Emily and Alexander solidify their love, transitioning from a contract marriage to a genuine relationship. They face the world together, combining their dreams.
The golden hues of the setting sun cast a warm glow across the grand ballroom, illuminating chandeliers that sparkled like the stars above. The room was filled with the whoosh of silk dresses and the quiet, clinking sounds of crystal glasses. Emily Carter stood near a large window, her gaze drifting to the art displayed on the walls. As an artist, she appreciated beauty wherever she found it, but tonight, the sweep of her paintbrush felt distant, overshadowed by the opulence surrounding her.
Her knee-length cobalt dress hugged her figure, subtly accentuating her artistic flair, but even in her favorite outfit, she felt out of place among the wealthy elite. Muffled laughter and superficial chatter filled the air, drowning out her thoughts. She reminded herself that she was here for her art, not for the lavish lifestyle that seemed to permeate every corner of the room.
"Emily!" a cheerful voice broke through her introspection. It was **Lily**, her best friend and the reason she was even at this charity gala. "Come on, you can't just stand here by yourself! Let's mingle!"
Reluctantly, Emily followed Lily through the throng of elegantly dressed patrons. Her eyes scanned the room, landing on various paintings-pieces that spoke of stories she longed to tell through her own art. She could feel the lingering gaze of some onlookers, judging her presence, and she struggled to suppress the awkwardness settling in her stomach.
"Let's go find the auction table," Lily suggested, dragging her toward an array of canvases that awaited bids. As they approached, Emily caught a glimpse of a tall figure standing beside a striking piece-a portrait of an elderly man with eyes that seemed filled with wisdom.
He was **Alexander Blake**, a name synonymous with wealth and power. Rumors of his sharp business acumen and merciless dealings ran rampant in the high society circles, and the aura around him was magnetic yet intimidating. Clad in a tailored black suit, his dark hair combed back, he exuded confidence. But it was his deep-set blue eyes that captured Emily's attention, filled with a complexity she couldn't quite decipher.
"Emily," Lily whispered excitedly, nudging her. "You should introduce yourself. I mean, how often do you get a chance like this?"
"I don't think he'd be interested in talking to a struggling artist like me," Emily replied, her voice laced with insecurities.
"Come on, don't sell yourself short. Just be yourself!"
With a reluctant sigh, Emily straightened her posture and stepped forward, feeling like a moth drawn to a flame. "Excuse me, Mr. Blake?" she said, her voice shaky but determined.
He turned, an eyebrow raised in curiosity. "Yes?"
"I'm Emily Carter. I'm an artist, and I really admire this piece." She gestured to the portrait behind him, her nerves fading slightly. "It has such depth and emotion."
"Thank you," he said, his expression softening. "It tells a story of resilience, don't you think?"
"Yes, absolutely. Art has a way of conveying feelings that words often fail to express," she replied, her passion stirring.
"Are you exhibiting tonight?" he asked, genuinely interested.
"I wish! I'm just here to support a friend," she said, glancing at Lily, who was now watching them intently.
"A friend?" he repeated, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. "Do you have any of your work here?"
Emily hesitated, a mix of thrill and apprehension coursing through her. "I have a few pieces in a local gallery, but I'm hoping for a larger platform someday."
He regarded her for a moment, his gaze piercing. "Ambition is an attractive trait. And there's always room for genuine talent in the art world. You just need the right opportunity."
"That would be a dream," Emily said, a wistful smile gracing her lips.
Their conversation was interrupted by a flurry of activity as the auctioneer took the stage, announcing the beginning of the night's bidding. As people jostled for position, Emily felt the energy in the room shift. Alexander, however, seemed unbothered by the chaos, his focus remaining sharply on her.
"Come, I'd like to see your work someday," he said, his charm palpable.
"Really?" Emily asked, surprise evident in her voice.
"Absolutely. You have the fire of a true artist," he replied with a slight smirk.
Just then, Lily swooped in, pulling Emily aside. "Did you just get an invitation from Alexander Blake? Girl, you have to follow up on that!"
Emily chuckled nervously, brushing off the exciting prospect. "It was just a casual conversation, Lily."
"Casual? You just spoke to a billionaire like he was just a regular guy! We need to make a plan."
Just as Lily began formulating ideas, the auctioneer's voice boomed through the room, and Emily's attention returned to the stage. As each piece was sold for staggering amounts, she couldn't help but wonder how different her life could be if someone like Alexander Blake recognized her talent.
