Theana must pretend as Alethea (her twin sister) and get to know her sister's future husband, Taddeo Locatelli, until Alethea is ready to face her groom. However, things change its course when she finds herself being preyed upon by Taddeo's younger brother, Arcel. It was intrigue that lured Arcel to her. His unexpected interest blooms into possession that fuels the monster within him. Nothing could stop him from claiming her for himself, even his own brother. Will there be 'Happy Ending' between Arcel and Theana if their love for each other were entangled with lies, revenge...and murder?
"Auntie, I won't accept what you want me to do!" shouted a young woman as she entered an office.
A middle-aged woman exhaled cigarette smoke while she was on the phone. "We'll do, sir. Thank you. I hope you'll enjoy her service."
After saying that, the older woman hung up the phone and turned to the younger one who had entered her office.
"You have no choice. I've already put your name on the list. The crowd wants you! This is the solution to your financial problems. Consider it payment for my help in hiding you from your family for two years, Thea," said the older woman as she sorted through some papers scattered on her desk.
"A trade-off? I came to you willingly when I approached you. I've been working hard, sacrificing my education to help with our daily expenses, and now you're going to do this to me? You're not making me an escort, but you're going to auction me off!" The young woman couldn't help raising her voice out of frustration.
"You have no choice. If you back out, you'll need to pay a penalty. Do you have the money for that? I don't. So just follow what I ask you to do. I'm buried in debt, and we have many needs. Just endure it, or if you want, ask your mother for help. Your family has money, don't they? However, you'll also have to face the wrath of your family after running away from them."
Theana, the young woman, couldn't bring herself to speak. She knew she couldn't go back. Two years had passed since she left their home, and she had accepted the fate that she could never return. Besides the escape, she left behind a big scandal and mistake that haunted her. So now, she had no choice but to cling to the woman who sheltered her when she had nowhere else to go. Estelle, the woman who helped Thea when she left and ran away from her family, who worked at an exclusive club.
Thea sighed heavily. There were many things she wanted to fight for, but... she knew she couldn't do anything about it. She didn't want to ask her mother for help because she knew her mother wouldn't feed her. Besides, it was too late when she found out that she was included among the women being auctioned off tonight. She also didn't have the money to pay the penalty if she decided not to go through with it.
Her hands trembled as hairstylists and makeup artists worked on her. She still couldn't accept what awaited her tonight.
All the women to be auctioned off were lined up. Theana wanted to cry and vomit. Never did she once imagine she would end up in this situation.
She grew up with a silver spoon in her mouth. Though she was somewhat spoiled because her parents indulged her whims, she still knew when she needed to stand on her own two feet.
Thea's desired quiet life was shattered when her twin sister, Alethea Brooke, was suddenly arranged to marry a member of a prominent family known nationwide. That's when the chaos began in what she thought would be her perfect life.
She closed her eyes as she remembered everything. She wanted to bury it all in oblivion, but she also wanted to think about what might have happened to her if she hadn't left back then.
"Thea!"
Her thoughts were interrupted when an organizer of the auction called her. He grabbed her by the arm before talking to her.
"You're next. Even back when your only job was as a waitress, many were willing to pay for your service. Too bad you couldn't before, but now... oh boy! I wonder how much the highest bid for you will be?" he said excitedly. "As of now, the highest bid tonight is one million."
As excited as everyone around Thea was, she felt nothing but despair. She wanted to retreat, she wanted to run away, and escape from it all. She knew she was good at running away from problems. But she also thought about the situation her Aunt Estelle would be in. She owed a lot to the person who was treating her like this now because she had relied on her for two years while hiding from her family.
"Are you still a virgin?" asked a woman, sucking on a lollipop while waiting for Theana's response. Theana remained silent. "Oh dear! If you're still a virgin, I'm sure people outside will bid very high for you. Besides being beautiful, if they find out you're still a virgin, everyone will be scrambling to get you."
In truth, she's no longer a virgin! She had long surrendered her virginity to a man she really liked. Nevertheless, she still had to leave him.
Thea remained silent, thinking that the money she would receive wouldn't be worth trading for her dignity.
