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Aaron was nothing more than a man of numbers, contracts, and ruthless decisions. His empire was built on the sweat of others, his success a symbol of his unwavering devotion to business. Everything in his life boiled down to money, power, and control. His days were filled with endless meetings and negotiations where he allowed no room for weakness. Love, to him, was merely an illusion, a needless luxury. He was the alpha of his own kingdom, unshakable, and the very notion of vulnerability was foreign to him. Then, one day, he crossed paths with her. Eternity Granger. She was the perfect opposite of everything he represented. Her joy for life was contagious, her innocence a breath of fresh air in a suffocating world. There were no calculations in her eyes, only a genuine spark, a soft and comforting light. She seemed to float through life, bringing with her an indescribable energy, like a river running free, unbound. But behind that sweetness lay a troubled past, a burden she carried with strange grace. Eternity was no ordinary ray of sunshine. She was a blazing sun, capable of piercing the deepest darkness. And Aaron, so sure of himself, so master of his universe, was about to discover that even the most solid empire could falter in the face of love. A love he had never sought, but one that would eventually find him.
01
Eternity POV
As I gradually peel back the covers, I can't help but feel a bit sluggish. Blinking several times, I try to adjust to the sudden beams of sunlight streaming in through the window. It's that time of day when the sunlight feels a little too harsh against my sleepy eyes, but I know it's time to get up. Eventually, I manage to sit up, let my feet touch the floor, and rub my eyes vigorously. Arms above my head, I give a good stretch and let out a big yawn, the sound echoing through the quiet apartment.
Living in my own place here in New York City is pretty sweet, especially at the ripe age of 21. No need to worry about living with my parents anymore! I've worked hard to get to this point, and though it's not the biggest apartment on the block, it's all mine.
Eternity's Apartment
My bedroom may be on the smaller side compared to my living room, but it's still cozy and fits everything I need perfectly. My bed, which is larger than I probably need, takes up a good amount of space, but I adore having it nestled in the middle of my square room. There's something comforting about the way it dominates the space-like a constant reminder that this is my sanctuary, my space to unwind. You'll often find me curled up here with a good book, basking in the natural light streaming through my window. It's one of my favorite moments of the day, especially when the sunlight hits just right.
Hidden storage above my built-in wardrobe keeps things tidy, although most of my belongings are stored under the bed. I've always been one to keep things organized, even when my life can feel a little chaotic at times. A roomy black shoebox keeps all my footwear neatly lined up, and I have a mirror hanging beautifully above a small table on my off-white walls, always giving me one last look before I head out the door. My tall white dresser is full of clothing, and my bedside table holds an alarm clock, rose-red touch lamp, and a snazzy blue Bluetooth speaker that plays my morning playlist.
As I was scrolling through social media, I couldn't help but notice how ordinary everything seemed. The usual posts, the usual drama-nothing stood out. I guess that's just life sometimes, right? However, I believe that with hard work and passion, every day holds the potential to be extraordinary. I remind myself of this often, though it's sometimes hard to remember when you're caught up in the mundane.
In the morning, I head towards the restroom to take care of business before putting on my trusty sweatshirt and shorts. Comfort over style, that's my motto. It's not like anyone's around to impress, anyway. Then, it's time for breakfast, and I make my way to the kitchen to grab something from the fridge. I'm about to settle on some toast when-
BAM!
The sound of a door slamming open interrupts my routine, and I jump in surprise. My heart leaps in my chest as the door to my apartment swings wide.
"Surprise, Eter!"
The unmistakable voice of my best friend, Olivia, rings through the room. I freeze for a second, blinking as my brain tries to catch up with the situation. Then, I can't help it-I burst into a wide grin.
"Olli, you're back!" I exclaim, unable to hide the excitement in my voice.
Olivia stands in the doorway, grinning just as widely. Her bright red hair falls in loose waves around her face, and her eyes gleam with a mischievous spark. Her signature leather jacket and combat boots are the perfect contrast to the soft floral dress she's wearing today-proof that she can still look chic while being a little rebellious.
"I wanted to surprise my hag," Olivia says with a wink, making her way over and pulling me into a tight embrace.
The hug is warm and comforting, and I can feel the weight of the distance between us melt away. Olivia's been in London on business for the past few months, and while we talk every day, there's something irreplaceable about having her right here. It's like no time has passed at all.
We pull apart, both of us grinning like idiots, and I lean against the kitchen counter, still in disbelief. "What are you doing here? I thought you were going to be in London for another couple of weeks!"
