Shy
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When The CEO Falls For A Small-Town Girl
Olivia grew up in a small Florida town, happy despite dreaming of something bigger-until a car accident took her entire family and left her alone. She was forced by her cold, strict grandmother into a life working at a convenience store, but her uncle stepped in. She left with him for New York City. Olivia began rebuilding her life alongside her loving uncles. Then one day, she met Alex-her uncle's boss. Strong, sexy, controlling, obsessive. A perfectionist who discarded anyone he deemed incompetent, a womanizer who never tied himself down. Until Olivia. She was younger than his usual type, but the moment he saw her, he was captivated. Olivia was drawn to him too-but she avoided him at every turn, refusing to give in so easily. Alex pursued her with every trick he had. What he never expected was that, in the battle to win her, his own heart would surrender first.
Chapter 1
Olivia Bennett
"Hurry up, Mom. If we don't close the store soon, we won't make it home in time to get ready for Mike's graduation," I called out.
"Calm down, honey, I'm coming," my mom, Clarissa, replied. "I just finished the sales report."
"I don't know why Grandma always asks for these reports," I muttered. "It's like she doesn't even trust Dad, and he's her own son."
"Oh, sweetie, your grandmother has always been strict like this. She likes everything her way, but deep down, she loves us."
"Yeah. Really deep down."
My grandmother had been the matriarch of the family ever since my grandfather passed away a few years ago. She ran the convenience store with an iron fist, while my dad worked as the manager. My mom and I filled in the gaps—working as cashiers, cleaners, stockers, and whatever else needed to be done.
Of course, I didn't want to spend my life there. I wanted to go to college, travel, and see other places. But my parents expected me to stay at the store with my brother and eventually take over the business when they retired.
I was always the good, obedient girl, so I ended up shoving my dreams and plans in a drawer to follow their wishes. My brother, on the other hand, was the rebel of the family. He put his foot down and imposed his will until everyone just had to accept it. In the fall, Mike was leaving for college; he'd scored a scholarship to Princeton.
I had to admit, I was jealous of his courage. I should have stood up to my parents and my grandmother to fulfill my dream of studying architecture. The truth was, I had been accepted into four different colleges after secretly applying last year when I graduated, but I never told a soul. Only Mike knew about it, and that was only because he'd found my acceptance letters hidden at the back of a drawer in my room.
He'd been furious with me. He told me I couldn't just cave to our parents' wishes and that I had to chase my dreams. But I was a coward, and now I was doomed to spend my life here in the middle of nowhere.
We made it home just in time and rushed upstairs to get ready. After a quick shower, I dug through my wardrobe and pulled out my only formal dress—the same one I'd worn to my own graduation last year. It was red and form-fitting, though not overly revealing. I hated drawing attention to myself; I was actually very shy. I slipped on my usual black mid-heel sandals, pulled my hair into a simple ponytail, and swiped on some nude lipstick.
That was it. I headed downstairs to find Dad and Mike already dressed and waiting for us.
"I'm ready," I announced.
"Yeah, we noticed," Mike teased. "You've already got your frumpy uniform on."
"Wow. That would have hurt if I actually cared about your opinion," I replied grudgingly.
"Mike, don't talk to your sister like that," Dad scolded.
"I don't mean any harm," Mike said, holding his hands up. "It's just that I've never seen someone so pretty try so hard to look ugly."
"I didn't," I shot back.
"You actually did," Mom chimed in as she came down the stairs. "I have to agree with your brother on this one, sweetie."
"Can we stop talking about my looks?" I groaned. "I'm fine like this. Let's just go already, we're late."
"Yes, let's go. It's getting late," Dad agreed.
He headed out the door with Mom. I was about to follow them when Mike caught my arm, pulling me back.
"I'm serious, sis," Mike said softly. "You have to stop putting yourself last just to please others. I know you dress like this because you don't want to draw more attention than your friend Katy. She loves being the most popular, and you just want to see your friend happy. But how long are you going to keep giving up on your dreams and hiding who you are just to please other people? You only live once, and life is meant to be lived intensely. Don't forget that."
"Wow, Mike," I deflected with a small smile. "When did my little brother mature so much?"
"Oh, don't give me that. I'm only a year younger. I'm eighteen, and you just turned nineteen."
"Let's go, kids, it's getting late!" Dad called from outside.
We walked out, laughing at each other's jokes, and piled into the car where Mom and Dad were already waiting. Despite our constant sibling bickering, Mike and I were incredibly close. He told me everything about his life, and I told him everything about mine—not that I had much to report.
Mike was super popular in high school. He was the captain of the soccer team and had dated several girls, while I was just the weird virgin who had never even kissed a guy in her life. Mike always claimed I faded into the background on purpose, and that was why I pushed all the guys away.
"We're here!" Dad announced, pulling me from my thoughts with his booming excitement.
"Oh, I'm so excited!" Mom squealed.
"Yeah, we can see that," Mike laughed as we got out. "You two are practically skipping to the event hall."
"Leave them alone, Mike." I nudged him. "They're proud. It's not every day their son graduates with honors, is the valedictorian, and even wins a scholarship to Princeton."
