The day I signed a deal with Jack Sterling, I never thought my life would fall into disarray. In addition to being a multimillionaire, he was a guy whose cold blue eyes could command a room with a single look, indicating both threat and attraction. I believed that by marrying him, I was protecting my family's future and saving them. Instead, I was used as a pawn in his vicious retaliation. Jack didn't marry me because he loved me. He had a deliberate strategy to destroy my father and destroy everything my late mother had created, and every whispered promise and stolen touch was a part of that plan. It was too late by the time I discovered the truth, but I should have been able to see through his lies. When I found out I was expecting his kid, the stakes became too high, even though the betrayal was still painful. In an attempt to shield my child from Jack's nasty and manipulative environment, I vanished into thin air. I hid in the shadows for months in the hopes that he wouldn't come. Yet Jack Sterling refuses to let up, and he's returned with the intention of taking back what he feels is rightfully his: me and the child he didn't know existed. However, I'm not the same gullible lady who was duped by his alluring façade this time. As Jack gets closer, his unrelenting chase reawakens emotions I had previously suppressed. He claims that he has changed and that the person who broke my heart is no longer there. How can I trust him, though, when every action he takes seems like a deliberate move in his risky game? A terrifying reality that jeopardizes not only our child's life but also my safety emerges just as I start to think about bringing him in. Someone wants to ruin everything we're working so hard to rebuild, and they're watching us. I'm not asking if I can put my complete trust in Jack. The question is whether I can rely on him to keep us alive. For the next lie that is uttered could be the one that loses us everything.
How long, Amelia, do you plan to stay there? It won't make a difference to stare. The loud, acrid voice of my father cut through the quiet as I paused in the doorway.
Grandeur once glistened in the mansion-our mansion. At this point, it seemed to be a tomb of shattered promises and dim memories. The beauty was engulfed by the shadows while the chandeliers continued to glow dimly in the last of the brightness. With a drink of whiskey hanging from his hand, my father sat slouched forward in his favorite recliner. It was a blow I hadn't anticipated to see him so devastated.
After saying, "Father, there's still hope," I entered and left my suitcase by the entrance. Even though I thought the words sounded corny, I had to utter them. I had to be convinced.
He laughed sarcastically, which made my stomach turn. "Have hope? The vultures came for our assets, and hope fled. The instant I signed away everything, hope vanished. All of us are done, Amelia.
My voice quivered, but I snapped, "We're not finished." I made myself stare at him, and my hands at my sides clinched into fists. "You're surrendering, but I won't. Something is still within our power.
He raised his watery, red-rimmed eyes to mine. The look of the man I had once adored briefly changed before being engulfed by embarrassment and tiredness. "What would you like us to do, too? Were we to sell the garments we wear? "Beg on the streets?" The wrath dissolved into sadness as his voice cracked. "I let us down, Amelia. "I let you down."
When he said those words, it felt like a knife to the chest. My dad wasn't meant to fail. Our family was based on his unwavering foundation; he was the man who had created an empire out of nothing. He was only a shadow of that man today, though, and I was now bearing the responsibility for his failure.
I muttered, "I'll fix it," but my throat constricted as uncertainty tore at my determination. "I don't know how yet, but I will."
Before he could speak another word, I turned on my heel and walked into the empty shell of what had been our house, my heels clicking on the marble flooring. Everywhere I turned, I was teased by memories-the warmth that had vanished, the laughter that used to fill the halls. There was a strong whiff of whiskey and defeat now.
Other than a pile of foreclosure notices, the great table in the dining room was deserted. I ran my fingertips over the papers, feeling the actual power of their contents bearing down on me. Millions... Our debtors were circling like wolves, and we owed millions.
My dad rose up, his footsteps heavy behind me, and I heard his chair crack. He said, "Amelia," in a gentler, almost beseeching tone. "You're quite young. You're not deserving. Make a fresh start somewhere far from here and get out.
"And abandon you?" I whirled around to confront him, pain and rage rising to the surface. Are you interested in that? For me to flee as everything breaks down?"
The remorse in his eyes was sufficient enough even though he didn't say anything. I felt a mixture of affection and hate in my chest. I adored my father, but I felt suffocated by his vulnerability. I would be on my own if he couldn't defend us.
