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It started with revenge. It turned into obsession. It might just become love. Lillian never meant to fall for her boss. Especially not after one reckless night, a steamy mistake she hoped to forget. But when Nathaniel Caldwell offers her a promotion, she realizes two things: 1. He remembers. 2. He's not letting her go. He's charming and calculating. She's guarded and vengeful. They're both broken, but they might be perfect for each other. Until secrets explode and Lillian finds out she was just a pawn... or was she the one holding the strings all along? Perhaps a plan to finding love after hours?
Lillian's POV
The moment I stepped into the apartment, something felt off.
It wasn't the scattered shoes by the door or the faint scent of expensive cologne mixed with vanilla perfume. It was the energy, thick, tense, almost like the walls were holding their breath.
I dropped my purse on the console table and took a cautious step forward. The TV was off. The kitchen light was dim. And then... I heard it.
A soft giggle.
A moan.
My stomach twisted as my pulse quickened.
I knew that laugh.
I knew that voice.
Without thinking, I pushed the bedroom door open.
And there they were.
Daniel. The man I had spent years loving, trusting, building a life with.
And Jasmine. My best friend.
Their bodies were tangled in my sheets, my bed. Our bed.
Jasmine let out a sharp gasp, yanking the covers up to her chest, as if modesty suddenly mattered. "Lillian..."
Daniel cursed under his breath, scrambling upright, his face drained of color.
For a moment, I couldn't speak. My throat burned, my vision blurred. A part of me wanted to scream, to throw something, to make them feel the way I felt, betrayed, broken, humiliated.
But instead, I laughed. A dry, hollow sound that didn't belong to me.
Daniel tried to step toward me. "Babe, I..."
"Don't." My voice was sharp enough to slice through steel.
Jasmine opened her mouth, probably to spill some pathetic excuse, but I cut her off with a look that made her shrink back.
I turned back to Daniel, my hands curling into fists. "Get your things and get the hell out of my house."
"Lillian, please.. "
"Now."
He hesitated. For a moment, I saw the wheels turning in his head, probably calculating whether he could manipulate me into forgiving him. Not this time.
I turned on my heels and walked out, slamming the door so hard the walls shook.
The club was loud, the bass thrumming through my veins as I drowned my anger in shots of tequila. The betrayal, the pain, the years wasted on a man who didn't deserve me, it all simmered under my skin, waiting to explode.
I needed an escape.
And that's when I saw him.
Dark hair, sharp jawline, piercing eyes that locked onto mine like he could see every thought running through my head.
He smirked as if he knew exactly what I was looking for.
I leaned in. "Buy me a drink?"
He didn't hesitate. "Only if you let me take you home after."
I smirked. "Whiskey sour."
His lips quirked up at the corner. "Classy."
Our drinks arrived, and I took a slow sip, my eyes not leaving his.
"Rough night?" he asked.
I let out a breathy laugh. "Something like that."
He didn't pry. Just lifted his glass and clinked it against mine. "To forgetting for a few hours, then."
I held his gaze, feeling something stir inside me, a reckless need.
"To forgetting," I murmured, taking another sip.
He let the silence settle between us again, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It was charged.
After a moment, he leaned in just enough for me to catch the warm scent of cologne and something distinctly masculine.
"I have a place not far from here," he said, his voice smooth, deep, unrushed. "If you want to get out of here."
My pulse skipped.
He didn't assume. Didn't grab my wrist or act like I owed him anything.
He gave me a choice.
I searched his face, strong jaw, full lips, golden eyes that held not only curiosity, but a bit of arrogance. He was sure of himself.
And for the first time that night, I wanted something.
I set my glass down. "Let's go."
The ride to his place was quiet, but not awkward. He helped me with my coat, his fingers brushing my shoulder, sending a shiver down my spine.
"Make yourself comfortable," he said, walking to the bar in the corner. "Another drink?"
I shook my head. "I think I've had enough."
