I became the stepmother of a bully. In the bathroom, he pushed me against the wall, his voice hoarse: "You may not like me, but can you at least not humiliate me?"
I became the stepmother of a bully. In the bathroom, he pushed me against the wall, his voice hoarse: "You may not like me, but can you at least not humiliate me?"
Somehow, I Became the stepmother of my bully.
In the bathroom, he pinned me against the wall, his voice hoarse.
"You don't have to like me, but can you at least stop humiliating me?"
1.
The sound of his heavy breathing filled my ears as he forcefully turned my face towards him.
"Look at me."
I suppressed the hatred in my heart, trying to soften my voice. "Ryland, please, you are hurting me..."
His tone was mocking, and he only tightened his grip.
"Kim Stephens, now you want to yield? Weren't you the one who seduced me first?
It's not over yet, stepmom."
He wasn't wrong.
After graduating from college, Ryland's father approached me.
"Miss Stephens, you resemble my late wife. If possible, I would like to propose a deal.
Also, be my beloved wife's stand-in. Three years, three hundred million dollars."
But my connection with Ryland Wilson went beyond that.
We were college classmates.
Back then, he was rebellious, with a bad temper, indulging in smoking, drinking, and fighting.
Yet, he was handsome, had good grades, and came from a wealthy family.
His girlfriends would change on a weekly basis, and he remained generous even after break - ups. A user on the campus forum even conducted an analysis of the types of girls he dated.
I considered myself attractive, but not as stunning as his ex-girlfriends, who could debut on stage with their looks.
For some reason, he took an interest in me. After I rejected him, he persistently pursued me for two months.
Even his confession felt like a king tossing crumbs to a beggar.
He cornered me after class, looking determined.
"You, be my girlfriend."
He didn't even know my name.
I told him I had a boyfriend and casually mentioned the name of one of the underlings of bullies, rejecting him.
Later, I heard he beat that underling so badly he was left disabled.
During the two months he continued to pursue me, the women in his arms changed constantly. Apart from occasionally sending me flowers, he never appeared before me again.
Ryland's father didn't genuinely love his mother. Mrs. Wilson had passed away years ago, yet now he was attempting to fabricate an appearance of profound affection.
An apple didn't fall far from the tree.
Disgusting.
2.
Half a month ago, after getting married with Ryland's father, I came to the Wilson's villa for the first time.
Ryland's father Jack had already informed Ryland to come home today.
When we returned and didn't see him, Ryland's father was furious, shouting at Alfred, the butler. "That ungrateful son, call him back as fast as he can!"
I approached him, gently patting his chest. "Don't be angry. After all, meeting his stepmother for the first time, I can understand his reaction."
"Don't worry, when he returns, I will teach him how to behave himself!"
How delightful, family drama was always intriguing.
Outside, a sports car roared into the driveway.
Ryland entered the house, frowning at the sight of me.
"What are you doing here?"
"Mind your manners!" Ryland's father scolded, wrapping an arm around my waist. "She's your stepmother."
"Stepmom?"
He chuckled softly, his gaze darkening as he looked at me. "Hello there, my dear stepmom."
The last two words were heavily emphasized.
I gave him a gentle smile. "Ryland, rest assured, I'll treat you like my own son from now on."
Seeing his displeased expression, I knew it was time to start my next plan.
Evening.
I changed into a white silk camisole dress.
In front of the mirror, I darkened the mole at the corner of my eye with eyeliner.
Looking at my reflection, I smiled with satisfaction.
On my third trip downstairs to get water, he finally couldn't hold back.
He planted his hands on the table, effectively caging me within his embrace, his tone menacing as he said, "You refused to be my girlfriend, yet you became my stepmother?
Kim, you are really unpredictable."
I turned to face him, appearing as if I wanted to look up but was too afraid.
"Ryland... Don't be so harsh. I'm your stepmom!"
With a deliberate motion, the strap of my dress slipped slightly.
A thrill surged within me.
Every move, every expression, I had practiced thousands, tens of thousands of times.
Finally, the day had come.
Would the prey take the bait?
3.
As I expected, Ryland grasped my chin, forcing me to look into his eyes.
Seeing the humiliation in my tear-filled eyes, he smiled widened.
His fingers brushed the mole at the corner of my eye.
"Why are you crying? You weren't this timid when you rejected me."
I turned my head to the side, tears welling up even more, hanging in my eyes but refusing to fall.
Vulnerable yet defiant.
Ryland forcefully turned my head back, leaving a warm trace at the corner of my eye.
"Did that old man..."
"I like you!"
He was stunned. "What?"
I repeated, looking at him with unwavering eyes.
"Kim, do you think I'm that easy to deceive? Can't that old man satisfy you?"
"Hmm?"
I slapped him hard.
The sound of the slap echoed sharply in the silent night.
I refused to look at him, letting my tears fall freely.
"Ryland, do you really love me? They say all your girlfriends are of the same type, and pursuing me is just another one of your games.
