"We shouldn't seek love stories where they don't exist. And mine was certainly no fairytale." Working at Archer Marketing, my life was running smoothly-no drama, no excitement, nothing out of the ordinary. But everything changed the moment he reappeared in my life, throwing everything into chaos. To the world, he was Austin Angelo Archer, one of the youngest billionaires. But to me, he was nothing more than Mr. Bastard. This time, though, he came with more than just his magnetic looks, biting comments, filthy mouth, and that devilish smirk. He came with an offer that could change everything. A deal that promised to make me rich. A deal that could give me everything I had ever wanted. All he asked for was one single year of my life. But, of course, things are never as simple as they seem. And you can't always judge a book by its cover. "I might be the villain in your story, Eva, but aren't all villains just misunderstood heroes?"
My father always said the way to learn the job you want was to spend every second watching someone do it.
"To get the job at the top, you've got to start at the bottom," he told me. "Become the person the CEO can't live without. Be their right-hand man. Learn their world, and they'll snatch you up the second you finish your degree."
I had become irreplaceable. And I'd definitely become the Right Hand.
"Eva," Henry stood in the doorway to my office that served as an anteroom to his. His voice was firm which automatically meant that something was wrong.
"Yes?" I asked softly.
"Be in my office in ten minutes. We have to discuss something important," he told me.
With that, he left, closing the door behind him.
I nodded and turned back to my laptop.
I had been working for Archer Marketing Groups for four years. I was lucky that I got the CEO's EA job here. I loved my work as well as my boss, Henry, who was always sweet with me. Henry was in his late fifties, tall, about 6 feet, and had broad shoulders, grey hair and hazel eyes. And being in fifties didn't mean he was indolent or something. No, he wasn't. He was vigorous like a bullet. He was serious with his work all the time and didn't reconcile until he had made his deal.
And that was why I respected him and so did he.
Anyways, closing my laptop and taking my iPad with me, I stood and walked out of my cabin.
I knocked on Henry's office's door, as was expected of me, bit my lower lip. I did that whenever I was nervous and curious, and right now, I was curious because Henry always called on the landline in my cabin if he needed me. And this time he had came himself to call me.
"Come in," Henry said.
I opened the door and stepped inside. Stock tickers scrolled on one wall on dozens of different screen. There was nothing but technology and a big desk with one big chair on one side and two black leather chairs on the other. The windows had an open view of Seattle, but I couldn't absorb because I saw him.
I meant...his back.
He was busy on his phone, staring out of the big windows, taking a view. He slipped his phone back in his slacks and turned around.
Great!
Austin Angelo Archer.
Oh, let me rephrase that. Mr. Bastard.
Henry's older son.
About at least 6'4, disheveled dark hair, tanned skin, dark stubble covering his perfect square jaw, shoulders a mile-wide, silk designer deep blue suit, snowy white shirt with its collar and first button open which also gave a glimpse of his chest, and a stride to eat up the universe. He also had a small black piercing in his left ear. His eyes were glowing, alive-deep blue, like moving rivers but there was no missing the little shards of ice glinting inside.
His Lucifer smirk occupied his perfect mouth when his eyes landed on me and my throat went arid.
What the hell was he doing here?
Oh, and if you all are thinking why did I have such great thoughts about him, so, it's because I worked for him at least for a year. And that year was the worst year of my life.
He was dominant, cocky, condescending, obstinate, cranky, and above all, a bastard.
Ever heard of looks can be deceptive? That quote fitted perfectly on him. He may look handsome on the outside, but it was devil lying beneath.
"Miss Tramell," he drawled, his husky voice attacked my ears and in almost four big strides he stood in front me, extended his right hand towards me as his other hand rested in his pocket, showcasing a massive and expensive Rolex. As I slid my hand in his warm grip, covering my horror filled face with confidence, he said, "I must say, it's not nice to see you again."
His smart mouth.
"I must say the feeling is mutual, Mr. Archer," I replied with a fake smile.
A small laugh escaped his mouth as he let go of my hand.
I again heard footsteps as I saw Henry approaching me with a young man following him. He wasn't very tall as Henry and The Bastard, just about my height, his hair was dark and dripping wet, he looked like he'd just finished shooting a commercial for hair gel.
