Alexandra Stewart wasn't one to ask for help. She had always prided herself on being self-sufficient, even if that meant sacrificing a little sleep and comfort. But this was different. Her father's health was deteriorating quickly, and the cost of his surgery was beyond what she could afford. She had exhausted every option-loans, selling her belongings, working double shifts at the local café-but nothing seemed to be enough. Desperation had set in, and she found herself willing to do anything, even if it meant swallowing her pride. Then, Jayden McCartney entered her life. The moment he walked into the café where she worked, it felt like the entire room paused. He was tall, with sharp features, dark hair that looked like it had been styled by some high-end salon, and an air of confidence that practically radiated off of him. Alexandra's first instinct was to run. The man was too good-looking, too wealthy, too out of her league. There was no way he'd ever want to associate with someone like her. But then, he approached her, his presence overwhelming, and made her an offer she never saw coming. "I need a girlfriend," he said, his voice low and steady, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "And I think you're the perfect candidate." Alexandra blinked, taken aback. "Excuse me?" "I'm going to a wedding. My sister's wedding. And my grandmother keeps trying to set me up with women I don't want. I need someone to pretend to be my girlfriend for a few days, and I'm willing to pay you for your time." The proposal was too enticing to ignore. Her father's surgery was slipping further out of reach with every passing day, but this? This could be the solution she desperately needed. She had never considered pretending to be someone's girlfriend for money, but for her dad... she would do anything. But the more she thought about it, the more complicated things became. The way Jayden looked at her made her heart tremble in her chest, and every time he touched her, she could feel a spark that terrified her. She wasn't supposed to fall for him. She couldn't afford to. But Jayden seemed determined to make her his, and the longer she spent with him, the more impossible it became to ignore the connection growing between them. And maybe... just maybe... she didn't want to.
The BlackBerry clattered carelessly across the glass surface of the coffee table. Jayden swore under his breath, his long, lean fingers raking through his thick hair in frustration. What the hell was he supposed to do now? This was supposed to be his holiday, and a holiday was supposed to be stress-free. No work. No family. Just peace and relaxation.
No work? Yeah, right! As a self-confessed workaholic, it was unsurprising now that five out of his eight companies had recently been floating in the international market, hitting the multibillion-dollar level on the way. That kind of money needed looking after, nurturing, and feeding. Still, he loved the job, even more so now that he didn't need to be in the office twenty-four-seven. He could simply flick an email from wherever he was, whether in a hotel room in some lush French wine valley, a Hong Kong restaurant, or even his own bed! Whenever, wherever he was, his people could handle everything he threw at them.
But this wasn't about work. His mind had been far too consumed by his personal life lately-something he normally tried to avoid when he escaped to places like Queenstown. Yet here he was, staring out at the alpine landscape with a clenched jaw, the serenity of the scenery unable to quell the turbulence inside him.
Sadly, the current focus of his stress was his family-more specifically, his grandmother. His mother, Gracie, married to his father, Tom McCartney, for thirty-five years, had insisted he bring his current girlfriend to attend his sister Kelly's upcoming wedding in order to meet the whole family for the first time. Tom's mother, Elizabeth, known to them as Granny Beth, had agreed to this with the reminder that it was high time his girlfriend was measured against her criteria of what made a suitable granddaughter-in-law. The whole damn family had made it clear they had their expectations, and he was expected to deliver.
That was the problem, wasn't it? Jay had always been good at meeting expectations-his business empire was proof of that. But no one had prepared him for the emotional wreckage of his personal life.
He took a deep breath and stepped back from the window, his eyes searching the room for something to focus on. The leather sofa creaked beneath him as he sank into it, the cool, fresh apple-crisp air of Queenstown filling the room through the open window. It should have been calming. It should have been peaceful. But his thoughts were like a runaway train, impossible to control.
He rubbed his face with both hands, trying to scrub away the remnants of that phone call-the one he'd received only an hour ago. It had been from Sarah, the woman he'd thought he would build a future with, and whose betrayal still stung like a fresh wound. God, how quickly things had unraveled.
He couldn't go back. He couldn't pretend nothing had happened. He'd seen enough. The sight of Sarah, his girlfriend of two years, in the arms of his best friend, Kyle Shore, had burned into his memory in a way that no amount of alcohol or distraction could erase. The bitter taste of betrayal was still fresh on his tongue, even now.
What stung the most wasn't just the fact that it had been Kyle, but the fact that he had trusted him. He'd known Kyle since they were kids, had shared everything with him-everything. And now? Now, Kyle had betrayed him in the worst possible way, taking the one person Jay had let himself get close to. That hurt far more than anything Sarah had done.
He shut his eyes, his mind betraying him again. The image of Sarah's body, bare and writhing under Kyle's touch, was burned into his brain. He tried to push it away, but the memory wouldn't let him go. She had been beautiful, yes. That had never changed. But now, when he tried to picture her face, it was as if a shadow had fallen over her, a darkness that made it impossible to remember the woman he'd once loved.
"God, it seems like such a cliché," he muttered to himself, though the words were almost foreign in his mouth. His best friend. His girlfriend. That damn betrayal.
Jay's fists clenched in anger, and he leaned forward, elbows on his knees. He had expected a lot from his relationships, but this? This wasn't even in the realm of possibility. What had he missed? Was it something they had planned all along? The thought haunted him. He hadn't even seen the signs. Maybe it had been his own fault. Maybe he had only seen what they wanted him to see.
He thought back to the day he caught them in that hotel room in Sydney. The scene had played out in his head over and over again since then. The sounds of his own fury had echoed in the room as he had stormed in, not giving them the chance to explain. Kyle had looked up, surprise flashing across his face, but there was no guilt, no regret. Just... nothing. That hurt more than anything.
