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"I want a divorce!" Ryan demanded, despite the fact that he had cheated on her with his ex. ~ Serena is no longer the quiet, romantic lady Ryan Winters married and divorced five years ago. Now the CEO of Rocky's Designs, she is bright, unwavering, and unapologetic about her independence-a far cry from the woman Ryan remembers. When fate brings them back into one another's lives, Ryan is forced to confront the truth about their past, their newfound hot chemistry, and a surprising revelation; Serena has a daughter who may be his. But Ryan's girlfriend, Kate, isn't prepared to lose him again. She will do whatever it takes to keep Ryan in her grasp-even if it means destroying Serena's life and the corporate empire she has built. What happens when Serena's now peaceful life is being disrupted? Will Serena lose once again or will she seize this billionaire's heart?
Serena's POV
"Congratulations, Mrs. Ryan," the doctor said with a bright smile. "You're pregnant!"
I froze, her words taking a moment to sink in. "I'm... pregnant?" I stammered, staring at her.
"Yes," she confirmed, nodding enthusiastically. "About a month along. Your test results are very clear."
My hands instinctively rested on my flat stomach. "A baby," I whispered, a small smile creeping onto my lips. A rush of excitement and nerves filled me.
This was the best news I had ever received. Finally, something to bring Ryan and me closer. Maybe this would change things between us. Maybe he'd finally see me as more than just his contract wife.
"Thank you, doctor," I said, standing up and shaking her hand.
As I left the clinic, I couldn't stop grinning. I was going to be a mother. And Ryan was going to be a father. He deserved to know right away.
I headed straight to his office, clutching my purse tightly. I imagined how he would react. Would he be shocked? Happy? Maybe even... excited?
When I arrived at the company, I walked through the familiar halls, my heels clicking against the polished floor. I smiled at the receptionist, who gave me a polite nod.
His office door was slightly ajar when I approached. I was about to knock when a sound from inside made me stop.
A low chuckle. A woman's voice.
"Ryan, stop it," the voice teased, playful and sultry.
I frowned and peeked through the gap. My heart stopped at what I saw. "She's back?"
Ryan stood between Kate's legs, his hands on her waist. She was perched on his desk, leaning back slightly, her arms wrapped around his neck. Their lips were locked in a passionate kiss, his hand sliding up her thigh.
I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. My hand flew to my mouth to muffle a gasp as tears blurred my vision.
"No," I whispered under my breath, stepping back. This couldn't be real. It couldn't be happening.
Kate's voice broke through my disbelief. "You missed me, didn't you?"
"You know I did," Ryan replied, his tone soft and intimate. "You're the only one I've ever wanted."
The words sliced through me like a knife. I couldn't bear to watch any longer. I turned to leave, my legs shaking beneath me.
But my heels betrayed me. The sharp sound of one striking the floor made Ryan's head snap toward the door.
"Who's there?" he called out, his voice sharp.
I didn't wait to be seen. I bolted down the hallway, tears streaming down my cheeks.
"Serena?" I heard him call, but I didn't stop. I ran out of the building, ignoring the curious stares from the staff, and hailed the first cab I saw.
When I got home, I slammed the door behind me, the sound echoing in the empty flat.
"Damn it!" I screamed, throwing my purse across the room. My body shook as I collapsed onto the couch, burying my face in my hands.
The image of Ryan and Kate together was burned into my mind. The way he touched her, kissed her... like she was the only person in the world.
He had never treated me that way.
The only day we made out was because he returned home drunk!
"How could he do this to me?" I choked out, my voice breaking. "Why now? Why, when I-"
I placed a trembling hand over my stomach. "How am I supposed to tell him now?"
The door opened behind me. I froze, wiping my tears quickly as Ryan stepped in.
"Serena," he said, his voice cold and distant.
I didn't turn to face him. "What do you want, Ryan?"
"We need to talk." His footsteps grew closer, and I could feel his presence looming behind me.
"About what?" I asked, my voice flat.
He moved to stand in front of me, adjusting his tie. His expression was unreadable, but his tone was sharp. "I want a divorce."
The words hit me like a blow. I stared at him, my chest tightening. "A... divorce?"
"Yes."
"Why?" My voice cracked, but I refused to let him see how much this hurt. "What did I do wrong, Ryan?"
"This isn't about you," he said, avoiding my gaze. "This marriage isn't working. It's better if we both move on."
"Move on?" I laughed bitterly, shaking my head. "You mean you want to move on. With Kate, right?"
His jaw tightened, but he didn't deny it.
"Say it," I demanded, standing up. "Say her name!"
"Kate," he said after a pause. "I love her, Serena. I've always loved her."
My knees felt weak, but I forced myself to stay upright. "So that's it? You're throwing me away for her? After everything-"
He cut me off. "This was a contract, Serena. You knew that from the start."
"I didn't know it would feel like this!" I shouted, my voice cracking. "I didn't know you'd break me like this, Ryan!"
He sighed, pulling a stack of papers from his briefcase. "I had these prepared," he said, placing them on the table. "You can read them at your own pace. I'm willing to offer financial support if you need it."
