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Alexander Reid is a ruthless billionaire, but when Penelope Burton is forced to marry him, she hopes to find the mercy behind his cold green eyes and strong hands. *** Alexander Reid, an imperious billionaire, is someone you don't want to get close to. Regrettably for 23 year old Penelope Burton she doesn't have much of a say, or luxury of a choice. Always at the mercy of her family's legacy and Seemingly perfect family name. Penelope has to do as her Father orders. So when her father forces her into a business arranged marriage with Alexander Reid, she rebels and disapproves of the marriage making it the first time she'll ever oppose of her Father's biddings. But she soon comes to terms with what had to be done, she gets married to Alexander. Regardless of their differences, interests and morals. But what would happen when she learns of her family's secrets and dark truths of this ruthless stranger she is forced to marry... would she be able to handle them when she falls deeply in love with him?
Friday end of September, Two in the afternoon.
***
Seattle was beginning to get warm as the rain subsided, even though it seemed like it would fall for the whole day an hour ago with how heavy it was.
The scent of the rain mixed with soil and dust still lingered in the atmosphere and in a kind of way brought a cool and comforting feeling that Penelope loved.
She traced her finger round the rim of the cocoa mug she had in her hands, the cooling sensation it sent from her palms to the rest of her body was welcomed. Raquel, the housekeeper has made it a personal assignment to always bring Penelope a cup of hot cocoa with tiny marshmallows, on certain days. Be it when it's cold, when she's sad, or even on cheat days aside general celebrations. Raquel is always there to present her with a cup of hot delicious, creamy goodness.
She moaned in delight of it's richness and sighed, "How did Raquel keep it being this delicious all these years?" She thought out loud to herself.
"She makes it specially for you because she likes to spoil you." Her Mother's voice coming from the door distracted her from the garden view she found herself lost in that she didn't even notice when her mother walked in to her room. She looked back, past the french doors to see her Mom's seemingly ageless face, her Black hair styled into bouncy curls was beautiful and vibrant and her lips were pink and plush. Her Mother was very beautiful, and she admired that about her. "She doesn't give the rest of us hot cocoa gifts like she gives you," her Mother eyed the mug In her hands before taking in her daughters outfit. Penelope walked back into her room. " You're like her favorite, she's always bringing you presents" she once again eyed the mug but this time she got a look at it's contents
"That's just because I help her out" Penelope smiled and her Mother Samantha just returned it with a smile of her own
"yeah, I remember. You were like her little apprentice as a kid, always helping out in the kitchen." Her Mother looked over at her dressing room "I used to help you keep it a secret from your Father and have you clean up before he got home".
Penelope smiled while nodding, " I do remember that"
Her mother nodded "uhm, don't you think you should slow down on the hot cocoa?" She eyed her taking a sip of the cup's contents with distaste this time, "I mean, you wouldn't want to have to deal with gaining a few pounds" she watched her daughter slowly drop the cup on the table nearby.
Penelope always thought her Mother made people feel bad about doing something just to make them stop doing it to please her and she always acted like she felt bad for herself when in actual sense, she didn't. But she knows better than to start a disagreement with her Mother. She looked inwardly at how her body was, she had slim toned thighs, slightly round hips but had a round bubble butt she was always conscious of. She had toned abs she's proud of herself for maintaining over the years, round and perky C cup breasts and a slim face. She came to the conclusion that her Mom like most Mother's was an exaggerator and perfectionist.
"Thought you were going into town today?" Her Mother asked looking at her daughters expression.
"I wanted to," she glanced over at the still hot cup of cocoa before continuing "but, Dad once again found out about my plans to open a cafe and ruined all my preparations and work." She gave a defeated sigh and sunk into her bed "he once again forbad me from doing something I love, said the daughter of an important figure shouldn't own a cafe." Penelope thought back to the time he nonchalantly said to her not to use her law degree to practice, she thought she was heartbroken then but each time he refused her from doing something she felt more heartbroken.
"I'm sure your Father only means well, Penny" her Mother reassured. "He has great plans for you" she patronized. Penelope sat up properly and watched her Mom take a sit next to her on the bed. She gave her daughter a thin smile.
"When does he get back from his trip?" She asked and her Mom stood up from her bed having offered the little moral support she could manage
"He just landed and is on his way home as we speak" Penelope widened her eyes in surprise
"oh! So soon," she came to the quick realization " I guess his meetings went well" her lips pressed together into a thin smile.
"They did and he's got good news to share with all of us" she took a hold of her daughters hand and pulled her daughter up, "you should get out of these comfort clothes and get ready" Penelope looked down at her soft purple socks, grey sweatpants and baggy Simpsons top
"you're saying Dad wouldn't like seeing me looking natural at home?" She gave a sarcastic smile "super!"
"c'mon Penelope! Don't say such rude things about your father" her Mother's voice chirped a tone higher and she had no choice but to give a defeated sigh.
"fine Mom, I'll get ready and even give a nice smile" she reassured her and turned slightly to look at her dressing room stocked with beautiful clothes. Her Mom rubbed her arms from behind
"Now, that's much more better," she smiled, content "you know, you're the easiest of my children and I am grateful about that in you" she patted her back softly "don't take too long, and one more thing. Put on a nice dress because your Dad has an important information to tell you." she added before exiting her room.
Penelope thought for a second of her Mom's words, did she mean it as a true complement or as a casual insult. Easiest of my children, did she mean that she was easily manipulated unlike her other siblings? Or just that she was pleasant.
She most times used to think of her Mom as a conceited, manipulative and condescending person. But, she couldn't think that of her, because she's her Mother. She sighed and picked a dress to wear, it was a short and flared blue flowery dress. And she loved it because it fit her and was smart on her.
