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The Price of Innocence Damian Cole has everything-wealth, power, and success-but in the ruthless city of deception, he's lost something far more valuable: trust. Betrayed time and again by the women in his life, he abandons the hollow glitz of the metropolis in search of something real, something untainted. His journey leads him back to his childhood village, where he meets Elsie, a woman untouched by the greed and ambition of the city-or so he believes. What begins as a love story quickly spirals into a treacherous game of manipulation, greed, and betrayal. As Elsie is drawn into the seductive world of wealth and power, her innocence becomes a dangerous illusion. Under the influence of her mother and a charming stranger, she learns that beauty is a weapon, and love is merely a means to an end. But every game has its price, and in the end, someone must pay. In this gripping tale of ambition and deception, The Price of Innocence explores the thin line between love and greed, trust and betrayal-and the devastating cost of getting everything you ever wished for.
Damian Cole, a wealthy entrepreneur, felt drained by the dishonesty of women in the city. The penthouse was quiet aside from the distant murmur of the city beneath. Damian Cole faced the floor-to-ceiling window, seeing his own reflection-a man who possessed everything yet felt empty inside. The skyline sparkled like a precious gem, but to Damian, it resembled a beautiful prison. He swirled the amber drink in his glass, the ice tinkling softly, before downing a lengthy, harsh sip. The whiskey burned his throat, but it was a welcome diversion from his heartache.
He looked away from the view and at the empty champagne flute from the unsuccessful date last night that was still on the coffee table. Vanessa. She had been stunning, captivating, and completely insincere. He had believed she was unique, but by the end of the night, he had caught her texting someone else, her message overflowing with falsehoods. "Just finishing up with Damian. He's so dull. See you at the club?" Damian's jaw tightened as he snatched up the glass and hurled it toward the wall. The roar echoed throughout the apartment as it broke into many pieces. He was exhausted-exhausted from the games, exhausted from the lies, exhausted from the never-ending cycle of betrayal.
The city had given him success, power, and fortune, but it had also taken away something much more precious: his ability to trust. With his hand raking through his tangled hair, he fell into the leather couch. His thoughts drifted back to the women who had preceded Vanessa-Sophia, the socialite who had embezzled millions from him; Isabella, the actress who had exploited him for her own advancement. Each betrayal had left a mark, and now, Damian was a man suffocating in a torrent of distrust.
"Enough," he whispered to himself, his tone quiet yet determined. He couldn't continue living this way, amidst individuals who were solely interested in his money, his influence, his relationships. He craved something authentic, something untainted. He needed to break free.
He was disillusioned because all of his past relationships had ended in betrayal.
The next morning, Damian was sitting at his desk, staring at the stack of financial statements. But the figures were distant from his mind. He kept thinking about the past, about the women who had hurt him and destroyed his belief in love.
He picked up his phone and browsed through old pictures, each one a painful reminder of his losses. There was Sophia, her grin bright as the diamonds she had taken from him. He had trusted her utterly, only to find out she had been pilfering money from his accounts for months. Then there was Isabella, her laughter still ringing in his ears. She had exploited him to secure a leading role in a major film, only to leave him the instant the cameras began to roll.
And now, Vanessa. Just another name added to the long, bitter saga of women who regarded him as merely a stepping stone-another beautiful fantasy shattered by the weight of cold ambition. He should have anticipated this. He always did. And yet, the sting of betrayal continued to burrow itself under his skin, sharp and relentless.
She stood in front of him, her eyes shimmering with something that might have been remorse-or perhaps just the fading remnants of a fire she no longer wished to fan. Her hands shook at her sides, but she didn't reach out to him. Not this time.
"I never intended to hurt you," Vanessa murmured, her voice a mere shadow of the warmth it once possessed. "But you always knew this wasn't meant to last."
He exhaled slowly, feeling the impact of her words settle heavily in his heart. A bitter smile crept onto his lips.
"I just never thought forever would arrive at its end so quickly."
She swallowed hard, blinking back tears she refused to let fall. "If I remain, I'll lose myself. And you... you deserve someone who isn't perpetually seeking the next level."
He ought to have felt anger. He should have allowed the resentment to rise, etch her name into the same space where all the others resided. But instead, all he felt was weariness.
Vanessa took a step back, followed by another, and with one last lingering glance, she turned and walked away, leaving behind the hollow pain of what might have been.
He rose abruptly, the chair scraping against the floor. He couldn't remain here, in this city of deceit, surrounded by people who only cared about what they could extract from him. He needed to escape, to discover a place where he could begin anew. A place where individuals were sincere, where love wasn't a transaction.