She was being prepared because she was up next. She was the last woman to come out, and she was told she was the one they were all waiting for. She sarcastically smiled because she wasn't pleased with how much importance they were giving her now.
Theana took a deep breath, swallowing all the emotions she felt. If she wanted to get through all of this, she needed to numb herself.
When her nickname was called, she stepped out. The men present eyed her as if they were ready to lay down any amount just to have her and be with her for a few days.
She still couldn't accept that she was here now, like some thing or property being sold at a price deemed suitable for her. She wanted to vomit and be disgusted by the people doing this.
Thea couldn't focus. She couldn't even move her eyes away from the floor. All she heard was when the auctioneer said the bidding would start at one million.
Thea scoffed. She had clearly heard earlier that prices usually started low before rising, but for her, the amount was ridiculously high right away. Maybe they were that eager for virgins, or they thought she was still one and untouched by any man.
Someone raised their number. Thea glanced briefly and grimaced when she saw a running senator bidding for her.
Her makeup was too thick for anyone to recognize her. She knew that no one would recognize her even if someone she knew suddenly appeared at this event.
"One point five million," the man said.
Bids for Thea kept going up. She no longer cared. She was just waiting to see who would win this absurdity.
"Going once, going twice-yes, number 100!" the auctioneer declared.
As of now, the highest bid for Thea was at ten million. An elderly businessman had the highest bid for her, and when she saw how he looked at her, she felt chills. She suddenly prayed and had a concern that she wouldn't end up with him.
"Fifty million pesos!"
Thea's eyes widened at the announcement. She looked at the man who said it. He was in formal attire, but he didn't seem like the type who owned a big company.
"Sold!"
Until the auction ended, Thea was out of herself. She still couldn't believe that someone would spend 50 million just to have her and be with her for a few days.
Her Aunt Estelle was overjoyed. She kept giving Thea all sorts of advice as if she had really given up on Theana. Thea scrutinized her, still unhappy with what was happening in her life.
Only a few documents were sorted out before the man who won her was allowed to take her away.
She was led into a luxurious car, and it seemed like they were heading to a big hotel.
She kept stealing glances at the man. He was silent, engrossed in a conversation on the phone. She wondered why so much money was spent on her when he seemed uninterested in her.
Upon arriving at a famous hotel, she was immediately ushered into the elevator. They headed to the top floor.
Her companions stopped when they reached a suite. She looked at the man, expecting to follow him inside, but after the door was opened for her, he didn't move from where he stood.
"Aren't you coming in?" Thea hesitated with each word she uttered.
The man quickly replied, "No, Miss. I was just instructed to attend the auction. I'm not the one who owns you. My boss is waiting inside this suite; please go in."
And that's what Theana did. She entered the room and walked towards the living area. She wanted to commend every corner of the suite, but she remembered why she was there.
All sorts of thoughts raced through her mind, especially about the kind of person who won the auction.
When she reached the living area, she saw a man standing in front of the large window. One hand was in his pocket, and the other held a glass of alcohol. She cleared her throat to get the man's attention.
The man slowly turned to face her, and Theana's eyes widened when she saw who it was. The man she had been trying to avoid and the man to whom she had given her whole innocence. The man she denied loving but deep inside, she truly did.
"A-Arcel!" Thea panicked upon seeing and recognizing the man.
Arcel quickly finished his drink before approaching Theana. She immediately backed away when Arcel grabbed her hand.
"You're running away again?" Arcel said coldly to her. Theana felt small under his gaze. His eyes were piercing.
"Let go of me, Arcel! Why are you here?" Theana insisted, unable to accept that she was seeing the young man again. His eyebrow raised, but he didn't answer. "What the hell?! Why did you spend fifty million on me?! I know you're wealthy, but if you're wasting your money like that, it's like picking it up from the ground-"
Thea's words were cut off when Arcel grabbed her waist and pulled her closer to him. His jaw tightened, and he still looked sharply at Thea.
"I am claiming what's mine, Thea. I am here to get my runaway bride."
