"Why did you do that? Why the hell did you do that? Didn't I tell you to stop bothering me? I don't like you and how many times do I have to shout it in front of you just to make you understand that I don't like you? I don't love you and that's the last thing I will ever do!" They say words cut deeper and harder than knives. A knife can be pulled out but words are embedded into our soul. It leaves unseen and long-lasting scars. But guess what? She knew it, yet she wanted to take a sip of her sorrows and drink from her trapped bleeding heart. ~~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~~ It all started 8 years ago when she met him and fell in love with him. The problem was that he already has a girlfriend and he doesn't like her. But a stubborn and spoiled brat Samantha Soriano couldn't accept it. So she made a decision and planned everything to make Luke Marcuz Williams be her man. But fate didn't seem to cooperate with her stupid plan as it failed her, in which she ended up trapped with him in an arranged marriage. A marriage wherein everyone's eyes were perfect, full of love and respect, but in reality, it seemed like hell. He made her life a living hell. They didn't know that behind those smiles painted on her lips, tears flowed silently... and behind those laughs she was sharing, pain and sorrow were hidden carefully. Until she learned to let go and learned the truth that he will never start loving her, no matter what she does. But... What if everything suddenly changed after four years? What if he started showing the care and love he should have done 4 years ago, will she be willing to forget everything that happened and leave them behind? And if she realizes she has never really forgotten him, will she be willing to give him a chance this time or will she be ready to be with the man who once caused her pain?
Samantha's POV:
"Sam."
"Hmm?" I looked up to see my best friend Jack leaning against the door frame. Her face has a mixed expression of frown and worry.
"Are you sure you're ready to go back to San Francisco?"
I put down the dress I was holding as I found myself laughing at her question.
"Of course! Why shouldn't I be ready?"
She shrugged, walking towards the bed and slumped herself next to me. "I think you should ask yourself that question and not me."
"Well, I don't have to ask myself that question because I know that I'm ready! It's been almost four years since I left my hometown and I really missed the things I was doing then."
"Okay, as you say so." She gives me a shrug for the second time. "Are you now going to stay there for good?"
"I don't know. Maybe yes, maybe no. But honestly, I haven't thought about it yet. I just want to see my daughter and surprise her on her birthday."
"How about seeing your husband again? Are you ready for that?"
"Ex-husband! He's no longer my husband, Jack, remember?"
"Alright, but what if you meet him again at the party? You know, it's impossible for you not to see him again. After all, he's still Cali's father."
"I know. And so --- if he's there? I can't stop him from seeing his daughter, besides, everyone expects him to attend the party. Of course, some of them are just to gossip about our lives."
"Hmm... so you mean to say you're ready to face him again after four years of hiding from him?"
"Excuse me! I'm not hiding from him, I didn't and I will not. Why would I do that? And as for your question, of course, I'm ready. I completely forgot what happened. It's all in the past. I am now Samantha Soriano version 2.0!" I said flipping my hair over my shoulder. You know, to show her how confident I am with my answer.
But she just laughed at me.
"New Samantha Soriano version 2.0? Wow. Amazing! And because of that, I will be generous in giving you loud applause."
I stared at her with a forced smile. She's clapping while laughing hilariously in front of me... inside my room and on top of my bed.
"Haha...funny!" I just rolled my eyes and continued with what I was doing before she entered my room.
"So you're saying you have already moved on, huh?" She asked after a while. I know how much she's trying to suppress her laughter.
I sighed.
"Jack, how many times do I have to answer that question? I've already moved on and whatever has happened in the past, it will remain buried like all the stupid feelings I felt for him four years ago. I'm completely healed, especially now that I have David. I love him and I'm happy with him."
David is my boyfriend. And If you're asking if my daughter approved him as my boyfriend...the answer is yes and we've been together for six months.
"Oh...alright, you're completely healed." She left me hanging on those words and busied herself checking her new polished nails.
'I now have David. I love him and I'm happy with him.' I repeat these words in silence. He's a nice guy. He loves me. He understands what I went through and the only thing I could give him back for his love and support is to stay by his side. Well, that's what I believe in.
"Mom called me last night."
Her head snapped instantly.
"What did she say?"
"She was asking me if I would take David with me to the party."
