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She was hopeful that her life would change. There would be a new start after she graduated from high school. She was ready to fly in the sky, and rise towards her dream. Little did she know that her life would turn upside down on returning home. The biggest life-changing event was waiting for her. She was hardly aware that the bracelet she had been wearing since her birth was a token. The token of her marriage to a man she had never met. She could do nothing but follow the arrangement, for life wasn't willing to spare her. Her helplessness left her no choice. Finally, she decided to give up everything and run away! And again, destiny made fun of her. Unexpected and unknowingly, he stepped into her life again. What was in store for her in the future and where was life leading her?
In S City, Z Country...
It was mid-June, and the tall mulberry tree was in bloom once more.
Fiona Ji looked up and down at the trees. With a sigh, she went on her way, thinking that she ought to be on her way to school.
The high school auditorium was jam packed with people. It was graduation day, and all the students and parents waited excitedly for the opening ceremony to begin. It was another year, and another set of fresh graduates. The students had just finished their college entrance examinations, and were about to set off to a new milestone in their lives.
Backstage, Fiona Ji was waiting behind the curtain to deliver her speech. Fiona was undoubtedly beautiful. Her smooth, black hair fell elegantly on her shoulders. It made her fair skin stand out even more, which had a faint, pinkish glow. Fiona's eyes were big and bright--with one glance, they appeared to have a million things to say. Her thick and long lashes often cast shadows over her eyes, making her look all the more lovely.
She straightened out the school uniform she was wearing and adjusted the bow knot tied at her collar. Mumbling to herself, she practiced her speech one last time as preparation.
"Fiona, you're up. Come here and get ready to get on the stage," one of her teachers whispered to her.
"Yes, Miss Zhou."
"Everyone, please welcome this graduating class' most outstanding student, Fiona Ji!"
Taking a deep breath in, Fiona strode out to the center of the stage and onto the podium. Applause filled the entire auditorium.
Some of the naughtier students whistled when they saw Fiona make her way to the center of the stage.
A lot of male high school students saw Fiona as a goddess. Beautiful and intelligent. What was more, she was rather cold towards other people, which made her all the more mysterious. Most of the students did not dare to get close to her because of this.
What they didn't know was that Fiona used to be such a happy little girl, always smiling and laughing. Obviously, those days were no more...
"It was three years ago when we started high school. We were innocent and naive. At that time, it was easy to imagine all the things that we could be. But, we have yet to decide what we really want to be, what we are passionate about, what kind of life we can achieve for ourselves. We will soon be able to grow and find out more about ourselves in the next chapter of our lives. Luckily, our elders will be there to guide us every step of the way. As we enter college, let us also not forget to make deep and meaningful relationships. There is no need to go through any hurdles alone.
High school may seem like the best time in our lives, but I say that the best is yet to come. When we leave this school, let us all do everything we can to achieve all our dreams. Congratulations to everyone! Thank you."
When Fiona finished her speech, some of the girls were already sobbing with sadness. There was also a tinge of sorrow rising from the bottom of Fiona's heart. She wanted to go back and see the mountainous tree at the school grounds.
When the ceremony ended, students said their tearful goodbyes to each other. Some were taking photos with their parents. Some were chatting away with their favorite teachers. Some were boasting loudly about what they would be doing next.
It seemed as if Fiona was the only one who came to the graduation alone. It has been almost ten years.
'Father, mother... How are you up in heaven? Have you seen how I've grown up? Are you proud?'
"Hi, Fiona!" As she was thinking quietly to herself, someone behind her suddenly called her name. Fiona turned around and found it was one of the class leaders.
"What's up?" Fiona asked politely.
"Oh.. Ah, nothing," he stuttered as he laughed nervously. The boy was so shy that he scratched his head and said, "I heard that you ranked second in the college entrance examinations in our city. That's so awesome! Which school did you register for?"
"D University."
"Wow. D University is a great school! That's in M City, right? It's pretty close so it'll be convenient for you to come home!"
"Yes," Fiona replied with a slight smile. M City was her mother and father's hometown, and was her hometown until she was about eight years old. For her, her home wasn't where she was right now--it was in M City, the place where most of her happiest moments happened.
"What major?" he asked, smiling widely.
"Jewelry Design, major in Art Department."
