To fulfil her desire to study in Manhattan, Elara Fulton is forced to accept her mother's condition to stay at Adaline Quirino's residence while Elara hates Adaline's youngest son Rayyan Quirino. Rayyan, Elara's step-uncle who is seven years older than Elara, is a playboy. He changed lovers as easily as he changed clothes. Elara hates and curses her uncle's behaviour and believes that she will get a husband with a good and loyal character, not a playboy like Rayyan. But the problem arises when Rayyan deliberately mentions that Elara is his fiancée. Initially, Rayyan used that status to stay away from the woman who was pursuing him. But who would have thought that Rayyan's words would make Rayyan and Elara's family decide that they should get married as soon as possible. How is their story? Don't forget to rate and comment positively.
"Mommy, I want to go to Manhattan." The eighteen-year-old girl whined to her mother.
Her mother looked back at her daughter and her husband in turn. The near-fifty-year-old man could only shrug his shoulders as if he felt no guilt. The wife squinted back.
"Papa said that if you lets me, I can continue my studies in Manhattan."
A sly smile developed on her mother's face. "You really want to go to Manhattan?" her mother asked slyly.
The girl with waist-length hair nodded her head enthusiastically.
"I will allow you to study there." Her mother said again, still with a smile on her face. Elara became more enthusiastic and looked at her mother expectantly. "But there are conditions." She said which made Elara's eyes round.
"Co-conditions?" stammered Elara. She knew this was not a good idea. Her mother was the most cunning person ever. A selfish person at the same time. But for the sake of her desire to study there, what could she do. "What are the conditions?" asked Elara fearfully.
"You can go to college in Manhattan, as long as you stay at Granny Ada's place."
Duaarrrrrrr! As if lightning had just struck her head, Elara could only look at her mother with her mouth agape.
"Mom..." she said softly. "Why do I have to stay at Granny Ada's place? Isn't our family Granny Claire. Why don't I just stay at Granny Claire's place?" Elara coaxed her mother.
Her mother shook her head. "I can't. You know that Granny Claire's family isn't doing well right now. Granny Claire has enough Gianna to take care of, she doesn't need another kid to wear her down. So if you want to go to college there. You have to be willing to live with Granny Ada. If you don't want to, then don't go there. Just look for colleges around here."
"But Mom... I promise I won't bother Granny Claire. I'll actually help Granny to look after Gianna, take care of Gianna too." She coaxed again. Her mother clucked back.
"You? Take care of Gianna? You can't look after your sister, how can you look after your cousin?" Her mother snorted again.
"Mommy, please..." Elara whined again. But her mother shook her head again.
"Yes, or nothing. That's the only choice you have." Abigail said, leaving her eldest daughter with her husband.
Elara watched her mother leave with an annoyed frown on her face. She looked back at her father who was pretending to look at the tablet in his hand.
"Papa... help me." Elara coaxed her father.
"Help you with what?" replied her father in a lazy tone. "I told you that you have to persuade your mother yourself. If I help you, your mother will be even less likely to let you go." His father replied with a regretful face.
Elara scowled at her father. Her face twisted in annoyance again. She folded her hands on her stomach with her back leaning against the same sofa her father was sitting on.
"Why go to Manhattan anyway? Isn't there a college in Kansas that you like?" his father asked again.
Elara turned to her father and nodded. Her father squinted back. "There isn't a campus you like, or a boy you like who isn't there?" her father asked suspiciously.
"Papa! Shhh... shut up." Elara instantly silenced her father's mouth. "If Mommy's hears about this, she won't let me go to Manhattan." The girl whispered in her father's ear. Her father just nodded in understanding. He lowered his daughter's hand and grasped it tightly.
"Elara, darling, listen to me." He said in an authoritative tone. "It's not that I don't want you to go to Manhattan. I won't forbid anything that has to do with education, and neither will your mother. Even if you want to study abroad, we won't stop you as long as... your goal is to study. Not chasing after love or men. " Her father said seriously.
"Your mother and I, we were once young people like you. We've liked, admired, and even fallen in love with someone. But..." her father paused again. "Making that person an excuse to go to the same school, that's not acceptable to us."
Elara looked at her father in silence. She did not know that her mother was listening to their conversation behind the wall where she had disappeared.
"It's about your future. You have to set your priorities first. Didn't you say you wanted to be successful?" her father asked, to which Elara nodded. "You said you want to be successful like Uncle Geremia, Aunty Flavia, Aunty Francisca?" Elara nodded to her father. "So you should know what makes them successful, right?" he continued.
Elara was silent, she already knew the answer, but let her father repeat the same discussion.
"It's because they are serious about their studies. They do what they love. They do everything wholeheartedly. They start everything because they love the field. Not because they are pursuing the opposite sex." Her father continued.