My bedroom was the only room that still seemed like mine, so I went upstairs after leaving the dining room. With the once-bright decorations either sold or packed away, the walls were now empty. The covers were tangled from sleepless nights, and I had not made my bed. Dumping my face into my hands, I slid against the edge of the mattress.
A knock on the door jolted me out of my reverie. From the hallway came my father's voice, "Amelia?"
"What is it?" Not trying to hide the tiredness in my voice, I asked.
"Someone is downstairs now. "I have a proposition," he continues.
I scowled and raised my head. "What kind of proposition?"
"He didn't say," my dad said, his face tense. "But he looks serious."
I rose up, smoothing my rumpled skirt as a chill went down my spine. With each step I took, my pulse accelerated as I followed my father down the stairs. Could it be someone? A banker? Lawyer? Or perhaps someone worse?
I had never seen the man standing in the parlor before. The air of control he emanated made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. He was tall and calm. His dark hair was styled back, his fitted suit was immaculate, and his intense blue eyes met mine as soon as I walked in. His eyes seemed to see right through me, and something was unsettling about that.
"Miss Amelia," he uttered in a bold and fluid voice. Jack Sterling is my name. In my opinion, we may support one another.
Like a stroke of lightning, the name struck me. The name of the billionaire entrepreneur Jack Sterling was a byword for might and cruelty. What had he done in the wreckage of my family's house now?
"I don't understand," I responded, with a firm voice despite my internal distress. "Why are you here?"
Though it didn't reach his eyes, a slight smile curved Jack's lips. The decline in your family's reputation has been... noteworthy. And it turns out that your situation is similar to a chance I've been thinking about."
I looked at my dad; he was quiet and pallid, with slouched shoulders. "What kind of opportunity?" I crossed my arms across my chest and asked.
Jack moved in closer, his presence commanding attention. His eyes never left his eyes as he said, "A mutually beneficial arrangement," "Your father's debts are substantial, but I have the means to make them disappear."
"And what do you want in return?" With my heart racing in my chest, I made a demand.
His grin grew larger than a shark's. "You, Amelia, Miss. "I want you."
His words were ringing in my ears as the room whirled. My father's piercing gasp mirrored my own surprise. I retreated a step, feeling as though his proposal was physically weighing me down.
"No, I don't, stumbled out, my voice just above a whisper, "I don't understand."
Although Jack's passion maintained, his expression softened. Simply, "Marry me," he said. "Every debt your family has will be forgiven if you marry me. Your legacy, your home, and your father will all be preserved. One signature will suffice.
Grasping a chair with his head in his hands, my father staggered back. Except for the ticking of the old clock on the mantel, the room was silent. A tornado of terror, rage, and desperation swirled through my head. This stranger, this man, was giving me a lifeline, but at what price?
My voice trembled as I muttered, "You're insane."
Jack continued to smile. He responded, "Perhaps." "But, Amelia, I usually get my way. Additionally, I want you right now.
Words stuck in my throat as I opened my mouth to protest and demand that he leave. This is because, despite my anger, a tiny, cunning voice muttered in my head: What are your options?
Jack remarked, "You have twenty-four hours to decide," as he turned to face the door. "After that, my offer expires."
He left without saying anything else, leaving me to stand in the ruins of my life and make a choice that would either save my family or ruin me completely.
I used to be weak. The Alpha, the one guy I was supposed to spend my life with, turned me down without hesitation, leaving me a shattered wolf. After all, I was only an omega. They believed I would vanish. I was going to go into the darkness and never be seen again. However, they were mistaken. It was I who was going to remind them. But I've changed. I've changed from the girl they tormented to the one who pleaded for love that never existed. I've discovered how to embrace my inner strength. Their terror of me has grown. And I'm not the same girl they rejected when I rejoin the Shadowfang Pack. It is the Luna of the nation's most dreaded renegade pack. The guy who broke my heart, Jake Hunter, will pay for all the wounds he caused. And I'll see to it. But something changes when I see him again. The haughty Alpha I knew is no longer there; in his stead is a sad man tormented by the spirit of the lady he deceived. His eyes... his eyes look for a glimmer of forgiveness in mine? Salvation? He will never understand. Not me. I should go. I should allow him to burn in his obvious sorrow. Even though I hate him, there is a part of me that still craves his touch. He still wants to know whether he will follow me, as I have done in the past. The earth trembles under us, as if the cosmos is trying to test me. A fresh adversary. The kind of foe capable of destroying both of our packs. I am aware of my obligations. I have battled for this authority. I will not allow it to elude me. Even if my heart wants to forgive him, am I strong enough to trust him? I give Jake one last glance. His expression is one of desperation, maybe love, but I turn away from him again as I hear the howl of an unidentified pack reverberating through the night. Will he pursue me this time, however, or will I have to confront the enemies by myself?
