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Sophia Rivera has always relied on her own grit and determination to carve a name for herself in the cutthroat world of art. At 29, she's on the cusp of success, managing an exclusive New York City gallery. The last thing she needs is distractions-especially in the form of Alexander Pierce, a devastatingly handsome tech billionaire nearly two decades her senior. Reserved, enigmatic, and harboring scars from a bitter past, Alexander is everything Sophia shouldn't want but can't seem to resist. Drawn together by chance, their connection quickly ignites into something undeniable. But their budding romance is anything but simple. Whispers of their age gap and Alexander's reclusive reputation follow them everywhere, while his cunning COO, Victoria Lannister, has her own reasons to keep him single-and firmly under her control. When hidden agendas and secrets threaten to tear them apart, Sophia must decide if love is worth risking her independence, while Alexander faces the ultimate challenge: lowering his walls and trusting in a love that defies logic and societal expectations. In a world where age, power, and appearances matter more than the truth, can two souls find their way to a love that's worth fighting for?
The rain slicked streets of Manhattan glistened under the muted glow of streetlights as Sophia Rivera tugged her coat tighter around her. The cold November wind bit at her cheeks, but she hardly noticed. Her mind was a whirl of thoughts as she hurried down Madison Avenue, her heels clicking against the pavement in a rhythmic cadence that matched the restless energy coursing through her veins.
She was late. Again.
The gallery's private opening was her chance to prove herself, to show the board of directors that she was more than just an idealistic curator with an eye for modern art. She had fought for tonight's exhibit, convinced them to take a chance on an up-and-coming artist no one had ever heard of. Failure was not an option.
Pushing through the heavy glass doors of the Rivera Gallery-her namesake, though only in coincidence, not ownership-Sophia was greeted by the low hum of polite conversation, the clinking of champagne glasses, and the soft strains of a live cello. The scent of lilies and cedarwood lingered in the air, mixing with the faint hint of paint and varnish.
She smoothed her dress, a sleek black number she had snagged on sale, and quickly scanned the room. The exhibit's centerpiece, a breathtaking installation of suspended metallic sculptures that reflected light in mesmerizing patterns, hung in the center of the gallery. Guests circled it like moths to a flame.
"Late again, I see," came a familiar voice to her left.
Sophia turned, bracing herself. Marcella Bennett, the gallery's managing director, stood with her arms crossed, a glass of champagne in hand. Her perfectly coiffed blonde hair and sharp designer suit exuded authority, but it was the faint smirk on her lips that set Sophia on edge.
"Traffic," Sophia replied smoothly, offering her most practiced smile.
"Of course." Marcella's gaze flicked over her, assessing. "Your artist's work better impress tonight. The board is watching."
"They'll love it," Sophia said, though her stomach twisted into knots.
Marcella raised an eyebrow but said nothing more, moving to greet a group of patrons near the far wall.
Sophia exhaled and took a moment to collect herself before weaving through the crowd. She stopped occasionally to exchange pleasantries with guests, subtly steering conversations toward the exhibit's theme of industrial beauty and the resilience of human creativity. Her artist, Theo, stood near his installation, looking every bit the tortured genius in his worn leather jacket and perpetually tousled hair.
"You're doing great," she whispered as she approached him.
Theo shot her a nervous smile. "If by great you mean trying not to pass out, then yeah."
Sophia chuckled softly. "Just talk about your work. People love hearing about the inspiration behind the pieces."
Before Theo could respond, a sudden ripple of energy passed through the room. Heads turned, and the low murmur of conversation hushed.
That was when she saw him.
Alexander Pierce.
He entered the gallery with the kind of quiet authority that demanded attention without asking for it. Dressed in a tailored charcoal suit that fit him like a second skin, he moved with an effortless confidence that made the room seem smaller. His sharp, chiseled features were framed by neatly combed dark hair streaked with hints of silver, and his piercing blue eyes scanned the crowd with calculated precision.
Sophia's breath caught.
"Is that...?" Theo whispered, his voice tinged with awe.
"Yes," Sophia said, her voice barely audible. She had seen Alexander Pierce in magazines and television interviews, but in person, he was an entirely different force of nature.
Before she could think of a reason why he, of all people, was at her gallery, Marcella swooped in.
"Mr. Pierce, what a pleasure to have you here," Marcella said, her tone sugary sweet as she extended a hand.
Alexander's expression didn't change as he shook Marcella's hand briefly. "I heard good things about this exhibit," he said, his deep, velvety voice cutting through the room like a command.
