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Forced to marry her childhood crush, she finds herself loving him more. She had high hopes for their marriage and wanted to make it work out. But he dashed her hopes when he brought divorce papers home as a gift on their first anniversary. She loved him. But she wouldn't force herself on him. It's his loss for treating her like trash because of a two-faced woman. She maintained her composure, signed the papers, and left him. He thought that he had no feelings for her. But why did he feel like he had lost something very dear to him? Only after she had traveled abroad did he realize what he had lost. Was it too late? Would he get her back or lose her forever?
Helena's pov.
"Welcome to Tianmo airport. We advise all...."a female's voice pierced through the cold air from the radio in the arriving hall.
"No way I'm getting married,dad!"i protested as I dragged my luggage down the hall.
"Your age is nothing to quote in this discussion,Helena.
Now that you're back to America,as none other than Lucas Howell's only heiress,one who has made a name for herself home and abroad.
You know, Helena, there's only two important things in this world - money,and love." Dad's voice cackled through the phone and I snorted, halting in my steps, abruptly.
I heaved out a deep sigh, already having an headache because of his words.
"Yeah, right? But you and mom fight every week as if you were newlywed!"a scoff slides out of my lips in frustration.
I'd watched both of them argue over the tiniest issue every fvcking time!
They'd give each other cold shoulders for weeks,then reconcile, only to get in an argument a day after.
"That's because we love each other. You need to find that kind of love today also" his voice rang out of the phone and straight right into my ears.
My breathing hitched,as my brows creased up in confusion.
"Today?"I asked with heavy breath.
What is he saying?
Who is finding love today?
"We are hanging out with the Wellingtons tonight, Helena." He remarked, sternly.
I pulled my hair in frustration.
The Wellington family?
Why are we suddenly meeting today?
It's been years!
"So what does that makes it?"I bit my lower lip, feeling the taste of my own blood.
If I go, doesn't that means he would come too?
Oh, Christ....
"It makes it a day I reveal your husband to you.
He's a great man,to be fair,Helena.
He's handsome,gentle and caring.
You will love him too." Father was beside himself with joy.
Oh,boy!
I almost bursted out into laughter.
Who is getting a man and who is getting happy?
I removed the phone from my hair,a scoff finding its way out of my lips,as I thought how ridiculous dad was being.
I snaked my fingers into my silky hair,and released a pant.
"This..."I swallowed a mouthful of saliva down my throat.
"...is twenty - first century,dad. I won't have you, absolutely won't have you choose my husband for me when I'm not even ready at that!" I uttered grumpily,with a finality tone before I continued walking.
"Uh,she's all these talks now. You just wait.
If you fall for him tonight,you definitely owe me one million thousand dollars!" I could feel his sneer from the end of the phone.
Well,one thing I like about my dad is his sense of humor,maybe that's why I'm so close to him.
But,what he was saying surely wasn't funny.
I could feel my hand tightened around the handle of my box.
I just got out of a journey of three hours,and him uttering these words added to my stress,making me feel dizzy.
"Dad,I.." Before I could complete my words,the line dinged, indicating the call has ended.
Oh,what a stress!
I grunts at the blank screen,hearing a voice yelling to me to turn back and go to where I was coming from in my head.
I pinched my nose.
I am here for my business,and that I shall focus on.
I shoved my phone inside my jacket's pocket and removed my glasses.
The thought of me having to face my mother again at home leaves a huge toll on my heart.
"Mummy long legs!!"a loud voice tore through the room and my legs screeched to an halt.
Oh,God.
"No,no,not me please." I earnestly prayed.
That sounds more like that kid's voice, but she knows better than to call me that in such a place with many people, right?
I could feel people looking towards me and I breathed out.
I am totally stressed,but my dramatic family just has to make the stress hateful!
Ugh!
Asher and Alexis ran to me beaming one of their beautiful smiles.
I found my lips giving in to a smile also as I instantly felt relieved.
It's been so many years away from home,in a foreign land.
An exciting feeling gushes into my body system.
Asher was the one that screamed.
They are twins.
One is so gregarious and the other,reserved.
You can already guess the "who" for each character.
I placed my palm on my forehead, dramatically.
They pulled me in a hug and I shyly grazed my eyes over the people giving me stares.
Oof!
"Oh my Jesus. You've added some flesh,and you look a lot more beautiful!"Alexis commented and I grinned at him.
However the grin turned to a scowl when Asher made her own comment.
"What do you mean she's fat and beautiful,one second?"she scoffed,eyeing me.
My brows instantly perched up at her in a quizzical way.
She stepped behind me for her thorough examination.
