Asher Blackwood, a ruthless 35-year-old CEO, offers 22-year-old intern Emilia Gray a deal: become his exclusive companion for the summer, and he'll ensure her safety and a bright future. As Emilia navigates Asher's dark world, she's torn between her attraction to him and her need for freedom. Will she choose her path or succumb to his charms?
The sun had just begun to set over the bustling city, casting a warm orange glow over the towering skyscrapers. Emilia Gray, a 22-year-old intern at Blackwood Industries, stepped out of the elevator and onto the sleek, marble floor of the executive suite. She took a deep breath, smoothing out her dress and trying to calm her racing heart.
She had been summoned to the CEO's office, and she had no idea what to expect. Rumors about Asher Blackwood's ruthless business tactics and exacting standards had spread like wildfire throughout the company. Emilia had heard whispers about his imposing presence, his piercing gaze, and his razor-sharp mind.
As she approached the reception desk, the secretary, a poised woman with a crisp smile, looked up from her computer. "Ah, Emilia Gray. Mr. Blackwood is expecting you. Please, go right in."
Emilia nodded, her palms growing sweaty as she pushed open the heavy wooden door. The CEO's office was a sprawling space with a commanding view of the city. The walls were lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, and the room was dominated by a massive, mahogany desk.
Asher Blackwood, the man himself, stood by the window, his back to her. He was a tall, imposing figure, with broad shoulders and a chiseled physique. His dark hair was perfectly styled, and his tailored suit seemed to have been molded to his body.
As Emilia approached, he turned, his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers. She felt a jolt of electricity run through her body, and her heart skipped a beat. There was something unnerving about his gaze, something that made her feel like he could see right through her.
"Emilia Gray," he said, his deep, smooth voice sending shivers down her spine. "Thank you for coming. Please, have a seat."
Emilia nodded, her legs trembling slightly as she sat down in the chair opposite his desk. Asher Blackwood walked over to his desk, his movements fluid and confident. He sat down, steepling his fingers together as he regarded her.
"So, Emilia," he began, his voice dripping with authority. "I've been reviewing your work, and I must say, I'm impressed. You have a keen eye for detail and a natural talent for analysis."
Emilia felt a surge of pride at his words, but she was also wary. What did he want from her? Why had he summoned her to his office?
"Thank you, Mr. Blackwood," she replied, trying to sound confident. "I've worked hard to contribute to the team."
Asher Blackwood nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "I'm sure you have. And that's exactly why I want to offer you a... proposition."
Emilia's heart skipped a beat as he leaned forward, his eyes glinting with intensity.
"I'm hosting a charity gala next weekend, and I need a companion. Someone who can represent Blackwood Industries and make a good impression. And I think you'd be perfect for the job."
Emilia's mind was racing. A charity gala? A companion? What did he mean?
"I'm flattered, Mr. Blackwood," she said, trying to sound calm. "But I'm not sure I'm the right person for the job. I'm just an intern..."
Asher Blackwood waved his hand dismissively. "Don't worry about that. You'll be perfectly fine. And besides, this isn't just about the gala. I'm offering you a... opportunity. A chance to work closely with me and learn from the best."
Emilia felt a shiver run down her spine as he leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving hers.
"But there's a catch," he continued, his voice dripping with amusement. "You'll have to agree to be my exclusive companion for the summer. No dating, no socializing with anyone else. Just me."
Emilia's heart was racing now, her mind reeling with the implications. Exclusive companion? What did that even mean?
"I... I don't know, Mr. Blackwood," she stuttered, trying to process her thoughts.
Asher Blackwood leaned forward again, his eyes glinting with intensity.
"Let me make it clear, Emilia. This isn't a request. It's an offer. And if you refuse, I'm afraid you'll be... reassigned. To a less... desirable position."
Emilia felt a chill run down her spine as she realized the true nature of his proposition. He was offering her a choice: become his exclusive companion, or risk losing her job and her future.
She took a deep breath, trying to think clearly. What should she do?
