"Stay away from me; I'm not the man for you." How did those words transform into "I can't live without her"? Dive into this unique love story to uncover the truth. Vivian Carter is forced into an arranged marriage with a man she's never met, under the threat of devastating consequences to the only person she truly loves if she disobeys her controlling father and stepmother. Mario Houston, a billionaire with his own empire, embodies the classic bad boy who always gets his way. But when Vivian enters his life and starts calling him out on his behavior, will he rise to the challenge and become a better man-or spiral even further into his dark ways?
I pulled the sleeves up on my glimmering dress as tears went up in my eyes. I was getting married a moment to be remembered, but all I felt was alone in an empty room, surrounded by not a single familiar face. I had never felt more alone than on my wedding day.
"Too fast", I repeated as my helpers straightened out my dress. This day was the day when I would feel loved and happy, but all I felt was alone.
I fell into the corner as I slowly grasped what I was going to become in a couple of everlasting hours. A wife. A wife of a man who not only loathed her but was disgusted by her. They tried to apply makeup to my rosy, red cheeks as my mascara kept spilling down my face along with my tears.
In the corner of my eye, I saw a little girl picking off the flowers of the bouquet on the table. I was left to have a few minutes to gather myself and then put on a strong face while a stranger walked me down the aisle.
The little girl approached me as she saw a tear running down the side of my cheek
"Why are you crying", she whispered to avoid the hearing of the others.
"I'm very happy", I said as she smiled and hugged my figure the wedding director came in and saw me all ready to walk down an aisle where I knew no one, even the man I was marrying.
"All happy tears, smile", she said as she fixed my slouching shoulders upright and saw the lines on my face from the draining mascara.
"Let's get some waterproof mascara", she said as she grabbed a brush and applied foundation to my black lines of sadness. They applied it with patience as I knew that was something I didn't have.
"Everything will be okay", the correspondent assured me as she fixed my dress and made sure everything was in place. She straightened my sterling silver necklace and straightened out my full-length veil.
Was I ready to give away my first kiss to a man I didn't even know, I wanted the whole deal I wanted love, romance a happily ever after. I wanted magic, something that this relationship could never uphold.
"Miss Carter?", The director swooped her hands in front of me trying to bring me back to reality, a place I wanted to escape.
"Yes", I said interrupting my heavenly dreams of love and magic, something that I could never experience.
"Are you ready", she asked as that was my last resort of running away, of course, I had nowhere to go that I'd be free, from my father.
"Uh. yes", I whispered as the people started pouring out the little girl quickly gathered her rose petals in a mini basket and skipped out of the peach room and into the line of the arrangement of my wedding.
I peeked at the gate ahead of us as it was pulled wide open I heard an organ and a harp playing on in serene harmony. The people piled in one after the other some hand in hand.
Should I be happier? I'm getting married, right? I've wanted this since I planned out my dream wedding in my binder since I was 6.
I heard an echo from the silent church behind me as a voice said "Excuse me" and "Pardon me", I turned to see it was Mario's Dad rushing towards me.
"Vivian, you look stunning", he said as a tear escaped my eyes, all I wanted was for my mother to be here. His fatherly love reminded me of the love I had never had. Mario's father was a sweet soul who knew the reputation of his playboy son.
"I didn't see your parents in the corridors, could they not make it", He asked as if I expected them to be there.
I shook my head "They couldn't make it, but they said they'd drop by soon", I said in the reassurance of the plan of our businesses.
"I'm sorry they can't be here but you have Delylah and I here", he said as I thanked him for his kind manner, he slowly tucked his hand undermine as the music grew louder and everyone in the pews rose.
I walked in gracefully hiding my tears with a pleasing smile, we walked with ease and grace as I looked straight ahead I saw the man who made this happen, only now he was smiling, I think it's normal to smile on your wedding day, but we weren't normal, we were far from normal.
Mario stood there grinning at me in a clean black suit with the look of it, it cost around the price of a mansion. He smirked at me as he saw me stumble on the train of my dress as Mario's dad tried to steady me I tripped on the lower length.
I searched the pews for anyone I knew and saw no one except the little girl in the second row looking down at her empty basket.
My parents never showed and I can't say I'm not surprised, I mean they married me off to a stranger after kicking me to the curb, is this what I deserve? As my parents put it "Yes this is what you deserve for being a bitch, and a brat" I was their only daughter and all I wanted in life was to escape the parties and the makeup and the banquets all I wanted was to be free.