Olivia gives me a dramatic roll of her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. "Yeah, well, plans changed. I couldn't leave my bestie hanging any longer."
I can't stop the grin that stretches across my face. "You're the best, Olli," I say, wiping away an exaggerated fake tear from my cheek.
She smirks at me, clearly amused by my over-the-top reaction. "I know. Now, where's the coffee? I need caffeine to survive this jet lag."
"Of course, right to the point," I laugh, heading over to the cabinet to grab her favorite coffee mug. It's a plain white cup, but she's had it since high school, and somehow, it's never chipped or cracked. I start making the coffee, while Olivia sits at the counter, casually scrolling through her phone.
As I wait for the coffee to brew, I can't help but ask about Olivia's trip. She's been dealing with all sorts of high-stakes corporate stuff lately, and I know it hasn't been easy for her. "So, spill the tea, bitch!"
Olivia puts her phone down, an exasperated look crossing her face. "Geez Louise, that was a total migraine-inducing situation, especially with our lovely branch manager there to make it worse. But I managed to keep my cool, despite the foaming at the mouth." She makes an exaggerated face, miming a dramatic, furious tantrum.
I chuckle, shaking my head as I pour the coffee. "You're a real champ for holding it together. I'm pretty sure that guy wouldn't have survived if you unleashed your inner Hulk on him."
Olivia laughs, tapping the side of her coffee mug in agreement. "Ha, you got that right. Let's just hope he never sees the dark side of me," she says, flexing her fingers with a slightly crazed look in her eye.
I can't help but laugh. "Good call. You might have him shaking in his boots."
There's a comfortable silence for a moment as we both sip our coffee, savoring the warmth of the drink and the companionship. Then, I remember something that's been on my mind for a while. "Speaking of things that we like, have you thought about that dress we saw last time we went window shopping?"
Olivia perks up at the mention of it, her eyes sparkling. "You know, I've been thinking about it every day since we saw it. I just can't decide if I should pull the trigger and get it or if it's just one of those impulse buys."
I grin, always the enabler. "Impulse buy. Do it. You deserve it."
"Well, now that you say it like that..." Olivia trails off, a sly grin tugging at her lips. "Maybe I will. But only if you promise to come with me when I do it. I need you there to make sure I'm not doing something stupid."
I chuckle, already knowing I'll be there beside her, encouraging her every step of the way. "You know I wouldn't miss it for the world."
Olivia leans back in her chair, a satisfied smirk on her face as she sips her coffee. "Good. Now that that's settled, I need to know-how's your love life, or lack thereof?"
I groan, dramatically covering my face with my hands. "Olivia, please. Not today."
She bursts into laughter, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "I had to ask. You've been single for far too long, and I'm starting to worry. Are you sure you're not becoming a cat lady already?"
"Don't even joke about that," I mutter, my cheeks flushing.
"Okay, okay," she says, laughing harder. "I'll leave it alone... for now."
As we settle into more easy conversation, I realize how much I missed this-how much I missed her. It's like having a piece of home back.
And maybe, just maybe, life is a little more extraordinary when you have people like Olivia by your side.
Zachary Danvers had everything he could ever want. He was successful, famous, wealthy, and surrounded by women, but there was something he lacked-a family. He'd watched other people with the ones they loved, the sense of belonging that he craved. He longed for the warmth of that connection, the bond that went deeper than anything his status or wealth could provide. Karina Hart, or Kari as her friends called her, was known as the best diagnostician in her field. She was sharp, intelligent, and respected, but behind her professional facade, she carried a heavy burden-a past she'd worked tirelessly to bury. No one truly knew the depths of her history, and she intended to keep it that way. The two found themselves at a lively party, laughter echoing around them as people danced and mingled. The air was thick with joy, and Zach couldn't help but be drawn to Kari's quiet beauty and grace. They spent the evening talking, laughing, and getting to know each other. The chemistry between them was undeniable, an unspoken connection that seemed to pull them together. But just as the night seemed perfect, Kari's phone buzzed, the screen lighting up with a single, cryptic message. Her face drained of color, her hand trembling as she stared at the words. "It's happening again." Zach noticed her sudden shift, the way her smile faltered. He took her hand, squeezing it gently, offering comfort she didn't even realize she needed. "What's wrong, Kari?" She hesitated, but the weight of her past was too heavy to ignore. "I have to go," she murmured, voice barely a whisper, but the panic was clear in her eyes. Zach didn't let go of her hand, his grip firm, determined to help her face whatever had come to haunt her. The night had taken a turn, and as Kari's past resurfaced, it wasn't just her future on the line. Zach knew that with the danger now circling, they were both at risk-her past had found them, and it would stop at nothing to tear them apart.