If that's the case, why do you toy with my feelings?"
His gaze grew darker, but I was oblivious, continuing to speak my mind.
"You're great, in every way. I know I'm not good enough for you. But I can't help it, I still like you."
"When your father approached me, I felt incredibly lucky, having a chance to be by your side, to take care of you.
Ryland... please, let me go."
He leaned in to kiss me, but I broke free from his embrace and ran upstairs.
Feeling his gaze on my back, I pretended to hesitate for a moment but didn't stop until I reached my room.
I understood Ryland too well-under his father's thumb, struggling to find his own identity.
He needed someone who resembled that woman to love him wholeheartedly.
He could only choose the path I laid out for him.
4.
After that night, I deliberately kept my distance from Ryland.
Even when we accidentally crossed paths, I would quickly lower my head and leave.
Once I maintained a distance in public, I had to start working in private.
Ryland went out drinking every night, returning home reeking of alcohol.
Yet, he always found a comforting bowl of porridge and a glass of honey water on his table when he got back.
At meals, the table was filled with dishes good for the stomach.
He never asked, just silently ate everything.
In the kitchen, I chatted idly with the housekeeper, Liz.
"Ma'am, let me handle these things. Why do you need to cook yourself?"
"It's fine, Liz. I know Ryland has a bad stomach and loves to drink. These will be good for him."
"Oh! Ma'am, you're so good to the young master! He'll surely be happy to know."
I smiled, but couldn't hide the sadness in my voice.
"As long as he's happy... this is all I can do for him."
Hearing the soft footsteps leaving behind me, I smiled to myself.
That night, just as I stepped out of the bathroom, I heard a knock on the door.
Wrapped in a towel, I went to open it.
As soon as the door opened, Ryland's presence enveloped me.
He closed the door, pinning me against the wall, his fingers trailing down from my shoulder. I felt a chill, and my face involuntarily flushed.
His voice was low and hoarse.
"Let me show you how much I care, okay? Kim."
I placed my hands on his chest, pretending to push him away. "Don't... don't do this."
He pressed closer.
"Kim... let me see your true feelings."
His actions sent shivers through me, and the room's temperature quickly rose.
Hearing him call my name caught me off guard.
Was I still not just a substitute for that woman?
5.
"You little brat! That's your mother! How dare you..." Ryland's father trembled with rage.
I lay in his arms, sobbing softly.
"Jack, Ryland didn't mean it... maybe it's because of my face..."
Realizing I had said something wrong, I fell silent.
Ryland's father grew even angrier, ordering butler Alfred, "Bring the family whip to me!"
The whip cracked against Ryland's body, but he remained silent.
Earlier, Ryland had cornered me in the garden, and Jack and Alfred happened to witness it.
I pushed Ryland away in panic and threw myself into Jack's arms, crying that Ryland had forced me.
Even though it was a marriage of convenience, I was still his wife in name.
Jack's face turned red. He was well - aware of precisely what his son was thinking. The intention behind marrying me was to put an end to Ryland's persistent feelings.
Because I resembled that woman too much, it scared him!
His health was deteriorating. Despite having numerous individuals on the periphery, Ryland was fated to remain his sole biological son.
As the whip rose and fell, I glanced at Jack, knowing it was time for me to intervene.
"Enough, dear. Anger is bad for your health."
I pretended to raise my hand to stop him, and he let the whip fall, then held my hand.
"Fine. As you say."
Ryland lifted his head, watching the intertwined hands of Jack and me, his eyes filled with turmoil.
Jack signaled Alfred to take Ryland to see a doctor, then led me to dinner.
As we walked, he probed, "Kim, Ryland was spoiled from a young age. If he offended you again, you must tell me."
I replied obediently, "It's fine, as someone older, I can see where he's coming from."
Hearing the emphasis in my words, he nodded in satisfaction.
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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."
Kaelyn devoted three years tending to her husband after a terrible accident. But once he was fully recovered, he cast her aside and brought his first love back from abroad. Devastated, Kaelyn decided on a divorce as people mocked her for being discarded. She went on to reinvent herself, becoming a highly sought-after doctor, a champion racer, and an internationally renowned architectural designer. Even then, the traitors sneered in disdain, believing Kaelyn would never find someone. But then the ex-husband’s uncle, a powerful warlord, returned with his army to ask for Kaelyn’s hand in marriage.
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!
Five years into marriage, Hannah caught Vincent slipping into a hotel with his first love-the woman he never forgot. The sight told her everything-he'd married her only for her resemblance to his true love. Hurt, she conned him into signing the divorce papers and, a month later, said, "Vincent, I'm done. May you two stay chained together." Red-eyed, he hugged her. "You came after me first." Her firm soon rocketed toward an IPO. At the launch, Vincent watched her clasp another man's hand. In the fitting room, he cornered her, tears burning in his eyes. "Is he really that perfect? Hannah, I'm sorry... marry me again."
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."
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