Blythe Sanchez has had enough. After years of enduring her boyfriend's endless infidelity, her patience has run dry, and her heart is shattered. One impulsive night changes everything when she crosses paths with Larkin Callahan, a mysterious and irresistibly handsome stranger. Larkin's allure pulls her in, but behind his charming smile lie secrets that could either bring them together or tear them apart. What begins as a moment of passion quickly spirals into a whirlwind romance, forcing Blythe to confront not only her past but also the dangerous mysteries surrounding Larkin. Can she risk trusting her heart again, or will his secrets be the final betrayal?
Bella stood before a large mirror in a grand room, brushing her hair. She was preparing herself for what would happen on the first night of her marriage. As Bella was brushing her hair, the door to the room opened, and she saw in the mirror her husband approaching her. Bella put down her hairbrush and turned to face Leandro, who was standing with pride and honor behind her. "You can refuse if you don't want me to do this," Leandro said, his tone cold and formal. Bella lowered her head. She didn't want this. She didn't want to be touched by a man she didn't love. She didn't want anything to happen between her and a man she barely knew, except for their wedding day. But what could she do? She had to fulfill her husband's needs. If he wanted something to happen between them, she couldn't refuse. That's what her father had drilled into her mind. Leandro sighed, and Bella raised her gaze to meet his. Her eyes widened when she saw Leandro undressing. "If you're not going to say anything to stop me, I will take it as permission to have sex with you," Leandro stated. Bella firmly closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She stood up and slowly removed her nightdress. Leandro's lips parted in surprise at his wife's actions. Nevertheless, the desires of his flesh overpowered his other emotions. He quickly pulled his wife into a deep kiss, catching Bella off guard, leaving her with no time to close her eyes. The next thing she knew, she was lying on the bed with Leandro on top of her. Leandro's movements were swift. He removed Bella's underwear and looked at her one last time before speaking again. "You can still stop me," Leandro said in a hoarse voice. Bella took a deep breath and shook her head. "This is my obligation as your wife. You don't have to ask me again. Do it." Leandro retrieved a condom, put it on, and then positioned himself before slowly entering Bella. She screamed in pain and discomfort as she accepted her husband's entirety. Bella involuntarily pulled Leandro's hair as he continued to penetrate her slowly. Tears streamed down Bella's face as she felt Leandro's fullness inside her. She gradually began to feel Leandro's movements. That night, Bella experienced a mix of desire and bitterness. She surrendered to her husband's actions, but she cried and felt bitter because she was unsure if this was the life she truly desired. They shared a passionate night, and Bella barely remembered the details due to exhaustion. She woke up the next morning to find her husband no longer by her side. She later discovered that he had left the country early that morning, leaving her alone.
When I entered our room, I immediately saw Marcus on our balcony smoking. He was wearing a white tank top and pajama bottoms. When I closed the door, he faced me, and I immediately saw the sharp look in his eyes. "M-Marcus, you came home early from work," I said to him with some nervousness. Already sensing what’s on his mind. I met Tristan earlier, and I didn't want Marcus to know. Even if my husband doesn't love me, he gets angry when other men approach me, and he doesn't want me near Tristan either. He put out the cigarette he was holding and threw it away. Slowly, he approached with a sharp gaze. I swallowed my saliva, feeling the strong beating of my heart. "M-Marcus!" I exclaimed. He grabbed me by the waist and pressed our bodies together. He brought his face close to my ear and licked and bit it. I clung to his shoulder and let out a soft moan. I also closed my eyes because I couldn't bear to look at him. "Where have you been, Evelyn Grace Halloway?" he whispered close to my ear. I swallowed my saliva, struggling to answer in our current position. I felt Marcus's touch on my thigh, making me even more restless. "Someone saw you earlier with Tristan Anderson. Can I ask if that's true, Mrs. Halloway?" Marcus asked me with his sweet voice. Instead of feeling delighted by how he said it, I became even more scared because I knew what would happen next. "Look at me!" I jumped in surprise at his shout and quickly opened my eyes, looking at him. My whole body trembled in fear of what he would do next. I saw his intimidating expression as he stared at me. He held my chin and brought my face close to his. I shivered as he licked the side of my lips and whispered to me again. "What did I tell you before, wife?" My lips trembled as I answered his question. "N-No meeting other... other men," I stammered. "Hmmm." He caressed my waist and kissed my cheek. "Can you explain what happened earlier?" "W-We're just friends, Marcus. I-I didn't do anything wrong—" "Liar!" he shouted. I couldn't hold back my tears. I screamed as Marcus lifted me and laid me on our bed. My eyes widened as he hovered over me. "No one else can come near you, claim you, and touch you because you're mine, Evelyn Grace Halloway! You can't escape from me because I won't allow you to be happy!" he shouted and laughed devilishly. I am Evelyn Grace Wilson-Halloway, and I married the Devil Billionaire named Lucien Marcus Halloway.
