/0/71965/coverbig.jpg?v=c7d1fe65a21f6d52c897f55057197751)
Gage's lips crashed down on Nicole's, their tongues tangling in a passionate kiss. As they kissed, Nicole pulled back slightly, her eyes locked onto Gage's. "We neither want to be in a relationship nor can suppress our needs," she whispered, her lips brushing against Gage's. Gage's eyes burned with intensity, his lips curling into a smile. "So what do you propose?" he asked, his voice low and husky. Nicole's smile grew wider, and she leaned in closer, her lips touching Gage's. "Friends with benefits, just sex without any relationship boundaries." Gage's eyes widened in surprise, but he didn't pull back. Instead, he deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring Nicole's mouth. "Seriously?" he whispered, his lips brushing against Nicole's. Nicole nodded, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Yes, seriously." As they kissed, Gage's hands roamed over Nicole's body, his fingers tracing the contours of her curves. Nicole's hands were just as busy, her fingers exploring Gage's chest and abs. "I like your lips," Gage whispered, his lips brushing against Nicole's. Nicole smiled, her eyes locked onto Gage's. "I like your eyes." Gage's gaze roamed over Nicole's body, his eyes lingering on her breasts. "Your breasts," he whispered, his voice low and sensual. Nicole's smile grew wider, and she leaned in closer, her lips touching Gage's. "Your wide chest, and abs too." As they kissed, Nicole pulled back slightly, her eyes locked onto Gage's. "There are some rules, though," she whispered. As they kissed, Nicole pulled back slightly, her eyes locked onto Gage's. "What if we fall in love?" she whispered. Gage's smile faltered, and he looked at Nicole, his eyes searching. Nicole's expression turned serious, her eyes locked onto Gage's. "It can't happen," she whispered. "If it happens, then one will not force the other." "I'm in," he whispered.
Nicole slumped on the couch, the mobile still grasped in her hand, staring out at the surrounding serenity. Ashley's concern and resentment, coming in waves across the lines, lingered in her mind.
"Ashley, I'm fine." Nicole was still struggling to calm her sister down, but there was no point in trying to reason with her.
"Are you insane, Nicole?" The exasperation by now threaded into her voice as it began to rise. "You are 25, and you've had three breakups. What the hell is happening with you?"
Nicole sighed and had to hold her wet temple. She might have understood Ashley's reasoning, but she was too tired to defend herself anymore.
"I mean, could you be this insensitive now, or did you just call at midnight to witness my breakup story?" Nicole raised an unquestionable note of defiance in her voice.
A pause. "The problem is, I hardly have time in the day-the time-consuming job and everything-and Mom is dying to know what goes on here. You know how she is."
Nicole rolled her eyes. Even without knowing it, their mother had always been very inquisitive; matters had grown worse since the divorce.
"Everything's fine as long as I date anyone." She felt a sort of relief articulating all those pent-up feelings. "But once I'm in a relationship, it all changes. I'm not up for someone controlling how I live and when I live."
Ashley's reply was prompt. "Baby, this is a relationship." This was new, and Nicole had never heard anyone say this before. "That's how you manage, with others. You need to think about the idea."
Nicole raised her eyebrows. "Your face sounded so deeply involved with my ex!"
Ashley's tone softened somewhat. "I do not side with anybody, Nicole. I correct you with the truth about relationships. It doesn't mean you should forsake love with just one or two heartbreaks."
Nicole chuckled bitterly. "Ashley, I am not giving up on love... I am just..."
There was a moment of silence, and then Ashley began again. 'It's not possible, Nicole. Don't you know what Mom wants? To have one of us married off. She will drag you round and round unless you let all her desires come true.'
The outpouring frustration from Nicole: 'Why can't both of you let me live in peace? Just go tell Mom that I am not going out on any more dates or entering into any relationships from now on. I am done with it.'
The impishness in Ashley's tone was plain now. 'I am coming next week; get ready.'
"What for?" Nicole narrowed her eyes at her, skeptical of the surprise.
Ashley broke into peals of laughter. 'To for your birthday, idiot!'
Nicole's face beamed up "Oh, my God, how could I have forgotten that?"
Ashley murmured in a bubbly voice, "Ok, now I will hang up else mom would think I'm talking with my boyfriend.
Nicole burst out laughing at the ridiculousness of it all.
"Bye, sis," said Ashley, and then Nicole was still laughing as she hung up the call.
