Lena Thompson is a 23 years old high school graduate. She comes from a poor family and was forced to take up odd jobs to care for her family's needs as well as save up for medical school. She has always dreamed of becoming a neurosurgeon but her family has been limited on funds. When Ethan, a wealthy businessman offers her an unexpected opportunity to be the surrogate mother of his child in exchange of a life changing amount, her world turns upside down. She finds herself caught between a rock and a hard place when Ethan reveals that her eggs would be used for the procedure. Can she carry a child that is biologically hers and then walk away? Or will she end up falling for the billionaire.
My name is Lena Thompson. I am a 23 years old Virgin, soon to be college student, and an odd worker. Coming from a poor home, i had always known what it meant to struggle. My parents worked tirelessly, yet their combined incomes barely covered the bills.
My father was a mechanic until he had a stroke right after I finished high school and had been bedridden ever since
, and my mother, a waitress, had always put their children's needs before their own, but there was only so much that could be done. Medical school was a dream i had clung to since i was a little girl, but the financial burden has left me almost hopeless.
After my father's death, my mum had to work harder to pay the bills and take care of us which still was not enough. After that I knew I had to step up and help her.
I worked countless jobs to save money for my education. Waiting tables, tutoring, even cleaning houses on weekends. Every penny i earned went into my savings, but it still was not enough.
My family lives in Georgia whilst I live in California because of my jobs. Since I got here I have not been able to see them but I do send them money every month for upkeep.
*******
I wipe away the tear rolling down my cheek.
I have jobs, but it is barely enough for me to pay bills, feed myself and send to family. I do not have enough money to send and help. While I'm trying to save for my education, my sister needs money for her fees and my mum needs money for her upkeep.
"Life isn't supposed to be this hard." I said to myself.
Lost in thought my, my phone rings, making me jump. "Hello?"
"Lena, it's Lucy."
"Oh," I say, relieved it's not my mom or my sister.
"Are you ready? We are going to be late."Lucy said.
"Oh! I almost forgot we were going to work at the gala tonight. I'm sorry! I'm on my way." I reach for my purse.
"It's okay. I'm outside-take your time."
Lucy is my one and only friend. We met in final year of high school; she was the first friend I had in California and we've been friends ever since. When I emerge from my apartment, i lock the door behind me, and get in Lucy's car. It is almost sunset.
When we arrived at the location we parked and ran inside the venue because we were running late. This was one of my many jobs - been a waitress. I got the offer to work at the charity event gala as a waitress and I immediately jumped on it.
I was very tired. But tonight, my focus was on getting through the evening without any mishaps. I adjusted the tray of sliders balanced on my hand, making my way through the elegantly dressed guests. Although the grand ballroom sparkled with chandeliers and the soft hum of conversation, i could hardly enjoy the luxury.
I had just passed a group of guests when i felt myself bump into someone, sending a tray of sliders onto a man's suit. My heart sank as i looked up and recognized Ethan Carter, the billionaire whose name was synonymous with power and wealth. The CEO of Carter group of companies.
"Oh my God, I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed, grabbing a napkin to help clean up.
Ethan looked down at the ketchup stain, his jaw tightening. "Watch where you're going," he snapped, his voice cold and irritated. "Do you have any idea how much this suit costs?"
I flushed, my embarrassment turning to frustration. "I said I was sorry," i replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "It was an accident."
Ethan's icy glare made me feel small and insignificant. "An accident that could have been avoided if you were paying attention," he retorted before brushing past me without another word.
I stood there, feeling humiliated and angry. I had heard stories about the aloof billionaire, but i had not expected him to be so openly rude. Shaking off the encounter, i returned to my duties, determined not to let one man ruin my evening.
As i continued to go around the room serving guests, my thoughts drifted back to my career . My parents had done everything they could to support my dreams, but there were limits to their resources. My younger sister needed clothes, school supplies, and sometimes even food. I had taken on the responsibility of helping my parents as much as i could while trying to save for my own future. It was a shaky balance, and nights like this made me wonder if i would ever make it in life.
Hours later, as the gala ended, i was stacking chairs and tidying up after the event. I could not shake the feeling of disappointment from the evening. I had hoped to make a good impression, maybe even network a little, but instead, i had managed to spill condiments on one of the most powerful men in the room.
Just as i was finishing up, i noticed Ethan walking out of the room. His demeanor was same. I quickly left whatever i was doing and approached him.
"Mr Carter," i began, "My name is Lena Thompson".
"I wanted to apologize for earlier," i said, feeling uncharacteristically awkward. "It was a stressful night for me, but that's no excuse for my behavior."
