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Rose, a brilliant and beautiful CEO, has it all - except love. That is, until she meets Zack, a talented and enigmatic newcomer to her company. But as they grow closer, Rose must confront the secrets and lies that have defined her life, including the ruthless ambitions of the people around them, who will stop at nothing to destroy her. Can Rose trust Zack, or will he betray her like everyone else?
Rose's POV
I woke up to the feel of fingers slowly running up and down my bare back. The light strokes sent chills down my spine and I could feel a hot breath over my spine.
My head buried deep in my pillows, I didn't need to open my eyes to know who it was. It was none other than the guy I picked up last night.
"I know you are awake babe," he said in an alluring voice, which was followed by a hot breath fanning my ear. I raised my head and opened my eyes slowly, only to be greeted by the streaks of sunlight filling my room, making my head throb, and I shut them close as I sat up and rubbed my head with two fingers while I used the other hand to pull the sheets to my body, covering myself.
The guy, whatever his name was, spoke again, bringing me back to the reality of my decision last night, which was a result of taking a few drinks.
"Good morning babe," he purred into my ears, and I could tell by his freshly sprayed cologne and minty breath that he was trying too hard. "Ready to go down with me again?"
"Ughhh!" I let out a groan at the expense of my mistake. Memories of last night flashed through my mind. Being burnt out from working too hard, wanting to have some fun, having a few drinks and bringing this guy over to my place. My blood rushed as I recalled the world of pleasure I had last night. It was undeniable that this guy was good, but it was not enough to make my heart skip a beat have me crave for more.
"Are you still here Mason?" I opened my eyes and looked him in the eyes. He was propped up on one elbow as he laid on his side in only his underwear, like a model would, but all the effort made him look like an amateur. His smirk dropped, and his resolve fell at the sight of my cold stare. "Who do you mean, babe? And the name's Jack. Although I can be the man of your dreams," he tried to laugh it off as he regained his composure.
"You were a bit tipsy last night, but I can give you a trip down memory lane. If you want Mason, then Mason it is," he winked, making me roll my eyes.
"How stressful," I rolled my eyes. Why can't anyone get the cue these days?
My first mistake was taking him over to my place and second, letting him stay over the night for him to think that this was more than a one night stand. But I must have been exhausted that I slept away myself without kicking him out first.
"Well, it seems like you've already freshened up and taken a shower," I said, getting out of bed. "So, just scram already. I don't want to see you here once I am out," I said, getting out of bed and heading for the bathroom. "Oh, and lest I forget," I turned to glance at him. "My secretary will make sure you are well compensated."
The guy let out a gasp, sitting up abruptly. "What the f**k?! What do you take me for? Some gigolo?! How dare you treat someone like me this way!? How absurd!"
"Ugh. Whatever. Such a headache." I slammed the bathroom door shut and went straight for the shower.
Steam filled the bathroom while the hot water massaged my skin as it dribbled down my body. Soon enough, I came out of the bathroom, my teeth brushed, and my hair washed and blow-dried. Without wasting much time, I came out of the bathroom and headed to my walk-in closet.
Not long after, I came out wearing a crisp cream blouse tucked underneath black suit pants with a matching tailored brazer draped over my shoulders. One hand carried my designer Gouci handbag at my elbow while I tried to put on my sleek, golden Channel wristwatch.
The sound of my stilettos clicking against the cold tiles announced my presence to my driver, secretary and housemaid, whom, before that, were all busy doing something.
"Good morning miss," My maid, Miss Adam, a woman in her mid-forties greeted me while preparing breakfast.
"Morning boss," Alice, my secretary said briefly, as she sat on the kitchen bar stool. She was wearing a gray office suit, her hair in a bun while her face was expressionless as she tapped the ipad in front of her which was supported by its leather cover on the kitchen table.
My bodyguard, on the other hand, Cade, did not even look up as he sat across Alice while eating his breakfast. The three of them might as well be my family. Just three people I managed to adopt over the years. I placed my handbag on one of the stools close to me and as soon as I sat down at the head of the table, Miss Adams placed my breakfast in front of me, a plate of pancakes and a cup of strawberry smoothie.
"Did you get rid of him properly?" I asked Alice, so I dove my fork into my breakfast while Miss Adams placed a glass in front of me before filling it from a jug of water.
"Yes. He received compensation and won't tattle. They are all the same after all. Cade checked his phone for pictures or videos, but there were none," Alice replied, and I nodded in response. As a billionaire and CEO, in her late twenties, it was crucial to avoid unsolicited rumors that may cause any sort of ruin to my person or give my enemies something to feast on. I didn't get to where I was easily, and I wasn't about to let anyone think they would take it away from me.
Extending her arm towards me, Alice handed me the tablet she was working on while she briefed me on the details of today's event.