"Whoa! That's an interesting question!" Suddenly, her eyes lit up with excitement. "Tell me you said yes."
I shake my head. "You know he can't come with me, Jack."
"But why? I don't see any problem if you take him to your daughter's party. Cali likes the man too!"
"I know, but he has a job. He's a doctor, remember?"
"Aghh!" She pouted.
Jack is David's number one fan, but also my ex-husband's number one basher/slash/hater.
"You know what? I think you should really take him with you."
"And why should I do that?" I asked raising my eyebrow.
"Well, since we're sure you will meet your fucking husband---"
"Ex-husband! And please get rid of the awful word."
"Jeez! Your daughter isn't here!"
"Even though she's not here, you shouldn't be talking like that!"
"Fine!" She huffed. "Can I continue now? As I was saying, since your F husband---"
"Jackelyn!"
"What? I didn't say anything! I just said F --- what's the problem with that?"
I didn't answer her. I just gave her one of my serious looks.
"Aghh! Don't be so sensitive, Sam, he's just your ex-husband! Duh?"
"And who says I'm being sensitive---" but she cut me by placing her palm close to my face.
"Hep! You don't have to explain. Just let me continue, okay? What I was saying earlier was that you should take David with you to San Francisco. Why? Well, it's not just to introduce him to everyone, but to show your ex-husband what kind of precious gem he has thrown 4 years ago. He chose to be with that woman who knows nothing but shows off on a catwalk wearing only two pieces of her shit --- I mean, cloth!"
"You can't blame her, she's a model." I chuckled.
"I know she's a damned lingerie model, but you don't get my point, do you? You and Luke had been married for 4 years, you had a five-year-old daughter but what got me confused is that he never learned to love you? Goodness!"
"Ouch! Do you really have to slap me again with those words?" I pretended to be hurt. I couldn't help it. I don't even know why those words still give a slight sting in my spine.
"Why? Isn't it true? Jeez! If only it were David, I think he learned to love you in those 4 years of being together!"
"Yes, if only he was David, but he's not him. He's Luke Marcuz Williams."
"Oh, yeah, thanks for reminding me! I forgot he's not David. Because the David I know knows how to treasure a precious gem, unlike your ex-husband. Imagine, he let you go so easily just to be with his ex-girlfriend who looks like a walking stick!"
I covered my mouth and bit my lip just to keep my laughter from escaping my throat, but I failed.
"Jack, that's enough. You shouldn't be calling someone like that, especially with names."
"Oh, hell! Mother Mary are you with my cousin's body?"
"Jackeline Agustine, that's not a good kind of joke!" I glared at her.
"Hehe... I'm just kidding. I'm sorry Mother Mary." She said looking at the ceiling with a peace sign on her fingers. "Let's be serious, Sam. What if suddenly everything changes when you come back?"
This made me frown. "What do you mean?"
"What if when you see him again you'll realize that you still love him? That nothing has changed and that you are still in love with him even after four years?"
My mouth suspended in mid-air. I admit I was kinda shocked by her question.
"That's not going to happen." I smiled, shaking my head.
"How can you be sure of that?"
"I just know, " I said with a shrug.
"Well, let's see."
"It's true, Jack, believe me. Because Luke and I..." (I smiled bitterly) "...we just met, but we weren't really destined to be together. See? Fate had just played on us." I blinked away the tears which I don't know where it came from.
"Ohh..." she held my hand, giving me a sad smile. "You're right, you're not meant to be together. It's enough that you became fool and stupid over him in your youth days. But anyway, at least that's stupidity gave you the most precious gift you've ever received."
"Yeah, my Cali." A smile formed my lips upon mentioning my daughter's name.
"Hmmp! If you didn't flirt with him that night and didn't spike his drink, surely you would have like to be single and carefree in those 4 years instead of being tied to his name!"
"Yeah, but don't you think that if I didn't do such thing, I wouldn't have Cali at this moment who will be celebrating her birthday the next day."
"Haist, you must be thankful for having her after seducing her father. Gosh! I could still remember your face when you told your mom about your pregnancy, you were only 17 then. What comes in your mind that night for doing those stupid things?"
I smiled. "Well, first I was too young, naive and I wasn't thinking of what possibly might happen after doing it. I was kinda curious and jealous, and of course, I was still the old Samantha who always gets what she wants."