His skin was beautiful, silky and russet colored; his eyes were dark, set deep above the high planes of his cheekbones, dressed in a black suit and pale blue shirt and a black tie. He still had just a hint of childish roundness left around his chin. Altogether, a very pretty face. His dazzling face was friendly, open, a slight smile on his flawless lips. But his eyes were careful.
"You must be Eva," his musical voice entered into ears.
I nodded with a smile.
"Hello," he took his hand out and I slid mine in, "I'm Gavin Archer," he introduced himself.
Oh.
He was Austin's brother?
Wow.
"Mr. Archer," I nodded. "Gavin, please," he smiled.
He was just the opposite of his brother. Austin never let me call him by his first name. When I used to work for him, I called him "Austin" once because Henry always had let me call him by his first name but he had repulsed and told me, "I don't know about your past experiences, but we're not first name basis, Miss Tramell. You will refer to me as Mr. Archer, or Sir. I'll leave that decision to you."
And the fuck I was calling him Sir.
"Eva, then," I smiled back.
"Eva," he nodded and said in his raspy voice.
"Let's take a seat, everyone," Henry declared.
We seated on the big black leather couch in the corner of the room.
Henry and Gavin were seated in front of me. We were just separated by a small glass desk. Whereas Mr. Bastard was seated next to me, just few inches away.
"So," Henry started, "You've already met Austin here, and as well as Gavin, and you've worked for Austin too?"
"Yes, for a year," I stated.
"I should've never agreed to that," Mr. Bastard had to open his mouth.
"I-"
"Austin, behave," Henry growled and I passed Austin a big smile.
His jaw ticked but I was glad he kept his mouth shut.
"You've been working for us for four years and I must say that I appreciate your work, Eva," Henry said.
I was on cloud nine.
"You have never let me down and I know you never will. You are-"
"Can't we just get to the point?" Austin interrupted Henry.
That was why I loathed him.
"Yes," Henry cleared his throat, "Of course."
"The thing is, Eva," Henry continued, "I-I."
In my four years career, I had never heard Henry stammering. He was always confident no matter what. Then what was the deal?
"Henry, what is it?" I asked.
"I want you to marry my son," he dropped the bomb.
And my body went cold.
Uh...what?
His eyes were as dark as the night, his voice as smooth as silk. 'I will find you. Everything will be okay.' Emily has no idea who this man is or why he haunts her dreams every night. Yet, in the midst of her tragic life, he is her only source of comfort. But dreams, after all, are just dreams. One gloomy morning, a mysterious stranger suddenly appears, offering his help. Normally, Emily would turn him down, but there's something strangely familiar about his onyx eyes. What starts as a hopeful encounter quickly spirals into a nightmare she can't escape.
The whispers said that out of bitter jealousy, Hadley shoved Eric's beloved down the stairs, robbing the unborn child of life. To avenge, Eric forced Hadley abroad and completely cut her off. Years later, she reemerged, and they felt like strangers. When they met again, she was the nightclub's star, with men ready to pay fortunes just to glimpse her elusive performance. Unable to contain himself, Eric blocked her path, asking, "Is this truly how you earn a living now? Why not come back to me?" Hadley's lips curved faintly. "If you’re eager to see me, you’d better join the queue, darling."
After three loveless years, Neil's betrayal deeply wounded Katelyn. She wasted no time in getting rid of that scoundrel! After the divorce, she devoted herself to career pursuits. Rising to prominence as a top designer, skilled doctor, and brilliant hacker, she became a revered icon. Neil, realizing his grave mistake, tried in vain to win her back, only to witness her magnificent wedding to another. As their vows were broadcast on the world's largest billboard, Vincent slid a ring onto Katelyn's finger and declared, "Katelyn is now my wife, a priceless treasure. Let all who covet her beware!"
Yelena discovered that she wasn't her parents' biological child. After seeing through their ploy to trade her as a pawn in a business deal, she was sent away to her barren birthplace. There, she stumbled upon her true origins—a lineage of historic opulence. Her real family showered her with love and adoration. In the face of her so-called sister's envy, Yelena conquered every adversity and took her revenge, all while showcasing her talents. She soon caught the attention of the city's most eligible bachelor. He cornered Yelena and pinned her against the wall. “It's time to reveal your true identity, darling.”
"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?
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.
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.