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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?
BLYTHE
"I wish you could also arrange your life beautifully the way you make your flower arrangements. Don't you get tired? Well, I do. How many more times do I have to come here and remind you how toxic your relationship is with your boyfriend? Wake up, Blythe."
If there was one person who was never a fan of my current relationship, that would be her-Cleo, my best friend. This scene had happened so many times already, it was a good thing that everytime I would need her, she would always show up.
"Look, I asked you to come over so you can help me sort things out," I told her while I was working with a flower arrangement that would be picked up in thirty minutes.
"Oh yeah? Honestly, it didn't look like it!" The moment she reached where I was, she started scrutinizing each part of me as if she was looking for something.
"He didn't hit me, okay? If that's what you're thinking," I said to her, while she was pulling my sleeves up as if I was hiding something underneath them.
"Maybe not yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if he will resort to hurting you soon," she said with such a disapproving look.
Cleo had been very protective of me, she was a year older and she was more like a big sister to me. She hated Finnian, she thought that my boyfriend could do me no good at all.
"What do you want me to do now? Tell you that it's okay, that things will work out soon in your favor. Goddammit, Blythe, when will you ever realize that Finnian is nothing but an asshole?"
She was right, Finnian could never be the man that I wanted him to be. The only thing that he was good at was hurting me, and I wanted to get rid of him already. Although, honestly, I had no idea how to do it because I was really head over heels with him.
"Okay, I'm listening, tell me what happened?" She asked enthusiastically.
"I was going to surprise him last night, so I went to his apartment. It was locked when I got there, so I called him up. He told me he was just somewhere getting some stuff. I was about to leave the building when I decided to check his car in the parking area, and it was there. So, I went up to his unit again and decided to stay outside. After two hours of waiting, my heart raced when the door opened and a woman came out."
Cleo stared at me with her usual sarcastic expression, "and then? When he found out that you were outside waiting, he told you that the woman was his sister?"
"Will you let me finish?" I asked.
"Hey, do you think I'm interested to know what happens next? It's as if you don't know that he is cheating."
I knew Cleo was already fed up by all these cheating issues from my boyfriend, but she was more fed up with me still wanting to be with Finnian regardless of the number of times that I caught him.
I was about to say something when the door of my flower shop opened, it was my client picking up the arrangement that I did.
"Just like how I wanted, it's beautiful. Thank you, Blythe," my customer told me, looking very satisfied with my work.
"Thank you, Adam, I am sure your wife will love it," I replied.
The moment that my customer had gone out of the shop, Cleo called my assistant and instructed her to start with the closing chores. Even before I could say a thing, Cleo had already started fixing my table. She handed me my bag and she told me that we were going to a bar.
"What?" I asked her while she was pushing me towards the door.
"What do you expect? I will come over and listen to you the entire night? I heard that before, Blythe. Come on, let's just grab some drinks. Your dramas are already bored me, let's do something else!" Cleo signaled to my staff, Ellis, and the latter just nodded at her.
She didn't agree when I told her that I would just use my car, but instead, she pushed me inside hers. It didn't take us long to reach Neon Nights Night Club that was located not too far from where I live.
"Seriously?" I looked at her with disbelief.
"Seriously!" She replied. "Now change your boring lipstick into this!" She took out lipstick from her purse, and it revealed a dark cherry color after she took the lid off.
"I don't wear red lipstick, you know that."
She moved her face closer to mine and raised her left brow, "you will take this lipstick and you will like it."
When I was about to say no, she grabbed my nape and pulled my head closer to her.
"Okay! Okay! I'll do it." I took the lipstick and started gliding it on my lips. When I checked how I looked in the mirror, I was surprised to see that I could actually look good in it.
"Take that jacket off," she demanded.
"No, I'm only wearing a tank top," I said to her.
She didn't say a word but her glances were razor sharp as if she was about to slash my throat with her eyes.