Scratching the back of my neck, I glanced at her.
"Tsk.tsk.tsk... so stupid!" She said shaking her head. "Samantha Soriano version 2.0? Let's see if you can prove your words in front of him."
"You really know how to support your best friend, huh?"
"Of course! Anyway, do you need help packing your stuff?"
"Ahh... thanks bestie, I appreciate your offer, but no, thanks." I smiled sarcastically. "After reminding me of all my mistakes years ago and after calling me stupid, you really still remember offering your help?"
She gave me a puppy smile. "Okay, if you don't want my help, then I have to go."
"Oh, yes, I think that's the best thing you can ever do for me today, getting out of my room."
"Really?"
"Really! I confirmed, taking one of the pillows. "You better get going now before I forget you're my best friend, argh! I'm going to smack your ass!"
I tried to hit her but since she quickly runs out of the door, the pillow just landed on the floor. I still hear her laughing inside my room as she forgets to close the door. Oops, no, she hasn't forgotten. She intentionally didn't close the door to annoy me.
"Haist! Jackeline Agustine!"
I dropped my back to the bed when Jack finally left my room. She's right. The biggest mistake I made also gave me a precious and memorable gift in my life... becoming a mother. It was a mistake that I will forever regret doing but would be grateful for at the same time.
Staring blankly at the ceiling, a sad smile formed my lips as the part of that happy and painful memories crossed my mind again.
Two not-so-ordinary people living in a completely different world met by accident. Two people having opposite personalities, collided by debt... ohh, let's just say 'fate'. And two unfamiliar faces in an unfamiliar relationship... *** "I want you to keep this in mind, Rafi, I married you not because I love you, but because I had no choice at that time. So, don't take the role as my wife seriously as we were just married on paper. You can do whatever you want all day and I don't care just... (he paused)... just don't go my way and know how to put yourself in the right place! Do you understand?" "Whoa! Is this man eating rudeness every freaking day? He didn't even blink, Fodgodsake!" *** Meet Liam Clarkson, one of the hunky handsome bachelors of his generation. To make the word simple, a Greek God. But, behind the jaw-dropping suit and smile is the rude, self-centered, cold, and arrogant businessman who devours everything that goes against his way. And representing... Rafi Gonzalez, an independent, simple, yet beautiful free-spirited woman who believes in the saying, "When life gives you lemons, ask for salt and tequila--- oops--- make lemonade." A woman who simply living in her dreams. But, who would have thought that the simple, carefree life she's living would turn into a roller coaster of disasters the moment she met the arrogant Liam who eventually became her husband. The man she never imagined becoming her husband not even in her sweetest dreams, but holy fate intervened, so it has become a nightmare. Oh, how long will she be able to put up with his not-so-good behavior? And in a world full of differences and unfamiliarity, how long can these two stubborn individuals stand up for their opposing egos and perspectives? Could they survive or could they eventually fall in love?
A great marriage doesn't happen when the "perfect couple" gets together. It happens when an imperfect couple gets together and learns to enjoy each other's differences. Six individuals with different personalities. Three imperfect couples who have been asked to be together... let's find out their stories. Will they fall in love with each other or will they eventually abandon their marriage? ~~~~~~°~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~  Cold, rude, arrogant and narcissistic. This is how Sophia Yzabelle describes the man she married, Daniel Kelley. Due to her traumatic past and seeking justice, she agreed to marry him despite his rude personality. They hate each other from the very beginning but have had no choice but to get married as they both need the agreement for their own benefits.   The question is how long could they stand facing each other? Will they eventually admit their feelings or will they continue to be stubborn towards each other? * * *   Despite having everything she needs in life, it doesn't stop Madielyn Davis for completing her bucket list of dreams. So she applied for a job as a Personal Assistant to the CEO. Little did she know that her rude yet handsome boss, Gabriel Wilsons, will offer her a life-changing deal and that is to become his wife for a year.   Uhm... marrying someone who doesn't love you back is hard, but how about marrying someone for an agreement and the reason---he just wants to get his ex-girlfriend back, isn't it more painful.   Yes, it is, but she still agreed to marry him because she believed she could still change his mind for the revenge he's planning for his ex-girlfriend. But something happened during the process as she ended up falling in love with him.   Will Gabriel be able to return Madi's love or will he prefer the person he loved first? * * *   When she turned 18, a free-spirited young woman, Arrianna Angela, signed the most stupid contract and arrangement in her life. And that's marrying her brother's best friend and first love, Alexander Jonathan Smith. But here's the twist... he's rich, handsome but one of the certified womanizers in town.   But what they didn't know is not only the contract they signed can be called stupid, but so is she, who still found herself deeply in love with him even though he left her alone in their marriage for four years.   And now that he's back, can she still believe the man who made her feel worthless for a long time or like the past years she's been waiting, she would still accept and continue to love him despite everything that's happened?