Sarah had tried to explain, to beg him for forgiveness, but he hadn't wanted to hear it. The lies. The excuses. None of it mattered anymore.
"Not what it looked like!" she had screamed, her face red with tears, but the words were meaningless to him.
"You were screwing him!" Jay had shouted back, his voice breaking with rage and disbelief. The pain was too much, but he had said it anyway. "I don't know what's worse-your betrayal or his."
And that was when the finality had set in. He had refused to listen to her any longer, his heart hardening with each word. "Get the hell out of my life," he had said, each syllable cold and cutting. "I don't want to hear it."
Sarah had left. And with her departure, she had thrown one final parting shot, a cruel remark that had hung in the air long after she was gone: "I never loved you, Jay."
The words had echoed through his mind, over and over again, until he had almost begun to believe them. Maybe she never had loved him. Maybe he had been just another distraction for her. Another guy to impress. The truth was, he didn't know anymore.
Jay leaned back against the sofa, his hand over his eyes, trying to block out the thoughts that were tearing at him. This was supposed to be his break. He had come to Queenstown to escape. But there was no escaping this.
He opened his eyes to stare at the panoramic view outside. The mountains were sharp and jagged against the soft blue sky, their grandeur mocking his emotional chaos. He couldn't even focus on the beauty of the landscape. The only thing he could focus on was the mess he had found himself in.
His phone buzzed on the table, pulling him out of his thoughts. He glanced at the screen, seeing Sarah's name flashing on it. He didn't need to answer. He didn't want to answer. There was nothing left to say.
The truth was, he was done with her. Done with Kyle. Done with all of it. But the anger still simmered inside him, and he knew it wasn't going away anytime soon.
This wasn't a holiday anymore. This was a retreat from the wreckage of his life. And Jayden McCartney didn't know how to fix it.
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.
After two years of marriage, Sadie was finally pregnant. Filled with hope and joy, she was blindsided when Noah asked for a divorce. During a failed attempt on her life, Sadie found herself lying in a pool of blood, desperately calling Noah to ask him to save her and the baby. But her calls went unanswered. Shattered by his betrayal, she left the country. Time passed, and Sadie was about to be wed for a second time. Noah appeared in a frenzy and fell to his knees. "How dare you marry someone else after bearing my child?"
For three years, Shane and Yvonne were wed, sharing heated nights, while his devotion clung to his ex. Yvonne strove to be a dutiful wife, yet their marriage felt hollow, built on desire rather than real warmth. All changed when she became pregnant, only for Shane to thrust her onto the operating table, warning, “Either you or the baby survives!” Broken by his cruelty, she vanished in grief and later returned, radiantly accomplished, leaving everyone awestruck. Haunted by remorse, Shane begged for another chance, but Yvonne only smiled and replied, “I’m sorry, men no longer interest me.”
It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mistake of falling in love with Kristopher. When the time came that she needed him the most, her husband was in the company of another woman. Enough was enough. Carrie chose to divorce Kristopher and move on with her life. Only when she left did Kristopher realize how important she was to him. In the face of his ex-wife’s countless admirers, Kristopher offered her 20 million dollars and proposed a new deal. “Let’s get married again.”
When Corynn mustered up the courage to tell Elliot about her pregnancy, she unexpectedly found him gallantly helping another woman from his car. Her heart sank as three years of effort to secure his love crumbled before her eyes, compelling her to leave him behind. Three years later, life had taken Corynn down a new path with someone else, while Elliot was left grappling with regret. Seizing a moment of vulnerability, he pleaded, "Corynn, let's get married." Shaking her head with a faint smile, Corynn gently replied, "Sorry, I'm already engaged."
For as long as Emily can remember, she has wanted to overcome her shyness and explore her sexuality. Still, everything changes when she receives an invitation to visit one of the town's most prestigious BDSM clubs, DESIRE'S DEN. On the day she chose to peruse the club, she noticed three men, all dressed in suits, standing on the upper level, near the railing. Despite her limited vision, she persisted in fixating on them. Their towering statues belied the toned bodies concealed by their sharply tailored suits-or so she could tell. The hair of two of them was short and dark, and the third had light brown-possibly blond-hair that reached the shoulders. The dark, crimson background incised their figures, exuding an air of mystery and strength. They stood in stark contrast to the unfiltered, primal energy that pulsed through the club. Shocked by the desires these men aroused in her, she was disappointed to learn that they were masters seeking a slave to divide and conquer. She couldn't afford the fee, and she also realized that they were outside her league. Emily hurriedly left the club, feeling disappointed and depressed, unaware that she had also caught the group's attention. A world of wicked pleasure, three handsome men. Over the years, they have lived a life of decadence, their lavish lair serving as a stage for their most sinister desires. But despite the unending parade of willing subjects, one woman sticks out. A mysterious stranger with white porcelain skin and a killer body, a slave, a name with no address, the first lady to attract their eye and they will go to any length to obtain her no matter the consequences.
"Love is blind!" Lucinda abandoned her beautiful and comfortable life because of a man. She married him and slaved off for him for three long years. One day, the scales finally fell off her eyes. She realized that all her efforts were in vain. Her husband, Nathaniel still treated her like shit. All he cared about was his lover. "Enough is enough! I quit wasting my years with an ungrateful man!" Lucinda's heart was shattered into many pieces, but she summoned up the courage to ask for a divorce. The news caused a stir online! A filthy rich young woman recently got divorced? She was a good catch! Countless CEOs and handsome young men immediately swarmed to her like bees to honey! Nathaniel couldn't take it anymore. He held a press conference and begged with teary eyes, "I love you, Lucinda. I can't live without you. Please come back to me." Would Lucinda give him a second chance? Read to find out!