As the owner and CEO of a shipping company, for the past months, I have been busy trying to secure a partnership with two popular online shopping companies, build connections with three countries and secure places in their ports while dealing with taxes. But all of that will be over today as I finalized all the deals and celebrate the companie's 30th anniversary. If everything goes smoothly, this would be my biggest achievement yet, in my four years as CEO, and as much as I was confident, a part of me was nervous.
"Today, we will sign the final contract with Anazon. As for the event, this is the list of the VIPs, and it includes the shareholders, representatives and ambassadors whose countries we have secured a deal with," Alice continued to explain in detail while I went through the tablet. As always, Alice never disappointed with her job, making me glad that I decided to take her in all those years back.
"And that will be all," Alice concluded, at the same time I had my fill of the breakfast. "Alright," I took the glass of water and downed it in one go. "Let's go." I stood up, still going through the tablet in my hand. Alice and Cade stood up, with Cade taking the car keys from his pocket as he led the way to the parking space.
He opened the passenger side door and I entered before he closed it shut. He entered the driver's side while Alice entered shotgun, and he drove out of my mansion, heading straight for my workplace.
A young and beautiful ambitious Jacqueline's life changes overnight when the crown Prince's words to her "Hey you look lovely." and his actions are mistaken for a "Hey I love you." and a marriage proposal. Jacqueline thought her life would change for the better when the royal family, the queen and two princes takes an interest in her. Unbeknownst to her, she would get trapped in their darkest secrets. Six years later, Prince Asher finds her with the kingdom's five year old heiress. But Jacqueline is not so willing to let go of her daughter or the past.
In Lothlann Continent, talent in martial arts won cultivators respect. Darren Chu, a mediocre talent in martial arts, was deemed a loser by everyone. His status changed when a fireball fell from the sky and hit him on the head. He cheated death. Empowered with the ability to assimilate other creatures' talent, Darren sought to better himself and seek vengeance against those who had wronged his family, including his little sister. "You will kneel in front of me one day," swore the future lord of martial arts.
The day Raina gave birth should have been the happiest of her life. Instead, it became her worst nightmare. Moments after delivering their twins, Alexander shattered her heart-divorcing her and forcing her to sign away custody of their son, Liam. With nothing but betrayal and heartbreak to her name, Raina disappeared, raising their daughter, Ava, on her own.Years later, fate comes knocking when Liam falls gravely ill. Desperate to save his son, Alexander is forced to seek out the one person he once cast aside. Alexander finds himself face to face with the woman he underestimated, pleading for a second chance-not just for himself, but for their son. But Raina is no longer the same broken woman who once loved him.No longer the woman he left behind. She has carved out a new life-one built on strength, wealth, and a long-buried legacy she expected to uncover.Raina has spent years learning to live without him.The question is... Will she risk reopening old wounds to save the son she never got to love? or has Alexander lost her forever?
As far as everyone was concerned, William had married Renee under duress. Now that his one true love was back—and with child—they couldn’t wait for him to abandon Renee. Surprisingly, Renee was candid about the situation. "To be honest, I’m the one asking for a divorce every single day. I want it even more than any of you!" But they brushed off her remark as a paltry attempt to save face. Until William made a declaration himself. "Divorce is out of the question. Anyone who spreads false rumors shall face legal consequences!" Renee was at a loss. What was this crazy man up to now?
"Sign the divorce papers and get out!" Leanna got married to pay a debt, but she was betrayed by her husband and shunned by her in-laws. Seeing that her efforts were in vain, she agreed to divorce and claimed her half of the properties. With her purse plump from the settlement, Leanna enjoyed her newfound freedom. The constant harassment from her ex's mistress never fazed her. She took back her identities as top hacker, champion racer, medical professor, and renowned jewelry designer. Then someone discovered her secret. Matthew smiled. "Will you have me as your next husband?"
"You're pathetic!" Brenden sneered, each word cutting deep into Corinna's heart. Years of emotional wounds had drained every ounce of love she once held. "I've wasted enough time on you. If there's a next life, I hope we never meet again." Her words severed the bond between them like a blade. From that moment on, Brenden was haunted by her absence—unable to sleep, longing for the warmth he took for granted.
Melanie married Ashton out of gratitude, but she quickly found herself entangled in a web of relentless challenges. Despite these struggles, she stayed true to her commitment to the marriage. In the hospital room, Ashton indifferently attempted to draw her blood, disregarding her discomfort. This callous act was a harsh revelation for Melanie, awakening her to the grim reality of their relationship. Resolved to prioritize her own welfare, she decided to sever ties. With newfound resolve, Melanie filed for divorce. In the process, she unveiled her concealed identities, leaving everyone in shock. Throughout these turbulent times, Melanie realized that Derek, Ashton’s uncle, had been discreetly protecting her all along.