/0/61026/coverbig.jpg?v=98f80e391da38c46e68c70ebe79c56f9)
Alana's life takes an unexpected turn when she signs a marriage contract with Damian Halford, a powerful CEO known for his cold and detached nature. As Damian steps into her home, Alana feels a mix of excitement and uncertainty about the path she's chosen. Their arrangement, driven by necessity rather than affection, is set to redefine their lives. Damian's strict rules and business-like approach to their union leave Alana questioning her decision. Can she navigate this emotionally distant relationship while seeking the financial stability she desperately needs? As Alana and Damian begin their journey together, they must balance personal boundaries with public cooperation, all while grappling with their own fears and insecurities. In this contract marriage, the true challenge lies in finding respect and understanding amidst the coldness and formality. In this gripping tale of contractual commitment, Alana must confront her own doubts and navigate the complexities of living with a man who seems impervious to emotion. Will this marriage of convenience bring them closer together, or will the emotional void between them prove too vast to bridge?
Alana gazed out the dark night sky from her bedroom window, her mind swirling in a vortex of chaos. Her feelings were a mix of uncontrollable excitement and enveloping uncertainty. She had just signed a marriage contract she never imagined would happen- a contract marriage with Damian Halford, a CEO known for his cold and headstrong nature.
Damian's arrival at her home tonight was a necessity. They were about to start a new life together, despite not knowing each other well. Alana took a deep breath and walked toward the door, the tension felt like a thin thread connecting two invisible points.
The door opened, and Damian entered the room with a confident stride, always surrounded by an aura of power and authority. He was dressed formally in a perfectly tailored black suit, his expression flat yet sharp. His black eyes assessed Alana with the precision of someone inspecting merchandise.
"Good evening, Miss Alana," Damian's voice flowed coldly, full of the arrogance she had come to recognize. "It seems we're starting a new chapter in our lives."
Alana steadied her breath and gave a faint smile. "Yes, good evening, Mr. Halford. I hope we can make this arrangement work smoothly."
Damian walked further into the room, placing his suitcase in the corner and sitting on the edge of the bed. "We need to discuss the basic rules we'll follow. Everything needs to be clear from the start."
Alana felt a bit pressured. "What do you mean by basic rules?"
Damian glanced at her sharply. "First, we must separate personal matters from business. This arrangement is a contract, not an emotional relationship. Second, each of us has the freedom to do what we want outside of this agreement. However, we must show good cooperation in all public matters."
Alana swallowed hard. "And if I disagree with any of these rules?"
Damian raised an eyebrow, seemingly unaffected by the increasing tension. "We must adhere to this agreement, Alana. Otherwise, the contract could be voided. But I'm sure both of us prefer to keep our reputations intact."
Damian's voice was like ice melting inside her, making Alana uncomfortable. But she knew she couldn't back out now. This arrangement was her way out of the financial chaos she faced, and despite the difficulty in accepting it, she had to follow the set rules.
"Alright," she said firmly, though her heart was shaking. "We'll follow these rules. But I want to emphasize that we need to respect each other, even though this is a contract marriage."
Damian nodded briefly. "That's a reasonable expectation. Let's see how we can adjust to this situation."
Both sides fell silent for a moment, the atmosphere growing colder. Alana felt a bit uneasy as Damian stood up and decided to leave the room. "I'll return in the morning to discuss the schedule and planning further. Good night."
As Damian left, Alana stared at his disappearing figure. The tension in the air seemed to cling to her skin, and she felt uncomfortable with how Damian treated her. Could she really adjust to a man so cold and calculating?
Doubt and uncertainty plagued her thoughts. However, she had no other choice. This contract marriage was her only way to move forward and improve her difficult financial situation. Still, she knew the journey ahead would not be easy.
Alana watched as Damian's silhouette faded into the distance, his imposing figure receding until he was nothing more than a shadow against the twilight sky. The air felt heavy, charged with a tension that clung to her like an unwelcome second skin. His demeanor had been so distant, so devoid of warmth or genuine emotion. Alana shifted uncomfortably, the echoes of his cold words still ringing in her ears.
Could she truly adapt to a man so devoid of empathy? Damian's calculated gaze and curt responses had unsettled her, leaving her grappling with a gnawing sense of unease. He was everything she had hoped to avoid in a partner-cold, detached, and seemingly indifferent to her feelings. The prospect of living with such a person filled her with dread.
Yet, Alana's mind relentlessly returned to the contract they had just signed. The promise of financial stability, the chance to lift herself from the mire of her current situation-it was all too tempting. The contract marriage was her ticket to a new beginning, the only viable solution she had to escape the crushing weight of her debts and hardships.