"I'm not forbidding you to like or love someone. But, doing an action because of someone else, it's the same as expecting that person to return what we've sacrificed for them.
"If in the end we don't get what we want from them. If in the end they don't think you exist and even ignore you, then you will be disappointed and think that everything you have done so far has been in vain.
"And at the end of the day, you'll stop your efforts halfway and I don't want you to do that.
"Your mother and I want you to go to college because you want to study that field. Not because he's there." Her father said at length.
Elara was still looking at her father. Her father had not guessed wrong. Elara really wanted to study in Manhattan because her crush was studying there. She got a scholarship to study at one of the prestigious universities in Manhattan. And actually, Elara also got the same offer, in fact she got offers from three different universities because of her intelligence. But until now she has not decided where to go because she herself does not have a definite goal.
And what her father said wasn't wrong either. She actually felt the same fear. If she went after him, if he liked her back, she might have a wonderful adolescence. But if not? Will she be ready to continue her studies with the heartbreak she will experience?
But the other reason besides the man was that Elara wanted to be free from her mother's monitor. Elara wanted to be free like her peers who left home and lived independently by renting a flat. She also wanted to be free from her mother's curfew.
But...?
Elara knew that her conservative-minded mother would not allow it. It wasn't that her mother didn't believe she could control her relationships. But her mother was too afraid of something happening to her.
Manhattan is not a small city that is safe from crime. Especially now that the news is full of bad things happening to teenagers. And her mother was indoctrinated by that. That's why her mother has always given strict rules.
Her mother never allowed her to play outside for too long without monitoring. According to her mother, if Elara and her friends wanted to play, it would be better if they came to Elara's place instead of playing outside. Abigail was happy to provide everything Elara and her friends wanted as long as they stayed at Elara's place, not the other way around.
And so far, Elara's friends didn't mind, and could even be said to be very enthusiastic. But it was Elara who felt caged. And now, she wanted to be free from her confinement. She wanted to be as free as any other eighteen-year-old.
Elara knew that living with Granny Ada wasn't a bad choice. Her grandmother was a kind, caring woman who was never controlling. Definitely different from Abigail. But there was one thing that made Elara reluctant to live with her. It was Granny Ada's youngest son. Rayyan Quirino.
Yes, Rayyan Quirino. The youngest son of the Altezza-Adaline couple, who is seven years older than Elara, has always considered himself the most handsome man in the universe and is a self-proclaimed playboy.
Elara didn't like him because he was always teasing her. Meeting him was like meeting a mortal enemy. There was never any peace.
Other people who saw their fight would probably find their behavior funny and laugh at it. But for her, her step-uncle's behavior only made her blood pressure rise with anger.
Then something occurred to Elara. "Uncle Rayyan, he's not in Manhattan, is he?" Elara looked at her father who was already engrossed in his tablet. Her father nodded his head. "Okay. Then," she said which made her father turn his head. "I'm going to stay with Granny Ada. And I'll think about which major I really want." She said with a smile framed on her beautiful face. "As long as that playboy isn't around, I'm safe." She murmured softly to which her father replied by raising one eyebrow in confusion.
"Believe me, destiny won't run away. Even if you drown in the Congo River and parts of your body are eaten by Goliath Tigerfish, if she's meant for you, she'll accept you just the way you are." ~ Gladwin Hampton ~ "If it's truly meant to be, it won't go anywhere. Even if we run to the ends of the earth to avoid it, God will always provide a way to bring His creatures together. But... we can choose to avoid it if there's a chance." ~ Bella ~
Altezza Quirino, a young Italian-American billionaire, desired to have offspring. However, his girlfriend of the past six years consistently rejected his marriage proposals, providing various reasons that eventually led Altezza to give up and decide to part ways. Adaline Scott, a young woman facing difficulties due to her mother's ailing health, sought a loan from the company to save her mother's life. However, the loan offered was too substantial, leading her superior to propose an alternative: borrowing directly from the Chief Operating Officer, Altezza Quirino. Altezza agreed to assist Adaline, but with the condition that she must marry him and provide him with unlimited offspring. "I will help you by saving your mother's life, and in return, you will give me another life, a child for me." - Altezza Quirino
Ignazio Quirino's first marriage had to end because his wife Gretta died not long after giving birth due to cancer. Gretta's death broke Ignazio's heart, so he chose to run away from his family, leaving behind a baby he never even named. Five years it was passed. Due to Ignazio's father's health condition, Antony Quirino, Ignazio finally returned. Still, he did not dare to show himself because he felt too ashamed of his selfish actions in the past. Meanwhile, Mrs. Claire Quirino asked Olivia Grint, the girl she had trusted to look after her grandson, to help Ignazio get close to Gianna, whose biological daughter is now five. But who would have thought that Ignazio and Olivia would be attracted to each other? Not to mention the presence of the late Gretta's sister, who suddenly claims she is more suitable as a mother for Hanna, a new problem for Ignazio and Olivia's love, which has just grown. Who will Ignazio choose? Olivia or his late wife's sister?