****
I had slouched on my couch, as before, and the air was filled with the peculiar stench of my apartment. But in my mind-oh my!-what mixed feelings. Most of them feelings of fear and confusion. I have, indeed, become single again, even more sure of being single. It was impossible, even after four hours, that I had gotten the weight of expectations from my mother sledge hammering down on me.
My thoughts, by the gaze out at the window, wrapping themselves around themselves back to my childhood. My father was a junkie and, by all reckoning, a jerk, something clear and bloody from the divorce settlement. He had put Mother and us through his controlling and infidelity, which I could think of only as gross.
In thinking it over with the time, I came to understand what I had been told behind it. And that was what had been done to set Mother free. What father did had been totally out of line. Little anger still remained within me, considering all the trouble he had put us in. But, how could I not think of the deepest sorrow for the family that we were, the lost love?
Mother had resolved to steer her children away from any future harm by vowing to raise us without any man in the house. And so she had succeeded for the most part. The strength that was nourished in Ashley and me over the years was such that it derived from our privately looking after one another.
But I thought I managed pretty well going through one's mid-twenties, only to discover that my mother's expectations threatened to smother me. She wanted me to settle down, get married, have babies, and everything else pretty much any young woman would have dreamt about. But I felt she had her own desires written all over me and that she had missed the point about marriages not being perfect.
Recalling the past three relationships in my life, all of them ending in a mess, I soon discovered that it was not just incompatibility or inconsistency in behavior that led to their downfall. In closing every potential matrimonial relationship, it became clear that it was me who always felt encircled and suffocated by things, heavy things called "expectations."
As a consequence of Ashley's provoking me to blow hot air with what was happening between her and my mother-either a boyfriend she was trying to ensure attracted enough attention away from me-I realized that my interest would move from that point to how to get out of the blind dates scene and the apparent relationship entanglement in my life.
With the noise exchanged among voices, I took a breath: I thought determination might carry me much further, or perhaps even deeper into such an impassable, lasting darkness. Unbeknownst to me, my life would take its most memorable turn to come, challenging all my perceptions-a radical alteration of opinion on love, relationships, and myself.
The volume of her thoughts had at last subsided, and both buttocks were deep-seated into the couch; her whole body responded to the exhaustion that had been creeping up on her. She closed her eyes and allowed the soft cushions to engulf her, leaning her head down into the pillow. She is happy to be left alone now, with only her thoughts and the comforting peace of "home."
****
This story is about Rafael King who is a Mafia King and a simple girl Eva Rogers, He is a heartless and cruel man and she is a simple, innocent and caring girl for whom her responsibilities are everything. How after an accidental meeting and spending an evening together in Paris, the Mafia King becomes obsessed with the innocent girl, and wants to keep her with him forever, at any cost. Will she also fall for him that much hard the way he adore her. But what will happen when Rafael's family wants to take Eva's life, will he be able to save Eva and keep his promise? When Eva discovers the truth about Rafael King had a 5-year-old daughter and an obsessed wife
Lucas's eyes blazed with fury, his gaze fixed on Victor. "No Smith will ever bow to a Blackwood." "Should I consider this the beginning of a war?" Victor asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Ethan Smith's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in frustration. "What are you talking about, Blackwood?" Julian Smith stepped forward, his voice calm and measured. "Wait, our fathers had decided that to maintain peace between our families, our only sister, Ivy, should be married to Victor. We must think about our business and reputation, so this agreement will continue." Lucas Smith's face twisted in disgust. "Brother, you can't be serious. You want Ivy to marry this...this..." Victor's smile grew wider. "Watch your mouth, Smith. I'm not exactly thrilled about marrying your precious Ivy Elizabeth either. It was my father's decision, not mine." Lucas sneered. "Since when do you follow your father's decisions, Blackwood?" Victor's smirk returned, his eyes glinting with triumph. "I look forward to our union, Ivy Elizabeth." Victor Blackwood's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he turned to Ethan Smith. "Now that we've settled the agreement, let's finalize the engagement date. Time is of the essence, and I have little patience for prolonged celebrations. Next week would be ideal. My bride, Ivy Elizabeth, will be arriving shortly. See that she's prepared, Ethan." With that, Victor strode away, leaving Ethan seething with resentment. Ethan's fists clenched, his anger simmering just below the surface. "That scoundrel has been watching Ivy for years, and we were oblivious to it." Victor's voice drifted back, his tone dripping with possessiveness. "I have every right to keep an eye on what's mine." Ivy Smith is forced to marry Victor Blackwood, a ruthless and cunning man, due to a business agreement between their families. Despite her initial resistance, Ivy tries to make the best of the situation, but Victor's true nature soon reveals itself. He's cruel, manipulative, and has a hidden agenda. Ivy's brothers, Ethan, Lucas, and Julian, are fiercely protective of her, but they're also bound by the agreement. As Ivy navigates her new reality, she must find a way to survive Victor's abuse and manipulation while plotting her escape and revenge. The story is a dark, twisted tale of love, family, and power, with Ivy at its center, fighting for her freedom and her life.