She was in love, after all this time. Or at least, she told herself that to convince herself. Kayla Summers, with her heart still a little broken, thought she had found in her new boyfriend, the discreet and caring sous-chef, the stability she had been seeking. Their relationship seemed perfect, like a peaceful dream. The idea of marriage was no longer just a formality, but a logical step, the inevitable next chapter of their story. But all of that came crashing down in an instant. The marriage license request, which should have been a simple step toward the future, was rejected without hesitation. "Sorry, ma'am, you're already married." The words echoed in her head like a thunderclap. How could she have forgotten that? How could she have ignored that part of her life? A part of her life she thought she had left behind. Daniel Hunt, the man she had vowed to marry, hadn't been around for too long. During his vacation in Las Vegas, he had married a beautiful woman-her-but after one night, he had left her alone. Since then, he had been absent, and their marriage seemed like a bad dream. But now, he was back, and he had a message to deliver. At her doorstep, Daniel looked at her intensely, his piercing gaze hiding a wealth of emotions. "Six months, Kayla. Six months with me, and then I'll sign the papers. Otherwise, you'll stay my wife, forever." These words hit Kayla like a slap. The choice seemed so simple, but in her heart, the sparks of an unspoken passion were already beginning to burn. She felt torn between the calm man she was about to marry and the billionaire, arrogant and insufferable, who had abandoned her... and who now seemed ready to claim her back.
Sasha Hamilton had always lived a life of luxury, never needing to worry about the intricacies of business or the weight of responsibility. At 24, she reveled in the freedom her father's wealth afforded her-a carefree existence of private jets, designer clothes, and extravagant parties. She had it all, and she didn't mind letting the world know it. However, her perfect world came crashing down the day her father, Garret Hamilton, summoned her into his office. "Christian Matheson," her father's voice was cold, his gaze as unyielding as ever. "You're going to marry him." The shock hit Sasha like a tidal wave. She had heard of Christian-27 years old, heir to a business empire that was now teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. It was the only reason Garret Hamilton had offered to help the Matheson family: an arranged marriage between their children, an alliance that would solidify Garret's hold over the rival company and bring Christian's family under his control. Christian, once known as a carefree playboy, now faced the devastating reality of his father's company crumbling. When Garret's proposal came, it seemed like the only lifeline left. Christian knew he had no choice but to agree, even if it meant marrying a woman who was nothing more than a pawn in his father's desperate game. Thrown together in a marriage neither wanted, Sasha and Christian were forced to navigate the minefield of their families' expectations, their own secrets, and the web of lies that entangled them. What started as a cold, calculated arrangement might turn into something neither of them ever expected.
There stood the most gorgeous man in Erica Ferguson's eyes, her groom, Arnold Binder. Tall, handsome, with a smile that could melt even the coldest heart, he had been the man of her dreams, or so she thought. The wedding had been nothing short of a fairy tale, and the love he had shown her before their vows had made her believe she was the luckiest woman alive. But then, the truth hit her like a tidal wave, shattering her illusions into pieces. Her world crumbled when she discovered that her husband had never loved her like he had claimed. All the sweet words, the tender gestures, were nothing more than a facade. Arnold had married her to please his grandmother, a cold business arrangement that meant nothing to him beyond obligation. The realization tore through Erica's heart like a knife, leaving her breathless, drowning in a sea of disbelief. Since that painful revelation, Erica's life had been nothing but a living hell. She had expected love, care, and partnership, but instead, she faced indifference and loneliness. Her husband, once the center of her world, now felt like a stranger. He never bothered to see her pain, nor did he try to comfort her. She was left to face it all alone. Erica, despite her strength, could feel herself slowly starting to break apart. The weight of betrayal was unbearable, and though she tried to hold onto the pieces of herself, they were slipping through her fingers like sand. She had always been strong, but even the strongest woman had her breaking point.
You are cordially invited to the wedding of two people. This wedding marks the union of two elite Greek-American families, an event as prestigious as it is feared. The eyes of the world will be on this ceremony, where luxury blends with tradition, and where smiles hide untold stories. It meets all the necessary requirements according to tradition. Greek, check. Wealthy, check. Status, check. Love? Eh, not really. The marriage of Christian Matheson and Sasha Hamilton is more than just a union. It is a strategic move, a carefully orchestrated family agreement, meant to preserve the honor and prosperity of both clans. Two opposing worlds collide here, united by blood ties and financial interests, but separated by secrets, grudges, and unspoken desires. Christian, heir to a dwindling fortune, and Sasha, the daughter of a ruthless magnate, never wanted this alliance. But under the pressure of their respective families, they had no choice but to bow to the demands of an age-old tradition. So, come see how two strangers, forced together by their families, handle the situation. How will they navigate this marriage of convenience while slowly discovering each other in a world where appearances reign, and every gesture, every word, can change everything? Will love come from this constraint, or will their story be marked by the weight of expectations? Only time will tell.
