/0/74501/coverbig.jpg?v=6919276a7855d49ee2b7a8b3e0282bec)
"You are in love with me, aren't you?" He whispered seductively into her ear. **** Elizabeth Bennett thought her life couldn't get any worse. Losing her twin in a hurricane had shattered her world, forcing her to move states and leave behind everything-friends, family, and a sense of identity. At eighteen, she believed she had endured enough. But then she arrived at Hollands High... and caught the attention of the very person she was meant to avoid. Patrick Diego was many things-charming, untouchable, dangerous. But to Elizabeth, he was something else entirely. Her bully. The one who seemed determined to make her life miserable, never missing a chance to remind her that she didn't belong. But what happens when she stumbles upon his soft side? Will her feelings change the narrative between them, or will falling for him only lead to more heartbreak?
First day at Holland's high.
"Life doesn't give you what you want, but what you deserve."
-
- Elizabeth -
"Beth, hurry up! You're going to be late for school!"
Dad's voice echoed through the house, urgency laced in every syllable.
"Coming!" I called back, grabbing my backpack. One last glance in the mirror, and I was dashing downstairs-until my foot caught the edge of a step. My heart lurched as I stumbled forward, barely catching myself in time.
"Morning, Mom!" I greeted as she stepped out of the kitchen. Closing the distance between us, I pressed a quick kiss to her cheek.
"Morning, Liz!" she replied with a warm smile. Unlike Dad, who preferred Beth, Mom called me Liz-a name I liked better. Maybe because it reminded me of my idol, Thewizardliz.
She handed me a lunch bag, its familiar weight telling me it was packed with my favorite food.
"Breakfast and lunch, just the way you like it," she said.
"Thanks, Mom!" I hugged her tightly, savoring the comfort before Dad's impatient honk pierced the moment.
"Enjoy your first day at Hollands High!" she called as I rushed toward the door.
"I will!" I shouted back, hoping she heard me.
Dad shook his head as I slid into the passenger seat. "You sure took your time, Beth."
"Sorry!" I grinned sheepishly.
"You need to learn to adapt," he muttered, starting the car.
"I'll try," I said, though I wasn't entirely convinced.
Minutes later, as I stepped out of the car, the reality of the situation hit me. The school grounds were teeming with students, moving in clusters, laughter and conversation buzzing all around me.
I inhaled deeply. "My first day," I murmured, bracing myself for what was to come.
New Orleans had always been home, where I was born, where I started school, where I made friends. But then, Hurricane Katrina happened. Our house, our car, everything we had, gone overnight. Yet, the worst part wasn't losing our belongings. It was watching my city, my beautiful, vibrant city, fade into ruin.
It took us over a year to recover, a long, painful year where I had to watch my bond with my best friend, Brielle, slowly disappear. Distance does that to friendships. It sucks.
Taking a break to rebuild meant taking a break from school, too. And now, here I was, eighteen and in high school for my final year, when I was supposed to be in college. Things happen for a reason, I told myself. But for the first time, I wasn't sure I believed it.
Lost in thought, I wandered through the hallways, trying to familiarize myself with my new environment-until I crashed into something.
Or someone.
"Ouch." The impact sent a sharp pain through my forehead as I collided with a solid chest-wait, chest?
I stepped back, looking up, and my breath hitched. His eyes-deep, mesmerizing, oceanic-held mine captive. I had always thought the sea was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. Until now.
"Is that how you apologize after crashing into someone?" His voice was a smooth blend of amusement and irritation.
I blinked. "I... I'm sorry." The words barely made it out.
"Then stop staring and move."
I nodded but remained frozen.
His expression darkened. "Are you deaf?"
That snapped me out of my daze. I quickly stepped aside, and he walked past me without another glance-though not before his scent, rich and intoxicating, filled my lungs.
"That's Patrick," a voice beside me said. I turned to find a girl my age, her striking red hair making her stand out. She wore a jumpsuit and had a knowing look in her eyes.
"Oh..." I muttered, still trying to process what had just happened.
"Avoid him at all costs," she warned.
"Why?"