The evening wore on, and Emily felt a mixture of both excitement and disappointment as they headed toward the exit. "What if he actually means it?" she pondered aloud, trying to dismiss the hope blossoming within her.
"Then you better be ready to seize that opportunity, Em. You never know what could happen," Lily said, her optimism infectious.
As they stepped into the cool night air, Emily glanced back at the mansion illuminated behind them. She felt an unusual connection to the evening-a spark ignited by the unexpected encounter with the enigmatic Alexander Blake. Little did she know, that night would set off a series of events that would change the course of her life forever.
Unbeknownst to her, Alexander stood by the window, watching her leave, a contemplative expression crossing his face. He had his own reasons for being at the gala, but something about Emily's passion and authenticity captivated him. The wheels in his mind began to turn, and for the first time, he entertained an idea that could potentially alter everything
_________.....
Valerie lopez, a young and ambitious accountant, escapes her small-town life by landing a job at Richardson Enterprises, the heart of a powerful mafia empire run by the ruthless CEO Eric Richardson. Initially drawn to the allure of the big city and the promise of success, Jenna becomes entangled in the underbelly of organized crime, where every decision carries life-altering consequences. As she delves deeper into the firm's financial dealings, Valerie uncovers the dark truths behind Eric's operations, including money laundering linked to a new casino venture. As she works closely with Vito, she discovers a complex man behind the fearsome reputation-a leader haunted by loss yet fiercely protective of those he trusts. When a rival gang threatens their burgeoning business, Valerie is faced with a critical choice: remain loyal to Eric and become embroiled in a dangerous game or flee from a world she unknowingly embraced. Her loyalty is put to the test when she receives threats from an unknown enemy, leading her to a fateful confrontation that forces her to confront her own morals. As Valerie navigates the treacherous waters of love and betrayal, she ultimately discovers the true meaning of loyalty, power, and sacrifice. In a world where heartbeats can be silenced in an instant, Valerie must decide if she's willing to risk everything for the man who once seemed so heartless, yet whom she has come to understand in ways she never expected.
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.
"Ahh!" She was in a moaning mess. She did not want to feel anything for this man. She hated him. His hands began to move all over her body. She gasped when he pulled down the back chain of her dress. The chain stopped at her lower waist, so when he zipped it off, her upper back and waist were exposed. "D-Don't touch m-ummm!" His fingers rolled around her bare back, and she pressed her head against the pillow. His touches were giving her goosebumps all over her body. With a deep angry voice, he whispered in her ear, "I am going to make you forget his touches, kisses, and everything. Every time you touch another man, you will only think of me." - - - Ava Adler was a nerdy omega. People bullied her because they thought she was ugly and unattractive. But Ava secretly loved the bad boy, Ian Dawson. He was the future Alpha of the Mystic Shadow Pack. However, he doesn't give a damn about rules and laws, as he only likes to play around with girls. Ava was unaware of Ian's arrogance until her fate intertwined with his. He neglected her and hurt her deeply. What would happen when Ava turned out to be a beautiful girl who could win over any boy, and Ian looked back and regretted his decisions? What if she had a secret identity that she had yet to discover? What if the tables turned and Ian begged her not to leave him?
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."
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?
Life was perfect until she met her boyfriend's big brother. There was a forbidden law in the Night Shade Pack that if the head Alpha rejected his mate, he would be stripped of his position. Sophia's life would get connected with the law. She was an Omega who was dating the head Alpha's younger brother. Bryan Morrison, the head Alpha, was not only a cold-blooded man but also a charming business tycoon. His name was enough to cause other packs to tremble. He was known as a ruthless man. What if, by some twist of destiny, Sophia's path were to intertwine with his?
On the day of their wedding anniversary, Joshua's mistress drugged Alicia, and she ended up in a stranger's bed. In one night, Alicia lost her innocence, while Joshua's mistress carried his child in her womb. Heartbroken and humiliated, Alicia demanded a divorce, but Joshua saw it as yet another tantrum. When they finally parted ways, she went on to become a renowned artist, sought out and admired by everyone. Consumed by regret, Joshua darkened her doorstep in hopes of reconciliation, only to find her in the arms of a powerful tycoon. "Say hello to your sister-in-law."