"That's so cool!" The boy said with admiration. "You are so talented. I'm sure you'll be able to design a lot of beautiful jewelry!"
"Thank you," Fiona replied in a grateful tone. "Well, then. If you'll excuse me," she said as she turned to walk away.
"Hey, wait!" the boy called after her hurriedly.
"What's wrong?" Fiona stopped in her tracks and looked back at him.
"I was wondering if I could ask you out tomorrow?"
"What for?" Fiona asked, her brows furrowing.
"Fiona, it's just that... Can you go out on a date with me? I like you!" After saying his confession, the boy's face flushed red.
"I..." Surprised, Fiona blushed and shook her head. "Look... I'm awfully sorry, but I'm not interested in dating anyone for the time being."
"But we can start with friends!" the boy insisted.
"We're already friends. I'm sorry," Fiona declined with an apologetic smile.
"Okay..." The boy put his hands in his pockets, his head down low.
Fiona brushed past all the other people and got on a bus. With a sullen mood, she gazed out the window, looking at the trees that zoomed by.
Ten years ago, when she was only eight years old, her parents passed away. When they died, Fiona moved here to S City to live with her aunt. Soon, she was going to study at a university in M City, the place where she and her parents used to live. There was still a bit of reluctance in her heart to leave S City.
"We're now stopping at the XJ Garden. Again, stopping at XJ Garden."
Fiona grabbed her bag and got out of the bus.
When she got off, she saw a familiar car that seemed to be waiting for her.
'Isn't that Grandpa Wayne's?'
Thinking of this, Fiona quickened her pace. She got into the car and was soon on her way to her aunt's house.
As soon as she entered the house, Fiona saw Wayne Cheng's assistant, Victor Zhang.
The other people there--her aunt Jenny, her uncle Mike and her cousin Angela-- were all looking stiff and tense with Victor there standing at in the living room.
Outwardly a perfect match, but the story of Mary and William is not as sweet as their relationship seems. Their marriage starts off as nothing more than a contract – her bond in marriage to him, in exchange for her mother’s medical expenses. And yet, things take a dramatic turn. Neither knows who crossed the line first, and neither knows who initiated this game of love. But it is on! Discover this plot exclusively on Marriage Contract: Love Game With CEO.
Legally, she had been his wife for three years, but their marriage was kept as a secret in public. He spent money on her lavishly and she lived a luxurious life. Things changed when a super male model showed interest in her. And that's when her first boyfriend returned. Her husband said that she could find a boyfriend, which didn't really surprise her. After all, there would be nothing between them after the divorce. However, going against his words, he showed up around everywhere, every time, and tried every means to prevent her from finding a boyfriend. She was totally confused! What was wrong with him? What on earth did this man want from her?
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COALESCENCE OF THE FIVE SERIES BOOK ONE: THE 5-TIME REJECTED GAMMA & THE LYCAN KING BOOK TWO: THE ROGUES WHO WENT ROGUE BOOK THREE: THE INDOMITABLE HUNTRESS & THE HARDENED DUKE *** BOOK ONE: After being rejected by 5 mates, Gamma Lucianne pleaded with the Moon Goddess to spare her from any further mate-bonds. To her dismay, she is being bonded for the sixth time. What’s worse is that her sixth-chance mate is the most powerful creature ruling over all werewolves and Lycans - the Lycan King himself. She is certain, dead certain, that a rejection would come sooner or later, though she hopes for it to be sooner. King Alexandar was ecstatic to meet his bonded mate, and couldn’t thank their Goddess enough for gifting him someone so perfect. However, he soon realizes that this gift is reluctant to accept him, and more than willing to sever their bond. He tries to connect with her but she seems so far away. He is desperate to get intimate with her but she seems reluctant to open up to him. He tries to tell her that he is willing to commit to her for the rest of his life but she doesn’t seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that he’s different; and a chance to love her. But when not-so-subtle crushes, jealous suitors, self-entitled Queen-wannabes, an old flame, a silent protector and a past wedding engagement threaten to jeopardize their relationship, will Lucianne and Xandar still choose to be together? Is their love strong enough to overcome everything and everyone? Or will Lucianne resort to enduring a sixth rejection from the one person she thought she could entrust her heart with?
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