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After years of abuse and depression, Evelyn Richard is a broken young woman who longs for nothing more than a little bit of love and affection. No one deserves to be caught up in a tangled love triangle with their arranged husband and his lover. However, she is locked into a one-year marriage contract with her smoldering spouse, Frederick William, who will stop at nothing to prevent their romance from ever taking off in order to rescue his failing connection with his girlfriend. Frederick's only issue is the magnetic charm Evelyn radiates, which draws him in deeper with each laugh, grin, tear, and even the smallest brush of their fingertips. They both find this feeling strange, incredibly alluring. Will their repressed love and sensual attraction to one another be strong enough to overcome every challenge and bring them together in matrimony for life, or is this just another tragic love story? That is the billion-dollar question. Discover more in this astounding and incredibly thrilling tale of romance, drama, and pushing each other to the limit. Trigger warning: This story contains rape, depression, cheating and abuse. This story contains mature content in terms of explicit sexual scenes.
Evelyn's POV
My older sister Olivia yelled, "Evelyn!" from downstairs. I was reading a magazine that I had discovered on the couch downstairs while curled up in my bedroom.
It was one of her tantrums, therefore I had no authority to respond. In this house, Evelyn's torture game was the constant.
She yelled, "Evelyn Sydney Richard!" I imagine she was stumbling upstairs now. It meant fire when my family called me by my full name. Even though I had requested it, was it really necessary to respond to a reprimand?
My door sprang open in two minutes, presenting Olivia. She gave me a fierce look that said, "You haven't seen the last of me."
"Evelyn, you've been pretending you couldn't hear me even though I've been calling you for ages. What in the world are you doing with my magazine, too? "I thought I warned you not to touch my things without my permission," she growled as she took the magazine from me, her long, pricey nails leaving scratches on my hand.
My mother Flavia Richard entered the room followed closely by her other son Charles, who happens to be Olivia's twin brother, as if the drama wasn't enough. Lord, please save me.
Will there ever be harmony in this house? Why the commotion right now? Mom enquired.
I stared at them without saying anything. I was not looking for trouble.
"Mother, I believe it's about time you parted ways with Evelyn. She's simply so unbearable to me now. You must act," Olivia yelled, spreading her arms.
Mom shot me daggers, "Evelyn, what have you done this time?"
Of course, my mother has always taken a stance in favor of her two eldest children.
"Does it always have to be my fault or something I did Mom?" I spoke softly while staring directly into her eyes.
I wouldn't hesitate to accept a theory if someone said that she wasn't my real mother and that they weren't my biological siblings.
"Evelyn, please respect your mother," Charles said as he tapped on his phone. He was identical to the others.
Is she ever going to respect me? I feel like I'm a nobody in this house since she has two kids."
Yes, you are that! Did you think you were a princess? I find you repulsive. Nothing about you makes Richard worthy. Olivia angrily spat at me, saying "You are a disgrace to our family."
It ached. It was quite painful. Indeed, I was aware of it, but they didn't need to point it out to me. Tears were starting to fill up in my eyes and threatened to spill.
"Why? What went wrong with me? What did I do to earn your intense hatred?
Even though my eyes were overflowing with tears, they remained unfazed.
"You are the reason Dad died, Evelyn. You alone are to blame for it. All I wanted was that you had perished in that mishap instead of him. Charles spat at me, saying, "We will never forgive you for snatching away the best man from this planet."
He would have given me a severe slap if we had been closer.
"How was I supposed to know we'd crash that day?" I stood up for myself.
"Evelyn, you were obstinate about going out. Evelyn, your immature outbursts have cost me my spouse."
"But..."
"Have you ever been told how annoying your voice is? You have such a scratchy, low voice. Since nobody would be interested in hearing you speak, perhaps you could try speaking less." Olivia gave her advice and left without waiting for a response.
Charles and Mom banged on the door in unison after that.
An unexplained lump appeared in my throat. I collapsed onto the ground in a messy heap, letting my tears fall naturally down my cheeks.
I was gushing blood inside. Perhaps they were correct. I would never hurt my closest friend or Superman wherever in the world, even if it was my fault.
My entire universe revolved around Gerald Richard. I thought about his passing every day as though it had happened yesterday. I never even had a chance to say goodbye, much less try to save him, because everything had happened so quickly.
He was able to save me but not himself. I felt a great deal of guilt.
Everything was ideal before his passing. Our family was ideal. I was the favorite child and a daddy's girl. I used to be the life of the party, grinning, and laughing too.
A wind of change came with his passing. That day, I lost everything. Along with losing my voice, I also lost my family, my inner self, and hope.