Her lips pressed into a thin line. "He's a bully and a playboy."
The certainty in her tone made me wonder-had she been one of his victims?
"Noted. Thanks for the heads-up."
"You'll need it," she said before walking away, leaving me alone and feeling more lost than before.
Somehow, I managed to navigate my way to the administrative office, where I had to complete my final registration.
"Elizabeth Bennett," a woman with large-rimmed glasses called, handing me a file.
"Yes, ma'am?"
"That's your student file. It contains everything you need to know about the school. Keep it safe."
"I will," I nodded, gripping the folder as I stepped out.
"Elizabeth Bennett."
The voice behind me made me freeze. Familiar, yet unfamiliar.
I turned, only to find myself cornered.
By him.
Patrick.
"A new student... and a virgin, I see."
My eyes widened. How the hell does he know that?
A smirk played on his lips. "I know everything, love."
His fingers traced my face, slow and deliberate. I recoiled, but not fast enough.
"You-"
"See you around, love." He patted my cheek before walking away as if nothing had happened.
I stood there, heart racing, mind whirling.
What the hell just happened?
And how, on my very first day, had I already caught the attention of the one person I was supposed to avoid?
---
A/N: What do you guys think of the first chapter? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Isabelle Houston had a lot of expectations for their two years dating anniversary, but none of them involved finding out that her boyfriend, Zachary Rogers had been cheating on her with her twin sister, Emily. Heartbroken, she'd gone days of grieving only to receive a call from her mom prompting her to come home. There she received the news that she'd been arranged to marry the Prince of Wales. But how will she marry someone she doesn't even know? What would become of her? Read this book to find out. Forced Marriage : I Married The Prince. A novel written by Queenebunoluwa15.
Blurb, What happens when the rejected and despised one becomes the Billionaire's pampered little wife? Malisa Bree thought her life was over when her parents tried forcing her to marry an old man who was old enough to give birth to her. But who would have thought it was simply just beginning? " I will marry her. " The youngest billionaire in Europe, Aiden Evans spoke up shocking everyone in the room. " But she - " " I will marry her. " He'd repeated firmly and before they could say a word. He went on his knees in front of her and proposed. " Will you marry me, Mali? " The eighteen year old bride stared dumbfounded at him on his knees, unable to believe her luck. How could her fate change in just few hours? " I will... " She replied at long last. Slowly, he inserted the ring into her fingers and stared at the others. " From now on, she is mine and whoever dares to cross her will answer to me. " His seemingly simple words sent chills down their spine. Malisa stared at him with awe, how can this be possible? Was it a dream or what? Read this book to find out. Billionaire's little wife by Queenebunoluwa15.
"Cecile..." The words felt heavy, and they added to the intensity of the atmosphere around them. "Joel...?" Cecile's voice wavered as she stared at him, eyes brimming with unshed tears. How could she not have known? How could she have hoped for something more between them... more than friendship? How could she? "I don't feel the same for you..." His words sliced through the air, like fiery knives piercing her already wounded heart. "You...?" Cecile's breath hitched, and the tears she'd been holding back began to fall in large drops, blurring her vision. "I'm sorry..." His words were thick with regret as he turned his gaze away from her, looking out at the vast sea before them, unable to face her pain. "My heart only beats for her... for Jemmy..." Cecile's world came crashing down, the confession cutting deeper than the loss of her own sister ever had. "I hate you!" She stood up abruptly, her anger and hurt driving her to run off, leaving Joel behind in the thickening silence. Joel stood there, paralyzed, unable to follow her, the ghosts of the past haunting every inch of his being. Guilt overwhelmed him-he had never meant to hurt her, never meant to make her cry. --- Joel Maverick has always been haunted by the loss of his first love and the trauma of his past. Even when Cecile Grayson, a lady who loved and cared for him deeply, came into his life, he couldn't accept her love. Instead, he pushed her away, hurting her in the process. Now, the question arises: Can Joel let go of the past? Can he heal and open his heart to someone else? Or will the memories of Jemmy and the weight of his troubled past keep him locked in an endless cycle of heartbreak and distrust? Read this book to find out. " Rekindling Joel's Heart " by Queenebunoluwa15
Blurb; “ Let's break up, Miranda. ” His words were likened to fiery knives, piercing through her already wounded heart. “ No, Joseph. Please don't say this. I — ” Her words became cut up in her throat, seeing the look in his eyes. For a moment, she couldn't recognize the guy in front of her. Where was her caring and compassionate best friend, who never ceased to dote endlessly on her? “ Okay. ” She said, swallowing the lump in her throat. She didn't miss the relief in his eyes. “ Goodbye, Miranda. ” He stared at her one more time, taking several steps backwards until he was out of her sight. Miranda broke down in tears when he was out of her sight, she found it completely difficult to believe what had just happened. “ When did we get here? ” she wondered as the pain in her heart intensified. …. Miranda and Joseph had been best friends since forever until Joseph fell in love with the Queen Bee. Their relationship deteriorated as a result. Despite how devastated she was by the news, Mira still felt happy for him, until she accidentally found out about the evil scheme the Queen Bee had against him. In the end, she became torn between taking a risk on their friendship by telling him about it, or keeping quiet and watching him get ruined. What will she do? Read this book to find out.