He resolved to return to his village in search of a wife untouched by corruption.
The decision struck him like a flash of lightning. His village. The place he had abandoned so many years ago, when he was a young man with grand aspirations. It was simple, untainted by the city's corruption. Perhaps there, he could uncover what he sought-a woman who would cherish him for who he truly was, not for his wealth.
Damian contacted his assistant, his voice steady and resolute. "Cancel all my meetings for the next two weeks. I'm going away."
"Where to, sir?" she inquired, her tone professional yet inquisitive.
"Home," he answered simply.
He loaded just one suitcase, abandoning the luxuries of his life as a billionaire. As he drove away from the city, the immense skyscrapers transitioned to open fields and gentle hills. The farther he traveled from the urban landscape, the lighter he became. The air turned crisp, and the landscape became more tranquil. By the time he reached his village, he felt transformed.
The village looked just as he recalled-simple, tranquil, and free from the turmoil of contemporary life. Upon exiting his car, he filled his lungs with the familiar aroma of earth and greenery. Children dashed by, their joyful laughter filling the air, while old friends welcomed him with friendly smiles and firm handshakes.
Damian strolled along the winding dirt paths, feeling a swell of connection that he hadn't experienced in many years. This was the beginning. This was where he would seek her-a woman untainted by greed, a woman who would value him for his true self.
Elena Romano has spent years trapped in a loveless, arranged marriage to Luca DeLuca, the ruthless heir of the DeLuca crime family. Her life is one of duty, deception, and silent suffering-until she finds herself drawn to the one man she can never have: Dante Moretti, Luca's best friend and right-hand man. Dante has always loved Elena from the shadows, but his loyalty to Luca has kept him from ever acting on his feelings. However, as Luca's paranoia spirals out of control, he assigns Dante as Elena's personal protector, forcing them into dangerously close quarters. With every stolen glance and whispered confession, their forbidden love becomes harder to deny. But Luca isn't blind. When an assassination attempt against him fails, he sets a deadly trap, suspecting not only a traitor in his ranks but an affair between his wife and his best friend. Just as Elena and Dante plan to escape, Luca unveils his final betrayal-he knew all along, and he forces Elena to choose: kill Dante, or watch him suffer. In a shocking climax, Elena turns the gun on Luca instead, ending his reign of terror. But instead of running, she makes a fateful decision-she will take Luca's throne and become the new queen of the DeLuca empire. As Dante watches the woman he loves embrace the power she once feared, he realizes their battle is far from over. With passion, betrayal, and a ruthless rise to power, this book sets the stage for an explosive sequel where love and loyalty will be tested beyond their limits.
Shadows of the Night She was never meant to be his wife. Now, she's the only thing standing between him and destruction. On the night of her arranged wedding, Seraphina Moretti vanishes, leaving behind a blood-soaked dress and a shattered empire. But escape is an illusion in the underworld-especially when the man hunting her is Enzo DeLuca, the ruthless mafia heir she was promised to. Forced back into a world she swore to leave behind, Seraphina learns that her disappearance ignited a war, her family is in ruins, and her father's enemies are closing in. To protect what's left, she must do the unthinkable-marry the man she betrayed. But nothing in the mafia is ever what it seems. Enemies lurk within, secrets unravel with every whispered vow, and love is the most dangerous game of all. In a world where loyalty is a weapon and betrayal is inevitable, Seraphina must decide: surrender to a man who could destroy her... or fight for a throne that was never meant to be hers. One choice will seal her fate. One lie could burn them all. And in the end, only one of them can rule.
Blurb: The Billionaire Husband No Woman Wanted Power. Control. Wealth. Elliot Sloane has spent his life mastering all three-ruthlessly expanding his empire, crushing competitors, and keeping his heart locked away. Love is a liability, and marriage? A cage he swore he'd never step into. But when his late grandfather's will delivers an impossible ultimatum-marry within six months or lose everything-Elliot finds himself playing a game he never wanted to join. No woman wants to marry the cold, calculating billionaire who sees love as nothing more than a business deal. The tabloids call him "The Husband No Woman Wanted," a man too rich, too ruthless, and too untouchable to be loved. His enemies laugh, his family waits for his downfall, and the clock is ticking. But Elliot doesn't lose. His plan is simple: find a wife, secure the inheritance, and walk away unscathed. No emotions. No complications. Just another transaction. Then he meets her. She's not looking for love. She has secrets. A past. A reason to say yes. The perfect deal-until desire ignites, past wounds reopen, and enemies move in the shadows. Elliot is about to learn that some contracts don't come with escape clauses. And the woman he never wanted? She might be the one thing he can't afford to lose. A high-stakes billionaire romance filled with power plays, deception, and undeniable passion. Perfect for fans of intense chemistry, ruthless billionaires, and thrilling twists.