In the picturesque streets of Paris, 17-year-old American expat Sophie Taylor is struggling to find her place in a new city. Her parents' divorce has left her feeling lost and uncertain about her future. Enter 18-year-old French artist Matthieu "Matt" Dupont, who is charming, passionate, and unapologetically himself. As they explore the city together, Sophie finds herself drawn to Matt's carefree spirit and creative energy. As they navigate the ups and downs of first love, Sophie and Matt must confront their own fears, insecurities, and family secrets. Will their love be strong enough to overcome the challenges of cultural differences, language barriers, and the pressures of growing up? "Love in the City of Lights" is a romantic, coming-of-age tale of first love, self-discovery, and the beauty of embracing life's uncertainties.
Charlee was left at the altar and became a laughingstock. She tried to keep her head high, but ultimately lost it when she received a sex tape of her fiance and her half-sister. Devastated, she ended up spending a wild night with a hot stranger. It was supposed to be one-time thing, but he kept popping up, helping her with projects and revenge, all while flirting with her constantly. Charlee soon realized that it was nice having him around, until her ex suddenly appeared at her door, begging for another chance. Her tycoon lover asked, “Who will you choose? Think carefully before you answer.”
6 years ago, Lydia suffered a brutal betrayal orchestrated by her own husband and step-sister, who drugged her and framed her. In a twist of fate, she ended up having a one-night stand with a stranger. Don't even remember what he looked like. Later, in the throes of death, she discovered the truth about her mother's death all those years ago. In the blink of an eye, she lost everything. 6 years later, Lydia returned with her genius son, vowing to exact revenge on all her enemies! Little did she know, she encountered an incredibly familiar man at the airport! *** The man was briskly pushing open the door to the restroom, heading to the urinal. Even with such a mundane action, he did it with unparalleled elegance and grace. Lydia, following him in a daze, saw his fierce lower body and suddenly snapped back to reality. She let out a high-pitched scream, instinctively covering her eyes with her hands, her cheeks flushed, and stood there stiffly, unsure of what to do. Lambert furrowed his brows slightly but remained calm as he continued to relieve himself. The sound of water hitting the urinal made Lydia's face even redder. She angrily shouted, "You pervert!" Little did Lydia know that Lambert, seeing her in this state, had a flicker of recognition in his eyes. Memories from many years ago flashed through his mind, and his heart couldn't help but stir. It was her!
Once upon a time, there were two kingdoms once at peace. The kingdom of Salem and the kingdom of Mombana... Until the day, the king of Mombana passed away and a new monarch took over, Prince Cone. Prince Cone, has always been hungry for more power and more and more. After his coronation, he attacked Salem. The attack was so unexpected, Salem never prepared for it. They were caught off guard. The king and Queen was killed, the prince was taken into slavery. The people of Salem that survived the war was enslaved, their land taken from them. Their women were made sex slaves. They lost everything, including their land. Evil befall the land of Salem in form of Prince Cone, and the prince of Salem in his slavery was filled with so much rage. The prince of Salem, Prince Lucien swore revenge. 🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳 Ten years later, thirty-years old Lucien and his people raided a coup and escaped slavery. They went into hiding and recuperated. They trained day and night under the leadership of the fearless and cold Lucien who was driven with everything in him to get back their land, and take Mombana land too. It took them five years before they ambushed and attacked Mombana. They killed Prince Cone and reclaimed everything. As they screamed out their victory, Lucien's eyes found and pinned the proud princess of Mombana. Princess Danika. The daughter of Prince Cone. As Lucien stared at her with the coldest eyes anyone can ever possess, he felt victory for the first time. He walked to the princess with the slave collar he'd won for ten years rattling in his hand as he walked. He reached close to her and with a swift movement, he collared her neck. Then, he tilted her chin up, staring into the bluest eyes and the most beautiful face ever created, he gave her a cold smile. "You are my acquisition. My slave. My sex slave. My property. I will pay you in spades, everything you and your father ever did to me and my people." He stated curtly. Pure hatred, coldness and victory was the only emotion on his face. .
Elena, once a pampered heiress, suddenly lost everything when the real daughter framed her, her fiancé 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, “Do you think you deserve it?” Then a powerful magnate gently proposed, “Marry me?”
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.
After spending a night with a strange man on the day before her wedding, Arianna left the country to start her life afresh. The 22-year-old Arianna Jason lived her life pleasing those she loved the most, without knowing that she was simply a prey being nurtured for the day of her ruin. Her life has tasted the butter pill of betrayal. She wants to give back to the world what she's got but how can she change her good, innocent personality to fit into a cruel society and world? Can her sweet nature be contaminated, or will she make it through, paddling on the right path?