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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?
A bolt of lightning illuminated the twisted metal and shattered glass.
Elodie screamed, the sound swallowed by the deafening screech of tires and the shattering of her world.
Blackness.
Another flash.
Cold rain stung her face, the metallic tang of blood filling her nostrils.
She struggled to open her eyes, catching a horrifying glimpse of her parents, their bodies still, faces contorted in pain.
A whimper escaped her lips, a fragile sound lost in the chaos.
Another flash.
Rough hands pulling her, dragging her from the wreckage.
The world spun, a kaleidoscope of pain and fear.
Then, silence.
The sterile smell of disinfectant replaced the metallic tang.
Muffled voices, a woman's worried tone, the word 'concussion' echoing in the vast emptiness.
Then, a deep, booming voice, her uncle's, promising to take care of the family, a promise that felt as cold and hollow as the hospital room. 'You focus on Elodie, we'll handle the funerals and keep an eye on the company. Raymond and Madeline are gone now, Gabriel, you must look after your sister.'
Elodie's heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic drumbeat of fear and confusion.
She wanted to scream, to deny his words, but her body remained paralysed, trapped in the limbo between sleep and wakefulness.
***
Elodie's eyes snapped open, the dark room coming into sharp focus.
The memory of the nightmare flooded back, vivid and terrifying, yet with a new clarity she hadn't possessed before.
Uncle Cyrus' words, the way he'd said them, the strange glint in his eyes – it all felt wrong.
A seed of doubt had been planted, a suspicion that refused to be silenced.
Elodie threw back the covers and grabbed her phone before it vibrated off the nightstand.
She had been jolted awake by the sharp buzz of an unknown number.
It was just past 4 am, the digital clock on her nightstand mocking her futile attempt at sleep.
With a sigh, she clicked on the text, already bracing herself for the familiar sight.
As expected, the message contained a single image: Dashiell, fresh out of the shower, a towel precariously clinging to his sculpted physique. Water droplets glistened on his bronzed skin, tracing lazy paths down the defined lines of his back. A masterpiece of masculine allure, his silhouette exuded both strength and vulnerability.
There was no text accompanying the image, but the message was clear. Dashiell, hers in name only, was flaunting his infidelity, a cruel game that had stretched for weeks.
Elodie deleted the photo, the anger churning in her gut like a hungry beast.
It was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore, this ever-present reminder of her husband's betrayal and the crumbling foundation of their marriage.
The nightmares, once a nightly occurrence, had become less frequent, haunting her sleep only a couple of times a week. But the memory of that fateful car crash, the icy grip of fear, the crushing loss of her parents – these lingered, etched into the very fabric of her being.
With renewed determination, Elodie jumped out of bed.
Sleep was a luxury she couldn't afford, not with the confrontation looming ahead.
The five cars parked in the garage, each a symbol of their opulent life, were of no use to her.
Elodie didn't have the keys to any, a testament to her husband's careful control.
Undeterred, she pulled on her clothes, the silence of the massive house amplifying the turmoil within her.
It was a long walk to the edge of the gated community, the chilly morning air stinging her face.
A solitary taxi, a beacon of hope in the predawn darkness, finally appeared.
The ride to The Sapphire Suites was a blur of conflicting emotions.
Anger, hurt, and a steely resolve battled within her. Elodie knew what she had to do.
The anonymous sender, a silent accomplice in her misery, had provided the final piece of the puzzle.
They'd tipped her off about Dashiell's whereabouts – the luxurious presidential suite, a haven for his illicit trysts.
Entering the opulent lobby, Elodie bypassed the bewildered receptionist, her eyes fixed on the bank of elevators.
The private kitchen featured in one of the texts confirmed her suspicions. They were in the penthouse.
With trembling fingers, she pressed the button, the gilded cage carrying her closer to the inevitable confrontation. The doors opened, revealing a plush hallway leading to a large, double oak door.
It was time.
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.'
The words hung heavy in the air, shattering the fragile illusion of their marriage.
Elodie felt a surge of relief, a sense of closure washing over her like a cleansing wave.
The game was over.
It was time to reclaim her life.