A SEQUEL of CONTRACTUALLY MARRIED *Arrianna Angela/Rian and Alexander Jonathan/Alex *Sophia Ysabelle/Sophia/Belle and Daniel/Dani ~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~ Sophia Ysabelle, 26 years old, accepted the life changing deal of marrying the famous billionaire, Daniel Kelley, not for his money but for his name. They have different reasons for marrying each other. Daniel needs a woman to pretend as his wife to get the biggest investment for their company, that will lead them to the top grossing company in the whole state of California. While Sophia needs someone 'powerful' on her back while still seeking justice for what happened to her in the past. But there is a big problem between the two of them, they couldn't stand alone in one place facing each other. Daniel is a cold and arrogant billionaire with a smile as precious as diamond, and who already put her under his judgement from the very first time they met. And Sophia is a stubborn yet resilient woman who never backs down from anyone's judgement, not even from her future husband's rudeness. But in the end, will she tell him her real reason for marrying him? When he finds out the truth, will he continue to judge her? Will he be able to protect her from her dark past or he will just remain cold and arrogant husband towards her? "Never judge someone without knowing the whole story. You may think you understand, but you don't" *Rian* ~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~°~~~~~~~
He has all the traits that you wished for your dream man to have. Power, money, perfection, handsomeness and a body like a Greek God. But he's inlove. He's inlove with her. For him, she was the completion of his dream, a perfect wife and a mother to be with his children. He would give her everything including his own life. He would sacrifice his world for her. But she left him. She betrayed him. She broke his heart into pieces. And he turned into a cold, heartless, rude and an arrogant billionaire, who would do everything to show her that she's no longer important into his life. Even though the truth is the opposite of what he is doing. His heart still aching for her. And that's when he met me. I applied as his Personal Assistant to fulfill my bucket list of dreams. To explore my life and experience everything. He offered me a deal. He asked me to marry him just to show his ex that he already moved on. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "She's pregnant." He blurted out and i almost stumbled on where i am standing. I just gripped the backrest of the couch to support my weight. The pain creeping in my heart is unbearable but i managed to stay calm. "Wow! Congratulations!" I said faking my excitement as i remembered him saying... -cheating would not be the reason to break our marriage- of course i couldn't accuse him of this as 'cheating' because she was the real reason why we are pretending as a couple. He still love her. He's still inlove with her. And that's when i made the biggest decision in my life. Taking all my strength and a piece of my heart that still hanging on a thin rope... I left him. Taking also my biggest secret in me... that i've already fallen inlove with him. And somehow i learned a lesson; 'Loving someone who doesn't love you back isn't as hard as loving someone who still inlove with his ex and who only uses you to get her back again into his life..'
"I've warned you from the beginning. Don't marry him, but you won't listen." Darcy stood close to me and smiled with concern. "You're not a woman worthy of a man as handsome, rich, smart, and virile as Blaze." My whole body trembled at her words. "Have you no shame?" I asked. "Take a good look at yourself, Heather." She stared at me in the mirror. "You can't even glance at your ugly face. Do you think Blaze can endure a lifetime of gazing at that scar?" Heather Bailey got a surprise from her husband: a divorce agreement. After a year of marriage and facing ups and downs, she couldn't believe Blaze intended to divorce her. She was devastated when she saw him gazing lovingly at another woman. After signing the divorce papers, shockwaves caught her up. Her flower shop was burned to the ground. Her father's company collapsed, and her parents blamed her. She struggled to rebuild her life from the ground up and became more successful than ever. Having many customers from influential families, she started her revenge on Blaze. She won the very thing he wanted, but that was just the beginning.