I screamed so loudly that I hurt myself when the automobile caught fire that I was unable to speak any louder. In any case, I lacked the self-assurance to do so.
I sometimes wished I had passed away instead of him. Without one another, we could not survive. I was internally collapsing.
I missed him every day even after five years had passed.
I dried my eyes and hugged my quivering knees while thinking back on all the experiences.
I wish I could go back in time.
Charles and Olivia were both twenty-six years old; Olivia was a top model, attractive and intelligent. She had all the necessities for a lady. At the moment, she was the highest-paid model in the state.
Charles had assumed command of the business. The new CEO was him. He was incredibly prosperous, well-liked, and stunningly beautiful. He was popular among ladies especially models of the same class and businesswomen.
My mother, Flavia Richard, operated a prosperous boutique in the community and was on the board of the company. She had amassed enormous wealth via sheer hard work. She looked younger than her actual age, giving her the classic Richard appearance.
Next, me. Evelyn Richard Sydney. You can call me the lone wolf. the one who is not well-liked. I was twenty-five years old, and I tragically had no one. Despite my education, I needed to find employment. I never went anywhere in public to avoid upsetting my flawless family.
I inhaled deeply and stood up. I had been looking forward to that bright spot five years ago. What location was it?
Olivia appeared in my bedroom three hours later, at around two in the afternoon, with a radiant smile on her stunning face.
awkward. She dropped the large package she was holding and came running over to hug me. She gave me such a strong hug that I nearly believed Olivia had returned, but then I had an idea. Olivia Richard was who she was. A surprise-filled parcel.
She said, "Guess what, Sydney?" with excitement.
When my dad was living, they all used to call me Sydney. It was the first time in five years.
"What?" I made an effort to sound enthusiastic.
She said, excited, "Guess who's getting married tonight?"
For the first time in years, my eyes glowed. Excitement pulled me back from her.
"What? Not in a manner. Are you getting hitched? I was unaware that you were committed to someone."
I had no idea. She was my sibling. Despite all this, I had to be happy for her. My wishes for her have always been pure.
"Oh, please! Why must you always be so dimwitted? She rolled her eyes and remarked, "I'd never get married now."
"So who's getting married?"
Who, in all honesty, would make Olivia feel this way? One of her companions? But how would it worry me?
"You are foolish. You will finally leave our lives tonight. I mean no disrespect, honey."
Me? My heart sank and I stopped smiling. I wasn't seeing anyone, though. I had a perplexed expression.
"Keep that face off of me. Prepare for the wedding. Although it's tiny and straightforward, the reception will soon be magnificent. That package has all a bride's necessities in it. Charles will come to collect you at precisely 5 p.m. I'm more than happy to help if you need it."
"I don't understand."
You wouldn't understand, of course. Frederick William, a well-known hottie and billionaire, is the man you will marry. To not be aware of him would be to live under a rock. Honey, you are so fortunate. You finally steal the show."
"I'm still lost."
She was, for the record, patient with me, but she was getting agitated.
"The marriage is arranged. A contract for a year between the Williams and the Richards. The bride is you. You two aren't engaged, of course, but to the outside world, it appears that you have been for the last three months, and now you are getting married. In other words, it was a covert affair. It's a business contract that you wouldn't comprehend."
Olivia described the circumstances. She assumed that my only understanding of how things functioned was that they were useless. I forcefully gulped.
"I refuse to wed an unknown person. I told her, trying to come across as resolute and confident as possible. I have the right to select my partner.
Olivia snorted and looked over my physique.
As if someone would desire to be selected by you. This one is not up for discussion. Do not squander our time.
"I refuse to get married," I said, clenching my hands.
I had had enough of being in charge.
I suddenly got a sharp sting on my cheek. I had to put my hand on it because it was so painful.
I had taken a hard swat from Olivia. Among her best, this one. Her ring had sliced me right below my eye, and she had left a scarlet welt in her wake. I had bleeding on me.
Glancing at me fiercely, she asked, "Anything more to say?"
No, I shook my head. I would be killed if I said anything further to her.
"Excellent. She said, "Suit yourself," and swung her elegant hair out of her way.
I used my palm to wipe the warm liquid that I felt streamed down my nose. I had bleeding on me. I hastily cleaned up after using the restroom.
After fifteen minutes, I was lying on my bed, looking at my gown. Despite how beautiful it looked, I didn't want to be in it. Why me?
Who was this Frederick guy? I had no idea about him, so I felt like I was living under a rock. I didn't know anyone.
I hastily pulled out my laptop and searched Google for him.
There were other pieces about him, including the one that became popular recently on his covert engagement.
