In the eyes of the public, Elijah was ever the gentleman, always distant and reserved. But behind closed doors, he was an animal who relentlessly ensnared Ashley in a web of lust. No one knew of their secret relationship, yet at the same time, no one dared to bully her again. Then one day, she was hit with morning sickness right in front of everyone. To everyone's shock, the aloof and domineering Elijah quickly knelt in front of her and caressed her pregnant belly. "Babe," he crooned, "let's go public with our relationship. I will give you my everything."
"Do you know who I am? How dare you seduce me?"
Elijah Warren's harsh whisper sent a chill through Ashley Kirk, who had climbed on top of him naked.
Beneath her was Elijah, leader of Daville's most formidable family, the Warrens. He was her uncle by title, though not by blood.
To dodge his probing, Ashley feigned intoxication.
"It's so hot. I want you," she murmured softly.
Trapped, she leaned in and kissed his Adam's apple, seeing him as her sole chance at survival.
Daniel Blake, her fiancé, had ostensibly taken her to a cruise ship auction that evening. However, his real plan was to offer her to a business associate.
Ashley, refusing to be manipulated like that, seized the first chance to escape.
Yet, deep within, she understood fleeing the Kirk family and her foster mother's influence was futile.
If she were to be seen as a commodity, she preferred to surrender to an influential man, someone the Kirks couldn't afford to mess with in Daville.
The lounge on the second floor was dark, yet Ashley could make out the noisy chaos below clearly.
Beyond the expansive windows, the auction was charged and animated.
Anxiety gripped her, causing her to act awkwardly.
It was common knowledge that Elijah practiced abstinence. No woman had managed to be intimate with him.
His indifference seemed confirmed as she failed to draw his interest.
"Is this all you have to offer? I expected more from a woman who dares entice me," he said, his eyes narrowing in apparent dissatisfaction.
He had just returned to the country tonight, and already a woman had boldly presented herself to him.
Despite her apparent ardor, her inexperience was evident.
Sweat lightly coated her delicate skin, and her long hair clung to her face. She had initiated this, yet her every action left her blushing more deeply.
Despite his first impulse to push her away, Elijah found himself drawn in. He caressed her waist gently.
"Let me teach you," he offered.
Lying back, his muscular form relaxed, he allowed her to lead.
He guided her with both his words and his gentle touches.
The auction continued beyond the window.
"Next, we present a rare antique, a sculpture of a beauty. This exquisite piece embodies timeless elegance and highlights the exceptional craftsmanship. The lifelike details and delicate texture of the sculpture are truly remarkable. We will start the bidding for this stunning piece at $3 million."
Elijah cradled the gorgeous woman in his arms.
Ashley's moans were muffled by the auctioneer's booming voice.
"$10 million, going once, twice. Sold right here."
The sound of the gavel merged with Elijah's deep breaths and Ashley's muted moans.
As the night grew darker, the rocking of the cruise ship with the waves paled in comparison to the entwined figures in the bed.
...
At dawn, the cruise ship returned to the harbor.
Ashley seized the chance to escape while he showered.
Pain in her waist and legs altered her walk.
She wrapped a woolen shawl around her shoulders and neck, hiding the marks he left.
She noticed Daniel, waiting restlessly with her friend, Sarah Mason.
She had long understood that Daniel and Sarah were involved.
Yet, she had no proof and couldn't end the engagement.
"Daniel, I'm back." Ashley approached, her demeanor submissive and obliging.
She once thought her fiancé would be her escape from the Kirk family, but he intended to exploit her just like her foster mother did.
When she reached out her hand, Daniel shrank back with a look of disgust. "Did you have a productive meeting with Mr. Wells? Were you able to finalize the agreement?"
How could that old man, Andrew Wells, last over three hours?
Daniel's expression shifted suddenly as his gaze rested on Ashley's face.
She stood before him with misty eyes, swollen lips, and a lingering flush on her cheeks, her breath carrying a nearly intoxicating allure. He couldn't help but feel drawn to her radiance.
"Yes, I did exactly as you asked," Ashley replied, her smile seductive.
Yet, her first experience had left her far from happy.
Elijah had been rough.
Suddenly, Daniel realized his thoughts and was struck by a wave of revulsion.
"That's all you're good for," Daniel scoffed.
In Daville, it was well-known that the daughters of the Kirks were mere high-class escorts, notorious for their promiscuity.
Pressured by his family, Daniel had agreed to engage Ashley, the third daughter of the Kirks. His family aimed to connect with the Warren family, the Kirk family's ally, through the engagement.
Consequently, he had become the laughingstock among his friends, mocked for having a fiancée who got around.
With no permission to break the engagement, Daniel had resorted to using Ashley to amuse his business contact.