"You speak as if you didn't graduate at the top of your class, too," Mom pointed out. "And the only reason you weren't the valedictorian was because you gave that role to Katy."
"Oh, Mom, you know I have a hard time speaking in public," I mumbled.
"Speaking of her, what is she up to now?" Mike asked.
"She's living in New York," I said. "She's going to college there."
"Let's sit down," Mom urged. "It's about to start."
The four of us found our seats just as the graduation ceremony began. Outside, a loud clap of thunder rattled the building, warning that it was going to rain soon. It was a bad sign for me. I was terrified of storms, let alone being in a car on the road during a heavy downpour.
Thankfully, I ended up getting distracted from my weather anxiety when my brother walked onto the stage for his speech. My heart swelled with pride. With natural charisma and ease, he captivated the audience, moving everyone with a beautiful speech. Before long, all the students were throwing their graduation caps into the air, bringing the celebration to a close and kicking off the cocktail reception.
Later into the party, Mom leaned over to Dad. "Honey, that's enough. You've already had three glasses of that drink. Don't forget you're driving."
"If Dad actually let anyone besides himself drive the car, he could drink without any problems," I chimed in.
"Oh no, absolutely not," Dad said, shaking his head. "Nobody touches my baby."
Outside, the storm finally broke, rain lashing down hard just as predicted. My heart began to race. It was always like this; I was absolutely terrified of storms.
Mom started yawning sleepily, while I sat there biting my nails out of sheer nerves over the rain.
"Yeah, I think it's time to go," Dad decided. "Clarissa is already sleepy. I'll go get Mike so we can leave."
"No, Dad, it's better if we wait for this rain to pass," I argued. "It can be dangerous to drive in this weather, especially after you've had three drinks."
"Oh, sweetie, don't worry. I know these roads better than anyone," Dad dismissed easily. "Besides, your mother is already dozing off in her seat, and I have to wake up early tomorrow to receive some suppliers at the store."
At Dad's words, I kept quiet. I knew from experience that once he got something in his head, absolutely nothing could make him change his mind.
Dad wove through the crowd to get Mike, and a few minutes later, the two of them returned together so we could leave.
"I thought you were going to stay here longer and catch a ride back later," I said to Mike.
"Oh no, no partying for me today," Mike replied. "Don't forget that tomorrow is my last game and we're in the finals. I want to be rested to secure my top scorer award."
"That's right, my champion," Dad beamed. "Let's go."
We hurried out to the parking lot and piled into the car. Dad started the engine and pulled out into the middle of the absolute downpour.
The rain was coming down so hard that you could barely see the road, but even so, Dad didn't slow down. The asphalt was slick, and with every slight skid the car made, my heart leaped into my throat. Suddenly, a truck appeared out of the blinding rain, barreling toward us at full speed, completely out of control. It spun across the road, hurtling right at us. Dad panicked, wrenching the steering wheel to swerve, but he wasn't fast enough. A blinding flash of light pierced my eyes, and the very last thing I saw was my brother looking at me, his face twisted in absolute terror...
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Reborn Wife: Once Bitten, Twice Shy
My marriage to Mathias was supposed to make me the happiest woman in the world. Although I knew he didn't love me, I thought he would fall for me once I showered him with all the love I had to give. Five years passed and Mathias still didn't give a damn about me. Instead, he met his true love and cut all ties with me because of her. He showed her off; something he never did for me. His abandonment pushed me into depression. I was broken in every sense of the word. Even on my deathbed, my so-called husband didn't come to say goodbye to me. When I opened my eyes again, I found myself reborn. I was still Mathias's wife and it was two months before he met his true love. In this life, I refused to be hurt by him again. After talking some sense into my head, I asked him for a divorce in other to escape being heartbroken like I was previously. Mathias tore up the divorce papers time and time again while also shutting me down. "Rylie, stop all this nonsense! Playing hard to get doesn't work anymore!" To show him that I was dead serious, I went ahead to file for divorce. Only then did he panic. He abandoned the "woman of his dreams" and came to my side. "Please give me a second chance, Rylie. I promise to do right by you. You'll be the only woman in my heart from now on. Don't leave me, okay?" A war broke out in my mind after this apology. On one hand, I didn't want to be hurt again. And on the other, I didn't want to let go of the man I loved so dearly. What should I do?!
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Alpha's Last Minute Bride
Evangeline was blackmailed to marry a ruthless Alpha in replacement of her sister. Anything she hated in her life was the werewolves. She had seen her father leaving her mother for another she-wolf. Why? Because her mother was a human and so is she!! Though her father loved her a lot despite her being a human, she never forgave him for the things which he did to her mother and stayed away from pack and werewolves community. Little did she know that she had to marry an Alpha just because her sister ran away from her wedding at the last moment. Daniel Grint was the ruthless, heartless and fearless Alpha. He never believed in mate or mate bond because of the circumstances he faced in his life. But he had to marry a stupid alpha daughter to strengthen his pack. He hated that idea from the beginning but he agreed for the sake of his pack. He was finding himself hard to control his anger and frustration when he came to know that his stupid bride flew away before the wedding and he was offered a human as his last minute bride, who also happened to be an Alpha’s daughter and…..his mate.