'What do you want from me?' she finally managed to ask, her voice trembling. Logan's lips curled into a dark smirk. 'Since you were the one who took those photos that damaged my reputation,' he said, his voice dripping with disdain, 'it's only fair that you face the consequences.' Alessia's heart beat wildly as she tried to comprehend the meaning behind Logan's words. Before she could gather her thoughts and ask what kind of punishment he had in mind, Logan's hand clamped down on her jaw, holding her firmly in place. Her eyes widened in shock, her breath caught in her throat. In an instant, Logan lowered his head, capturing her lips with his own in a possessive and demanding kiss. *************** After a fateful night, Alessia awakens to the realisation that she has given her virginity to a stranger. With only a note and a bundle of money as clues, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and motherhood. Years later, Alessia finds herself navigating the cutthroat world of paparazzi reporting while raising her genius son, Milo. Her quest for a scandalous scoop leads her to the enigmatic billionaire CEO, Logan Wilde, whose face bears an uncanny resemblance to her son. As she dives deeper into Logan's world, she can't deny the magnetic attraction between them. Logan, suffering from a haunting secret, feels the same way. Determined to know her, he makes an unexpected proposition. As they explore the complexities of their newfound connection, they discover shocking revelations that bind them together in unimaginable ways. Amidst misunderstandings and prideful clashes, their love is put to the ultimate test. Alessia and Logan each hold a secret that could shatter their fragile bond. Will they find the courage to reveal the truth and embrace the love that fate has brought into their lives? Or will Logan's unexpected encounter with a woman long presumed dead threaten to tear them apart once and for all?
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.
'Callie,' he began, his voice husky, 'crying over your ex-boyfriend won't solve anything.' Confusion etched across her face, Callie furrowed her brows. 'Then what will?' she demanded, her voice tinged with frustration. Elias leaned closer, his warm breath caressing her cheek. 'You need to show him what he's lost. Find a man who's more handsome, more powerful, and richer than him. Then, make a grand entrance into his life with your new partner.' Callie scoffed, her eyes rolling in disbelief. 'Where am I supposed to find someone like that?' Elias's fingers gently lifted her chin, locking their gazes together. 'I can be that man,' he said. 'If you agree to be with me, I'll protect you from any harm, including your ex-boyfriend.' ********************************************** Elias Westwood, billionaire heir turned professional solider, a commanding presence on the battlefield, conceals a tender heart that beats for only one woman--Callie Hawthorne, a fearless surgical resident, possesses an innocent charm and wields her skills like a warrior in the operating theatre. Their first encounter thrusts them into a dangerous game of deception. Elias uses Callie as a pawn, their lips locked in a passionate kiss, fooling his pursuers. In that moment, Callie feels the allure of the enigmatic soldier, and a strange connection sparks between them. An impulsive decision seals their fate-a hasty marriage to escape an arranged union and prove Callie's readiness to move on from a past love. Little did they know, this act would propel them onto an unforeseen path. Amidst the chaos of war, Elias risks his life for his countrymen, while Callie tends to the wounded and shelters refugees. In the midst of battle, a tender love blossoms. Elias's strength and haunting scars captivate Callie, who shares the pain of being an orphan. She admires his unwavering bravery, finding solace in their shared experiences. Yet, their bond faces relentless challenges. Women vie for Elias's attention, while men yearn for Callie's affection. Sinister forces within the army conspire against Elias, and false accusations threaten to tear Callie away from the man she loves. And Elia's search for the truth about his parents' deaths leads him to confront one of the country's most powerful families. Passion collides with suspense, and love battles against those who seek to tear them apart. Will Elias and Callie emerge unscathed from the shadows, or will their sacrifices shatter their dreams forever? Discover their fight for a future filled with hope, trust, and the promise of a happy ending.
