"Billionaire's Dilemma" Forced into a loveless contract marriage to save his company, billionaire Elliot Booker is trapped in a life he despises. Bound by duty, he's stuck living with a wife he can't stand and under the constant pressure of a father whose expectations know no limits. But everything changes when he meets Ava, a carefree college student who brings him the peace and happiness he's longed for. As their love blossoms, Elliot finds solace in her arms, escaping the harsh world of wealth and business. Yet, a single event will soon threaten the life he's built, forcing him to choose between his obligations and the woman who has stolen his heart. Will love conquer all, or will everything Elliot holds dear crumble before him?
The sun poured through the tiny window of the cabin, casting a golden glow across the room. The atmosphere was serene, the gentle breeze filtering through the crevices of the wooden walls. The rustling trees played a soft melody, adding to the peacefulness of the secluded hideaway. It was the kind of place no one would ever want to leave especially when wrapped in the arms of someone who made the rest of the world disappear.
Curled up in bed, sheets tangled around them, Elliot and Ava gazed into each other's eyes. His fingers ran through her hair before he pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead. Ava's delicate fingers traced gentle patterns across his back, her touch light as a whisper. He admired the constellation of freckles that adorned her skin, each tiny mark resembling a star. As if unable to resist, he pressed his lips against hers, savoring their warmth. The morning sunlight streaming through the window illuminated her blonde hair, making it appear almost golden.
"You are so, so beautiful," Elliot murmured, his voice filled with awe. "You're like a creature set apart from the rest of the world ,graceful, enchanting."
Ava smiled before pulling him in for a deep, passionate kiss. She loved him, and he loved her. As if reading her mind, he whispered, "I love you, Ava. So much. You make my world brighter. Just knowing I get to see you, even for a little while, gives me the strength to keep going."
"I love you too, Elliot," she whispered back, her voice filled with emotion.
His gaze darkened slightly. "I'm sorry it has to be like this."
"It's okay, baby," she reassured him, pulling him into a tight embrace.
Elliot held her closer, savoring the feel of her against him, as if trying to memorize every inch of her. He captured her lips once more, his strong yet gentle hands roaming over her body. The softest of moans filled the air as their bodies melted together in a slow, intimate rhythm. The sun continued its descent, casting a warm glow over them as they made love, wrapped in the safety of their secret world.
---
Goodbyes & Responsibilities
By the time Elliot was fully dressed, Ava was still asleep, her expression peaceful. He didn't want her to wake up before he left , not after what happened last time when she had cried for an hour, pleading with him to stay. He couldn't go through that again.
Carefully, he scribbled a note and placed it on the bedside table. Then, he leaned over and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.
"I love you," he whispered, his heart heavy.
With one last glance at her sleeping form, he turned and walked out the door. Sliding into his car, he sighed deeply, knowing it would be a long time before he'd get to hold her like this again.
Booker & Sinclair Group
Elliot stepped out of his car and handed the keys to his chauffeur, who quickly drove it away to be parked. The towering high-rise of Booker & Sinclair Group loomed over him a symbol of power, wealth, and responsibility.
The moment he entered, his personal assistant, Blair, was already waiting for him.
"Good morning, Mr. Booker," she greeted.
"Hey, Blair," Elliot responded with a nod. "What do you have for me?"
"For starters, you have a meeting with the shareholders and board members," she said, flipping through her tablet. "Then you have a scheduled fitting for the dinner party at the Sinclair's tonight."
At the mention of the dinner, Elliot rolled his eyes.
Blair continued, undeterred. "Oh, and sir, your wife is in your office."
Elliot froze mid-step, his jaw tightening. "Why?"
"She said you missed dinner last night and didn't come home."
Elliot let out an irritated hiss under his breath. "Is that all, Blair?"
"Actually..." Blair hesitated. "Your father wants to see you. He said you've been avoiding his calls."
Elliot exhaled sharply as the elevator doors closed, dreading the confrontations that awaited him.
As the elevator ascended to the top floor , where his personal office was , his thoughts drifted to the weight of his inheritance. Booker & Sinclair Group was a multimillion-dollar company, renowned for its cutting-edge technology and futuristic innovations. He loved his work, but the sacrifices it demanded were suffocating him. And his father only made it worse. As the only heir, so much was expected of him especially after his mother's passing.
Sometimes, he wondered if it was all worth it.
---
Confrontation with Lucy
Stepping into his office, Elliot was met with the sight of Lucy , his wife. She sat perched on his desk, legs crossed, wearing a striking red dress with a dangerously high slit. The crimson fabric hugged her curves, her glossy Louboutin heels dangling from her feet. Her dark hair was perfectly styled, her lips painted a deep, seductive red.
She exuded confidence, every inch of her a picture of effortless seduction.
"You're here," he said flatly.