It was Friday then, and there was no queue outside yet because it was only seven in the evening. Cleo told me that it could really get crowded by eleven, but I wasn't planning to stay there until that time.
I wasn't surprised when the staff there seemed to know Cleo. She liked going out on weekends, and I think this club was her go-to party place. She easily got us a table, and the next thing I knew I was already seated on one of the v.i.p couches.
"What do you want to drink?" She asked me, her mouth was almost pressed against my ear, but I could hardly hear her because the music was very loud.
"Just a bottle of corona or becks, whichever they have," I replied.
"Don't be ridiculous, get something else!"
I didn't want to argue with her anymore, that was why I told her to just get whatever she felt like getting.
"Vodka!" She screamed at the server who was standing in front of us.
I had never tried Vodka before; I had Tequila once, but I never tried it again after. I wasn't really into alcohol, I prefer coffee over it. I was not also into night clubs and loud music, I loved staying in a café where they played jazz and anything slow and instrumental.
I really wanted to vent about how I felt towards Finnian, but I thought that I called the wrong person-Cleo was more interested in me getting drunk, than listening to my rants. My first shot of vodka was so intense, it felt like it was burning my throat. I had to shake my head a couple of times, and Cleo laughed seeing me doing that.
"Can we mix something with it? It's too strong for me," I asked while still wincing.
She called up the waiter and asked for a can of lemon soda and some lemon wedges too. When the waiter returned, he started filling my glass with the soda, some vodka, and squeezed the lemon in it. It tasted better, but I could still trace the taste of vodka.
Cleo had gone a little wilder, she flirted with almost every man that would come near us. The crowd was a mixed up of young and old, and almost all of the tables were already occupied by 10PM. Cleo was all over the place, and watching her made me feel dizzy. I knew that the alcohol had taken its effect on me already. My head started to feel light, and I just found myself enjoying the beat and the loud bass.
"Behind you." I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder, and when I turned to face him, I saw a very good looking man, probably just about my age.
I didn't realize that I had already gone near the bar where the man was seated. He smiled at me and raised his glass as if proposing a toast with me. I took some steps closer to him, and because I was already tipsy, I tripped and my head landed near his neck.
There was something in his scent that made me sniff his neck, and his chest felt so toned that I couldn't get my hand off of it.
"Watch it, sweety," he uttered, while he was trying to support my balance with his arms.
His lips were full, and his eyes were as if asking me to grab those lips. Instead of trying to regain my balance, I didn't budge and I stayed in my position. He was looking at me, with his face just a few inches away from me.
I grabbed his head and pulled him closer to me. I started kissing him, and I felt his hands starting to wrap around my waist.
"That felt so good, I want more," I asked him as I wrapped my arms around his neck.
He pulled me closer, and I could feel his hands sliding from my waist down to my bottom.
"I know a better place, we can do more there," he whispered in my ears, while his hands started squeezing my behind.
"Take me anywhere," I replied, and I grabbed his lips again.
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?
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.
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!
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."
To the public, she was the CEO's executive secretary. Behind closed doors, she was the wife he never officially acknowledged. Jenessa was elated when she learned that she was pregnant. But that joy was replaced with dread as her husband, Ryan, showered his affections on his first love. With a heavy heart, she chose to set him free and leave. When they met again, Ryan's attention was caught by Jenessa's protruding belly. "Whose child are you carrying?!" he demanded. But she only scoffed. "It's none of your business, my dear ex-husband!"
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."
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!"
After two years of marriage, Sadie was finally pregnant. Filled with hope and joy, she was blindsided when Noah asked for a divorce. During a failed attempt on her life, Sadie found herself lying in a pool of blood, desperately calling Noah to ask him to save her and the baby. But her calls went unanswered. Shattered by his betrayal, she left the country. Time passed, and Sadie was about to be wed for a second time. Noah appeared in a frenzy and fell to his knees. "How dare you marry someone else after bearing my child?"