Right now, I had no time for all that crap. I hurried to the photos because I had to see his face at the very least, and there was a whole gallery of him.
Alright, so my mouth fell open. Immediately, my heart missed a beat. My cheeks took on an unfamiliar hue, and a smile appeared on my lips.
I've never been a believer in the story of love at first sight, but the masterpiece I was staring at made me experience emotions I had never experienced before. How on earth was he so flawless?
After reading three or four pieces on him, I was certain that he was well-respected by women.
Was I gonna have this Frederick guy as my better half? The idea alone caused me to experience strange emotions.
Was my newfound excitement about getting married a good thing?
My gut prompted me to start working on my appearance right away. I needed to make an impression on him. My initial impression needed to be flawless.
My foot, one year. By trick or crook, I would make sure it worked.
There is at last hope for a brighter future. My prince charming had arrived at last.
Yes, that persistent idea bothered me even though I was excited.
Would the attractive millionaire put up with a socially uncomfortable social misfit like me?
On the eve of their wedding, Clara Raymond discovers her fiancé in a compromising situation. Deeply hurt by his treachery, she has a breakdown outside the civil affairs office where she intended to formally register their marriage, following a family tradition. However, his abrupt withdrawal on that very day after betraying her the night before proves to be the breaking point. She is no longer willing to forgive and move on. Instead, she craves vengeance. To retaliate, Clara seizes the first attractive man nearby and boldly proposes, "Will you marry me?"
This book is highly steamy and full of drama Be prepared for some female power, sass and determination! And a lot of sexual tension Warning: Suitable for 18+ "Guess I'm dying to find out what that venomous mouth can do." My heart pounded hard, but I forced myself not to show it on my face. "I thought you despised me and now you want me to suck your dick?" I ask, cocking my head towards the wall. Demian smiles. "Well you hate me but you still let me make you come four times." His eyes blinked back at my bluntness, and he shook his head in my direction. "Even if you were the last wolf on Earth, I wouldn't even beg you to fuck me." I gave a sharp spit. With a small chuckle to himself, Demian glances down at the ground for a moment before shoving me against the wall and grabbing my throat. Sensed my heartbeat against his fingers at the abrupt movement. "I beg to differ," he says, his poisonous Odor creeping up on me as he breaths along my jaw's edge. - Nora descends into a life of suffering and agony after her mother curses her for having harbored long-term envy. The curse's primary goal is to prevent her from sensing her mate, but it is also slowly killing her every day. With an increasingly icy heart, Nora hates everyone and destroys anything that stands in her way. She trespasses on Demian's Pack, an Alpha with severe anger issues. His pack fights to keep her alive when Demian is determined to kill her and doesn't trust her cruel tactics. However, Nora is determined to get even with her mother, and she won't give up until she does.
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.
Five years ago, Alessia La Rosa's life took a drastic turn when, suffering from memory loss, she wed to Dominic Carter under her grandfather's mysterious arrangement. But their marriage was a facade, bringing her only humiliation and heartache as Dominic showed no love, and she couldn't conceive. Upon discovering Dominic's infidelity, Alessia sought liberation through divorce. Yet, fate had more in store for her. Five years later, spurred by an anonymous email hinting at her lost child's whereabouts, she returns to the city with her twin babies in tow, determined to uncover the truth. As she navigates the tangled web of her past, a surprising twist awaits. Dominic, upon meeting her again, finds himself drawn to the woman she has become, unaware of her true identity as his former wife. Little does he know, the woman he's falling for is not only his ex-wife but also a powerful Doctor and Master Hacker.
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."
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."
Brenna lived with her adoptive parents for twenty years, enduring their exploitation. When their real daughter appeared, they sent Brenna back to her true parents, thinking they were broke. In reality, her birth parents belonged to a top circle that her adoptive family could never reach. Hoping Brenna would fail, they gasped at her status: a global finance expert, a gifted engineer, the fastest racer... Was there any end to the identities she kept hidden? After her fiancé ended their engagement, Brenna met his twin brother. Unexpectedly, her ex-fiancé showed up, confessing his love...
She was a world-renowned divine doctor, the CEO of a publicly traded company, the most formidable female mercenary, and a top-tier tech genius. Marissa, a titan with a plethora of secret identities, had hidden her true stature to marry a seemingly impoverished young man. However, on the eve of their wedding, her fiance, who was actually the lost heir to a wealthy dynasty, called off the engagement and subjected her to degradation and mockery. Upon the revelation of her concealed identities, her ex-fiance was left stunned and desperately pleaded for her forgiveness. Standing protectively before Marissa, an incredibly influential and fearsome magnate declared, "This is my wife. Who would dare try to claim her?"