Stella Hayes gave her heart to the wrong man and paid the price. Betrayed, humiliated, and left to rebuild her life in silence, she vowed never to trust again.] Six years later, she returns as a force to be reckoned with-a woman on a mission, guarding a secret that could change everything. But crossing paths with Jack Ashford, the billionaire playboy who broke her, reignites a storm she thought she'd left behind. As old flames and hidden agendas collide, Stella finds herself caught in a dangerous game of power, revenge, and redemption. In a world where loyalty is a gamble and love is the ultimate risk, will she outplay the past-or will it destroy her once and for all?
The chandeliers illuminated the ballroom with a golden hue, their light twirling over the polished marble floors. I anxiously pulled at the edge of my silk lavender dress, sensing I was out of place in this luxury oceany closest friend Beatrice had urged me to attend the Ashford Grand Hotel gala. "It will be an unforgettable night," she promised. However, while I enjoyed my champagne and observed the Los Angeles elite mingling, I couldn't shake the feeling of not fitting in.
Beatrice, on the other hand, seemed to thrive in this environment. She looked stunning as always, her emerald-green dress perfectly matching her sharp eyes as she scanned the room with purpose.
"Relax, Stella," she said, her smile warm but with a flicker of impatience. "You look amazing. Trust me, no one can resist you tonight. Especially him."
"Him?" I echoed, frowning slightly.
Before she could answer, a deep, velvety voice interrupted. "Good evening, ladies."
I turned, and my breath caught in my throat. Standing before us was Jack Ashford. Yes, *that* Jack Ashford. The billionaire playboy whose name was synonymous with charm and scandal. He looked even more striking in person. His tailored navy suit fit him perfectly, his dark brown hair was effortlessly styled, and his piercing black eyes seemed to see right through me.
"Stella Hayes," he said, extending a hand. "I've been looking forward to meeting you."
My heart raced as I took his hand, his touch warm and confident. "You... know who I am?"
"Beatrice has told me all about you," he replied with a smile that was equal parts charming and disarming. "But I must say, her description didn't do you justice."
Beside me, Beatrice laughed, although her hold on the champagne glass was tense. "I mentioned she's special," she said, her tone playful.
I experienced a mix of flattery and discomfort beneath Jack's stare. His reputation was well known. This man gathered hearts as if they were trophies, yet he was wholly focused on me at this moment.
"Would you care for a dance?" Jack asked, offering his hand again.
I hesitated, glancing at Beatrice. She gave me an encouraging nod, so against my better judgment, I placed my hand in Jack's. He led me to the dance floor as if he'd done it a thousand times before.
The song was changed to a slow waltz, Jack held my waist and my cheeks turned red. He moved with ease, guiding me effortlessly.
"You're different," he said softly, his eyes locked onto mine.
" How do you mean?" I asked, my voice was shaking because I could not help but wonder why Jack was interested in me.
" You are not like others here," he replied. " You are real and I love that about you".
I wasn't sure if I should be happy about this or cautious. Was this one of his games of trying to get me? I wanted to believe him but the stories about him kept appearing in my mind.
The dance ended too quickly, and Jack leaned in closer and said calmly, "I'd like to see you again Stella. Just the two of us.
My heart raced, but I forced a fake smile. "I don't think I'm your type," I said quietly.
"That is exactly why I want to see you again. You are different" Jacked said. I could hear my heart jumping for joy, but I didn't show it.
The rest of the night passed in a blur, Jack sat by my side and his charm wrapped around me like a blanket, well that was how I felt. I wasn't bothered about what anyone would say.
Jack escorted me to my car after the party and I felt like not letting his hand go as he said good night. I drove home with excitement, was I falling for Jack?
Back in the ballroom, Beatrice sipped her drink, her emerald eyes narrowing as she watched me leave. She'd planned this evening to the smallest detail, ensuring I'd meet Jack. But how he looked at me-with something resembling genuine interest-wasn't part of her plan.
The following week, I couldn't get Jack out of my head. So, when he called and invited me to dinner, I hesitated but eventually said yes.
Jack was already seated waiting for me at a private table, his smile was as captivating as I could remember. I smiled back, scanning the restaurant he chose. It was nothing short of luxury, away from the regular haunts.
"Tell me about yourself Stella", Jacked asked.
" Well, I am just a simple girl from a simple home". " I don't know my mom and my dad died when I was little"
"Oh! I am sorry about that Stella", he said.
