. Her reflection in the mirrored wall stared back at her – a picture of composure, a mask carefully crafted to blend seamlessly into this world of gilded cages.
But the truth was, her stomach was doing a nervous jig. This wasn't just a party; it was a minefield. Every smile, every hushed conversation, every clink of champagne glasses held a hidden meaning, a potential threat.
The Astoria itself was a monument to excess. Crystal chandeliers hung like frozen waterfalls, casting a dazzling glow on the crowd. Waiters glided through the throng, their movements practiced, their faces impassive. Guests, adorned in jewels and designer labels, laughed and gossiped, their voices a symphony of privilege.
Aurora didn't belong here. Not really. This world, with its emphasis on appearances and the relentless pursuit of pleasure, felt alien to her. But beneath the borrowed glamour, a fierce determination burned within her. She had a mission, a debt to settle.
Her fingers traced the emerald necklace resting against her skin, a gift from her father, a man who'd taught her to fight for what was right, even when the odds were stacked against her. "Be brave, Aurora," his voice echoed in her memory. "Sometimes, the truth comes at a price, but it's worth it."
Three years. Three years since he vanished, leaving behind a void that ached in her soul. Three years of unanswered questions, of sleepless nights spent piecing together the puzzle of his disappearance, a puzzle whose pieces seemed to lead inexorably to the De Luca family.
Tonight, the pieces might finally start falling into place.
The charity auction was a facade, a glittering stage for the De Luca empire to conduct its business. Aurora had spent the last year infiltrating their world, gathering intelligence, building a case against them. And now, she was here, a lone wolf in a den of predators.
She scanned the room, her gaze finally settling on her target – a man with a gut that threatened to burst out of his designer suit, his wrist adorned with a gold watch that screamed "nouveau riche." He was deep in conversation with a younger man, his face etched with a chilling seriousness. Aurora pretended to admire a nearby sculpture, her hand hovering near the camera, capturing the scene discreetly.
Click. Click.
The faint sounds were swallowed by the orchestra's music, a jarring counterpoint to the orchestrated chaos of the party.
"Confidence is your greatest weapon," she whispered, her father's words a mantra.
She moved through the crowd, her senses on high alert. The air crackled with unspoken power, with deals made and broken in the shadows. The weight of her mission pressed down on her, a heavy cloak against the intoxicating atmosphere.
Then, a voice, smooth as velvet and laced with a hint of amusement, cut through the din.
"Enjoying the art?"
She turned, her gaze meeting his.
Lorenzo De Luca.
He was a force of nature – tall, imposing, radiating an aura of power that seemed to consume the space around him. His eyes, the color of a stormy sea, held a disconcerting intensity. He was more than just a name in her files; he was the embodiment of the De Luca empire, its very heartbeat.
"It's... evocative," she replied, her voice steady despite the tremor in her hands.
He smiled, a predatory curve of his lips that sent a shiver down her spine. "That's one way to put it."
Aurora forced herself to meet his gaze, a silent battle of wills. She couldn't let him intimidate her. Not here. Not now.
"I didn't catch your name," she said, her voice cool, her smile carefully controlled.
He chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that vibrated through her. "I didn't give it."
Her stomach tightened. This was a game, and he was already playing her.
"Audrey," she said, the name a shield, a mask. "Audrey Bennett."
"Careful, Audrey," he warned, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You might find yourself entangled in something you don't understand."
And then, he was gone, melting back into the crowd like a ghost.
Aurora leaned against a nearby column, her breath coming in ragged gasps. He had noticed her. He knew she was here for more than just a night of frivolous entertainment.
Lorenzo De Luca was watching her.
And that realization, more than anything else, sent a jolt of fear through her.
The rest of the evening was a blur of forced smiles, fleeting glances, and the constant thrum of her own heartbeat. She captured the footage she needed, documenting the illicit deals, the whispered threats. But the encounter with Lorenzo De Luca haunted her. He was a predator, a force of nature, and she had unwittingly crossed his path.
As she slipped out of the ballroom, the cool night air a welcome relief, she received a text message.
"Meet me at the pier in an hour. Come alone. Don't bring any of your friends."
The sender was unlisted, the message chillingly brief. But Aurora knew who it was.
Lorenzo.
Her fingers trembled as she typed her reply: "I'll be there."
This wasn't just about bringing down a criminal empire anymore. This was about survival.
She stepped into the night, the city lights blurring into a kaleidoscope of colors. The game had begun, and Aurora, armed with her camera, her courage, and the memory of her father's unwavering support, was ready to play.
But as she walked towards the pier, a chilling thought crept into her mind: she had no idea what she was walking into.
And that, she realized with a sudden, terrifying clarity, was only the beginning.
In order to fulfill her grandfather's last wish, Stella entered into a hasty marriage with an ordinary man she had never met before. However, even after becoming husband and wife on paper, they each led separate lives, barely crossing paths. A year later, Stella returned to Seamarsh City, hoping to finally meet her mysterious husband. To her astonishment, he sent her a text message, unexpectedly pleading for a divorce without ever having met her in person. Gritting her teeth, Stella replied, "So be it. Let’s get a divorce!" Following that, Stella made a bold move and joined the Prosperity Group, where she became a public relations officer that worked directly for the company’s CEO, Matthew. The handsome and enigmatic CEO was already bound in matrimony, and was known to be unwaveringly devoted to his wife in private. Unbeknownst to Stella, her mysterious husband was actually her boss, in his alternate identity! Determined to focus on her career, Stella deliberately kept her distance from the CEO, although she couldn't help but notice his deliberate attempts to get close to her. As time went on, her elusive husband had a change of heart. He suddenly refused to proceed with the divorce. When would his alternate identity be uncovered? Amidst a tumultuous blend of deception and profound love, what destiny awaited them?
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...
They don't know I'm a girl. They all look at me and see a boy. A prince. Their kind purchase humans like me for their lustful desires. And, when they stormed into our kingdom to buy my sister, I intervened to protect her. I made them take me too. The plan was to escape with my sister whenever we found a chance. How was I to know our prison would be the most fortified place in their kingdom? I was supposed to be on the sidelines. The one they had no real use for. The one they never meant to buy. But then, the most important person in their savage land-their ruthless beast king-took an interest in the "pretty little prince." How do we survive in this brutal kingdom, where everyone hates our kind and shows us no mercy? And how does someone, with a secret like mine, become a lust slave? . AUTHOR'S NOTE. This is a dark romance-dark, mature content. Highly rated 18+ Expect triggers, expect hardcore. If you're a seasoned reader of this genre, looking for something different, prepared to go in blindly not knowing what to expect at every turn, but eager to know more anyway, then dive in! . From the author of the international bestselling book: "The Alpha King's Hated Slave."
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!"
The Billionaire Betrayed Wife follows Rachael Morgan, an orphan whose search for love leads her into the ruthless world of the Blackwood family. Betrayed by her husband and tormented by her adoptive sister, Rachael's life spirals into chaos when she's cast out and left to survive on the streets, pregnant and alone. Just when all hope seems lost, a mysterious savior from her past rescues her, giving her the chance to heal and rebuild. Years later, she returns stronger, armed with a fierce desire for revenge. With her son by her side, Rachael will stop at nothing to destroy those who shattered her trust-even if it means risking everything to reclaim her life and her power.
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?"