He nodded, pouring himself a small glass of bourbon before turning to me. "You can say no at any time."
I blinked.
His expression remained calm, but there was an edge of intensity in his voice. "You don't owe me anything because you came here. If you want to just sit and talk, we can. If you want to leave, I'll call you a car."
My breath hitched.
Despite the arrogance I sensed, he was giving me control.
I swallowed, then stepped closer, placing a hand on his chest, feeling the warmth beneath his shirt. "I don't want to leave."
His golden eyes darkened, his fingers grazing her hip, slow, deliberate. "Then tell me what you want."
My pulse pounded.
I wasn't used to being asked.
I wasn't used to choosing.
So, I met his gaze, steady and certain.
"I want you to kiss me."
He exhaled, then leaned in, capturing my lips in a kiss that was demanding.
His hands never wandered without permission.
His lips coaxed.
And when his fingers trailed down my back, gripping my waist, he whispered, "Still okay?"
I let out a shaky breath. "Yes."
His grip tightened, and when he deepened the kiss, I melted into him.
Tonight, I won't think about Daniel.
Tonight, I won't feel broken.
Tonight, I choose to forget.
I let myself sink into his kiss, into the warmth of his hands as they settled on my waist, strong like he was holding something fragile.
Maybe I was.
Maybe I was more broken than I wanted to admit.
But right now, I didn't feel broken.
Right now, I felt wanted.
His lips traced along my jaw, down my neck, his breath hot against my skin. A shiver ran through me, and I arched into him, my fingers twisting into his shirt.
"Tell me if you want me to stop," he murmured, his voice deep and steady, vibrating against my throat.
I didn't want him to stop.
I wanted more.
"Don't stop," I whispered.
A soft groan rumbled from his chest as he lifted me effortlessly, carrying me toward the bedroom.
He laid me down gently, his golden eyes searching mine as he hovered above me.
"Still okay?"
The way he kept asking, the way he made sure I was with him every step of the way, it sent a different kind of heat through me, something deeper than just physical need.
I nodded, my hands reaching for him, pulling him closer. "I'm more than okay."
That was all he needed.
His mouth claimed mine again, slow, like he wanted to memorize every inch of me. His hands roamed my body with the same care, tracing my curves, mapping the places that made me shiver.
When he pulled my dress over my head, he took a moment to look at me, his gaze dark with appreciation.
"You're stunning," he murmured, running a thumb along my cheek.
I let out a shaky breath, my heart pounding. No one had ever looked at me like that before, not like I was just something to conquer, but something to savor.
He kissed his way down my body, slow and teasing, taking his time as if he wasn't in a hurry to get anywhere, just lost in his little way of exploring me.
My breath hitched as his lips brushed my stomach, his hands parting my thighs. His touch was firm as if he knew this wasn't just about pleasure, it was about letting go, about reclaiming something I thought I had lost.
The moment his mouth found me, my back arched, a gasp slipping from my lips.
He didn't rush. He took his time, teasing, building the pleasure until I was trembling beneath him, my fingers gripping the sheets, my breath coming in short, desperate gasps.
"Let go," he murmured, his voice like velvet against my skin.
And I did.
Pleasure crashed over me, raw and overwhelming, and for the first time in a long time, I didn't feel broken. I felt whole. I felt alive.
Before I could catch my breath, he was back above me, his lips claiming mine again, swallowing my moans as he positioned himself between my thighs.
His forehead rested against mine, his breath heavy, his eyes locked on me as he slowly pushed inside.
A deep, satisfied groan escaped him as he filled me, stretching me in the most delicious way.
I gasped, my nails digging into his shoulders as he stilled, letting me adjust.
"You feel incredible," he murmured against my lips. "I could stay like this forever."
My heart clenched at his words, at the unexpected tenderness in them.
I didn't want tenderness.
I wanted to forget.
"Then don't be gentle," I whispered, my fingers threading through his hair, pulling him closer.