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The Rebel
"Lower your eyes mate" He said with a hint of warning in his tone. She didn't flinch under his cold fingers coiled around her neck, instead with a smirk on her bruised lips,she looks back at him. Daring to defy him. "Submit!" He growled at her this time, frustrated with her ability to infuriate him to the extent of forcing him to hurt her. "Many have tried mate" The word mate leaving her lips sounded more of a mockery, making his grip on her neck to tighten slightly. "I am not others Vera. I am your mate. Your superior. Submit this instant!" She again smiled, managing to roll her eyes at him. "You can try . But remember,you will never succeed in it" He could end her with just a little more pressure on her neck, having the fate as many others who have dared to defy him,but something in those eyes was stopping him. He wanted to extinguish that fire in them., to see them rolling over as he thrusted inside her, to see them begining him to continue as he denied her. He wanted her to submit.Badly. Completely to him in all respects. Body and soul both. To let him be her protector,her punisher, her dominant,her lover her mate. Her everything. But little did he knew that his mate was not an ordinary Luna who happily submits to her mate's whims and needs. She was who they all popularly call as "The rebel" The mysterious protector of good and savior of women. The man who gives justice to the inequality created by men. If only they knew he was a women instead. .................................................... "The day I submit to a man will be the last day of my life mate. Vera Red was born as a rebel, will live as a rebel and will also die as a Rebel. With or without a cause"
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Shy
"She's shy," Brooke shrugged, glancing at Indianna who looked like she wanted to be anywhere but in the classroom. "Well, come on, I don't bite," Greyson urged and Indianna stiffened, just like before. "Don't talk about that," Indianna said, her voice was still quiet but it was firm. "Struck a nerve
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My Shy Wife, Neisha
Adil, a Jafar dynasty heir, famous handsome engineer in the city, lives a life of gilded perfection. For Adil Jafar, life was mapped out: wealth, power, and a future secured, he had it all, until Neisha, a humble nurse, shatters his world with a single glance, one stolen glance at Neisha, a woman
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Once Bitten Twice Shy
What was that dripping sound? It sounded like an echo, a noise from far away repeating itself in an effort to wake her up. What had happened? Her eyes pulled open but she wasn't able to see much, her vision was foggy and her mind was blur. The car door fell open and she found herself struggling to
Reborn Wife: Once Bitten, Twice Shy
My marriage to Mathias was supposed to make me the happiest woman in the world. Although I knew he didn't love me, I thought he would fall for me once I showered him with all the love I had to give. Five years passed and Mathias still didn't give a damn about me. Instead, he met his true love and
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The Awakening of the Shy Secretary
"You're not like anyone I've ever met, Ava Dawson. And that's exactly why I can't stay away." Welcome to Club Luxe, the ultimate playground for the country's elite. At its helm is the enigmatic billionaire, Logan Pierce-a devilishly handsome, self-assured, and formidable tycoon with a notorious rep
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The Pretty Slut And The Cute Shy Boy
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When The Baddie Fell InLove with a Shy Boy
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A priestly obsession
slap turned my face away and I could taste the metallic taste of blood in my mouth...well that was seven years ago when I told my dad I wanted to become a priest instead of taking care of his mafia family and his business.. he allowed me to be a priest but disowned me from the Vander family. Now sev
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Fatal revenge
He came in the form of her husband, he came in the form of a son in law to ruin Gerald and his family. He came in the form of Alexander chase to make Gerald pay for the massacre of his family ten years ago. Giving up is not an option Taking revenge is what he solely lives for.
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Alexander chase: a dead man’s revenge
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Aurora…
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10 RULES OF OUR LOVE
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15 DAYS WITH GEORGE
"Go through them and answer truthfully princessa"George said in a gruff voice before placing the contract Infront of me I picked it up and opened it nervously. My face went very red as I read the content Question number 1 Are you into spanking? Question number 2 Are you submissive? Question numb
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obsessions
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Her wrong groom.
when Ava Brown finds out that her groom was exchanged on her wedding day and she ended up marrying the wrong person, she vowed to deal with the two men who deceived her. Ava Brown, the twenty four year old daughter of Mr Steven Brown owner of world's largest automobile company was someone who no one
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Devil: I made a deal with him.
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My Knight in Shyning Armor
Drew liked Leslie at first sight. Knowing she’s the girl his cousins hate, he was torn between his loyalty to his cousins and his love for the girl. Leslie liked Drew at first sight. Unfortunately, the boy is hostile toward her, for reasons she is not even aware of. But they know their feelings fo
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The Toxic Bullies Of Denver's High
Charity Coleman was known for her stubbornness in her former school, which was the reason she got expelled, and she had to move to another city to round her school up, where she was given a scholarship to be amongst the students of Denver's high school, a school full of bullies, who believed that th
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THREE MONTHS DEAL WITH MY ALPHA
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CEO's Sweet Love
Since five years ago, Melissa had been suffering from a painful incident due to which all her emotion, feelings were also lost with that incident. She only had a great attachment towards her book which was very precious more than her life, which holds a very precious memory of her life.
