Natalia Everhart, a charming young woman, endures unrelenting anguish when her once-illustrious family, the Everharts, plunges into the depths of bankruptcy. Fate intricately weaves her path with Christopher Sterling, a powerful billionaire. He presents her with a bold proposal: a ten-month contract marriage. Within this binding agreement, she will assist him in acquiring a 10% stake in his family's company, as outlined in his grandfather's will. In return, he pledges to help her uncover the identity of the person responsible for the devastation of Natalia's family. Will this marriage contract run its course, or will unforeseen twists and turns alter their path when she discovers she's pregnant and falls in love with him?
Amidst the nocturnal embrace of the city, Natalia Everhart stood solitary, her gaze transfixed upon the towering monolith known as "Sterling." Her eyes bore an icy, enigmatic allure, as if harboring an untold narrative. Each step she took with her long, graceful legs exuded an air of poised determination, yet emotions churned like a tempestuous sea beneath the composed exterior.
Inside the opulent chamber, Natalia found herself in the presence of a towering figure, his attention momentarily consumed by the cityscape visible from the penthouse's zenith. Abruptly, he spoke, jolting her from her reverie: "Are you here, Miss Everhart?"
Natalia remained still, her hands clenched in silent resolve. "Yes. I'm here, Mr. Sterling."
With an almost mythical air, the man turned towards her, his countenance graced by a genial smile that rendered him an embodiment of Greek gods, with piercing azure irises. Even though Natalia was well-acquainted with this man, his poised charisma still enthralled her.
This man was Christopher Sterling - one of the most formidable young billionaires, owner of the city's tallest skyscraper, and a figure of undeniable power and influence.
Christopher couldn't help but notice Natalia's beautiful face. Her doe-like amber eyes and her innocent-looking face, as if she had never experienced any tragedies.
Christopher Sterling gently placed a contract before Natalia and instructed, "Take your time to read it thoroughly and make your decision today. I'm not a patient person."
Natalia took the contract and took a deep breath. Her heart pounded louder as she laid her hand on its cover. She began to read, word by word, the terms and commitments that Christopher wished her to undertake in the coming months.
As Natalia turned each page, the contract details became increasingly apparent. Christopher proposed a ten-month-long sham marriage. In return, she would receive $100 million and become the creative director of his fashion company.
Christopher observed the tension in her face, then suddenly chuckled, "So, how do you feel about this contract, miss Everhart?"
Natalia hesitated for a moment, her gaze still fixed on the contract. The weight of this decision bore down on her, and she understood that the significance of this signature would alter her life. She knew she was in a difficult situation, and the sum he offered was substantial.
Taking a deep breath, she finally looked up and met his gaze. "Why do you want a fake marriage with me?" she asked.
Christopher held her gaze, his eyes unwavering. "You don't need to know why. You just need to understand that this arrangement will benefit both of us. I will help you figure out the truth behind your family's downfall. Is that what you want?"
His nonchalant expression left her feeling stifled. She felt like she was standing at a crossroads, an opportunity to unearth the truth and restore her family's honor. She had once been the promising heir to a cosmetics empire, but in just two short years, she had lost everything. Her parents had taken their own lives, leaving her alone to grapple with the ruthless truth.
She nodded, suppressing the pain that was slowly consuming her thoughts. "Yes, that's what I want."
Natalia's eyes returned to the contract, the specific terms of this ten-month fake marriage. She knew she was entering into a complex agreement but also believed it could be her chance at redemption.
"Very well," Natalia finally said with a confident smile. "I agree."
Christopher smiled in response, his gaze unwavering. "I won't let you down."
Christopher Sterling continued to gaze at Natalia, his eyes deep and solemn. "Very good," he said, then smiled gently. "We'll begin the process as soon as the signatures are on paper."
One of his assistants, standing nearby, handed them a portfolio containing the necessary documents and a pen.
Christopher Sterling and Natalia Everhart placed their hands on the paper and signed their names. Their presence and the gentle touch of the pen on the piece marked a new beginning for both.
Natalia held the contract and asked, "Is this because of your grandfather?"
Christopher's eyes showed a hint of surprise at her question as if he hadn't expected her to know about the connection. "That's right!" he admitted after a moment,""That's all you need to know."
Natalia nodded. Her guess was correct. The fact that her grandfather had been a close friend of Christopher's grandfather explains some of the mystery surrounding this arrangement.
Natalia stood up from her chair and looked at Christopher.
"I need to go home," she said. "I hope we can become good long-term partners."
Christopher assured her, "I'll have my driver take you home."
But Natalia firmly refused with a smile. "I can manage on my own," she replied and gracefully walked out of the city's most luxurious building.
Natalia walked to the bus stop, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions. She knew that the decision she had just made would change her life in unimaginable ways.
As she walked away, she couldn't shake the feeling of guilt creeping inside her. She reached for her phone and dialled the familiar number, her heart pounding as she threw it. After a few rings, her boyfriend, Otis, picked up the phone.
Natalia took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Alex, we need to talk," she finally said.
A bit of worry appeared in Otis's voice. "Is everything okay?"