Ethan's eyes softened slightly, though he remained wary. "Thank you for the apology. It's not every day you get apologies from people when they are wrong".
We both smile and shook each others hands.
"THE LOVE AFFAIR" In the heart of a bustling city, amidst the promise of a wedding, lies a web of emotions entangling three lives. Adrian, the steadfast and reliable fiancé, eagerly anticipates his future with Annabella, an ethereal beauty whose elegance hides the turmoil within. Yet, within the confines of their professional world, Annabella’s interactions with Alex, her enigmatic boss, unravel a forbidden affair, igniting a tempest of emotions and unspoken desires. As the wedding preparations intensify, Annabella grapples with conflicting feelings, torn between the stability promised by Adrian and the enigmatic allure of Alex. Hidden desires clash with societal expectations, pushing Annabella into a world of guilt, secrecy, and emotional turmoil. Meanwhile, Adrian remains oblivious, his excitement for their impending union clouding the turmoil brewing beneath the surface. The story weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and the complexities of the human heart. With each clandestine meeting, Annabella’s inner conflict escalates, and the stakes grow higher. Confrontations loom on the horizon, forcing Annabella to confront her true feelings and the consequences of her actions. In "THE LOVE AFFAIR," the facade of stability cracks, revealing the raw, intricate emotions and tangled desires of three individuals navigating the uncharted territories of love, trust, and self-discovery. As the story unfolds, hearts will be tested, alliances will shift, and the undeniable allure of forbidden love will challenge the very fabric of their lives, culminating in a poignant tale of acceptance, growth, and the enduring complexities of human relationships.
Emily and Adam, once inseparable high school friends turned estranged by an untold history, find themselves reunited at a conference in Portland. With successful careers and separate lives, they stand on the bridge of collaboration between their companies. Yet, amidst professional strides, unresolved emotions surface, testing the boundaries of past hurts and missed opportunities. As they navigate a feelings between professional alliance and personal reconciliation, the echoes of an unspoken past weave a poignant narrative of second chances and the complexities of rekindling a friendship lost to misunderstandings. Will the collaboration they embark upon reignite more than just professional ambitions, paving the way for healing and a chance at a renewed connection?
Linsey was stood up by her groom to run off with another woman. Furious, she grabbed a random stranger and declared, "Let's get married!" She had acted on impulse, realizing too late that her new husband was the notorious rascal, Collin. The public laughed at her, and even her runaway ex offered to reconcile. But Linsey scoffed at him. "My husband and I are very much in love!" Everyone thought she was delusional. Then Collin was revealed to be the richest man in the world. In front of everyone, he got down on one knee and held up a stunning diamond ring. "I look forward to our forever, honey."
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.
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?
"You're pathetic!" Brenden sneered, each word cutting deep into Corinna's heart. Years of emotional wounds had drained every ounce of love she once held. "I've wasted enough time on you. If there's a next life, I hope we never meet again." Her words severed the bond between them like a blade. From that moment on, Brenden was haunted by her absence—unable to sleep, longing for the warmth he took for granted.
Melanie married Ashton out of gratitude, but she quickly found herself entangled in a web of relentless challenges. Despite these struggles, she stayed true to her commitment to the marriage. In the hospital room, Ashton indifferently attempted to draw her blood, disregarding her discomfort. This callous act was a harsh revelation for Melanie, awakening her to the grim reality of their relationship. Resolved to prioritize her own welfare, she decided to sever ties. With newfound resolve, Melanie filed for divorce. In the process, she unveiled her concealed identities, leaving everyone in shock. Throughout these turbulent times, Melanie realized that Derek, Ashton’s uncle, had been discreetly protecting her all along.
"I, Erika Blackwood, stand before you, Alexander Robertson, with a heavy heart. I hereby reject you as my mate. The bond we once shared has grown fragile, and my soul yearns for a different path. May you find solace in the love of another, and may we both find the happiness we seek." Alexander didn't say a word and looked at me. But he refused to accept. *********** Erika Blackwood is the next Alpha in line of the Ironclaw Pack. She hides her identity and gets mated to the Alpha of the Moonforest Pack, Alexander Robertson. Three years passed, but Alexander is still unwilling to let go of his childhood sweetheart. Erika is mistreated and eventually framed by the same childhood sweetheart. Now she leaves with that humiliation, and goes back to her pack, swearing vengeance on those who hurt her. They all waited for her to return and beg, but what happens when they realize that the famous Ironclaw Pack that was going to help in the rogue war, was ruled by a woman named, Erika Blackwood. Now her Ex mates want her back. Other Alphas want this woman.. But will she accept any of them? Or will she stay independent forever?...