Sophia felt an inexplicable pull toward him, as if the air around him crackled with an unseen energy. She didn't realize she was staring until his gaze shifted and locked onto hers.
Time seemed to slow.
"Sophia Rivera," Marcella said, her voice jolting Sophia back to reality. "She's the curator behind tonight's exhibit."
Alexander's eyes lingered on Sophia, a flicker of interest crossing his face. "Impressive work," he said simply, his words deliberate and measured.
Sophia felt her cheeks flush. "Thank you," she managed, her voice steady despite the flutter in her chest.
Marcella stepped in, clearly eager to monopolize his attention, but Alexander didn't seem to notice. His focus remained on Sophia.
"I'd like to hear more about the artist," he said. "Perhaps you could show me around?"
Sophia blinked, caught off guard. "Of course," she said quickly, glancing at Marcella, whose polite smile had turned razor-sharp.
Alexander gestured for her to lead the way, and as they moved through the gallery, Sophia was acutely aware of his presence beside her.
"Is this your first time here?" she asked, breaking the silence.
"It is," he replied, his tone unreadable. "Though I've been meaning to visit. The Rivera Gallery has a reputation for bold choices."
Sophia couldn't tell if that was a compliment or a critique. "We aim to showcase work that challenges conventional perspectives," she said carefully.
He glanced at her, a faint smile playing at the corner of his lips. "And does that philosophy extend to the curator as well?"
Sophia's heart skipped a beat. Was he teasing her?
"I like to think so," she said, matching his tone.
As they stopped in front of Theo's installation, Alexander studied the piece in silence, his expression inscrutable. Sophia found herself watching him instead, drawn to the intensity in his eyes.
"It's remarkable," he said finally. "The way it captures both strength and fragility."
Sophia nodded, her voice soft. "That's exactly what Theo was aiming for. The resilience of human creativity, even in the face of adversity."
Alexander turned to her, his gaze penetrating. "You have an eye for more than just art, Ms. Rivera."
Sophia's breath hitched. There was something in his tone, something that hinted at a deeper meaning. But before she could respond, the moment was interrupted by Marcella's sharp voice.
"Mr. Pierce, I'd love to introduce you to some of our patrons."
Alexander hesitated, his eyes lingering on Sophia for a moment longer before he nodded. "Another time, then," he said, his words carrying a weight that sent a shiver down her spine.
As he walked away, Sophia couldn't shake the feeling that her life had just shifted in ways she couldn't yet comprehend.
In the shadowy town of Black Hollow, secrets run as deep as the surrounding forests. Elena Voss, a young veterinary assistant, returns to uncover the truth about her late mother's past, only to stumble into a world she never knew existed-a world of ancient rivalries and untamed beasts. Damon Grey, the enigmatic alpha of the Shadowfang Pack, has always walked a fine line between duty and darkness. When Elena unknowingly trespasses on his territory, she becomes the target of Magnus Kane, a ruthless rogue alpha bent on revenge. Tasked with protecting her, Damon must confront his own demons while keeping her safe. As Elena unravels her connection to the werewolf legacy, a dangerous attraction grows between her and Damon. But when a shocking truth about her heritage comes to light, she must choose between the life she thought she wanted and the one destiny has in store. With betrayal lurking at every turn and war brewing on the horizon, will Elena and Damon's bond be enough to overcome the forces threatening to tear them apart? Or will their love ignite a war that will destroy them both
Elena Ricci's world shatters when her mother falls critically ill, leaving her with no options but desperation. A whispered suggestion from a friend leads her to a dark and twisted auction where the rich buy more than just art. Desperate for the money to save her mother, Elena agrees to auction herself, only to be swept away by a man far more dangerous than she ever imagined. Dante Moretti, the ruthless Mafia Lord of Milan, didn't plan to buy anyone that night. But something about Elena's fire her defiance, her desperation captivates him. He saves her, but his intentions are anything but pure. Now trapped in his luxurious world of power and violence, Elena fights to keep her independence, even as Dante's possessive obsession over her deepens. Two years later, with her mother saved and a child born from their twisted union, Elena plans to escape. But Dante's enemies have other plans, using her and their child as pawns in a deadly game. Just when she thinks she's nothing more than a bargaining chip, Dante risks everything to rescue her, unraveling a passion neither of them can deny. Can Elena break free from the Mafia Lord's grasp, or will Dante's love prove to be the most dangerous force of all?