Mario went into my mind again as we neared the podium, I felt my knees quiver and my mouth get dry. I started blushing madly after I saw his smile, his smile attracted the audience it was radiant and handsome. He was just overall the hottest guy I've ever seen and let me tell you I haven't seen a lot.
His father kissed my cheek as Mario reached down for my hand, looking all chivalrous. I put my manicured hand in his hand as he squeezed it. I stepped up the podium as his hand guided me to where I needed to stand. I stood as his hand on my hand would move a bit, he was quite helpful. As the ceremony began, I saw his piercing hazel eyes staring into mine. The ceremony went on and on until it came to the final part.
"Mario Houston, do you take Vivian Carter as your wife, to cherish and love, to protect and to be there for one another, if you do say 'I do'? "
Mario looked into my eyes as I imagined him taking off running, for the hills. But he surprised me "I do", he said as he squeezed my hand.
"Vivian Carter, do you take Mario Houston to be your husband, to love and
to cherish, to protect in all times if you do say 'I do'", the priest said as it dawned on me. I would be trapped in a loveless marriage. Would I be safe, yes? And in the world, it's protection, not love.
"I.. do", the words flew out of my mouth as I saw the glance from Mario.
"You may now kiss the bride", the priest said as his face floated towards mine. He leaned in as his lips brushed against mine and he indulged himself in my mouth. I felt fireworks as our lips touched and as his fingers trailed up my cheeks, wiping away my last tear of the night.
He let go of me suddenly as the crowd roared and everyone stood up and clapped for quite a performance. But that was only something Mario, his family and I knew about.
As I saw tears pile up on faces in the pews I imagined my mother being here walking me down the aisle hand in hand. She would
tell me everything would be okay and that she would always be there.
"Vivian", Mario said as he took my hand and hurried me down the aisle. The crowds filed out of their pew to see us get in a limo and drive away. We walked out of the church as cameras flashed away, as the guards blocked us we rushed to the car. He opened the door for me as I climbed into the spacious limo. He shut the door and lost his smile he crept to the back as I sat next to the books and candy.
Who could ever read in the car? If I did I would barf my throat out.
"Get changed, into this you can't go into the party in your wedding dress", he threw me a pressed down the dress. He flung it across the spread-out limo, expecting me to catch it.
"I can't change here", I hesitated as he stared at me like a crazy person. He gave a light laugh, as I possibly couldn't understand what was so amusing for him.
"Why not", he put his phone down. I finally had his attention off that tiny piece of technology.
"Cause you're right there and I need help taking this dress off it's not that easy", I said as a light laugh escaped his mouth.
"It's not like I'm looking", he said as he made me feel unwanted. He gave me a light chuckle as he just shook his head in disbelief.
"Can we stop please at Lorelai Boutique ", I called out to the driver as he pulled into an old boutique parking lot. Luckily it was on the way from the venue.
"Where are you going, we're going to be late", he called out to me as I ran into the boutique. Without another second I felt right back at home just looking through the window at the vibrant hand-sewn dresses on white mannequins.
"Don't defy me Nessa submit yourself to me." he said in a threatening voice. She was shocked at how stubborn he is and not even trying to understand her vulnerability. "No I'll never do this. I don't want this, please." She cried out this time joining her hands in front of him and also trying to clutch her dress. "You have to because I bought you and I can do whatever I want with you." He evilly smirked while gazing up and down at her and her gaze again went to her cleavage and now she was looking like a irresistible temptress to him without doing anything. "Please you are not my soulmate, my forever love." she said sobbing out again trying to make him understand. 'What is this nonsense soulmate or forever love?' he thought and scoffed loudly. These things are nothing to him and now it will not matter for her too because he the one who will matter for her now. He strode towards her and held her jaw in a tight grip and gritted his teeth. "There is nothing like that. Forever is a lie and even there is something like this I'll be that for you. " He spat at her aggressively not even liking a bit that she will be with someone else. "No leave me please I beg you." she pleaded him again and now it made him go crazy knowing why she is resisting him because she thinks he is not his soulmate or his lover. Even if any soulmate of her is out there he will not let him be alive. He will kill him with his own bare hands and give him that much painful death that any man will think hundred times to even lay their eyes on her. "Yes you will beg me to don't stop after I'll fuck you till your submission." He said and left her jaw throwing her on the bed. *** An innocent girl Vanessa Orwell is abducted and sold to the Italian mafia boss. Morgan Price the Italian mafia boss bought and kept her with him without her will. But her everything starts attracting him towards her. What will he do when suddenly he starts feeling something for her?