I gritted my teeth together, quickly wearing my glasses again.
Alexis came to this world one second earlier than Asher.
They're my cousins,and they've been my best friends.
When they were little, they use to argue about who is the eldest and when Asher finally gave up that Alexis was the elder no doubt,she resorted to calling him that to make herself feel better.
She's really a crazy one but quite lovely.
"She's toned down,and she looks really skinny like she's been eating grass or bugs used her as their reservoir of blood.
And oh,she looks so much ugly!" Her face contorted in disgust.
Alexis stifled a laugh and I passed him a glare.
My face wrinkles up in a deep frown.
"Young miss,you–"
She clapped her hands, interpolating my words.
"But,of course,now that you're back, you'll go back to being beautiful!
Now, let's explore the dresses in the airport boutique and choose you a dress for tonight!"she dragged me before I could even comply.
A dress for tonight?
"Come on! Why do I have to get a dress for tonight?
The heck is happening tonight?!
Besides,I have many pretty clothes in..."
"Oh,those awful ones? I always see your posts and they look so cheap!
Not befitting for a queen."she scrunched up her nose, ignoring my other questions.
I tried to slide my arm out of hers,but damn,her grasp was too tight.
Wait....
My bag!
I turned,and Alexis gave me a thumbs up.
"I got it."
...
Night.
..
The cool breeze swept my gown up, making it float in the air.
I inhaled the fresh air as memories flashes in.
Especially those I shared with him.
How we played hide and seek together, making silly promises, moulding sand balls.
My cousins and I are heading to the usual spot where our family and the other usually hang out every month.
My grandpa and grandpa Wellington has been friends for years now.
Their friendship automatically flows to their children,then to him,Maverick and I.
Just at the sound of his name in my head,I felt a breath got stuck in my throat.
Heck,I am nervous.
It's been so many years,how did he look now?
What's he up to?
He must have gotten married,right?
I swallowed a lump in my throat.
Anyways,rhe relationship between both families has kept both of their businesses prospering.
Mav,my cousins and i attended same highschool and college but I left in the second year to further abroad and that was the end of the family hang out.
Only the grandparents met to have fun.
We spotted the tent afar and Asher rushed to it,going to hug mom.
I rolled my eyes to the side,puffing out.
I bet mom would have entertained the thought of she being her actual daughter not me, cause i've only been passionate towards dad,and passive to her.
We arrived at the tent,and the fresh aroma of barbecue found its way into my nostrils.
My mouth watered as I found a plate of it on the table.
Everyone from the other family were present and with me and the twins here too, we were completed.
I said my 'hi' and turned around to greet the last person.
I froze. Maverick.
My heart pumps up at an abnormal rate,and I found myself feeling the surge of different emotions.
He winked at me,and I gulped down as I gawked at him.
He has gotten more handsome.
So handsome that I can barely manage not to stand forever, taking in his featuress.
"Sit down or you'd develop a leg cramp!"Asher chimes,with a knowing voice.
I cleared my voice,and smiled out at him.
"You look different."Maverick commented with a smirk
Now,my voice was gone.
What do I say?
I felt a hand pulled me down on the chair.
"Maybe we can actually grill some meat on your cheeks."Asher whispered in my ear.
My eyes pops out in shock.
I'm I blushing?
Sh!t
I wiped my face,as if that could get it off.
Barely five minutes of meeting again after five years,and I'm already feeling crazy about him?
I glanced away from him, deciding to focus on the little stars in the sky.
I could feel his eyes on him.
I felt sparks in my heart,and I bats my lashes.
He was famous among girls back in high school and college. A total playboy.
"It's been so long, hasn't it?" The awkward atmosphere was lifted up when dad's warm voice cuts through the air.
I still didn't turn.
How can I when I would just jam my eyes right into him since he was sitting across to me?
"Well,with your daughter here,we get to hangout after years again and maybe this would continue?"Mav's father chuckles.
"Naturally,it should."Mav's grandpa chipped in.
I turned just to see my grandpa nod in affirmation.
Why was this man looking at me tho?
It is making me feel unnecessary butterflies.
I wish I could just see him as the boy back then whom I mess around with.
I lowered my gaze to the table, mentally read the names of each drinks there before grabbing a canned non-alcoholic drink.
It's chilled,and the air is freezing.
Just what I need to slap me back into my sense.
Asher suddenly grunted,as she dropped her phone on her laps.
"Ouu,this is starting to be boring.
Is this some kind of oldies reuniting after the first world war or what?"she whined in my ears and nudged my arm, just as I drew a sip of my drink in.
I spat it out before I could control it, laughing.