"Tell me everything Stella, I am so interested to know everything about you. I told you you were different".
My heart fluttered, his attention was intoxicating, and I couldn't help but feel drawn to him.
When we were done with dinner, Jack walked me to my car and surprised me by gently cupping my face and pressing a soft, lingering kiss to my lips.
My mind froze, and when we pulled apart, his dark eyes searched mine, as if waiting for permission to continue.
"I'll call you," he said, his voice low and smooth.
I didn't realize he was no longer kissing me because I closed my eyes and wanted more. When I opened my eyes, he smiled and said good night.
As I drove home, my fingers pressed to my lips, and I remembered the kiss. Was this real? Was Jack in love with me? I kept smiling till I got home.
But what I didn't know was that Jack returned to his penthouse that night to a gathering of his friends. Beatrice was among them, her expression unreadable as she sipped her wine.
"So, how's the bet going?" one of them asked, smirking.
Jack hesitated, his jaw tightening. "It's... complicated."
Beatrice raised an eyebrow. "Complicated? Don't tell me you're falling for her."
Jack didn't reply, his thoughts a tangled mess. He hadn't expected me to be so genuine, so captivating. But the weight of the bet hung over him, a cruel reminder of the game he'd willingly entered.
As the room buzzed with laughter and chatter, his phone buzzed with a message. It was from Beatrice: *Don't forget your end of the deal.*
Jack clenched his jaw, conflicted.
When Elena Gustaw, the strong-willed daughter of a mafia boss, is forced into an arranged marriage with the ruthless Luca Moretti to forge an alliance, she finds herself in a mix of secrets and danger. As they navigate their tumultuous relationship and uncover hidden threats, they must decide if they can trust each other enough to survive and possibly find love amid the chaos.
Darya spent three years loving Micah, worshipping the ground he walked on. Until his neglect and his family's abuse finally woke her up to the ugly truth-he doesn't love her. Never did, never will. To her, he is a hero, her knight in shining armour. To him, she is an opportunist, a gold digger who schemed her way into his life. Darya accepts the harsh reality, gathers the shattered pieces of her dignity, divorces him, takes back her real name, reclaims her title as the country's youngest billionaire heiress. Their paths cross again at a party. Micah watches his ex-wife sing like an angel, tear up the dance floor, then thwart a lecher with a roundhouse kick. He realises, belatedly, that she's exactly the kind of woman he'd want to marry, if only he had taken the trouble to get to know her. Micah acts promptly to win her back, but discovers she's now surrounded by eligible bachelors: high-powered CEO, genius biochemist, award-winning singer, reformed playboy. Worse, she makes it pretty clear that she's done with him. Micah gears up for an uphill battle. He must prove to her he's still worthy of her love before she falls for someone else. And time is running out.
Elisa watched as the most important people in her life showered the evil imposter-The fake heiress, with love. Elisa, the lost daughter of one of the most wealthiest family was found 18 years later and was brought back to her rightful home. However, someone had already taken her place. A fake heiress, the pampered little princess. Her coy acting and innocent façade made Elisa's real mother love her more than Elisa, her real daughter. That made Elisa, though, the true daughter end up as an adopted child. "Elisa, could you try not to appear in front of her too much as it could trigger her insecurities." Her parents had told her because of the fake heiress. "Elisa, You've taken everything away from her. Why can't you give her a little more?" Her fiancé had ordered her. Because of an unfortunate accident plotted by Isabelle-The fake heiress, Elisa was sent to prison and her family cut ties with her without a second thought. Four years, after much torture which led to her being crippled and blind on one eye, she was released, but got hit by a truck. While laying on the pool of her blood, she wanted to question, Why? Why had they all treated her so cruelly, while they love Isabelle unconditionally? She badly wanted to rip off Isabelle's mask of innocence, to reveal the fake, manipulative woman beneath. She was full of hatred. But after her death, she woke up back to when she was 18 years like all that happened were all nightmare. She was elated. She was reborn to re-live all that had happened in her last life, but now, her mission was to reveal mask beneath that woman and make everyone that made her suffer in her past life pay. It was her time for revenge! And definitely, she won't mess this up!
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.
“You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don’t we get married?” Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful tycoon. Jayden thought Elyse only married him for his money, and planned to divorce her when she was no longer of use to him. But after becoming her husband, he was faced with a new dilemma. “She keeps asking for a divorce, but I don’t want that! What should I do?”
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!
"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.