Aura Gracesyella Park, a famous soloist, is forced to lose her virginity due to a one-night stand with a handsome stranger man named Axel Xavier. In a bid to avoid scandal, Aura daringly escapes before the man beside her wakes up, hoping to never encounter him again. However, fate has other plans. Aura never anticipated that Axel would turn out to be her new bodyguard, assigned to protect her. Eventually, Aura is compelled to share living quarters with Axel, at least until he is convinced that she is not carrying his child. How will Axel and Aura conceal their closeness to prevent public scrutiny? And what about Lionel, the man who has feelings for Aura?
The Jamsil Olympic Stadium (Seoul - South Korea)...
The atmosphere inside the building appeared bustling, with every Event Organizer (EO) crew busy checking preparations for tonight's concert. The final concert in the world tour held in 26 cities worldwide. A truly exhausting world tour. A tour that took more than three months! The tour that made them work like crazy!
Aura Gracesyella Park, 25 years old soloist of mixed blood Indonesian Korean, was singing in a room specially provided for her. Ensuring that her vocals were in prime condition. Aura wanted to deliver her best performance, the performance one that her fans would not forget as the conclusion of the world tour she had been holding for the past few months. Aura desires perfection for this world tour's closing concert.
And after this concert is over, Aura wants to take a short vacation. To unwind from all the crazy concert preparations that seemed endless. Not to mention the vocal and choreography rehearsals that drained her energy, making Aura is really exhausting. No wonder Aura wants this concert to end quickly!
"Miss, the preparations for the rehearsal are complete. I will escort you to the stage area," said Max, one of Aura's trusted bodyguards who had been accompanying her everywhere for the past four years. A reliable bodyguard in every situations.
"Okay!"
Aura walked decisively, following Max's steps towards the stage area, where she would be holding the concert tonight. Aura looked around, realizing the choking busyness, not only she who felt the pressure, but all the crew involved in the concert also had their own burdens. Burdens that could not be taken lightly.
The burden on Aura is only one, which is to satisfy fans with her vocal and dance performance, unlike the crews who are bustling around, they have to ensure many things that are undoubtedly much heavier and equally important!
Aura shook her head, trying to concentrate. Aura wanted to present her best performance at her closing concert today. She didn't want to disappoint fans who had willingly spent money to watch her concert. Who had patiently waited in line to enter this stadium. Who had patiently waited until today.
"This is your microphone, Miss."
"Thanks, Max!"
Aura cleared her throat, ensuring her vocal cords were ready to start singing, signaling the musicians and background dancers to start the rehearsal that would determine the success of tonight's concert!
Two hours later...
Aura sat in one of the chairs, letting the makeup artist apply a thin layer of makeup on her face. A flawless, natural, and fresh Korean look to make her look younger, the makeup Aura liked. Subtle makeup.
Since the beginning, Aura didn't like using heavy makeup, for some reason. She preferred to appear with a bare face / without makeup, actually, but because this was for the concert, she had to compromise and let the makeup artist work as needed. Aura just needed to sit still, like a doll.
"Here's your drink, Miss."
Aura smiled, accepting the warm drink of lime juice mixed with honey offered by Max. Aura's favorite drink. A beverage that soothes Aura's throat, no wonder she immediately sips it until nothing is left!
"You really know what I need just before the concert, Max."
"That's because I've been working with you for four years, Miss."
"Yes, that's true. That's why it's unfortunate because after this, you have to leave me, Max. I don't know if there's a more reliable bodyguard than you or not," Aura complained, making Max grimace, feeling uneasy.
"I'm sorry, Miss. But you know the reasons that led me to leave this job," Max replied made Aura nodded.
"Yeah, I know. Because your wife doesn't like this risky job, not to mention the often unpredictable working hours. But still, I will feel the loss."
"Sorry, Miss."
Only that can be said by Max, there is nothing else. Aura waved her hand, not wanting to hear apologies full of guilt again from her trusted bodyguard all this time.