Now everyone was looking at me,with mom and Mav's mom passing me glares.
"Oops,sorry about that.
But,my cousin just wanted to know if all we do here tonight is to...uhmm..talk about stuffs not quite interesting."I explained myself,giving Asher a dead look for the great embarrassment she caused me.
"Hm."my grandpa smiled,a suspicious one at that.
I narrowed my eyes at him.
I was thankful Maverick was no longer stalking me with his eyes!
"Maverick,"he called staring out to the sea that dances tho and fro under the moonlight.
"Have you and Helena ever envisaged sitting and enjoying this lovely view together?,as couples?" Grandpa questioned and I froze.
I choked on my drink once again as the bomb lands heavily on my head.
What the hell?!
My heart began racing.
Couples? Who?
Dad's world rang into my ears and I tightened my grip around the can.
So, Maverick was the man he was talking about?
"Damn it,what annoyed your stomach tonight?"Asher scolded in a snort,passing me some tissues.
I wiped the drink that smeared my mouth, before throwing it in the dust bin nearby.
What's with that comment from Grandpa?
My eyes were clouded with shock.
"Uh..no."Mav answered simply,passing me a look which only baflfles me the more.
Why is he looking at me?
I brushed my eyes away from his.
I glared at my dad.
So perfect for him not to tell me beforehand that he was going to marry me off to my highschool friend whom I had crushed on back then, but he was too busy with other girls, seeing me only as a friend - a girl best friend!
"You should consider that. You guys are getting married,you should."grandpa was so simple with his response.
My stomach boils in rage.
My eyes met with Mav to see what he thinks about the ridiculous revelation.
He didn't want this,that I can see.
Well,I don't too and that's just great!
We simply cannot get married!
That's what I think,but my heart is playing tricks on me.
Why is it beating so fast?!
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.”
"You're mine, little puppy," Kylan growled against my neck. A soft gasp escaped my lips as his lips brushed my skin. My mind screamed at me to push him away-the Lycan Prince who had humiliated me again and again, but my body betrayed me, leaning into him before I could stop myself. He pressed his lips against mine, and his kiss grew more aggressive, more possessive as I felt my legs weaken. What was I doing? In a split-second, I pulled away and slapped him hard across the face. Kylan's eyes darkened, but the smirk on his lips exposed his amusement. "You and I both know we can't fight this, Violet," he said, gripping my wrist. "You're my mate." "And yet you don't want me," I replied. "You told me you were ashamed of me, that l'd never be your queen, that you'd never love me. So please, accept my rejection and let me go." "Never," he whispered, his grip tightening as he pulled me closer. "Soon enough, you'll be begging for me. and when you do-I'll use you as I see fit and then I'll reject you."
My family was on the poverty line and had no way to support me in college. I had to work part-time every day just to make ends meet and afford to get into the university. That was when I met her—the pretty girl in my class that every boy dreamt of asking out. I was well aware she was out of my league. Nevertheless, I mustered all my courage and bravely told her that I had fallen for her. To my surprise, she agreed to be my girlfriend. With the sweetest smile I had ever seen, she told me that she wanted my first gift for her to be the latest and top-of-the-line iPhone. I worked like a dog and even did my classmates’ laundry to save up. My hard work eventually paid off after a month. I finally got to buy what she wanted. But as I was wrapping my gift, I saw her in the dressing room, making out with the captain of the basketball team. She then heartlessly made fun of my inadequacy and made a fool out of me. To make things worse, the guy whom she cheated on me with even punched me in the face. Desperation washed over me, but there was nothing I could do but lie on the floor as they trampled on my feelings. But then, my father called me out of the blue, and my life turned upside down. It turned out that I was a billionaire's son.
"Listen, Gadreel Ødegaar," she looked at him, not hesitating this time. "It's my anniversary present for you. Let's divorce." *** Ivory Remington had sacrificed five years to look after her husband Gadreel who was in a vegetative state after an accident and a few months ago, he finally awakened like a miracle. She thought it was the start of their happy life but Gadreel still had no heart for her. On their anniversary and her birthday, she received a cheating video of her dear husband and her stepsister. Heartbroken, Ivory chose to quit this stupid game. She decided to set him free but the reason she left on the divorce agreement pierced Gadreel's noble pride. *** "Impotent? Are you serious?" He gripped her wrist and a dangerous glint flashed in his eyes. "I'm a woman, Gadreel. I'm tired of being in a sexless marriage. Let's end it once and for all." "Sexless, huh?" he chuckled lowly and without warning grabbed her chin in between his hands, pulling her face closer. "Turns out my wife was so eager to get a man between her legs? "
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?
"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.