Unwillingly, once again, because of that man, tears fell from my eyes. "I have cried a lot because of that man; now I am going to go to him only with the divorce papers." Roslyn, a young woman who has been trapped in a loveless and emotionally abusive marriage with Alexander, reaches her breaking point when his cruel words and actions finally push her to take a stand. With tears streaming down her face, she declares that she's had enough and decides to confront him-but this time, she's not going to beg for his love or attention. Instead, she's going to serve him with divorce papers, marking the end of their toxic relationship. As she prepares for the confrontation, Roslyn gathers her thoughts and emotions, steeling herself for Alexander's potential reactions. She knows that he may try to manipulate or control her, but she's determined to stand firm and take back control of her life. When the moment of truth arrives, Roslyn meets Alexander with a sense of calm and determination. She serves him with the divorce papers, and his reaction is a mix of shock, anger, and regret. But Roslyn stands firm, refusing to be swayed by his emotions. In the aftermath of the confrontation, Roslyn deals with the emotional fallout, processing her feelings and coming to terms with the end of her marriage. She begins to focus on self-care and self-discovery, learning to let go of the past and embrace her newfound freedom. As she journeys towards healing and empowerment, Roslyn discovers a sense of strength and confidence she never knew she had. She realizes that she deserves better than a loveless marriage and starts to build a new life, free from the toxic influence of her ex-husband. With a renewed sense of purpose, Roslyn closes the chapter on her past and looks towards a brighter, more hopeful future.
"Professor, slow down," Adeline moaned, but Sebastian's thrusts intensified. "Don't call me Professor," he whispered his breath hot against her ear. "Call me Daddy, Adeline." Adeline Emerson, a beautiful and intelligent college student, falls deeply in love with her History professor, Sebastian Wellesley. Their secret affair is complicated by their social differences and Sebastian's position as her professor. When Adeline becomes pregnant, her influential family demands she abort the child to protect their reputation. Torn between loyalty and love, Adeline agrees to abort, shattering Sebastian's dreams of marriage and family. However, he convinces her to carry the pregnancy to term, and with her brother Benjamin's help, she gives birth to a baby boy. Adeline gives the child to Sebastian, who raises him as a single father. Six years later, Adeline's force her to marry his friend's son , and she joins the family business, Emerson Industries. Avery Wellesley, Sebastian's sister, becomes Benjamin's assistant, reconnecting Adeline to Sebastian's life. When Adeline meets her son Adam for the first time, her emotions overwhelm her, and she wants him back. Sebastian, however, has moved on, dedicating his life to their child. He refuses to give Adeline custody, citing her initial willingness to abort their child. Adeline must confront her past mistakes and fight for her son's love and acceptance. Will she be able to redeem herself and reclaim her chance at happiness?