"Never mind, don't apologize again. I'm not blaming you either. I just feel sad because I will lose a bodyguard and a good friend like you."
"We can still meet occasionally in your free time, Miss. And I will also bring my wife to be introduced to you. You know that my wife is one of your quite fanatic fans," Max chuckled. Aura nodded, agreeing with the Max's idea.
Yes, even though Max is no longer her bodyguard, it doesn't mean their communication has been completely severed, right? They can still maintain a good relationship by occasionally meeting. Moreover, Aura already considers Max like her own sibling, a brother who has always protected her since her debut in the entertainment world!
"Yes, that's a good idea. I've been wanting to meet your wife for a long time. Since then, that plan has always failed because both of us are too busy!" regretted Aura.
"Alright, I will let my wife know to make time to have a meet with you."
Aura nodded enthusiastically. It was a good idea to fill her holiday time, but now, of course, Aura had to focus on her concert tonight!
***
Axel Xavier, a handsome 28 years old man, was waiting for someone at a renowned restaurant. It didn't take long for the person he was waiting for to appear with a wide smile. Clay Clinton, a long-lost friend.
"Hey, Bro, have you been waiting long?"
"Not really, just 10 minutes."
"Sorry, I didn't expect Seoul to be congested too, even though not as bad as Jakarta!" Clay chuckled, blaming the unpredictable traffic.
"It's okay. So, about the favor I asked yesterday, can you help me?" Axel avoided small talk and went straight to the heart of the matter that made him willing to take the time to meet Clay this night.
"Of course! What can't I do? Nothing! Everything's under control!" Clay proudly replied. Proud of himself. Proud of his ability.
Axel smiled, not in vain to ask for Clay's help this time, the man had many connections even though his presence here was only for vacation! Truly, his friend was extraordinary. Clay reached into his jacket pocket, pulled out a name tag or ID card, and handed it to Axel.
"Starting the day after tomorrow, you can go to work. Just come directly to the location. I have informed them about you."
Axel took the ID card with a satisfied expression.
"Thanks, Bro! I'll process what I promised yesterday right away tonight."
"Okay, take it easy! Besides, I'm still on vacation here until next week!"
After that, there was only casual conversation between them while enjoying dinner. Discussing political and governmental issues in their home country, Jakarta. Yes, even though they were in Seoul now, but their blood was still Indonesian, will never change!
Clay was on a three-week vacation in the land of ginseng, while Axel decided to settle in Seoul, not knowing until when. Maybe until he got bored? Moreover, Axel had just landed a new job. A job that was very different from his educational background, but it didn't matter, this was what Axel wanted!
Apart from Clay's help, Axel had no difficulties because he mastered many languages. He could fluently speak Indonesian, English, Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean! Perhaps his globetrotting experiences honed his language skills by practicing them firsthand, not just theoretically!
"So, where do you want to go next after this?" Clay asked after they finished dinner and were now in the lobby, waiting for the valet parking attendants to bring their respective cars.
"I don't know, maybe have some fun before dealing with the job waiting for me tomorrow?" Axel replied hesitantly, unsure of his plans.
Honestly, Axel doesn't know what to do next. Axel doesn't want to prepare all sorts of plans that could make him dizzy. Moreover, if planned, isn't it more likely to fail? So it's better to act spontaneously, that's much more enjoyable for him! Axel prefers a spontaneous and free-spirited life! No need to be tied down to anything!
Axel's answer made Clay burst into laughter.
"I don't think your job will be stressful, but who knows. Just see what Monday brings!"
Axel just shrugged and waved as it turned out Clay's car appeared first.
"I'm off!"
"Okay. Thanks, Bro!"
"No worries!" Clay replied casually and zoomed away, leaving Axel still faithfully waiting for his car.
Axel glanced at the expensive watch on his wrist. Still 10 p.m., yet Seoul city still appeared lively, full of activities. Like Jakarta. Finally, Axel decided to go to a bar, enjoying his leisure time before getting busy with his new job. Unaware that his life would change after this!