"Never let anyone treat you like shit!" I learned that the hard way. For three years, I lived with my in-laws. They didn't treat me as their son-in-law but as a slave. I put up with everything because of my wife, Yolanda Lambert. She was the light of my life. Unfortunately, my whole world came crashing down the day I caught my wife cheating on me. I have never been so heartbroken. To have my revenge, I revealed my true identity. I was none other than Liam Hoffman—the heir of a family with trillions of dollars in assets! The Lamberts were utterly shocked after the big reveal. They realized what fools they had been for treating me like trash. My wife even knelt down and begged for my forgiveness. What do you think I did? Did I take her back or made her suffer? Find out!
The whispers said that out of bitter jealousy, Hadley shoved Eric's beloved down the stairs, robbing the unborn child of life. To avenge, Eric forced Hadley abroad and completely cut her off. Years later, she reemerged, and they felt like strangers. When they met again, she was the nightclub's star, with men ready to pay fortunes just to glimpse her elusive performance. Unable to contain himself, Eric blocked her path, asking, "Is this truly how you earn a living now? Why not come back to me?" Hadley's lips curved faintly. "If you’re eager to see me, you’d better join the queue, darling."
After being kicked out of her home, Harlee learned she wasn't the biological daughter of her family. Rumors had it that her impoverished biological family favored sons and planned to profit from her return. Unexpectedly, her real father was a zillionaire, catapulting her into immense wealth and making her the most cherished member of the family. While they anticipated her disgrace, Harlee secretly held design patents worth billions. Celebrated for her brilliance, she was invited to mentor in a national astronomy group, drew interest from wealthy suitors, and caught the eye of a mysterious figure, ascending to legendary status.
Anabel found out she was pregnant and dialed her husband's number to share the good news to him. They have been married for two years without a child. Desmond's mother had been accusing her of being barren and unproductive. When the call was picked, she was flabbergasted and broken. She was hearing a loud moan of feminine voice. "Ohh! Yeah! Don't stop fucking me! Fuck me harder baby!" accompanied with sound of skins slapping against the other. She went home to confront her husband and end up receiving a divorce paper. Desmond divorced him for a lady his mother was rooting. Few months later when he found out that his ex-wife is a billionaire heiress and she is pregnant with twins, he went crazy!
Elodie took a deep breath and knocked, the sound echoing in the quiet corridor. A moment of silence passed, broken only by the pounding of her heart. Finally, the door snicked open, revealing a surprised Dashiell. 'Can't you see the Do Not Disturb sign? We don't want-' His initial frown quickly morphed into confusion at the sight of his wife. 'What are you doing here?' he demanded. 'Your girlfriend invited me,' Elodie replied, her voice laced with icy calm. She tried to peer past him, but his broad frame blocked the view. A saccharine voice chimed in from within the room. 'Elodie? Oh dear, we didn't mean for you to find out this way. It's just that-' Elodie cut her short. 'Oh please, Selene. Spare me the fake apologies. You wouldn't have sent me all those texts if you didn't want me to know.' Dashiell shifted uncomfortably, his face a mask of annoyance. 'What texts?' Elodie stepped past him, taking in the luxurious suite with a sardonic smile. The king-sized bed, the scattered rose petals, the lingering scent of sex – it all painted a vivid picture of their betrayal. She looked up at Dashiell, her gaze unwavering. 'I want a divorce.' ****** Dashiell lived a life of luxury, surrounded by the best things money could buy. But when a car accident left him vulnerable, he met Elodie, a seemingly ordinary woman who nursed him back to health. Mistaking her for just another employee, Dashiell entered into a loveless marriage with her solely for convenience. However, fate had a different script in store. Elodie, the 'ordinary nurse,' held a secret more precious than any diamond: she was the sole heiress to Northstar, a vast and powerful enterprise. Unaware of her true identity, Dashiell cast her aside when his ex-girlfriend returned, leaving Elodie humiliated. But Elodie was not one to be easily broken. She shed the facade of the meek nurse, reclaiming her rightful inheritance and stepping into the role of Northstar's CEO. Now, the woman Dashiell discarded was the one holding the reins of power. As Elodie thrives in her new role, Dashiell is consumed by regret. He finally sees Elodie for the extraordinary woman she truly is, realising the depth of his mistake. But will his remorse be enough to win back the heart he so carelessly discarded?