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"I have an offer for you. " He paused,as he gazed straight into my eye "Marry me and I will pay you. A contract marriage. " He finally dropped the bomb, causing my eyes to widen in surprise. Marry him? How? Why? I have only known him for about two to three months. What is he talking about? ***************************** Derrik King is a multi-billionaire who owns numerous businesses. He is well known as the CEO of the King's Empire. When Derrik's father plans to get him married to Isabella Scott - a tycoon's daughter, he has no choice but to get into a contract marriage as suggested by his friend. Andrea Price searched earnestly for a job to support her family. Finally, she was given a job as a personal assistant in the Kings Empire. Few months working as a PA for Derrik King, an offer was made. She could earn millions of dollars, if she agrees to be Derrik King's contract bride. Staying with Derrik for just three months was enough to battle with her sanity and now a contract marriage? But sometimes, we are not in control of things that happen to us. Andrea is now faced with choosing her sanity or accepting the money that comes with the contract to save a family member.
* Andrea *
Working all day, I kept wondering when I'd be allowed to go home.
Finally, Mr. King called across the intercom to tell me to go home.
Tsk...He could at least offer to ride me home, that's what a gentleman would do.
After only three months of knowing him, I knew he would never do that.
Packing my belongings, I got a cab and headed home.
Ever since I started working for Mr King, I've become accustomed to returning home fatigued, burdened with his meetings and personal issues.
********************************
I was finally home after a long day at work and a lot of shouting from my Boss. Working for him over the past few months has been horrible.
"Momma, I'm back. Is dinner ready?" I called out, hoping for a reply but was met with silence.
After a few minutes of no reaction, I walked upstairs to her room and found her sleeping. She looked so frail.
I felt a pang of guilt as I realized how much she'd aged since papa's death.
I found Lisa and Laurel asleep when I went to their room as well.
I haven't been able to have a family dinner ever since I started this work.
Things had become too difficult when our father died in that tragic accident. Momma became ill and could no longer work.
I had to try various part-time jobs just to support myself and the family.
"Where are you papa? I missed you ...momma does and your little twins too." I mumbled silently with a cracking voice as I dragged my tired feet downstairs for food.
They say everything happens for a reason but what may be the reason for my papa's death?
"Grrh"
My stomach rumbled, reminding me that I needed to eat. Eating in my formal clothing has somehow become my habit.
After dishing my food from the pot, I sat down and began digging in.
"Mm..this is good. I didn't even get anything better to eat because I was busy. Goodness! This work will undoubtedly be the end of me."
Once I finished eating, I headed to my room, took a shower and fell asleep once my back hit the bed.
Tomorrow will be a long day.
**********************************
"Andrea, wait for me here and I will get an ice cream for you and your sisters."
Papa ordered his voice sharp as usual. I requested an ice cream and wanted to get some for my sisters at home too.
"But papa, I want to go with you. I'd want to choose a very delicious flavor for Lisa and Laurel." I pleaded, eager to be part of it.
He frowned with cold eyes.
"Listen, little girl, I merely volunteered to buy the ice cream to make your mom happy. Do not assume I am doing this for you."
Tears threatened to fall, his voice stung as they always did.
"Don't be stubborn and wait here."
"But papa-" I could not finish the sentence as my father was already gone.
As a little girl, I was aware of traffic restrictions, and when my father decided to cross, it was safe.
I saw it- a speeding automobile, too fast to stop.
"Papa!!" I called to grab his attention but it was too late; the vehicle hit him and he fell with a thud, in a pool of blood.
"Papa!" I screamed, my voice breaking. The vehicle had already sped off leaving my father lying motionless on the ground.
*********************************
Waking up to the shrill sound of the alarm, I found myself drenched in sweat. The same nightmare every single night.
The experience was traumatic and even now, years later, I can't help but feel like I'm in a way responsible for my father's death.
We were all at home when 14-year-old me suddenly craved Ice cream one evening.
Momma had promised to buy it the next day but I stubbornly refused.
Dad asked mom to take care of my younger sisters while we stepped out a bit.
Growing up, dad never showed much affection towards me.
Whenever I asked mom why, she would always say, "he's busy making sure we can move to NYC, sweetheart."
Despite sensing Dad's coldness towards me, I continued to love him unconditionally.
But everything changed that day... 8 years ago.
I stood there, helpless, tears flowing uncontrollably as blood kept oozing from my father.