Something dark flickered in his eyes, and the next thrust was deeper, harder, pulling a moan from my lips.
He moved with a steady rhythm at first, slow and deliberate, making me feel every inch of him. But as my body responded, as I wrapped my legs around his waist and begged for more, his restraint snapped.
The pace quickened, his thrusts more urgent, more desperate, as if he needed this just as much as I did.
The air was filled with heavy breathing, whispered curses, the sound of skin meeting skin.
Pleasure coiled tight inside me again, sharp and insistent, building until I was teetering on the edge.
"Let go, baby." he groaned, his lips at my ear, his voice thick with need. There was something about the way he said baby. I melted.
And just like before, I let go.
I shattered beneath him, pleasure rippling through me in waves so intense I could barely breathe.
He followed moments later, his body tensing before he collapsed against me, both of us spent, our hearts pounding in sync.
For the first time that night, I wasn't thinking about Daniel.
For the first time in years, I let myself feel something real.
And as I drifted into sleep, tangled in the sheets and his warmth, I realized one terrifying truth.
I might not even know his name...
But he had just ruined me for anyone else.
***
The next morning, reality hit me like a truck.
My head throbbed as I stumbled into the office, regretting every tequila shot I had downed the night before.
"Rough night?" Mia, my coworker, smirked as she passed me in the hallway.
I forced a tight-lipped smile. If only she knew.
I dropped into my chair, rubbing my temples. Maybe I could survive the day without collapsing. Maybe...
The sound of the elevator doors opening caught my attention, followed by the low murmur of voices as he walked in.
I glanced up... and my breath caught in my throat.
No.
No, no, no.
It couldn't be.
But it was.
The stranger from last night. The man whose name I hadn't even bothered to ask.
Standing there in a sharp suit, looking effortlessly powerful, completely in control.
And the entire office stood up as he walked past.
My boss.
The man I had just slept with was my boss.
"Be my wife, I'll give you everything you want." Sheila never expected this offer from her ex-boyfriend whom she abandoned a few years ago for another man. She had just come out of prison heartbroken and was thinking of how to put her life together. Her beloved husband sent her there, after divorcing her to be with her best friend. She's not interested in jumping into another marriage but is pressured into accepting the offer for a short period. He already signed an agreement with her parents, and she was the price. Their marriage is based on a set of rules which enabled them to live peacefully with each other until an intruder sets in. Would she stay married to her ex-boyfriend until the contract expires? Or would she leave and damn the consequences?
You have to choose one, either become my rental wife or...pay the sum of 2 Million dollars for damaging my tires" The smirk on his face was so evil and she hated it so much. Carla was on the brink of snapping, in fact, she just snapped. She couldn't control her temper, so she did something she shouldn't have, and now she was in deep trouble. They said that all disappointments come with a blessing. But is this a blessing or a curse? Carla didn't know
Caught in the thin line between destruction and preservation Malia is forced to marry one of the Winchester brothers to claim her inheritance and save her late father's business from falling into the hands of her conniving cousin. What does she do when she finds out that these two men are from her past? Will she choose her high school bully or her baby daddy? Can she turn this around and save her father's business?
A man who knows he's a catch. A sexy flawless billionaire. "For me, Sex is a way to relieve stress." A woman who has been broken by the ones she calls family. "I don't want to feel this much pain anymore." A sister who wants everything to herself. "The way to a man's heart is through sex." A mother who is nothing but evil. "A pushover like you can't be my daughter, I should have killed you when I had the chance." Zoey lives in a world where she could never be happy. And when she runs away, she made up her mind to kill herself but what happens when a sexy billionaire saves her life? Will he save her from the hell that is her reality? Would he turn out to be her sanctuary?
