THE CEO'S UNEXPECTED BRIDE (SHORT STORY)

"Then let me help you," he said, stepping closer. "Let me prove to you that I'm worth the risk." Her heart ached at the vulnerability in his eyes, but she couldn't ignore the doubts that lingered. "Ethan, what if this doesn't work? What if we both end up hurt?" "Then at least we'll know we tried," he said, his voice steady. "But I can't walk away without giving this a chance. Can you?" She stared at him, her resolve wavering. She wanted to say no, to protect herself from the pain she feared. But deep down, she knew the truth. "I don't know," she whispered. Ethan reached out, gently cupping her face. "That's enough for me." Before she could overthink it, he leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was both tender and passionate. For a moment, the world fell away, and all that mattered was the feel of his lips against hers. But as the kiss deepened, a rush of emotions flooded her-desire, fear, and an overwhelming sense of vulnerability. ----- Ethan Thornton, the charismatic, successful CEO of a multinational corporation. Ethan is known for his charm, good looks, and reputation as a notorious womanizer, someone who is never without a beautiful woman by his side.  Eva Brooks, his new assistant, knowing the reputation that precedes him, is determined to keep things professional. She's not interested in his advances, particularly because she believes that behind his suave exterior, he's just another playboy who is incapable of a serious relationship. However, Ethan is intrigued by Eva. Her cool demeanor, intelligence, and beauty captivated him. For the first time in a long while, he finds himself wanting something more than just a casual fling. The narrative traces their evolving relationship, filled with tension, desire, misunderstandings, and ultimately, love. Little does she know, she's about to become part of his personal life in ways she never expected.

Forced out of a mental hospital by her family, Nicole was made to marry Aidan-reputed to be disabled-in her sister's place. The public ridiculed their union: a so-called lunatic and a cripple. What they didn't know was that Nicole had a sharp mind, countless talents, and secret identities. High society sneered at her unruly behavior, but Aidan always took her side. "My wife is too fragile to hurt anyone," he'd say. But soon- "Sir, your wife destroyed someone's house!" "Let her." "Sir, your wife ran away!" He arrived at the airport with two adorable kids in tow, pleading, "Sweetheart, come back. You can punish me however you want." Nicole froze. Wait-where did these two adorable little troublemakers come from?

Caught in a web of betrayal, Nicole's life shatters in a single evening when her mother-in-law, Veronica, sets her up in an elaborate scheme. Blindsided, Nicole faces her husband Taylor's cold rage as he casts her out of his life and home, accusing her of infidelity and theft. As she tries to defend herself, her best friend, Sarah, adds another blow by denying their loyalty. "Please, Taylor, you have to believe me!" Nicole pleads, her voice breaking, but his icy response is a dagger to her heart. "I don't hate you, Nicole," he sneers. "I despise you." When Nicole reveals she's pregnant, she hopes for compassion, but it only fuels Veronica's determination to rid the family of her. After signing the divorce papers, a dejected Nicole wanders alone, where a brutal attack leaves her bleeding, helpless, and desperate to protect her unborn child. Six years later, Nicole returns from the ashes to inflict seven times the pains upon those who humiliated her and left her to die. "I'll make them pay so dearly that they'd regret ever been born!" She declares. This is a story of romance and revenge you don't want to miss!

Rejected by her mate, who had been her long-time crush, Jasmine felt utterly humiliated. Seeking solace, she headed to a party to drown her sorrows. But things took a turn for the worse when her friends issued a cruel dare: kiss a stranger or beg her mate for forgiveness. With no other choice, Jasmine approached a stranger and kissed him, thinking that would be the end of it. However, the stranger unexpectedly wrapped his arms around her waist and whispered in her ear, "You're mine!" He growled, his words sending shivers down her spine. And then, he offered her a solution that would change everything...

Rachel used to think that her devotion would win Brian over one day, but she was proven wrong when his true love returned. Rachel had endured it all—from standing alone at the altar to dragging herself to the hospital for an emergency treatment. Everyone thought she was crazy to give up so much of herself for someone who didn’t return her feelings. But when Brian received news of Rachel’s terminal illness and realized she didn’t have long to live, he completely broke down. "I forbid you to die!" Rachel just smiled. She no longer needed him. "I will finally be free."

Her fiance and her best friend worked together and set her up. She lost everything and died in the street. However, she was reborn. The moment she opened her eyes, her husband was trying to strangle her. Luckily, she survived that. She signed the divorce agreement without hesitation and was ready for her miserable life. To her surprise, her mother in this life left her a great deal of money. She turned the tables and avenged herself. Everything went well in her career and love when her ex-husband came to her.

To the public, she was the CEO's executive secretary. Behind closed doors, she was the wife he never officially acknowledged. Jenessa was elated when she learned that she was pregnant. But that joy was replaced with dread as her husband, Ryan, showered his affections on his first love. With a heavy heart, she chose to set him free and leave. When they met again, Ryan's attention was caught by Jenessa's protruding belly. "Whose child are you carrying?!" he demanded. But she only scoffed. "It's none of your business, my dear ex-husband!"