Lucy smirked, sliding off the desk. "Come on, darling. That's no way to greet your beautiful wife."
She sauntered toward him, stopping just inches away. Her perfume expensive and intoxicating wrapped around him like a spell. She draped her arms around his shoulders and leaned in, her lips parting slightly.
Elliot didn't hesitate. He shoved her away.
"You and I both know this marriage is a formality," he said coldly. "Don't act like there's anything real between us behind closed doors."
Lucy chuckled, unbothered. "Elliot, just because we're in a contract marriage doesn't mean we can't satisfy each other's needs."
Her voice was sultry, teasing. She leaned in again, her breath warm against his skin. Elliot clenched his fists.
He suddenly grabbed her neck, his grip firm but not painful, tilting her head back slightly. "Is this what you want?" he growled.
Lucy merely laughed, her eyes dark with amusement.
Realizing he was wasting his energy, Elliot released her. Lucy smirked, adjusting her dress as if nothing had happened.
"Don't forget about the dinner at my father's house tonight," she reminded him, picking up her bag. "Don't be late. And please, wear a more recent tuxedo. What you have on now is last season he notices those things."
With that, she strutted out of the office, leaving Elliot rubbing his temples, frustrated by the mess that was his reality.
Back at the Cabin
Ava stirred, reaching across the bed, only to find it empty. The moment she opened her eyes and saw the vacant space beside her, tears welled up. He was gone. Again.
With a heavy heart, she sat up, rubbing her eyes, and that's when she noticed the note on the bedside table.
"I'm sorry, my love. I wish I could stay longer , I really do , but I can't. Please forgive me for leaving like this. I just couldn't bear to see you cry. If I had my way, I'd stay in bed with you all day, every day, and never get tired of it. I promise it won't always be like this. I love you, Ava. My escape from reality."
A small smile broke through her sadness as she wiped away her tears. Clutching the note, she took a deep breath and got up to start her day.
---
Dinner at the Sinclairs
After half an hour of small talk and dining, Lucy suddenly tapped her glass with her fork.
"I have an announcement," she giggled. "Today, I found out that... we're expecting a baby!"
She squealed in delight.
Elliot, however, froze. He sat pale and speechless, his mind spiraling into chaos.
Lucy leaned in slightly, whispering just loud enough for him to hear "Jackpot."
"Is it considered betrayal to develop feelings for your best friend's boyfriend? What about when fate intervenes, and he turns out to be your destined mate? You might think it's luck and thank the moon goddess for such a twist of fate. That's what I believed until the love of my life uttered those dreaded words: 'I want a divorce!' As I stared at the pregnancy test in my hands, I realized it was better to keep my secret to myself. My name is Violet, and this is my story."
After two years of marriage, Sadie was finally pregnant. Filled with hope and joy, she was blindsided when Noah asked for a divorce. During a failed attempt on her life, Sadie found herself lying in a pool of blood, desperately calling Noah to ask him to save her and the baby. But her calls went unanswered. Shattered by his betrayal, she left the country. Time passed, and Sadie was about to be wed for a second time. Noah appeared in a frenzy and fell to his knees. "How dare you marry someone else after bearing my child?"
Blinded in a crash, Cary was rejected by every socialite—except Evelina, who married him without hesitation. Three years later, he regained his sight and ended their marriage. "We’ve already lost so many years. I won’t let her waste another one on me." Evelina signed the divorce papers without a word. Everyone mocked her fall—until they discovered that the miracle doctor, jewelry mogul, stock genius, top hacker, and the President's true daughter… were all her. When Cary came crawling back, a ruthless tycoon had him kicked out. "She's my wife now. Get lost."
Life was perfect until she met her boyfriend's big brother. There was a forbidden law in the Night Shade Pack that if the head Alpha rejected his mate, he would be stripped of his position. Sophia's life would get connected with the law. She was an Omega who was dating the head Alpha's younger brother. Bryan Morrison, the head Alpha, was not only a cold-blooded man but also a charming business tycoon. His name was enough to cause other packs to tremble. He was known as a ruthless man. What if, by some twist of destiny, Sophia's path were to intertwine with his?
"Mr. Evans, please maintain some dignity. Don't forget I'm your brother's wife!" Having caught her husband and best friend together in the bed, Elena wanted nothing more than to exact revenge on the people she once called family. She refused to be a pitiful divorcee and vowed to make everyone who had once looked down on her beg for forgiveness. And to start with her newfound freedom, Elena indulges in a one-night stand with a stranger. However, what was meant to be a fleeting escape turns into a nightmare when she learns that the stranger is none other than her husband's older brother! Would Elena be free from the shackles of her marriage? Or would the mysterious stranger make her life a living hell since he seemed to have a personal vendetta against his family? [The story is 18+ and involves mature content.]
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.