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?"
Madisyn was stunned to discover that she was not her parents' biological child. Due to the real daughter's scheming, she was kicked out and became a laughingstock. Thought to be born to peasants, Madisyn was shocked to find that her real father was the richest man in the city, and her brothers were renowned figures in their respective fields. They showered her with love, only to learn that Madisyn had a thriving business of her own. "Stop pestering me!" said her ex-boyfriend. "My heart only belongs to Jenna." "How dare you think that my woman has feelings for you?" claimed a mysterious bigwig.
Anabel found out she was pregnant and dialed her husband's number to share the good news to him. They have been married for two years without a child. Desmond's mother had been accusing her of being barren and unproductive. When the call was picked, she was flabbergasted and broken. She was hearing a loud moan of feminine voice. "Ohh! Yeah! Don't stop fucking me! Fuck me harder baby!" accompanied with sound of skins slapping against the other. She went home to confront her husband and end up receiving a divorce paper. Desmond divorced him for a lady his mother was rooting. Few months later when he found out that his ex-wife is a billionaire heiress and she is pregnant with twins, he went crazy!
Rosalynn's marriage to Brian wasn't what she envisioned it to be. Her husband, Brian, barely came home. He avoided her like a plague. Worse still, he was always in the news for dating numerous celebrities. Rosalynn persevered until she couldn't take it anymore. She upped and left after filing for a divorce. Everything changed days later. Brian took interest in a designer that worked for his company anonymously. From her profile, he could tell that she was brilliant and dazzling. He pulled the stops to find out her true identity. Little did he know that he was going to receive the greatest shocker of his life. Brian bit his finger with regret when he recalled his past actions and the woman he foolishly let go.
Rena got into an entanglement with a big shot when she was drunk one night. She needed Waylen's help while he was drawn to her youthful beauty. As such, what was supposed to be a one-night stand progressed into something serious. All was well until Rena discovered that Waylen's heart belonged to another woman. When his first love returned, he stopped coming home, leaving Rena all alone for many nights. She put up with it until she received a check and farewell note one day. Contrary to how Waylen expected her to react, Rena had a smile on her face as she bid him farewell. "It was fun while it lasted, Waylen. May our paths never cross. Have a nice life." But as fate would have it, their paths crossed again. This time, Rena had another man by her side. Waylen's eyes burned with jealousy. He spat, "How the hell did you move on? I thought you loved only me!" "Keyword, loved!" Rena flipped her hair back and retorted, "There are plenty of fish in the sea, Waylen. Besides, you were the one who asked for a breakup. Now, if you want to date me, you have to wait in line." The next day, Rena received a credit alert of billions and a diamond ring. Waylen appeared again, got down on one knee, and uttered, "May I cut in line, Rena? I still want you."
For as long as Emily can remember, she has wanted to overcome her shyness and explore her sexuality. Still, everything changes when she receives an invitation to visit one of the town's most prestigious BDSM clubs, DESIRE'S DEN. On the day she chose to peruse the club, she noticed three men, all dressed in suits, standing on the upper level, near the railing. Despite her limited vision, she persisted in fixating on them. Their towering statues belied the toned bodies concealed by their sharply tailored suits-or so she could tell. The hair of two of them was short and dark, and the third had light brown-possibly blond-hair that reached the shoulders. The dark, crimson background incised their figures, exuding an air of mystery and strength. They stood in stark contrast to the unfiltered, primal energy that pulsed through the club. Shocked by the desires these men aroused in her, she was disappointed to learn that they were masters seeking a slave to divide and conquer. She couldn't afford the fee, and she also realized that they were outside her league. Emily hurriedly left the club, feeling disappointed and depressed, unaware that she had also caught the group's attention. A world of wicked pleasure, three handsome men. Over the years, they have lived a life of decadence, their lavish lair serving as a stage for their most sinister desires. But despite the unending parade of willing subjects, one woman sticks out. A mysterious stranger with white porcelain skin and a killer body, a slave, a name with no address, the first lady to attract their eye and they will go to any length to obtain her no matter the consequences.