Stella Hayes gave her heart to the wrong man and paid the price. Betrayed, humiliated, and left to rebuild her life in silence, she vowed never to trust again.] Six years later, she returns as a force to be reckoned with-a woman on a mission, guarding a secret that could change everything. But crossing paths with Jack Ashford, the billionaire playboy who broke her, reignites a storm she thought she'd left behind. As old flames and hidden agendas collide, Stella finds herself caught in a dangerous game of power, revenge, and redemption. In a world where loyalty is a gamble and love is the ultimate risk, will she outplay the past-or will it destroy her once and for all?
The chandeliers illuminated the ballroom with a golden hue, their light twirling over the polished marble floors. I anxiously pulled at the edge of my silk lavender dress, sensing I was out of place in this luxury oceany closest friend Beatrice had urged me to attend the Ashford Grand Hotel gala. "It will be an unforgettable night," she promised. However, while I enjoyed my champagne and observed the Los Angeles elite mingling, I couldn't shake the feeling of not fitting in.
Beatrice, on the other hand, seemed to thrive in this environment. She looked stunning as always, her emerald-green dress perfectly matching her sharp eyes as she scanned the room with purpose.
"Relax, Stella," she said, her smile warm but with a flicker of impatience. "You look amazing. Trust me, no one can resist you tonight. Especially him."
"Him?" I echoed, frowning slightly.
Before she could answer, a deep, velvety voice interrupted. "Good evening, ladies."
I turned, and my breath caught in my throat. Standing before us was Jack Ashford. Yes, *that* Jack Ashford. The billionaire playboy whose name was synonymous with charm and scandal. He looked even more striking in person. His tailored navy suit fit him perfectly, his dark brown hair was effortlessly styled, and his piercing black eyes seemed to see right through me.
"Stella Hayes," he said, extending a hand. "I've been looking forward to meeting you."
My heart raced as I took his hand, his touch warm and confident. "You... know who I am?"
"Beatrice has told me all about you," he replied with a smile that was equal parts charming and disarming. "But I must say, her description didn't do you justice."
Beside me, Beatrice laughed, although her hold on the champagne glass was tense. "I mentioned she's special," she said, her tone playful.
I experienced a mix of flattery and discomfort beneath Jack's stare. His reputation was well known. This man gathered hearts as if they were trophies, yet he was wholly focused on me at this moment.
"Would you care for a dance?" Jack asked, offering his hand again.
I hesitated, glancing at Beatrice. She gave me an encouraging nod, so against my better judgment, I placed my hand in Jack's. He led me to the dance floor as if he'd done it a thousand times before.
The song was changed to a slow waltz, Jack held my waist and my cheeks turned red. He moved with ease, guiding me effortlessly.
"You're different," he said softly, his eyes locked onto mine.
" How do you mean?" I asked, my voice was shaking because I could not help but wonder why Jack was interested in me.
" You are not like others here," he replied. " You are real and I love that about you".
I wasn't sure if I should be happy about this or cautious. Was this one of his games of trying to get me? I wanted to believe him but the stories about him kept appearing in my mind.
The dance ended too quickly, and Jack leaned in closer and said calmly, "I'd like to see you again Stella. Just the two of us.
My heart raced, but I forced a fake smile. "I don't think I'm your type," I said quietly.
"That is exactly why I want to see you again. You are different" Jacked said. I could hear my heart jumping for joy, but I didn't show it.
The rest of the night passed in a blur, Jack sat by my side and his charm wrapped around me like a blanket, well that was how I felt. I wasn't bothered about what anyone would say.
Jack escorted me to my car after the party and I felt like not letting his hand go as he said good night. I drove home with excitement, was I falling for Jack?
Back in the ballroom, Beatrice sipped her drink, her emerald eyes narrowing as she watched me leave. She'd planned this evening to the smallest detail, ensuring I'd meet Jack. But how he looked at me-with something resembling genuine interest-wasn't part of her plan.
The following week, I couldn't get Jack out of my head. So, when he called and invited me to dinner, I hesitated but eventually said yes.
Jack was already seated waiting for me at a private table, his smile was as captivating as I could remember. I smiled back, scanning the restaurant he chose. It was nothing short of luxury, away from the regular haunts.
"Tell me about yourself Stella", Jacked asked.
" Well, I am just a simple girl from a simple home". " I don't know my mom and my dad died when I was little"
"Oh! I am sorry about that Stella", he said.
"Tell me everything Stella, I am so interested to know everything about you. I told you you were different".
My heart fluttered, his attention was intoxicating, and I couldn't help but feel drawn to him.
When we were done with dinner, Jack walked me to my car and surprised me by gently cupping my face and pressing a soft, lingering kiss to my lips.
My mind froze, and when we pulled apart, his dark eyes searched mine, as if waiting for permission to continue.
"I'll call you," he said, his voice low and smooth.
I didn't realize he was no longer kissing me because I closed my eyes and wanted more. When I opened my eyes, he smiled and said good night.
As I drove home, my fingers pressed to my lips, and I remembered the kiss. Was this real? Was Jack in love with me? I kept smiling till I got home.