***
It was late afternoon when George Burton's driver pulled into his estate. He was relieved to be home after his difficult meeting and tiresome flight, he couldn't sleep or rest throughout.
He walked into his mansion and was greeted by his maids who directed him to the living room where his family was waiting, his beautiful wife, his son Aiden who had his two year old son playing on his lap as he spoke to his wife, his first daughter Samantha who sat next to her husband smiled as she saw her father walk in and Penelope, who sat on a single sofa next to their Mother.
"Dad!" His two daughters greeted in glee before going to receive him, they all welcomed him and asked about his meetings and trip but he gave them little of an answer in response and said he would offer more indepth explanation after dinner.
He pulled Penelope aside as the others went back to their seats. "I hope you would have an open mind to what I'm about to tell you" he patted her arm softly and went to sit next to his wife and his words didn't ease Penelope at all, only made her anxious and a bit scared.
She walked to him looking awfully angry "you did this right" she yelled "I'll love to know what you are doing in my office, Miss Lorraine" Dylan said trying to be nice this time "You got me fired!" She snarled. "I'm trying to make your life better" he said simply. "Really! I don't have a house again thanks to you" she scowled. He expected her boss to make her come to him but not to send her packing. "I'll be sincere I didn't mean for that to happen I just need you and clearly you need me too" "What part of I won't marry you don't you understand!" she yelled He walked close to her "I really need this contract between us If you want me to get on my knees I will but I'll warn you I'm not a man to beg" "I'm not going to marry you for money" she shook her head. "if not for money would you at least do it for your mom?" He paused "It's going to be a job that will cost you a little lie and would pay you a great deal of money" "What do you know about my mom" she asked, surprised. "I know she doesn't have enough money to live the life she deserves" he replied simply. "And that's not your problem... So stay away from me!" She yelled, one last time before turning around to leave when he stopped her. "but you have to do this" he said, softly this time. "why me? You have a lot of lovers just pick one of them" "I don't want any one of them" he said, sternly. She shrugged her shoulders "I don't care about that" His face that was cool and gentle when she scolded him turned to its normal stern look when she was done. She went ahead and walked to the door and exited the door. As she walked towards the elevator she heard his voice It was so clear and audible because he was the only one talking at this point. He was on the phone, and with the look of it he wasn't sounding so pleased... ~~~ Dylan Walker is one of New York city's richest business men. He has the reputation of being a ruthless business man, and as hot as he is so is he arrogant, proud and a full time Casanova but not heartless though... His whole business carrier is at stake and the only thing that can save it is something he doesn't see himself doing. Getting married... Dylan turns to Lorraine, who isn't the regular woman he'll go for, she's beautiful and feisty with a voice men call 1-900 numbers to hear. Dylan offers her ten million dollars for a one-year contract. And there's nothing indecent about this proposal. The money will really help with her family's bills. All Lorraine will need to do is keep her attraction to her new husband to herself and avoid his bed. But Dylan's toe-curling kisses and sexy charm prove too difficult for Lorraine to resist. It was a marriage contract that planned for everything...except falling in love.
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.
Natalie used to think she could melt Connor’s icy heart, but she was sorely mistaken. When at last she decided to leave, she discovered that she was pregnant. Even so, she chose to quietly leave his world, prompting Connor to mobilize all of his resources and expand his business to a global scale—all in a bid to find her. But there was no trace of Natalie. Connor slowly spiraled into madness, turning the city upside down and leaving chaos in his wake. Natalie finally surfaced years later, with wealth and power of her own, only to find herself entangled with Connor once again.
"Sign the divorce papers and get out!" Leanna got married to pay a debt, but she was betrayed by her husband and shunned by her in-laws. Seeing that her efforts were in vain, she agreed to divorce and claimed her half of the properties. With her purse plump from the settlement, Leanna enjoyed her newfound freedom. The constant harassment from her ex's mistress never fazed her. She took back her identities as top hacker, champion racer, medical professor, and renowned jewelry designer. Then someone discovered her secret. Matthew smiled. "Will you have me as your next husband?"
Rumors said that Lucas married an unattractive woman with no background. In the three years they were together, he remained cold and distant to Belinda, who endured in silence. Her love for him forced her to sacrifice her self-worth and her dreams. When Lucas' true love reappeared, Belinda realized that their marriage was a sham from the start, a ploy to save another woman's life. She signed the divorce papers and left. Three years later, Belinda returned as a surgical prodigy and a maestro of the piano. Lost in regret, Lucas chased her in the rain and held her tightly. "You are mine, Belinda."
In their three years of marriage, Chelsea had been a dutiful wife to Edmund. She used to think that her love and care would someday melt Edmund's cold heart, but she was wrong. Finally, she couldn't take the disappointment any longer and chose to end the marriage. Edmund had always thought that his wife was just boring and dull. So it was shocking when Chelsea suddenly threw divorce papers at his face in front of everyone at the Nelson Group's anniversary party. How humiliating! After that, everyone thought that the formerly-married couple would never see each other again, even Chelsea. Once again, she thought wrong. Sometime later, at an award ceremony, Chelsea went onstage to accept the award for best screenplay. Her ex-husband, Edmund, was the one presenting the award to her. As he handed her the trophy, he suddenly reached for her hand and pleaded humbly in front of the audience, "Chelsea, I'm sorry I didn't cherish you before. Could you please give me another chance?" Chelsea looked at him indifferently. "I'm sorry, Mr. Nelson. My only concern now is my business." Edmund's heart was shattered into a million pieces. "Chelsea, I really can't live without you." But his ex-wife just walked away. Wasn't it better for her to just concentrate on her career? Men would only distract her—especially her ex-husband.
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.