The kiss grew more passionate as he felt her warm supple body pressing against his chest. He couldn't believe how soft she was. He was gentler this time, making love to her with a slow, languorous pace, pausing now and then to check the expression on her face. Kira was. transported. She no longer felt the fabric of the sheets underneath her. One moment, she was floating in the air, cuddled by cotton candy clouds. The next, she'd become one with a dinghy, bobbing up and down with the undulating waves. His scent enveloped her. He was on top of her, using his arms to support his weight and avoid crushing her. She snuggled up closer to him, safe and snug, cocooned in his warmth. Kira had always marvelled at Austyn's stamina, but he outdid himself tonight. In the midst of overwhelming rapture, Kira still had the presence of mind to broach the subject she'd been meaning to bring up. 'My dad's medical bills.' Austyn paused. He frowned as he looked into those beseeching eyes. 'It'll be taken care of by the end of business day tomorrow,' he said with a bit of an edge in his voice. Kira breathed out. ****** She is a 21-year-old college student who dreams of becoming a journalist. He is the heir of the McCarthy family and president of a business empire. She is bright-eyed and vivacious, a glass-half-full kind of gal. When life throws her a curveball, she knocks it out of the park. He is the archetypal alpha male, aggressive and domineering. Endowed with both brains and brawn, he steamrolls over his enemies and rules his company with an iron fist. The two would never have crossed paths if not for a cruel twist of fate. Kira's world was turned upside down when her father was hospitalised after a car accident. The medical bills were astronomical. Austyn McCarthy offered her a way out. The price: becoming his contract wife. At night, he consummated their marriage but called out another woman's name. Who was she? Why did Austyn marry Kira if he was in love with someone else? Kira was his lawful wife, but she had no right to ask these questions. Then one day, the woman showed up in front of her.
The dream of everyone with regards to marriage is to be able to find that special someone and settle down with them. Even arranged marriages grant you an opportunity to meet your partner briefly before the wedding. How will you feel about waking up in the morning with someone sleeping next to you who is not just anyone but your legally married partner yet with no memory of how that had happened in just a few hours of going out the previous day? This is the story of Jason Haward and Julia Harrison, two strangers trapped in a marriage they never planned. The quest to find out why led to the unfolding of a mystery which made them realize they are both living a lie. To find out more, read this amazing story of love, betrayal, revenge and murder.
It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mistake of falling in love with Kristopher. When the time came that she needed him the most, her husband was in the company of another woman. Enough was enough. Carrie chose to divorce Kristopher and move on with her life. Only when she left did Kristopher realize how important she was to him. In the face of his ex-wife’s countless admirers, Kristopher offered her 20 million dollars and proposed a new deal. “Let’s get married again.”
"Please trust me, I didn't do anything." "I don't believe you. I am rejecting you as my Queen and giving you the punishment of death." Alina was living outside her pack for five years. Her parents didn't try to contact her and always ignored her. Her best friend convinced her to go back to their pack and she agreed. But she had never imagined what was waiting there for her. She never thought she would meet her mate and had to face betrayal from everywhere. She had to pay for the crime which she never committed. Aaron Robertson is the king of Lycans. He is a very dominant and powerful King who not only rules Lycans but also rules other ranks of werewolves. Everyone is afraid of Lycans and he is the king of them. But who knew that he would get a mate who was just a simple Omega with no powers and strengths? He called her weak all the time but Little did he know that his weak Omega would give him the biggest betrayal of his life for which he had to give her the sentence of death.
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.
Two years ago, Ricky found himself coerced into marrying Emma to protect the woman he cherished. From Ricky's perspective, Emma was despicable, resorting to underhanded schemes to ensure their marriage. He maintained a distant and cold attitude toward her, reserving his warmth for another. Yet, Emma remained wholeheartedly dedicated to Ricky for more than ten years. As she grew weary and considered relinquishing her efforts, Ricky was seized by a sudden fear. Only when Emma's life teetered on the edge, pregnant with Ricky's child, did he recognize-the love of his life had always been Emma.
After two years of marriage, Sadie was finally pregnant. Filled with hope and joy, she was blindsided when Noah asked for a divorce. During a failed attempt on her life, Sadie found herself lying in a pool of blood, desperately calling Noah to ask him to save her and the baby. But her calls went unanswered. Shattered by his betrayal, she left the country. Time passed, and Sadie was about to be wed for a second time. Noah appeared in a frenzy and fell to his knees. "How dare you marry someone else after bearing my child?"