One Side Love Story Nathaniel Chayton is Haisley Smith's first love and teenage obsession. For Nathaniel's sake, Haisley studied hard to follow Nathaniel to the country where the man lived. Years passed, and Haisley managed to achieve her dream. When she was able to live under the same roof as Nathan, instead of successfully getting the man's love and attention, Haisley was disappointed because it turned out that Nathan was in a serious relationship with a beautiful woman named Loretta. Nathan's attitude seemed cold and evil towards Haisley, and Haisley's pessimism about being able to conquer Nathan made her give up. But when she said that, Nathan suddenly became impulsive as if he didn't want Haisley to leave him, but at the same time, the man also couldn't leave his girlfriend. How does the story end? Keep reading because you will get lots of surprises in it.
"Marriage was never on Ariana's mind. Living a lifetime with a man, residing in the dream home, having children who resembled her, and a partner - these were all beautiful daydreams that other girls might entertain, but not her. Ariana decided to live a single life and enjoy the rest of her days alone. However, what if she was compelled to step into her twin sister's shoes, who disappeared right before the wedding, and marry a man she didn't know? While some might consider her lucky to marry the CEO of an international venture company, Ariana didn't feel that way. So, will the marriage proceed as planned by the people pressuring her? Or will it turn out differently?"
In her previous life, Kimberly endured the betrayal of her husband, the cruel machinations of an evil woman, and the endless tyranny of her in-laws. It culminated in the bankruptcy of her family, and ultimately, her death. After being reborn, she resolved to seek retribution against those who had wronged her, and ensure her family's prosperity. To her shock, the most unattainable man from her past suddenly set his sights on her. "You may have overlooked me before, but I shall capture your heart this time around."
When Zora was sick during the early days of her pregnancy, Ezrah was with his first love, Piper. When Zora got into an accident and called Ezrah, he said he was busy, when in actual fact, he was buying shoes for Piper. Zora lost her baby because of the accident, and throughout her stay at the hospital, Ezrah never showed up. She already knew that he didn't love her, but that was the last straw for the camel's back, and her fragile heart could not take it anymore. When Ezrah arrived home a few days after Zora was discharged from the hospital, he no longer met the woman who always greeted him with a smile and cared for him. Zora stood at the top of the stairs and yelled with a cold expression, "Good news, Ezrah! Our baby died in a car accident. There is nothing between us anymore, so let's get a divorce." The man who claimed not to have any feelings for Zora, being cold and distant towards her, and having asked her for a divorce twice, instantly panicked.
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.
Rena got into an entanglement with a big shot when she was drunk one night. She needed Waylen's help while he was drawn to her youthful beauty. As such, what was supposed to be a one-night stand progressed into something serious. All was well until Rena discovered that Waylen's heart belonged to another woman. When his first love returned, he stopped coming home, leaving Rena all alone for many nights. She put up with it until she received a check and farewell note one day. Contrary to how Waylen expected her to react, Rena had a smile on her face as she bid him farewell. "It was fun while it lasted, Waylen. May our paths never cross. Have a nice life." But as fate would have it, their paths crossed again. This time, Rena had another man by her side. Waylen's eyes burned with jealousy. He spat, "How the hell did you move on? I thought you loved only me!" "Keyword, loved!" Rena flipped her hair back and retorted, "There are plenty of fish in the sea, Waylen. Besides, you were the one who asked for a breakup. Now, if you want to date me, you have to wait in line." The next day, Rena received a credit alert of billions and a diamond ring. Waylen appeared again, got down on one knee, and uttered, "May I cut in line, Rena? I still want you."
Belinda thought after divorce, they would part ways for good - he could live his life on his own terms, while she could indulge in the rest of hers. However, fate had other plans in store. "My darling, I was wrong. Would you please come back to me?" The man, whom she once loved deeply, lowered his once proud head humbly. "I beg you to return to me." Belinda coldly pushed away the bouquet of flowers he had offered her and coolly replied, "It's too late. The bridge has been burned, and the ashes have long since scattered to the wind!"
After hiding her true identity throughout her three-year marriage to Colton, Allison had committed wholeheartedly, only to find herself neglected and pushed toward divorce. Disheartened, she set out to rediscover her true self-a talented perfumer, the mastermind of a famous intelligence agency, and the heir to a secret hacker network. Realizing his mistakes, Colton expressed his regret. "I know I messed up. Please, give me another chance." Yet, Kellan, a once-disabled tycoon, stood up from his wheelchair, took Allison's hand, and scoffed dismissively, "You think she'll take you back? Dream on."