The Wife Nobody Wanted A Psychological Thriller of Betrayal, Survival, and Revenge Olivia Sinclair has been many things-a wife, a widow, a fugitive. But one thing she has never been is wanted. Framed for a murder she didn't commit, hunted by a ruthless crime syndicate, and betrayed by the only man she ever trusted, Olivia is running out of time and allies. When a cryptic message leads her back to a past she buried, Olivia must unravel a deadly conspiracy before it consumes her. Secrets long thought forgotten are surfacing, and the truth is more dangerous than she ever imagined. Because in this game, survival isn't about who you trust-it's about who you outlast. As enemies multiply and shadows close in, Olivia is forced to ask herself the one question she has spent her life avoiding: If no one wants you alive, how far will you go to stay that way? Indefinite Sequel Expansions: Each installment in The Wife Nobody Wanted series will push Olivia deeper into a world of lies, deception, and danger. Whether she is hunted by the past, drawn into new betrayals, or forced to face the ghosts she thought she had escaped, one thing is certain-Olivia's fight is never truly over. Future Expansions Could Include: The Wife Nobody Could Find – Olivia disappears, but when a shocking crime bears her signature, the world asks: is she dead, or has she become something far worse? The Wife Nobody Could Forgive – A survivor of Olivia's past seeks vengeance, forcing her to face the sins she thought were buried forever. The Wife Nobody Saved – As Olivia's enemies close in, an impossible choice awaits: escape once and for all, or save someone she once swore to abandon. The Wife Nobody Could Kill – A final showdown against the crime syndicate that has haunted her-where every ally is a potential traitor, and every betrayal could be her last. In a world where trust is a weakness and survival is a gamble, Olivia Sinclair is the woman nobody wanted-until the moment they needed her dead.
Fools Rest in Pieces – A Tale of Murder, Betrayal, and Dark Transformation When dismembered body parts start appearing across Brooklyn in garbage bags, Detective Kenneth Wilson is thrust into a chilling investigation that leads him deep into the shadows of deception and brutality. The victim, Mary Jordan-a respected real estate broker-had unknowingly entangled herself in the deadly web of Vitro Matic, a manipulative cab driver with a sinister past. Vitro, a man with multiple wives and mistresses, had mastered the art of deception, but his twisted love triangle turned deadly when Aleksa, his jealous first wife, set a plan into motion. With Nadja, his second wife, caught between loyalty and terror, the night Mary vanished and the afternoon she was murdered and dismembered, became a day of unspeakable horror. But what Vitro and Aleksa never expected was that Nadja would escape-and that she would return as someone far more dangerous. Now living under a new identity, Sarah emerges from the ashes of her past, hardened by trauma and consumed by an insatiable hunger for vengeance. As the police close in on the truth, Vitro and Aleksa vanish into the night-but they are not the only ones lurking in the darkness. In a world where love turns to obsession and trust shatters into bloodshed, one question remains: Who is truly the hunter, and who will be the next to rest in pieces? A gripping psychological thriller where every choice comes with a price, and every secret is paid for in blood.
Sophie Clarke spent years sharpening the cutting edge of her revenge. The corrupt billionaire who destroyed her father, Ethan Hayes, is a man above the law-but below hers. Through deception and determination, she infiltrates his life, presenting herself as an artist seeking a sponsor. But the closer she gets, the greater the uncertainty. Ethan is not the cruel monster she had imagined. His niceness, his vulnerability, and what he keeps secret threaten to ruin everything she believes. But someone else is pulling the strings in the shadows. As Sophie learns the true mastermind behind her father's downfall, she realizes she might not be the only player of a deadly game. With betrayal on every hand, she has to decide-will she destroy Ethan, or will she save him? And if she makes the wrong choice, will it be her own destruction that she brings about instead? A breathless tale of revenge, betrayal, and forbidden passion, Time of the Avenger will keep you panting until the last page.
It's true what they say about marriage: one partner's always happier than the other. ~~~ Julie's world is shattered when her husband, Ryan, reveals that he wants an open marriage. His reason: he needs a child as they've been unable to have one. Julie reluctantly agrees to save her marriage. The next day, Ryan returns home with his secretary, confirming Julie's long-held suspicion that their affair was taking place behind her back. Julie, heartbroken and enraged, seeks solace in a bar, where she meets a fascinating stranger named Luke, who changes the game. Julie confides in Luke over drinks, and he proposes a risky plan: he will act as her "boyfriend" to turn the tables on Ryan. Julie agrees, setting off a chain of events that will challenge everything she thought she knew about love, loyalty, and herself.
