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.
Janet was adopted when she was a kid -- a dream come true for orphans. However, her life was anything but happy. Her adoptive mother taunted and bullied her all her life. Janet got the love and affection of a parent from the old maid who raised her. Unfortunately, the old woman fell ill, and Janet had to marry a worthless man in place of her parents' biological daughter to meet the maid's medical expenses. Could this be a Cinderella's tale? But the man was far from a prince, except for his handsome appearance. Ethan was the illegitimate son of a wealthy family who lived a reckless life and barely made ends meet. He got married to fulfill his mother's last wish. However, on his wedding night, he had an inkling that his wife was different from what he had heard about her. Fate had united the two people with deep secrets. Was Ethan truly the man we thought he was? Surprisingly, he bore an uncanny resemblance to the impenetrable wealthiest man in the city. Would he find out that Janet married him in place of her sister? Would their marriage be a romantic tale or an utter disaster? Read on to unravel Janet and Ethan's journey.
Veronica is an eighteen-year-old omega who falls into an emotional breakdown when her Mate, who was soon to be the Alpha of the Sun crest pack, turns against her, hurls hurtful words at her, and rejects her on the night of the full moon festival because he and everyone in the pack, including her, thinks she is an omega. As if the pain of rejection, helplessness, and worthlessness wasn't enough, she lost her best and only friend to the cold hands of death when rogue wolves attacked their pack. Right in the presence of her mate, she was tagged as someone who always attracted problems and calamities anywhere she went and he turned a blind eye and watched as she was banished from the pack. With hatred for her life, she runs deep into the woods that were off-limits and jumps off to end her life, but in a turn of events, something else happens. What would her mate do when he finds out that Veronica is not who he thinks she is? Will she be able to forgive him? What fate lies ahead for them?
Blinded in a crash, Cary was rejected by every socialite—except Evelina, who married him without hesitation. Three years later, he regained his sight and ended their marriage. "We’ve already lost so many years. I won’t let her waste another one on me." Evelina signed the divorce papers without a word. Everyone mocked her fall—until they discovered that the miracle doctor, jewelry mogul, stock genius, top hacker, and the President's true daughter… were all her. When Cary came crawling back, a ruthless tycoon had him kicked out. "She's my wife now. Get lost."
Lucia Balstone thought she had chosen the right man to spend the rest of her life with, but he was the one who ended her life. Their ten-year marriage seemed like a joke when her husband stabbed her with a dagger. Fortunately, God is never blind to people's tears. Lucia got a second chance. She was reborn at the age of 22, before all the terrible things had happened. This time, she was determined to avenge herself and let those who hurt her pay! She made an elaborate list of her goals, and the first thing on her list was to marry her ex-husband's enemy, Alonso Callen!
She thought she was the love of his life, and he became the love of her life that fateful day she had seen him at the pack's party. Selene Grace was only a replica of Alpha Leo's real mate, and when he spotted her, Leo immediately claimed her as his Luna in order to suppress the rumors of him being mateless. Being unable to conceive turns Selene's marriage into a nightmare, and as if that wasn't enough, Alpha Leo finally reunites with his long time lover and mate, rejecting a pregnant Selene as a result. 5 years later, Selene, a now successful doctor, receives an invitation to the moon shadow pack in order to rid the pack of a deadly disease which has struck it. Will Selene return back to the pack which had caused her so much pain, and what would she do when she realizes that she is mated to the Alpha who had betrayed her in the past?
After hiding her true identity throughout her three-year marriage to Colton, Allison had committed wholeheartedly, only to find herself neglected and pushed toward divorce. Disheartened, she set out to rediscover her true self-a talented perfumer, the mastermind of a famous intelligence agency, and the heir to a secret hacker network. Realizing his mistakes, Colton expressed his regret. "I know I messed up. Please, give me another chance." Yet, Kellan, a once-disabled tycoon, stood up from his wheelchair, took Allison's hand, and scoffed dismissively, "You think she'll take you back? Dream on."