Thankfully, strangers rushed to assist in taking him to the hospital, but despite spending hours in surgery, he was pronounced dead. The joy of the family died with him that day.
Mother was shattered and felt helpless. The twins learned about the circumstances surrounding our father's death.
Lisa came to terms with it but Laurel.... She blamed me. She still does.
"You are the reason for his death." She'd say, her words cutting deeper like a knife.
I vowed to track the driver down.I don't have the money to do so but, one day, I will. And when I do, he will not be forgiven.
Shaking off the thoughts in my head, I got ready for the day.
After a quick shower, I dressed and headed downstairs for breakfast. Mom and the twins were already seated when I got there.
"Good Morning." I greeted, trying to sound cheerful. "Did you have a great sleep?" I inquired while walking towards them to grab some breakfast.
Out of the corner of my eye,I noticed Laurel rolling her eyes but Lisa simply smiled and nodded her head.
The tension between us was thick. What can I do to make things better with her? She used to be my favorite twin until she found out about dad's passing.
"Baby, are you okay?"
Momma's voice broke through my thought, her eyes full of concern.
I understood her intentions.
"I'm okay mom. What could be wrong?"
"You know what I mean young lady, don't avoid the question."
She was aware of the nightmares that plagued me after witnessing my dad's death.
Before I could speak, Laurel cut in, her voice sharp. "Why do you keep stressing about a murderer?"
"Laurel !" Mom exclaimed, caught off guard by her words.
"Everything is fine mom, I'm off to work. Take care of yourselves." I forced a smile, swallowing the pain.
Her words stung like fresh wounds that would never heal.
*********************************
Arriving at the office early for the first time in months, I found it quiet with few people around, which made me relieved that Rosie was not there.
Feeling a bit off and wanting to avoid conflicts, I rested my head on the desk in an attempt to clear my mind.
Laurel's words kept echoing in my head. Maybe she was right, I am nothing but a murderer. If only I knew, I wouldn't have requested for an Ice cream.
If only I had listened to Mom, dad wouldn't have died. I'm a murderer...a murderer...
Tears continued to run down my face as I recounted everything once again.
A short while after, I heard someone call my name and turned to see Mr. King.
"Miss Andrea,"
"Good Morning Mr. King. " I greeted standing steadily.
"Were you hired to sleep, Miss Andrea?" He made sure to emphasize my name.
"Were you crying? Is anything the problem?" He asked again, seeing the tears running down my face.
"No, I wasn't. Something got into my eyes."
" If you say so. I need you to come with me to my office immediately." He stated, as he headed to his office.
Did I get myself into some kind of trouble again? I'm just not in the mood to receive another set of scolds. Why can't you avoid trouble for just one day?
His statement arriving at his office shocked me.
"Sit down, let's talk."
"Sit down?" I mumbled to myself silently. "Maybe, I wasn't in trouble after all."
"I want to believe you are not deaf Miss Andrea." He said, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"I apologize sir." I wouldn't want to get in trouble since I wasn't in one already.
"I have an offer for you-" He paused, his eyes locked into mine with an intensity I couldn't overlook.
"Marry me and I will pay you. A contract marriage." He finally dropped the bomb, causing my eyes to widen in surprise.
His words hit like a ton of bricks.
Marry him? How? Why? I have only just known him for about two to three months. What is he talking about?
"Strip!" The voice thundered as I stood shocked by the turn of events. I shuddered both in fear and disgust at the thought of this man drooling over my naked body. "Don't make me repeat myself Isabella Valenti." His eyes were all red, like that of an angry bull ready to charge. I wasn't going to give in that easily. I didn't ask for this. I never did. ************ In a world filled with darkness, shedding of blood, tears and screams, Isabella Valenti, the daughter of Don Rodrigo Valenti has to fight her way through survival after the death of her father. The once powerful Valenti family went down in ashes after his death, giving chances to rival mafia clans, most especially Lucas Romano who always had his eyes on the Valenti family for reasons best known to him. Things take an unexpected turn when Isabella is given two options. Thus, either to watch her mother and brother die gruesomely or become Lucas' possession for a crime her father is said to have committed. How long will she survive under the roof of the ruthless Capo? Will hatred turn into love? **********
Roy D'silver had always been a rising star in the business world. With his natural charm and sharp wit, he quickly made a name for himself in Italy. But when an opportunity arose for his family to move to the United States, Roy knew it was a chance he couldn't pass up. As he settled in his new surroundings, Roy heard whispers of a formidable woman named Selene Rivers. Selene was known as the queen of the business world, with a reputation for being ruthless and cunning. Roy was intrigued by her, and he made it his mission to meet her. One day, fate brought Roy and Selene together at a business conference. Roy was immediately captivated by Selene's beauty and intelligence. He found himself drawn to her, wanting to know more about the woman behind the tough exterior. Their first meeting was brief, but it left a lasting impression on both of them. Roy couldn't stop thinking about Selene, and he knew he had to find a way to see her again. He strategically planned to attend more events where he knew Selene would be present, hoping to catch her attention. Enjoy the Love journey between Roy and Selene through difficulties.