Monique soared to the heavens when Joshua made her his bride. Her love for him brimmed over, so much so that not even the absence of his best man could stop the ceremony. And she even fell in love more with her now husband after the union. What initially appeared to be the prologue of their happily ever after soon changed into a captivating illusion, woven with deceit and falsehood, shattering her once-rosy reality. Now faced with the daunting truth, Monique must grapple with the revelation that the husband she adored is not the man she believed him to be but instead his twin brother…Jacob. What if the lie that she had been living with was the fairytale that she had been wanting all her life? Is love enough to overshadow the web of deception entwining them?
Amelie Pearce, born into one of the prominent crime families in Chicago, is a princess of the mafia renowned for her physical attractiveness. However, what many perceive as a blessing becomes her downfall when she is compelled to marry Gio Merante, in order to establish peace between two mafia dynasties. Gio is the prospective head of the Merante Cartel within the New York Famiglia, a man infamous for his brutal nature and for strangling his cousin with his bare hands. Millie is filled with terror at the prospect of marrying such a monster. Despite being one of the most desirable bachelors in New York due to his good looks, wealth, and charismatic but predatory demeanor, Millie understands that Gio's bad boy persona is more than just an act. Behind Gio's captivating gray eyes and arrogant smile lie bloodshed and death. In her world, an attractive exterior often conceals a hidden monster—one capable of both killing and kissing with equal ease. However, escaping from the arranged union, let alone a man like Gio, is impossible. He would pursue her to the ends of the earth. Millie's only hope of survival in a marriage with Gio is to win his affection and gradually find her way into his heart—despite rumors that suggest Gio possesses no heart at all. A beautiful mafia princess given to a monstrous man. Even monsters harbor a heart. She fully intends to find her place within it.
Ashton Johnson is a formidable presence, a person who refuses to be controlled. With a strong will, unwavering resilience, and complete accountability, this twenty-two-year-old billionaire alpha male navigates his extraordinary life with ease. Every day brings a flurry of adoring fans, transforming a simple lunch into a chaotic spectacle. By afternoon, his face is plastered all over the internet, capturing the attention of millions. From the moment he was born, Ashton's life was destined for fame and recognition, thanks to his prominent family. He is the epitome of American royalty, carrying the weight of his lineage on his shoulders. However, his world takes an unexpected turn when he is assigned a new bodyguard, someone who will be with him around the clock. This is when Ashton comes face-to-face with his worst fear: being paired with a tattooed, MMA-trained professional who is notorious for disregarding rules within the security team. As if that weren't complicated enough, this bodyguard also happens to fulfill one-third of Ashton's deepest sexual desires. Lennox Burke, twenty-seven years old, has a singular duty: to protect Ashton Johnson at all costs. Anything beyond the realm of strict professionalism, such as flirting, dating, or engaging in intimate encounters, is strictly forbidden and could lead to Lennox's termination. However, when unexpected emotions begin to surface, the task of safeguarding this stubbornly alluring celebrity becomes increasingly complex for Lennox. As their paths intertwine, the boundaries that separate them start to blur, and the consequences of their growing connection could be catastrophic for both of them. The risk of exposure looms large, threatening to upend their lives in unimaginable ways.