I stared at the divorce papers, my hands shaking. "Support?" I laughed hollowly. "You think money will fix this? Fix me?"
"I'm trying to be fair," he said defensively.
"Fair?" I repeated, my voice rising. "You cheated on me, Ryan. And now, you're talking about fairness?"
He didn't respond, only adjusted his tie again. "I'll give you some space," he muttered, turning toward the door.
"Ryan," I called after him, my voice shaking.
He paused but didn't turn around. "What?"
I swallowed hard, my heart pounding. "I hope she's worth it."
For a moment, he didn't say anything. Then he nodded and walked out, the door clicking shut behind him.
I sank back onto the couch, tears spilling down my face. The man I had loved with all my heart had chosen someone else.
I looked at the divorce papers on the table, their presence mocking me. Slowly, I picked up the pen and signed my name.
With that, it was over.
I placed a hand on my stomach, a bittersweet smile forming on my lips. "It's just us now," I whispered. "And we're going to be okay."
Jane Fitzergald, a 22 year old medical student and the illegitimate daughter of the Harrison family, was forced to take her half-sister's place as a substitute bride to the eldest son of the Harrington family, Ethan, a deformed cripple with less than 6 months to live. She dealt with mockery right from her wedding from everyone and was a victim of vicious plots due to her naivety which caused a strain on the relationship with her new husband whom had already decided to be on good terms with. Unbeknownst to her and everyone else who looked down on her husband, he was not what he seemed. Ethan Harrington knew that she was not his bride but he didn't mind as long as she stuck to his words, his known health status was a front to cover his escapades. He's set to unmask some plots but what happens when he starts to fall for his naive wife who shows him the love and care he never got? Will their budding love be cut off or will they weather the storm together?
Rocky Bai, a young and talented scholar in the field of gene study, ranked number one among his peers. While he was on the flight headed for the venue, an aircraft accident occurred right before he passed out. ... Rocky Bai is reborn! He saves a dragon and trains it in the Holy Dragon Empire. To his surprise, his dragon can cure disease and even bring people back from death. With the dragon, Rocky starts a new life. He is no longer a good-for-nothing, but an ambitious martial arts master and spirit manipulator among his generation. Let's join in their adventure!
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 himā¦"
To the public, she was the CEO's executive secretary. Behind closed doors, she was the wife he never officially acknowledged. Jenessa was elated when she learned that she was pregnant. But that joy was replaced with dread as her husband, Ryan, showered his affections on his first love. With a heavy heart, she chose to set him free and leave. When they met again, Ryan's attention was caught by Jenessa's protruding belly. "Whose child are you carrying?!" he demanded. But she only scoffed. "It's none of your business, my dear ex-husband!"
Elena, once a pampered heiress, suddenly lost everything when the real daughter framed her, her fiancĆ© ridiculed her, and her adoptive parents threw her out. They all wanted to see her fall. But Elena unveiled her true identity: the heiress of a massive fortune, famed hacker, top jewelry designer, secret author, and gifted doctor. Horrified by her glorious comeback, her adoptive parents demanded half her newfound wealth. Elena exposed their cruelty and refused. Her ex pleaded for a second chance, but she scoffed, āDo you think you deserve it?ā Then a powerful magnate gently proposed, āMarry me?ā
Warning! Mature Contents! ***Excerpt*** "You belong to me, Sheila. I alone am capable of making you feel this way. Your moans and body belong to me. Your soul and your body are all mine!" *** Alpha Killian Reid, the most dreaded Alpha in all of the North, wealthy, powerful and widely feared in the supernatural world, was the envy of all other packs. He was thought to have it all... power, fame, wealth and favour from the moon goddess, little was it known to his rivals that he has been under a curse, which has been kept a secret for so many years, and only the one with the gift of the moon goddess can lift the curse. Sheila, the daughter of Alpha Lucius who was an arch enemy to Killian, had grown up with so much hatred, detest and maltreatment from her father. She was the fated mate to Alpha Killian. He refused to reject her, yet he loathed her and treated her poorly, because he was in love with another woman, Thea. But one of these two women was the cure to his curse, while the other was an enemy within. How would he find out? Let's find out in this heart racing piece, filled with suspense, steamy romance and betrayal.
"There will be no falling in love, we will only act as a loving couple when we are in public, we will share a room to make it believable, but no intimacy, touching is off-limits. We'll only have sex once a month, and that's solely to produce an heir. You won't interfere in my business, and I won't interfere in yours. You will be my wife in every sense and you will not be involved with any other man," he said, arrogance seeping from every word. I watch his mouth move, I'm not ready to fall in love with any man, especially not one as arrogant and egoistic as him. I can handle acting as a loving couple, and as for intimacy once a month. I can agree to that just to satisfy my sexual cravings with no strings attached. "Where can I sign?" I asked since I had nothing to lose. *** Nadine's wedding dreams turned to nightmares when she caught her sister and fiancƩ cheating! With a secret recording, she's ready for revenge. But then mysterious billionaire Logan West offers a deal: A Contract Marriage to take down her ex's empire. But what Nadine doesn't know is her life is getting complicated as she takes her chance to get revenge or risks everything for a chance at love?"