/0/68696/coverbig.jpg?v=20250102025344)
Ximena Lavigne's life is turned upside down when she discovers she's been betrothed to the charming but unknown Hugo De León. Despite her protests, her parents insist on the marriage. As Ximena navigates this complicated situation, she meets Jayden Knights, a mysterious and charismatic young man with a troubled past tied to her father. Meanwhile, her loyal bodyguard and best friend, Carlos, harbors secret feelings for her. Further complicating matters is Walter Briggs, a man who has loved Ximena since childhood and now seeks her hand in marriage. Torn between duty, desire, and her own dreams, Ximena must choose between the path laid out for her and forging her own destiny. Will she succumb to the expectations of those around her, or will she find the courage to follow her heart?
Chapter 1 PROLOGUE
Paris 6:45pm
The autumn breeze blew over her face as she watched from the rooftop, the flowers gently swaying in the breeze. Closing her eyes, she savoured the moment with relish wishing her life would be as calm as the breeze. The sun was setting already and the sky was yellow. She managed a smile as she looked at the horizon. Her face grew solemn on remembering the conversation she had with her father minutes ago. It was one thing being the heiress to the Lavigne Empire and another thing to be nagged about it. All her life, for as long as she could remember, her parents always rang it in her ears that she was the heiress and she should always act like one.
At age sixteen, she'd started attending conference meetings and was in charge of one of her father's companies in Paris. It was very hectic combining school work with the company's work but her parents didn't seem to mind. She hardly had time for herself or to make friends, not that her allowed her to anyway. They were the ones choosing who would and who wouldn't be her friend. Every decision of her life was made by her parents.
Now twenty two, Ciara Ximena Lavigne was in charge of three companies, a hotel and a restaurant. Her father, Armando Lavigne, a French man was a very powerful man who had companies, hotels and restaurants in Paris, America, Spain and Italy. Armando was a very wealthy man. He got married to an American, Nora.
Ximena slicked her ginger red hair- which she'd gotten from her father- back with her palm and let out a frustrated sigh. She remembered the urgency in her father's voice when he'd asked her to come to America. And from the sound of his voice, it didn't look like she'd return to Paris any time soon.
"Mena!" A voice called breaking into her thoughts.
She recognized the voice immediately and turned swiftly to see her seventeen -year- old sister, Jasmine Zuri Lavigne.
"Zuri! You're back. What kept you? Practicals? " Ximena said brightening up a bit.
"You got it. We had tons of practicals today. I was looking for you when I arrived. You weren't in your room or in the study so I figured you might be here. And I was right. You love watching the sunset," Zuri beamed walking towards her.
"Yeah! Right," Xinena said with her smile wearing off.
"What's wrong Mena? You don't seem happy," Zuri said sitting opposite her.
If there was anyone Ximena cared about the most in the world, it was Zuri, her younger sister. Zuri was the only one who understood her. The only one who shared her sorrows and joy with her. And sometimes the one who advised her. Ximena couldn't bear to see her hurt or in pain especially when their mother, Nora Lavigne yells at her.
"Dad called," Ximena finally said.
"What did he say?"
"We're going to America in two days."
"What?" Zuri's eyes dilated. "Why? Did he mention the reason?"
"Non. You know how father is. He refused to tell me the reason. He just said it was urgent and that we shouldn't delay," Ximena said.
"I know I've always wanted to visit America, but I didn't expect it to be this way," Zuri said with a frown.
Ximena had been to America but once. And she was five then. She'd gone there when Zuri was born, spent a couple days and they both flew back to Paris with their parents.
"We don't have a choice, Zuri. Dad has a reason. It'd better be a good one. I'm really gonna miss Paris, my home."
"Me too," Zuri said. "Aunt Maya will miss us too."
Ximena smiled wryly. Her fingers curled around the glass cup in front of her which contained cocktail. She lifted it to her lips and gulped down its entire content.
View More Comments on App
You'll also like
/0/56596/coverbig.jpg?v=6af267619f11020d7fd5336a66010972)
The CEO's Fabulous Ex-Wife
When Zora was sick during the early days of her pregnancy, Ezrah was with his first love, Piper. When Zora got into an accident and called Ezrah, he said he was busy, when in actual fact, he was buying shoes for Piper. Zora lost her baby because of the accident, and throughout her stay at the hospital, Ezrah never showed up. She already knew that he didn't love her, but that was the last straw for the camel's back, and her fragile heart could not take it anymore. When Ezrah arrived home a few days after Zora was discharged from the hospital, he no longer met the woman who always greeted him with a smile and cared for him. Zora stood at the top of the stairs and yelled with a cold expression, "Good news, Ezrah! Our baby died in a car accident. There is nothing between us anymore, so let's get a divorce." The man who claimed not to have any feelings for Zora, being cold and distant towards her, and having asked her for a divorce twice, instantly panicked.
/0/75217/coverbig.jpg?v=ffd5410f77b2ab48acb5e2ea9693a751)
When Love Defies The Terms
To fund her father's medical bills, Helena stepped in for her half‑sister and wed the city's notorious deaf heir. On their wedding night, as she bared herself, he dismissed her hope with, "This is strictly business." Living beneath the weight of his unpredictable moods, she learned to fear every moment. When everyone bet on her ruin, he became her fiercest protector. But as their contract expired and she gathered her things, tears shimmered in his eyes. "Please… don't leave me."
/0/60747/coverbig.jpg?v=85441cfc6097b133c176791bbbcb6ff5)
Unshackled Brilliance: Catching The CEO's Eye
"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?"
/0/73040/coverbig.jpg?v=de0760cf2bd001aa298f2033e9d9d2cd)
A Divorce He Regrets
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?
/0/61795/coverbig.jpg?v=b30cbfd63b4a13c548a5c05cf867c133)
Who Dares Claim The Heart Of My Wonderful Queen
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!"
/0/73883/coverbig.jpg?v=1d6648a2866aafa919b160ad5a001afc)
She Took The House, The Car, And My Heart
After two years of marriage, Kristian dropped a bombshell. "She's back. Let's get divorced. Name your price." Freya didn't argue. She just smiled and made her demands. "I want your most expensive supercar." "Okay." "The villa on the outskirts." "Sure." "And half of the billions we made together." Kristian froze. "Come again?" He thought she was ordinary—but Freya was the genius behind their fortune. And now that she'd gone, he'd do anything to win her back.
© 2018-now CHANGDU (HK) TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
6/F MANULIFE PLACE 348 KWUN TONG ROAD KL
Referrals
APP STORE
GOOGLE PLAY