I was 18, and I had no real idea of what that truly meant until my father made a decision that would change my life forever. An arranged marriage, with Isaac Miller, a young billionaire whose name echoes around the world. My father made this decision to restore peace between our families, a peace I didn't even understand. Isaac Miller wasn't just a businessman; he was a living empire. Thousands of companies, investments in sectors that even the biggest corporations wouldn't dare touch. At 25, he was already at the helm of it all, a business genius, relentless, unshakable. And I, I was nothing more than Claudia Richardson, an 18-year-old girl, kind and innocent, who never asked to be a pawn in a game far beyond my understanding. I often wondered how a man like Isaac could commit to such a relationship, one based on a contract, on family benefits rather than real feelings. But my father had his reasons, reasons I didn't have the courage to question. He said it was for stability, to protect our name, our legacy. But that only frightened me more. Why would a man like Isaac, with so much power, agree to marry a girl like me? The marriage was just a formality for him, a way to maintain order and family interests. But what was I in all of this? Just a simple symbol of union between two empires.
On the day of their wedding anniversary, Joshua's mistress drugged Alicia, and she ended up in a stranger's bed. In one night, Alicia lost her innocence, while Joshua's mistress carried his child in her womb. Heartbroken and humiliated, Alicia demanded a divorce, but Joshua saw it as yet another tantrum. When they finally parted ways, she went on to become a renowned artist, sought out and admired by everyone. Consumed by regret, Joshua darkened her doorstep in hopes of reconciliation, only to find her in the arms of a powerful tycoon. "Say hello to your sister-in-law."
"You're mine, little puppy," Kylan growled against my neck. A soft gasp escaped my lips as his lips brushed my skin. My mind screamed at me to push him away-the Lycan Prince who had humiliated me again and again, but my body betrayed me, leaning into him before I could stop myself. He pressed his lips against mine, and his kiss grew more aggressive, more possessive as I felt my legs weaken. What was I doing? In a split-second, I pulled away and slapped him hard across the face. Kylan's eyes darkened, but the smirk on his lips exposed his amusement. "You and I both know we can't fight this, Violet," he said, gripping my wrist. "You're my mate." "And yet you don't want me," I replied. "You told me you were ashamed of me, that l'd never be your queen, that you'd never love me. So please, accept my rejection and let me go." "Never," he whispered, his grip tightening as he pulled me closer. "Soon enough, you'll be begging for me. and when you do-I'll use you as I see fit and then I'll reject you."
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?”
Life was a bed of roses for Debra, the daughter of Alpha. That was until she had a one-night stand with Caleb. She was sure he was her mate as determined by Moon Goddess. But this hateful man refused to accept her. Weeks passed before Debra discovered that she was pregnant. Her pregnancy brought shame to her and everyone she loved. Not only was she driven out, but her father was also hunted down by usurpers. Fortunately, she survived with the help of the mysterious Thorn Edge Pack. Five years passed and Debra didn't hear anything from Caleb. One day, their paths crossed again. They were both on the same mission—carrying out secret investigations in the dangerous Roz Town for the safety and posterity of their respective packs. Caleb was still cold toward her. But as time went on, he fell head over heels in love with her. He tried to make up for abandoning her, but Debra wasn't having any of it. She was hell-bent on hiding her daughter from him and also making a clean break. What did the future hold for the two as they journeyed in Roz Town? What kind of secrets would they find? Would Caleb win Debra's heart and get to know his lovely daughter? Find out!
Two years ago, Ricky found himself coerced into marrying Emma to protect the woman he cherished. From Ricky's perspective, Emma was despicable, resorting to underhanded schemes to ensure their marriage. He maintained a distant and cold attitude toward her, reserving his warmth for another. Yet, Emma remained wholeheartedly dedicated to Ricky for more than ten years. As she grew weary and considered relinquishing her efforts, Ricky was seized by a sudden fear. Only when Emma's life teetered on the edge, pregnant with Ricky's child, did he recognize-the love of his life had always been Emma.
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?"