Peter's eyes pleaded. "I'm sorry for what I did, but-" Dominic cut him off. "If I had not married your daughter, you would have fallen here in pieces by now." Peter's voice barely audible. "I'm sorry..." Just then, the office door swung open. Valerie's soft voice interrupted the tense scene. "Dinner is ready." Every head turned towards the door. Valerie's eyes widened as she took in the room's atmosphere. "Dad?" Dominic's expression remained stern, but a flicker of warning flashed in his eyes. He nodded subtly at Kael. Kael strode towards Valerie, his movements fluid. "Vel, let's go." Valerie's voice trembled as she asked Kael, "What's going on? Why is Dad kneeling there?" Kael's expression softened, but his eyes remained guarded. He offered a gentle smile. "You don't need to worry about him, Valerie." Valerie's concern deepened. "But what's happening?" Kael's tone turned cold. "Anyway, that man doesn't deserve anyone's concern." Valerie's eyes widened. "That man is my father." Kael's jaw clenched. "That man was neither a good father nor an honest man. He's getting what he deserves." Suddenly, the sound of a bullet firing cracked through the air. Valerie's eyes went wide, and she took a step forward, but Kael grasped her hand, holding her back. "Don't go there, Valerie," Kael warned, his voice low and urgent. "The boss is very pissed off right now. It's not safe." Tears welled up in Valerie's eyes, spilling down her cheeks. "He was my father," she whispered. Valerie, wife of mafia king Dominic, faces danger when Viktor, seeking revenge, targets her and their unborn child. Despite Arthur's protection, Valerie is kidnapped and brutally attacked by Viktor, resulting in the loss of her child. The tragedy unleashes Dominic's darker side, transforming him into a heartless and cruel leader, driven by vengeance. Valerie, pregnant with Dominic's child, is ambushed by Viktor, who seeks revenge against Dominic. Arthur, Dominic's loyal associate, tries to protect her, but Viktor outsmarts them. Valerie is brutally attacked, losing her child. Dominic, devastated by the loss, becomes consumed by rage and a thirst for vengeance. His transformation from a powerful yet caring leader to a ruthless and heartless mafia king sends shockwaves through the organization. As Dominic's obsession with revenge grows, his relationships with Arthur and others begin to fray. Valerie, traumatized by her ordeal, struggles to come to terms with her loss and Dominic's transformation. Valerie's relationship with Arthur, also known as Alastair, is a intricate web of emotions, trust, and shared secrets. Their connection predates her marriage to Dominic, and its depth is unknown to everyone, including Dominic. The story explores the darker side of power, love, and loyalty, raising questions about the morality of revenge and the true cost of protection.
Her fiance and her best friend worked together and set her up. She lost everything and died in the street. However, she was reborn. The moment she opened her eyes, her husband was trying to strangle her. Luckily, she survived that. She signed the divorce agreement without hesitation and was ready for her miserable life. To her surprise, her mother in this life left her a great deal of money. She turned the tables and avenged herself. Everything went well in her career and love when her ex-husband came to her.
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!"
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."
In order to fulfill her grandfather's last wish, Stella entered into a hasty marriage with an ordinary man she had never met before. However, even after becoming husband and wife on paper, they each led separate lives, barely crossing paths. A year later, Stella returned to Seamarsh City, hoping to finally meet her mysterious husband. To her astonishment, he sent her a text message, unexpectedly pleading for a divorce without ever having met her in person. Gritting her teeth, Stella replied, "So be it. Let’s get a divorce!" Following that, Stella made a bold move and joined the Prosperity Group, where she became a public relations officer that worked directly for the company’s CEO, Matthew. The handsome and enigmatic CEO was already bound in matrimony, and was known to be unwaveringly devoted to his wife in private. Unbeknownst to Stella, her mysterious husband was actually her boss, in his alternate identity! Determined to focus on her career, Stella deliberately kept her distance from the CEO, although she couldn't help but notice his deliberate attempts to get close to her. As time went on, her elusive husband had a change of heart. He suddenly refused to proceed with the divorce. When would his alternate identity be uncovered? Amidst a tumultuous blend of deception and profound love, what destiny awaited them?
For three years, Shane and Yvonne were wed, sharing heated nights, while his devotion clung to his ex. Yvonne strove to be a dutiful wife, yet their marriage felt hollow, built on desire rather than real warmth. All changed when she became pregnant, only for Shane to thrust her onto the operating table, warning, “Either you or the baby survives!” Broken by his cruelty, she vanished in grief and later returned, radiantly accomplished, leaving everyone awestruck. Haunted by remorse, Shane begged for another chance, but Yvonne only smiled and replied, “I’m sorry, men no longer interest me.”
Mia's life is spiraling out of control. Abandoned by her mother, bullied mercilessly at school, and thrown into a household of four dangerously attractive stepbrothers, she's desperate to find her footing. "You look absolutely edible," Sean growled, his eyes devouring her. Mia felt a rush of heat between her thighs "Oh, you think so?" she purred, turning to face him. She reached out and traced her fingers along the ribbon that wrapped around his waist. "Well, I've been waiting for this all day. And I'm starving." Sean's smile grew into a predatory grin. "Then let us feast," he said, and in a flash, the ribbon fell away, exposing his rock-hard length. He stepped closer, and Mia felt the warmth of his breath on her face as he whispered, "You're going to take every inch of us tonight, aren't you?" With Rolex's teasing smirk and Sean's quiet, hot stares, Mia doesn't know where to turn-or who to trust. Every glance, every touch leaves her breathless, confused, and craving more than she should. Will Mia survive their games, or will she lose herself in a dangerous world of secrets, seduction, and forbidden desire? One house. Four brothers. Endless temptation.