Yelena discovered that she wasn't her parents' biological child. After seeing through their ploy to trade her as a pawn in a business deal, she was sent away to her barren birthplace. There, she stumbled upon her true origins—a lineage of historic opulence. Her real family showered her with love and adoration. In the face of her so-called sister's envy, Yelena conquered every adversity and took her revenge, all while showcasing her talents. She soon caught the attention of the city's most eligible bachelor. He cornered Yelena and pinned her against the wall. “It's time to reveal your true identity, darling.”
Melissa could tolerate being deceived and humiliated, but being framed was a different story. Three years of marriage was less important in her husband’s eyes than a teardrop from his other woman, Arielle. Finally, on a rainy day, she was ruthlessly abandoned. Five years later, Melissa showed up with her adorable twins. She became world-famous in the medical field. That was when her ex-husband, Everett, came crawling back, asking her to help cure Arielle... "Hey, old man, if you want to talk to my Mommy, you have to pass my test first." Melissa’s young son, Merrick, raised his chin proudly. ‘Old man?’ Everett checked himself carefully. Did he look that old? “Daddy, you really are very old..." Lindsey, Merrick’s twin sister, said with a pout.
My marriage to Mathias was supposed to make me the happiest woman in the world. Although I knew he didn't love me, I thought he would fall for me once I showered him with all the love I had to give. Five years passed and Mathias still didn't give a damn about me. Instead, he met his true love and cut all ties with me because of her. He showed her off; something he never did for me. His abandonment pushed me into depression. I was broken in every sense of the word. Even on my deathbed, my so-called husband didn't come to say goodbye to me. When I opened my eyes again, I found myself reborn. I was still Mathias's wife and it was two months before he met his true love. In this life, I refused to be hurt by him again. After talking some sense into my head, I asked him for a divorce in other to escape being heartbroken like I was previously. Mathias tore up the divorce papers time and time again while also shutting me down. "Rylie, stop all this nonsense! Playing hard to get doesn't work anymore!" To show him that I was dead serious, I went ahead to file for divorce. Only then did he panic. He abandoned the "woman of his dreams" and came to my side. "Please give me a second chance, Rylie. I promise to do right by you. You'll be the only woman in my heart from now on. Don't leave me, okay?" A war broke out in my mind after this apology. On one hand, I didn't want to be hurt again. And on the other, I didn't want to let go of the man I loved so dearly. What should I do?!
On her wedding day, Khloe’s sister connived with her groom, framing her for a crime she didn’t commit. She was sentenced to three years in prison, where she endured much suffering. When Khloe was finally released, her evil sister used their mother to coerce Khloe into an indecent liaison with an elderly man. As fate would have it, Khloe crossed paths with Henrik, the dashing yet ruthless mobster who sought to alter the course of her life. Despite Henrik’s cold exterior, he cherished Khloe like no other. He helped her take retribution from her tormentors and kept her from being bullied again.
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."
They don't know I'm a girl. They all look at me and see a boy. A prince. Their kind purchase humans like me for their lustful desires. And, when they stormed into our kingdom to buy my sister, I intervened to protect her. I made them take me too. The plan was to escape with my sister whenever we found a chance. How was I to know our prison would be the most fortified place in their kingdom? I was supposed to be on the sidelines. The one they had no real use for. The one they never meant to buy. But then, the most important person in their savage land-their ruthless beast king-took an interest in the "pretty little prince." How do we survive in this brutal kingdom, where everyone hates our kind and shows us no mercy? And how does someone, with a secret like mine, become a lust slave? . AUTHOR'S NOTE. This is a dark romance-dark, mature content. Highly rated 18+ Expect triggers, expect hardcore. If you're a seasoned reader of this genre, looking for something different, prepared to go in blindly not knowing what to expect at every turn, but eager to know more anyway, then dive in! . From the author of the international bestselling book: "The Alpha King's Hated Slave."