Sushie Williams committed suicide due to chronic depression but she was rescued from death and entered into a world of mysteries. Will she learn to love herself? Will she be strong enough to face the challenges ahead or will she be weak? Read this book to find out!
What happens when your worst fear comes true? Everyone wishes for happiness but what happens when to get yours you have to take a big gamble! Would it be a win or a lose? Read this book to find out! An interesting story about two lovers who got married despite the odds.
Elin spent twenty years deeply loving her husband, finally marrying him just as she'd always dreamed. But reality shattered her illusions—he wasn't the man she believed. Instead, he callously destroyed her family, crushing her heart beyond repair. At her lowest point, Ruben, equally betrayed that night, approached her steadily. "Marry me, Elin. I'll help you take revenge." Yet, after their wedding, she quickly discovered he was dangerously unpredictable. "I made a mistake. Let's divorce..." Ruben slid his arm possessively around her waist, whispering a chilling promise, "Only in death."
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.
In her previous life, Kimberly endured the betrayal of her husband, the cruel machinations of an evil woman, and the endless tyranny of her in-laws. It culminated in the bankruptcy of her family, and ultimately, her death. After being reborn, she resolved to seek retribution against those who had wronged her, and ensure her family's prosperity. To her shock, the most unattainable man from her past suddenly set his sights on her. "You may have overlooked me before, but I shall capture your heart this time around."
Allison fell in love with Ethan Iversen, the soon-to-be Alpha of the Moonlight Crown pack. She always wanted him to notice her. Meanwhile, Ethan was an arrogant Alpha who thought a weak Omega could not be his companion. Ethan's cousin, Ryan Iversen, who came back from abroad and was the actual heir of the pack, never tried to get the position nor did he show any interest in it. He was a popular playboy Alpha but when he came back to the pack, one thing captured his eyes and that was Allison.
Rose looked at the reports in her hand and was in shock... The reports said that she was one month pregnant, however, how can she get pregnant when she didn't have any man in her life... "Was it because of that dream? Could I get pregnant because I have sex in my dream?" She thought... She didn't have any mental problems, however, except for this she can't able to think about anything... However, she still didn't get out of her surprise when she met the man in her dream... Kevin Davis looked at the reports in her hand and asked, "Is this child mine?" However, Rose didn't answer but asked... "Was that night not a dream?" Kevin was angry because it was his first time and she thinks it was a dream... Kevin forced her to marry him however, Rose didn't want it... She wanted to abort the child but he didn't let her... In the end... Rose agreed to marry him... She looked at Kevin's blue eyes and said, "I will marry you, however, I had two conditions..." "First, after marriage, you can't control my freedom, I still had the right to do whatever I want. Don't worry I won't harm the child." "Second, if I ever found out that you had cheated behind my back then I will leave with my child and you can't stop me..." Both of them got married... However, after she falls in love with him... She found there are hidden secrets in his past...