In order to fulfill her grandfather's last wish, Stella entered into a hasty marriage with an ordinary man she had never met before. However, even after becoming husband and wife on paper, they each led separate lives, barely crossing paths. A year later, Stella returned to Seamarsh City, hoping to finally meet her mysterious husband. To her astonishment, he sent her a text message, unexpectedly pleading for a divorce without ever having met her in person. Gritting her teeth, Stella replied, "So be it. Let’s get a divorce!" Following that, Stella made a bold move and joined the Prosperity Group, where she became a public relations officer that worked directly for the company’s CEO, Matthew. The handsome and enigmatic CEO was already bound in matrimony, and was known to be unwaveringly devoted to his wife in private. Unbeknownst to Stella, her mysterious husband was actually her boss, in his alternate identity! Determined to focus on her career, Stella deliberately kept her distance from the CEO, although she couldn't help but notice his deliberate attempts to get close to her. As time went on, her elusive husband had a change of heart. He suddenly refused to proceed with the divorce. When would his alternate identity be uncovered? Amidst a tumultuous blend of deception and profound love, what destiny awaited them?
For three years, Joanna had dedicated herself as both Anthony's secretary and his secret lover, all for her family's sake. Upon discovering Anthony's engagement to the woman he truly loved, Joanna chose to break off their affair, resign from her role, conceal her pregnancy, and leave without a trace. Five years later, Joanna had ascended to the role of CEO of a formidable business empire. In a bold public declaration, she announced her plans to acquire Anthony's group within three years. In a private moment, Anthony cornered Joanna, pressing her against the wall and softly kissing her near her lips. "If you desire it, I'm ready to offer it to you, okay? Just promise you won't leave me again."
"Let's get divorced, she's back." On their second wedding anniversary, Adrian asked Eva for a divorce. "I can live well without you." Eva found out she was pregnant and decided to raise the child alone. Feeling like he must have been crazy, Adrian couldn't stop missing Eva every day after the divorce. He searched all over the world until one day he saw the woman he had been searching for walking happily with a child. "Whose child is this?" Adrian was shocked.
"Miss Brown, I am the butler here at your service," the butler replied. "My master wants to buy the baby in your belly." "What?!" Does that mean the abortion didn't take place? Did they kidnap her from the operating table just to buy the baby? But why her? "You..." Alice was about to ask a question, but the man in front of her calmly continued, as if he had expected her question, "You're pregnant with his child, and he needs a child. That's all I can tell you." Alice was forced to sign a surrogacy contract and eight months later gave birth to two healthy babies. Fortunately, the man was unaware of her daughter's existence. It wasn't until five years later that fate brought them together again...
"You think you can just leave without a trace after what happened that night?" His hands pinned her arms above her head, his piercing blue eyes boring into hers. "W-what do you mean?" she stuttered, his scent reminding her of that night-the night that had changed her life completely. "What do I mean? Are you seriously asking me that, woman? If your brain can't recall how we burned together on that bed, how about I remind you right here?" His face was dangerously close as he growled into her ear. Her eyes widened. He meant it. Every single word. He was the king of the entertainment world, after all. "Let me go," she demanded stubbornly, her voice barely audible. He let out a low, dark chuckle that sent a chill down her spine. "Let you go? Oh, I'll let you go, Tatiana. But not until you understand the consequences of crossing paths with me." •••••••••• In the world of the entertainment industry, we see constant change and creativity. Trends come and go, as do collaborations between artists and producers. This world can make anyone wish to be a part of it-it is said to be inspiring and enjoyable... Meanwhile, that's only on the surface. The same world is filled with deceit, betrayal, fake love, ruthless competition, toxic fans who could ruin you, suicide, and dissatisfaction... This world is mostly dominated by men. How can a woman, hurt by this world, face it-especially when she had a night and her life tangled with the king of them all?
For the sake of their company, Atasha Rae was forced to marry the known heartless billionaire, Lorcan Amadeus. But it only took her a week as his wife because later on, he suddenly wants a divorce immediately. So as he wished, she signed the divorce paper even after admitting to herself that she was somehow starting to fall inlove with him. Heart badly wounded, she ran away from his life. Until she discovers that she's pregnant with his child and as a result, she ends up with no choice but to keep it a secret. Out of Lorcan's awareness, she's keeping a secret that would lead him to an overflowing regret. Because for a week of their fallen marriage beyond repair, she's carrying the billionaire's heir.