Chloe Miler, a naïve young woman, waits shyly to spend Valentine's Day with her boyfriend, but is betrayed on that day when she witnesses him entangled in bed with her own sister. Chloe's heart is broken when her heartfelt love for him is trampled on in an instant. *** Lionel Williams, the mysterious billionaire, the top of the pyramid, is handsome as hell. His eyes are set high, but he is drugged, has a one-night stand with a strange woman, and is humiliated by that unknowing woman with her money! His instincts tell him it's not that simple, and he's going to find her out!
"Miss Brown, I am the butler here at your service," the butler replied. "My master wants to buy the baby in your belly." "What?!" Does that mean the abortion didn't take place? Did they kidnap her from the operating table just to buy the baby? But why her? "You..." Alice was about to ask a question, but the man in front of her calmly continued, as if he had expected her question, "You're pregnant with his child, and he needs a child. That's all I can tell you." Alice was forced to sign a surrogacy contract and eight months later gave birth to two healthy babies. Fortunately, the man was unaware of her daughter's existence. It wasn't until five years later that fate brought them together again...
After being kicked out of her home, Harlee learned she wasn't the biological daughter of her family. Rumors had it that her impoverished biological family favored sons and planned to profit from her return. Unexpectedly, her real father was a zillionaire, catapulting her into immense wealth and making her the most cherished member of the family. While they anticipated her disgrace, Harlee secretly held design patents worth billions. Celebrated for her brilliance, she was invited to mentor in a national astronomy group, drew interest from wealthy suitors, and caught the eye of a mysterious figure, ascending to legendary status.
Elodie took a deep breath and knocked, the sound echoing in the quiet corridor. A moment of silence passed, broken only by the pounding of her heart. Finally, the door snicked open, revealing a surprised Dashiell. 'Can't you see the Do Not Disturb sign? We don't want-' His initial frown quickly morphed into confusion at the sight of his wife. 'What are you doing here?' he demanded. 'Your girlfriend invited me,' Elodie replied, her voice laced with icy calm. She tried to peer past him, but his broad frame blocked the view. A saccharine voice chimed in from within the room. 'Elodie? Oh dear, we didn't mean for you to find out this way. It's just that-' Elodie cut her short. 'Oh please, Selene. Spare me the fake apologies. You wouldn't have sent me all those texts if you didn't want me to know.' Dashiell shifted uncomfortably, his face a mask of annoyance. 'What texts?' Elodie stepped past him, taking in the luxurious suite with a sardonic smile. The king-sized bed, the scattered rose petals, the lingering scent of sex – it all painted a vivid picture of their betrayal. She looked up at Dashiell, her gaze unwavering. 'I want a divorce.' ****** Dashiell lived a life of luxury, surrounded by the best things money could buy. But when a car accident left him vulnerable, he met Elodie, a seemingly ordinary woman who nursed him back to health. Mistaking her for just another employee, Dashiell entered into a loveless marriage with her solely for convenience. However, fate had a different script in store. Elodie, the 'ordinary nurse,' held a secret more precious than any diamond: she was the sole heiress to Northstar, a vast and powerful enterprise. Unaware of her true identity, Dashiell cast her aside when his ex-girlfriend returned, leaving Elodie humiliated. But Elodie was not one to be easily broken. She shed the facade of the meek nurse, reclaiming her rightful inheritance and stepping into the role of Northstar's CEO. Now, the woman Dashiell discarded was the one holding the reins of power. As Elodie thrives in her new role, Dashiell is consumed by regret. He finally sees Elodie for the extraordinary woman she truly is, realising the depth of his mistake. But will his remorse be enough to win back the heart he so carelessly discarded?
She was a world-renowned divine doctor, the CEO of a publicly traded company, the most formidable female mercenary, and a top-tier tech genius. Marissa, a titan with a plethora of secret identities, had hidden her true stature to marry a seemingly impoverished young man. However, on the eve of their wedding, her fiance, who was actually the lost heir to a wealthy dynasty, called off the engagement and subjected her to degradation and mockery. Upon the revelation of her concealed identities, her ex-fiance was left stunned and desperately pleaded for her forgiveness. Standing protectively before Marissa, an incredibly influential and fearsome magnate declared, "This is my wife. Who would dare try to claim her?"