But what I didn't know was that Jack returned to his penthouse that night to a gathering of his friends. Beatrice was among them, her expression unreadable as she sipped her wine.
"So, how's the bet going?" one of them asked, smirking.
Jack hesitated, his jaw tightening. "It's... complicated."
Beatrice raised an eyebrow. "Complicated? Don't tell me you're falling for her."
Jack didn't reply, his thoughts a tangled mess. He hadn't expected me to be so genuine, so captivating. But the weight of the bet hung over him, a cruel reminder of the game he'd willingly entered.
As the room buzzed with laughter and chatter, his phone buzzed with a message. It was from Beatrice: *Don't forget your end of the deal.*
Jack clenched his jaw, conflicted.
When Elena Gustaw, the strong-willed daughter of a mafia boss, is forced into an arranged marriage with the ruthless Luca Moretti to forge an alliance, she finds herself in a mix of secrets and danger. As they navigate their tumultuous relationship and uncover hidden threats, they must decide if they can trust each other enough to survive and possibly find love amid the chaos.
The day Raina gave birth should have been the happiest of her life. Instead, it became her worst nightmare. Moments after delivering their twins, Alexander shattered her heart-divorcing her and forcing her to sign away custody of their son, Liam. With nothing but betrayal and heartbreak to her name, Raina disappeared, raising their daughter, Ava, on her own.Years later, fate comes knocking when Liam falls gravely ill. Desperate to save his son, Alexander is forced to seek out the one person he once cast aside. Alexander finds himself face to face with the woman he underestimated, pleading for a second chance-not just for himself, but for their son. But Raina is no longer the same broken woman who once loved him.No longer the woman he left behind. She has carved out a new life-one built on strength, wealth, and a long-buried legacy she expected to uncover.Raina has spent years learning to live without him.The question is... Will she risk reopening old wounds to save the son she never got to love? or has Alexander lost her forever?
Kallie, a mute who had been ignored by her husband for five years since their wedding, also suffered the loss of her pregnancy due to her cruel mother-in-law. After the divorce, she learned that her ex-husband had quickly gotten engaged to the woman he truly loved. Holding her slightly rounded belly, she realized that he had never really cared for her. Determined, she left him behind, treating him as a stranger. Yet, after she left, he scoured the globe in search of her. When their paths crossed once more, Kallie had already found new happiness. For the first time, he pleaded humbly, "Please don't leave me..." But Kallie's response was firm and dismissive, cutting through any lingering ties. "Get lost!"
The day Lilah found out that she was pregnant, she caught her fiancé cheating on her. Her remorseless fiancé and his mistress almost killed her. Lilah fled for her dear life. When she returned to her hometown five years later, she happened to save a little boy's life. The boy's father turned out to be the world's richest man. Everything changed for Lilah from that moment. The man didn't let her experience any inconvenience. When her ex-fiancé bullied her, he crushed the scumbag's family and also rented out an entire island just to give Lilah a break from all the drama. He also taught Lilah's hateful father a lesson. He crushed all her enemies before she even asked. When Lilah's vile sister threw herself at him, he showed her a marriage certificate and said, "I'm happily married and my wife is much more beautiful than you are!" Lilah was shocked. "When did we ever get married? Last I checked, I was still single." With a wicked smile, he said, "Honey, we've been married for five years. Isn't it about time we had another child together?" Lilah's jaw dropped to the floor. What the hell was he talking about?
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?
"You're mine, little puppy," Kylan growled against my neck. A soft gasp escaped my lips as his lips brushed my skin. My mind screamed at me to push him away-the Lycan Prince who had humiliated me again and again, but my body betrayed me, leaning into him before I could stop myself. He pressed his lips against mine, and his kiss grew more aggressive, more possessive as I felt my legs weaken. What was I doing? In a split-second, I pulled away and slapped him hard across the face. Kylan's eyes darkened, but the smirk on his lips exposed his amusement. "You and I both know we can't fight this, Violet," he said, gripping my wrist. "You're my mate." "And yet you don't want me," I replied. "You told me you were ashamed of me, that l'd never be your queen, that you'd never love me. So please, accept my rejection and let me go." "Never," he whispered, his grip tightening as he pulled me closer. "Soon enough, you'll be begging for me. and when you do-I'll use you as I see fit and then I'll reject you."
"I've warned you from the beginning. Don't marry him, but you won't listen." Darcy stood close to me and smiled with concern. "You're not a woman worthy of a man as handsome, rich, smart, and virile as Blaze." My whole body trembled at her words. "Have you no shame?" I asked. "Take a good look at yourself, Heather." She stared at me in the mirror. "You can't even glance at your ugly face. Do you think Blaze can endure a lifetime of gazing at that scar?" Heather Bailey got a surprise from her husband: a divorce agreement. After a year of marriage and facing ups and downs, she couldn't believe Blaze intended to divorce her. She was devastated when she saw him gazing lovingly at another woman. After signing the divorce papers, shockwaves caught her up. Her flower shop was burned to the ground. Her father's company collapsed, and her parents blamed her. She struggled to rebuild her life from the ground up and became more successful than ever. Having many customers from influential families, she started her revenge on Blaze. She won the very thing he wanted, but that was just the beginning.