"I refuse." - my voice matched the hardness of my gaze. "I refuse to be your mate. So get out of my way!" I said as I shoved him aside and began to walk towards the door. *************************************** When power and money is involved, then a child's happiness is the least to be considered. In what is seen as business, Lily Frost's world crumbles when she learns that a deal has been put in place for her to become the Luna to the acting alpha, Dean. Despite attempts to reject her fate which seemed like a stain that has refused to leave, her efforts proved futile. Without a choice, she gives in and accepts her ugly fate but then, she has to put up with his reckless and questionable behaviors that seemed to take a toll on her health. However, in an unforeseen and dramatic turn of events, while he was out hunting, Dean was involved in a life-threatening accident, leaving him at the mercy of the very girl whom he had wronged all the while, Lily. Would she overlook his wrongdoings towards her in the past and stand by him or would she leave him to suffer his fate alone?
Amelia is shattered, meeting with an ex from six years ago, at an event. She, however, returns to the same apartment after some time for a job, since funds are needed to secure the life of her mother. Things turn out well between Eddie and Amelia, one last time and an uncertain relationship begins, indirectly. Eddie is happy to be with her once again, not until the arrival of his ex-wife, Jenna. Amelia, sensing she cannot cope with a rude woman as Jenna, quits her job and heads back to her home. Eddie becomes unhappy once more. Fate happens and it is discovered that Chloe, a daughter Jenna claimed to have for him, is not his. He is now determined to go for Amelia again, but Amelia on the other hand, may not be willing to return with him. Find out in the enthralling novel what fate holds for these individuals.
Melanie married Ashton out of gratitude, but she quickly found herself entangled in a web of relentless challenges. Despite these struggles, she stayed true to her commitment to the marriage. In the hospital room, Ashton indifferently attempted to draw her blood, disregarding her discomfort. This callous act was a harsh revelation for Melanie, awakening her to the grim reality of their relationship. Resolved to prioritize her own welfare, she decided to sever ties. With newfound resolve, Melanie filed for divorce. In the process, she unveiled her concealed identities, leaving everyone in shock. Throughout these turbulent times, Melanie realized that Derek, Ashton’s uncle, had been discreetly protecting her all along.
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."
Linsey was stood up by her groom to run off with another woman. Furious, she grabbed a random stranger and declared, "Let's get married!" She had acted on impulse, realizing too late that her new husband was the notorious rascal, Collin. The public laughed at her, and even her runaway ex offered to reconcile. But Linsey scoffed at him. "My husband and I are very much in love!" Everyone thought she was delusional. Then Collin was revealed to be the richest man in the world. In front of everyone, he got down on one knee and held up a stunning diamond ring. "I look forward to our forever, honey."
Joelle thought she could change Adrian's heart after three years of marriage, but she realized too late that it already belonged to another woman. "Give me a baby, and I'll set you free." The day Joelle went into labor, Adrian was traveling with his mistress on his private jet. "I don't care whom you love. My debt is paid. From now on, we have nothing to do with each other." Not long after Joelle left, Adrian found himself begging on his knees. "Please come back to me."
Iris grew from an orphaned child to the adopted daughter of the Stewart family at age ten, finding warmth in her nominal uncle Vincent's kindness. Seven years later, she became his secret lover. When Vincent's engagement was announced, gossip spread about the notorious playboy CEO finally settling down. But only Iris knew the extent of his cold, two-faced nature. Iris fell for Vincent and, through tears, begged, "Marry me," only to be met with his frosty refusal. Defeated, she accepted a lawyer's proposal, sparking public excitement. Then, on her wedding day, Vincent pleaded desperately, "Don't marry him…"
After three secretive years of marriage, Eliana never met her enigmatic husband until she was served with divorce papers and learned of his extravagant pursuit of another. She snapped back to reality and secured a divorce. Thereafter, Eliana unveiled her various personas: an esteemed doctor, legendary secret agent, master hacker, celebrated designer, adept race car driver, and distinguished scientist. As her diverse talents became known, her ex-husband was consumed by remorse. Desperately, he pleaded, "Eliana, give me another chance! All my properties, even my life, are yours."