Natalia hesitated for a moment and then decided to be honest. "Let's break up!"
A brief pause was on the other end of the line, and Natalia could sense Otis's tension. "Natalia, what are you talking about? What's happening to you?"
As she spoke those words that would change their relationship forever, tears fell from Natalia's eyes. "I think we should break up. Don't call or text me anymore."
The words hung in the air, heavy and decisive. It felt like the weight on Natalia's shoulders had been lifted, but the pain in her chest was almost unbearable. She hung up, not expecting him to say another word.
Natalia used her hand to wipe the remaining tears from her eyelashes. The two's two-year relationship also ended today.
Natalia's gaze returned to the towering "Sterling" skyscraper, its silhouette now illuminated in the city's night sky.
"I hope this is worth it..." she whispered to herself.
Meanwhile, Christopher sat behind an enormous mahogany desk in his office, holding a glass of red wine. His expression was contemplative, bathed in the warm glow of the golden desk lamp.
He gazed at the photograph of his family on the desk. It was a picture from his childhood, when his mother was still alive and life was simpler.
Christopher was confident that this marriage contract with Natalia would be the key to reclaiming the company his mother had painstakingly built. The weight of his family's legacy bore down on him, and he was unwavering in his determination to do whatever it took to restore their honour. As he took another sip of the rich, full-bodied wine, he steeled himself for the challenges ahead, his resolve unwavering.
Suddenly, the ringing of his phone interrupted Christopher's thoughts. He furrowed his brows when he saw the caller's name displayed on the screen.
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?"
Everyone was shocked to the bones when the news of Rupert Benton's engagement broke out. It was surprising because the lucky girl was said to be a plain Jane, who grew up in the countryside and had nothing to her name. One evening, she showed up at a banquet, stunning everyone present. "Wow, she's so beautiful!" All the men drooled, and the women got so jealous. What they didn't know was that this so-called country girl was actually an heiress to a billion-dollar empire. It wasn't long before her secrets came to light one after the other. The elites couldn't stop talking about her. "Holy smokes! So, her father is the richest man in the world?" "She's also that excellent, but mysterious designer who many people adore! Who would have guessed?" Nonetheless, people thought that Rupert didn't love her. But they were in for another surprise. Rupert released a statement, silencing all the naysayers. "I'm very much in love with my beautiful fiancee. We will be getting married soon." Two questions were on everyone's minds: "Why did she hide her identity? And why was Rupert in love with her all of a sudden?"
After hiding her true identity throughout her three-year marriage to Colton, Allison had committed wholeheartedly, only to find herself neglected and pushed toward divorce. Disheartened, she set out to rediscover her true self-a talented perfumer, the mastermind of a famous intelligence agency, and the heir to a secret hacker network. Realizing his mistakes, Colton expressed his regret. "I know I messed up. Please, give me another chance." Yet, Kellan, a once-disabled tycoon, stood up from his wheelchair, took Allison's hand, and scoffed dismissively, "You think she'll take you back? Dream on."
Betrayed by her mate and sister on the eve of her wedding, Makenna was handed to the ruthless Lycan Princes as a lover, her indifferent father ignoring her plight. Determined to escape and seek revenge, she captured the interest of the three Lycan princes, who desired her exclusively amid many admirers. This complicated her plans, trapping her and making her a rival to the future Lycan queen. Entwined in jealousy and vindictiveness, could Makenna achieve her vengeance in the intricate dance with the three princes?
Caught in a web of betrayal, Nicole's life shatters in a single evening when her mother-in-law, Veronica, sets her up in an elaborate scheme. Blindsided, Nicole faces her husband Taylor's cold rage as he casts her out of his life and home, accusing her of infidelity and theft. As she tries to defend herself, her best friend, Sarah, adds another blow by denying their loyalty. "Please, Taylor, you have to believe me!" Nicole pleads, her voice breaking, but his icy response is a dagger to her heart. "I don't hate you, Nicole," he sneers. "I despise you." When Nicole reveals she's pregnant, she hopes for compassion, but it only fuels Veronica's determination to rid the family of her. After signing the divorce papers, a dejected Nicole wanders alone, where a brutal attack leaves her bleeding, helpless, and desperate to protect her unborn child. Six years later, Nicole returns from the ashes to inflict seven times the pains upon those who humiliated her and left her to die. "I'll make them pay so dearly that they'd regret ever been born!" She declares. This is a story of romance and revenge you don't want to miss!
"Mr. Evans, please maintain some dignity. Don't forget I'm your brother's wife!" Having caught her husband and best friend together in the bed, Elena wanted nothing more than to exact revenge on the people she once called family. She refused to be a pitiful divorcee and vowed to make everyone who had once looked down on her beg for forgiveness. And to start with her newfound freedom, Elena indulges in a one-night stand with a stranger. However, what was meant to be a fleeting escape turns into a nightmare when she learns that the stranger is none other than her husband's older brother! Would Elena be free from the shackles of her marriage? Or would the mysterious stranger make her life a living hell since he seemed to have a personal vendetta against his family? [The story is 18+ and involves mature content.]