One unforgettable night with a stranger leaves heiress Elara Kingston in ruin disowned, disgraced, and exiled with a secret she never intended to keep. Three years later, she returns, ready for revenge against those who betrayed her. But her carefully laid plans unravel the moment she locks eyes with Ronan Blackwood, the powerful CEO who was her mystery man...and the father of her child. As Elara tries to shield her secret while seeking her revenge, Ronan's intense, possessive pull is impossible to ignore. Drawn back into his world, she's caught between old betrayals, new passions, and a shocking truth that changes everything. When Ronan uncovers her secret, he'll do anything to claim what's his, including her heart. . Can Elara escape her past or is she destined to fall for the one man who could destroy her carefully built life all over again?
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.
The dream of everyone with regards to marriage is to be able to find that special someone and settle down with them. Even arranged marriages grant you an opportunity to meet your partner briefly before the wedding. How will you feel about waking up in the morning with someone sleeping next to you who is not just anyone but your legally married partner yet with no memory of how that had happened in just a few hours of going out the previous day? This is the story of Jason Haward and Julia Harrison, two strangers trapped in a marriage they never planned. The quest to find out why led to the unfolding of a mystery which made them realize they are both living a lie. To find out more, read this amazing story of love, betrayal, revenge and murder.
"Love is blind!" Lucinda abandoned her beautiful and comfortable life because of a man. She married him and slaved off for him for three long years. One day, the scales finally fell off her eyes. She realized that all her efforts were in vain. Her husband, Nathaniel still treated her like shit. All he cared about was his lover. "Enough is enough! I quit wasting my years with an ungrateful man!" Lucinda's heart was shattered into many pieces, but she summoned up the courage to ask for a divorce. The news caused a stir online! A filthy rich young woman recently got divorced? She was a good catch! Countless CEOs and handsome young men immediately swarmed to her like bees to honey! Nathaniel couldn't take it anymore. He held a press conference and begged with teary eyes, "I love you, Lucinda. I can't live without you. Please come back to me." Would Lucinda give him a second chance? Read to find out!
P-please, I beg you. Come let's go tell Christian I had no hand in whatever happened, p-please." I clutched the lapel of his jacket desperately. "Let's go. You need to tell my husband you were paid." "Young lady, you're harassing me." His tone was cold and his stare granite. But I could care less. "You harassed me first! You had sex with me without my consent, my husband knows and now I'm pregnant with this child he doesn't want. You ruined my marriage! I-I hate you!" ************************************ Caught by her husband with another man on their matrimonial bed the morning after her birthday, Hailey Codza could not defend herself. As though it's not enough, she gets pregnant. Her enraged husband decides to pay her back for her infidelity by having an affair with his ex-girlfriend - Denise Kellers, the family Hailey never knew she had. Losing her family's wealth and company to her husband and his ex (now girlfriend), she is devastated, homeless and penniless as all her credit cards are blocked by her husband. She sees the man who is responsible for her pregnancy. The man she has no idea how he'd found his way to her matrimonial bed - Jared Johnson. Jared is annoyed when this strange woman disrupts his meeting and accuses him of ruining her life, marriage and impregnating her. It affects his business deals and having no choice, he marries her to calm the public whilst engaged to someone else. But he loathes her and allows his family treats her badly. Hailey who has fallen in love with Jared is broken when she can no longer take the humiliation. She signs the divorce papers and leaves, only to arrive six years later to the country as a self-made, secret billionaire and a mother of twins. Now her two ex-husbands are begging to have her back...
June Rivera was divorced by her husband after three years of marriage because he wanted to be with her sister who was pregnant for him. Kicked to the curb with a divorce and rejected by her parents,she struggles to make ends meet and get a job until she saves Luis Ambrose from an accident - the only child of Rafael Ambrose, a widowed man and the CEO of Ambrose Corporation. When little Luis asks to have her as a nanny, and Rafael's mother pressures him to get married, they draw a contract. To be Luis's nanny and his fake wife for one year in exchange for 50 million dollars!
"Please trust me, I didn't do anything." "I don't believe you. I am rejecting you as my Queen and giving you the punishment of death." Alina was living outside her pack for five years. Her parents didn't try to contact her and always ignored her. Her best friend convinced her to go back to their pack and she agreed. But she had never imagined what was waiting there for her. She never thought she would meet her mate and had to face betrayal from everywhere. She had to pay for the crime which she never committed. Aaron Robertson is the king of Lycans. He is a very dominant and powerful King who not only rules Lycans but also rules other ranks of werewolves. Everyone is afraid of Lycans and he is the king of them. But who knew that he would get a mate who was just a simple Omega with no powers and strengths? He called her weak all the time but little did he know that his weak Omega would give him the biggest betrayal of his life for which he had to give her the sentence of death.