Janice, the long-forgotten legitimate heiress, made her way back to her family, pouring her heart into winning their hearts. Yet, she had to relinquish her very identity, her academic credentials, and her creative works to her foster sister. In return for her sacrifices, she found no warmth, only deeper neglect. Resolute, Janice vowed to cut off all emotional bonds. Transformed, she now stood as a master of martial arts, adept in eight languages, an esteemed medical expert, and a celebrated designer. With newfound resolve, she declared, "From this day forward, no one in this family shall cross me."
There was only one man in Raegan's heart, and it was Mitchel. In the second year of her marriage to him, she got pregnant. Raegan's joy knew no bounds. But before she could break the news to her husband, he served her divorce papers because he wanted to marry his first love. After an accident, Raegan lay in the pool of her own blood and called out to Mitchel for help. Unfortunately, he left with his first love in his arms. Raegan escaped death by the whiskers. Afterward, she decided to get her life back on track. Her name was everywhere years later. Mitchel became very uncomfortable. For some reason, he began to miss her. His heart ached when he saw her all smiles with another man. He crashed her wedding and fell to his knees while she was at the altar. With bloodshot eyes, he queried, "I thought you said your love for me is unbreakable? How come you are getting married to someone else? Come back to me!"
"There will be no falling in love, we will only act as a loving couple when we are in public, we will share a room to make it believable, but no intimacy, touching is off-limits. We'll only have sex once a month, and that's solely to produce an heir. You won't interfere in my business, and I won't interfere in yours. You will be my wife in every sense and you will not be involved with any other man," he said, arrogance seeping from every word. I watch his mouth move, I'm not ready to fall in love with any man, especially not one as arrogant and egoistic as him. I can handle acting as a loving couple, and as for intimacy once a month. I can agree to that just to satisfy my sexual cravings with no strings attached. "Where can I sign?" I asked since I had nothing to lose. *** Nadine's wedding dreams turned to nightmares when she caught her sister and fiancé cheating! With a secret recording, she's ready for revenge. But then mysterious billionaire Logan West offers a deal: A Contract Marriage to take down her ex's empire. But what Nadine doesn't know is her life is getting complicated as she takes her chance to get revenge or risks everything for a chance at love?"
Life was a bed of roses for Debra, the daughter of Alpha. That was until she had a one-night stand with Caleb. She was sure he was her mate as determined by Moon Goddess. But this hateful man refused to accept her. Weeks passed before Debra discovered that she was pregnant. Her pregnancy brought shame to her and everyone she loved. Not only was she driven out, but her father was also hunted down by usurpers. Fortunately, she survived with the help of the mysterious Thorn Edge Pack. Five years passed and Debra didn't hear anything from Caleb. One day, their paths crossed again. They were both on the same mission—carrying out secret investigations in the dangerous Roz Town for the safety and posterity of their respective packs. Caleb was still cold toward her. But as time went on, he fell head over heels in love with her. He tried to make up for abandoning her, but Debra wasn't having any of it. She was hell-bent on hiding her daughter from him and also making a clean break. What did the future hold for the two as they journeyed in Roz Town? What kind of secrets would they find? Would Caleb win Debra's heart and get to know his lovely daughter? Find out!
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.
Becky endured three years of marriage to the cold-hearted Rory. In all that time, she naively reasoned that one day, he'd gradually come to like her. But the second he forced her to kneel down and humiliate herself, she knew she had been wrong about him. This man had no feelings for her at all. So why should she still love him? When Rory gave her the choice between kneeling down and divorcing, she didn't miss a beat and chose the latter. After all, why should she waste her youth on this scumbag? Wouldn't it be nicer for her to just have fun every day with her billion-dollar family fortune?