But as she stood alone, the reality of her choice settled heavily on her shoulders. Could she reconcile the emotional void she felt with the practical advantages this arrangement promised? Every time she thought of Damian, his expression remained impassive, his eyes unreadable. How could she forge a connection, or even a semblance of companionship, with someone so emotionally distant?
Alana sighed, the sound escaping her lips like a silent plea for answers. She knew that this journey would be far from easy. It would require more than just adapting to a new lifestyle; it would demand that she confront her own fears and insecurities. The road ahead was fraught with challenges, and the emotional strain was already beginning to take its toll.
Despite the swirling doubts, she steeled herself for the path she had chosen. There was no turning back now. Her financial situation left her with no other viable options, and the contract marriage was her beacon of hope. Yet, as she prepared to step into this new chapter of her life, she couldn't shake the feeling that the hardest battles might be those waged within her own heart.
Alana watched as Damian's figure vanished into the distance, his cold demeanor leaving a palpable chill in the air. The contract marriage was her only escape from her dire financial situation, but Damian's emotional distance and calculating nature unsettled her. Could she truly adapt to living with someone so indifferent? Doubts clouded her mind as she realized the journey ahead would be fraught with challenges. Despite the promise of financial stability, the emotional cost weighed heavily on her. She braced herself for the difficulties ahead, knowing that this path, though nece
ssary, was bound to be a tumultuous one.
In the cutthroat world of business, Arka Wiratama and Lira Astari are formidable forces. Arka, the ambitious and enigmatic CEO of a leading tech company, has little time for a personal life. Lira, the determined and independent head of a burgeoning startup, hides a softer side beneath her tough exterior. Once close business partners, their relationship ended in turmoil and tension years ago. Now, Lira returns to Jakarta with an unexpected twist: a long-forgotten contract that requires them to marry to resolve their business rivalry. Forced into a marriage neither of them wanted, Arka and Lira's union is fraught with distrust and conflict. As their professional and personal lives collide, they must navigate a treacherous path of sabotage, betrayal, and hidden agendas. Despite the initial animosity, a new bond begins to form as they work together to save a crucial project threatened by a third-party conspiracy. Arka sees the dedication and sincerity behind Lira's ambitions, while Lira discovers the protective and caring side of Arka. As they confront external threats and internal doubts, their relationship transforms from adversarial to affectionate.
For ten years, Daniela showered her ex-husband with unwavering devotion, only to discover she was just his biggest joke. Feeling humiliated yet determined, she finally divorced him. Three months later, Daniela returned in grand style. She was now the hidden CEO of a leading brand, a sought-after designer, and a wealthy mining mogul—her success unveiled at her triumphant comeback. Her ex-husband’s entire family rushed over, desperate to beg for forgiveness and plead for another chance. Yet Daniela, now cherished by the famed Mr. Phillips, regarded them with icy disdain. "I’m out of your league."
In her previous life, Kimberly endured the betrayal of her husband, the cruel machinations of an evil woman, and the endless tyranny of her in-laws. It culminated in the bankruptcy of her family, and ultimately, her death. After being reborn, she resolved to seek retribution against those who had wronged her, and ensure her family's prosperity. To her shock, the most unattainable man from her past suddenly set his sights on her. "You may have overlooked me before, but I shall capture your heart this time around."
Kaelyn devoted three years tending to her husband after a terrible accident. But once he was fully recovered, he cast her aside and brought his first love back from abroad. Devastated, Kaelyn decided on a divorce as people mocked her for being discarded. She went on to reinvent herself, becoming a highly sought-after doctor, a champion racer, and an internationally renowned architectural designer. Even then, the traitors sneered in disdain, believing Kaelyn would never find someone. But then the ex-husband’s uncle, a powerful warlord, returned with his army to ask for Kaelyn’s hand in marriage.
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."
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."
Darya spent three years loving Micah, worshipping the ground he walked on. Until his neglect and his family's abuse finally woke her up to the ugly truth-he doesn't love her. Never did, never will. To her, he is a hero, her knight in shining armour. To him, she is an opportunist, a gold digger who schemed her way into his life. Darya accepts the harsh reality, gathers the shattered pieces of her dignity, divorces him, takes back her real name, reclaims her title as the country's youngest billionaire heiress. Their paths cross again at a party. Micah watches his ex-wife sing like an angel, tear up the dance floor, then thwart a lecher with a roundhouse kick. He realises, belatedly, that she's exactly the kind of woman he'd want to marry, if only he had taken the trouble to get to know her. Micah acts promptly to win her back, but discovers she's now surrounded by eligible bachelors: high-powered CEO, genius biochemist, award-winning singer, reformed playboy. Worse, she makes it pretty clear that she's done with him. Micah gears up for an uphill battle. He must prove to her he's still worthy of her love before she falls for someone else. And time is running out.