Tiara meets Leandro just as her life seems to be falling into place. She's a confident young artist who recently opened her own art studio in the heart of New York City. One night, Leandro saves her from an attack, and everything she thought she knew about her life starts to unravel. She knows he's dangerous, but she can't resist the pull of the mysterious, captivating man. There's something about him that fascinates her-and he may hold secrets about a past she never even knew existed. Leandro, on the other hand, was only looking for a front to hide his illegal weapons trade when he stumbled into Tiara's gallery. Falling for the bold, dark-haired artist was never part of the plan. Yet, despite his belief that women are only weaknesses in the life of a Mafia Don, he finds himself drawn to her fiery spirit and unable to let her go. Can their love survive the chaos of Leandro's criminal world, or will Tiara become another casualty of his dangerous life? Book contains strong language and mature themes.
"Kill me," she rasped, her voice hoarse. It was confusing; didn't she want this, didn't she want me? What an actress. My laughter turned bitter. "That would be too easy," I smirked before letting go of her neck and dropping her to the floor. I crouched down, grabbed her chin, and forced her to look at me. "I’m going to torture you, destroy you, but never kill you. After all, you'll have to sleep with me eventually. You are my wife now," he mocked me cruelly. Jennifer Nelson, the fearless Russian capo's perfect and pure daughter, finds her life changed when she's married off to form a treaty. Her new husband, Alexander Alfonso, is known worldwide, especially to her. The treaty wasn't the only reason he married her—he wanted revenge. Eight years have passed; has anything changed? She didn't expect to last long in the marriage. How far will she go to survive? Does she even want to? Alexander Alfonso, the ruthless Italian capo, is known for his cruelty. After something devastating happens to him, it haunts him for eight years until he gets the perfect chance to make the person responsible pay. He thinks he knows everything about her, but all his studying might be wasted when she reveals her truth. Even the most evil people have a traumatic story that shaped them. How far will he go to make her pay? Does he even want to after learning the truth? TW: This story contains triggering topics of many sorts.
Mia's life is spiraling out of control. Abandoned by her mother, bullied mercilessly at school, and thrown into a household of four dangerously attractive stepbrothers, she's desperate to find her footing. "You look absolutely edible," Sean growled, his eyes devouring her. Mia felt a rush of heat between her thighs "Oh, you think so?" she purred, turning to face him. She reached out and traced her fingers along the ribbon that wrapped around his waist. "Well, I've been waiting for this all day. And I'm starving." Sean's smile grew into a predatory grin. "Then let us feast," he said, and in a flash, the ribbon fell away, exposing his rock-hard length. He stepped closer, and Mia felt the warmth of his breath on her face as he whispered, "You're going to take every inch of us tonight, aren't you?" With Rolex's teasing smirk and Sean's quiet, hot stares, Mia doesn't know where to turn-or who to trust. Every glance, every touch leaves her breathless, confused, and craving more than she should. Will Mia survive their games, or will she lose herself in a dangerous world of secrets, seduction, and forbidden desire? One house. Four brothers. Endless temptation.
"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."
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.”
"Is it considered betrayal to develop feelings for your best friend's boyfriend? What about when fate intervenes, and he turns out to be your destined mate? You might think it's luck and thank the moon goddess for such a twist of fate. That's what I believed until the love of my life uttered those dreaded words: 'I want a divorce!' As I stared at the pregnancy test in my hands, I realized it was better to keep my secret to myself. My name is Violet, and this is my story."
Iris grew from an orphaned child to the adopted daughter of the Stewart family at age ten, finding warmth in her nominal uncle Vincent's kindness. Seven years later, she became his secret lover. When Vincent's engagement was announced, gossip spread about the notorious playboy CEO finally settling down. But only Iris knew the extent of his cold, two-faced nature. Iris fell for Vincent and, through tears, begged, "Marry me," only to be met with his frosty refusal. Defeated, she accepted a lawyer's proposal, sparking public excitement. Then, on her wedding day, Vincent pleaded desperately, "Don't marry him…"
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?