"Daniel, Ashley must be exhausted. Let her go home and rest," Sarah suggested, leaning against Daniel with a coy smile.
Ashley, feigning ignorance, played the role of the demure and compliant girl.
"Sarah, you're so considerate. Since you and Daniel are both headed the same way, we should let him take you home," Ashley responded with feigned casualness.
It became clear that Sarah had befriended her in school only to ruin her reputation and charm Daniel away.
But Ashley had no desire for such a despicable person!
"I got it," Daniel exclaimed, feeling an unexpected warmth surge through him at Ashley's sight.
As soon as they were in the car, he drew Sarah in for a passionate kiss.
"Daniel, slow down. Ashley hasn't left yet-what if she sees us?" Sarah protested playfully, which only heightened Daniel's urgency.
Though Ashley was strikingly beautiful and well-formed, it was rumored she had been with many men, while Sarah only had been intimate with him. Hence, he preferred Sarah to Ashley.
...
Upon returning to the Kirk family's residence, Ashley found her foster mother, Claire Kirk, in the living room.
"Mom, I secured a business deal for Daniel tonight," she declared, kneeling submissively at Claire's feet.
Claire observed the love bites on Ashley's neck and commended her. "Ashley, as a woman, your highest duty is to heed your partner and ensure his happiness."
"I'll remember that, Mom," Ashley responded, her smile forced as she clenched her fists.
"You've done well. I'll take care of Hadley's medical bills this month," Claire stated, resorting to her usual manipulative strategies.
Ashley's anxiety melted away with her foster mother's reassuring words. "Thank you, Mom."
A decade ago, Claire had adopted Ashley and her twin, Hadley Kirk, from the orphanage.
Hadley's severe heart condition led to daunting medical bills, effectively shackling Ashley to this family-a bond she could not break.
Before heading to freshen up, Ashley handed her dress and jewelry over to Peyton Gill, the family's housekeeper.
Peyton scrutinized each item and then demanded coldly, "Where's the other earring?"
"It can't be-it should be in my bag!"
She was certain the jewelry hadn't been misplaced as she had taken it off herself last night.
Digging through her bag, Ashley located the missing earring and gave it to Peyton for examination.
After ensuring all was correct, Peyton sternly cautioned, "Remember, Miss Kirk, all that you possess is bestowed by Mrs. Kirk. Should you steal jewelry again as you once did, you'll find yourself confined to the basement. Do you comprehend?"
"I won't do it again," Ashley murmured, averting her eyes.
Yet, once Peyton departed, Ashley's gaze lifted, showing a resolve unmarred by fear.
She resolved to break free from this confinement and seize her freedom!
...
The following day, Robert Warren, Elijah's father, hosted a welcoming banquet.
On such occasions, Claire would adorn Ashley exquisitely to captivate influential men.
As they made their entrance, the Warren family's relatives mingled, paying no heed to Ashley and Claire.
Then, a black sports car pulled up.
"It's Elijah!" someone shouted.
At that, Ashley tensed and shifted her focus towards the vehicle.
The crowd hurried to welcome Elijah.
Elijah remained in the car, merely lowering the window and proffering his left hand, which clutched a cigarette.
A signet ring adorned his thumb.
This ring had tormented Ashley during their intimate moments last night.
At the sight of the signet ring, embarrassment heated Ashley's cheeks, and she reflexively averted her gaze.
Suddenly, Claire nudged her forward, urging, "Elijah hasn't returned in three years. Go greet him."
Taking a deep breath, Ashley approached him slowly.
It had been three years since their last formal encounter.
Ashley wondered if he recognized her from last night.
Janet was adopted when she was a kid -- a dream come true for orphans. However, her life was anything but happy. Her adoptive mother taunted and bullied her all her life. Janet got the love and affection of a parent from the old maid who raised her. Unfortunately, the old woman fell ill, and Janet had to marry a worthless man in place of her parents' biological daughter to meet the maid's medical expenses. Could this be a Cinderella's tale? But the man was far from a prince, except for his handsome appearance. Ethan was the illegitimate son of a wealthy family who lived a reckless life and barely made ends meet. He got married to fulfill his mother's last wish. However, on his wedding night, he had an inkling that his wife was different from what he had heard about her. Fate had united the two people with deep secrets. Was Ethan truly the man we thought he was? Surprisingly, he bore an uncanny resemblance to the impenetrable wealthiest man in the city. Would he find out that Janet married him in place of her sister? Would their marriage be a romantic tale or an utter disaster? Read on to unravel Janet and Ethan's journey.
Charlotte, hurt and heartbroken after her boyfriend, Dylan cheated on her with his brother's fiancee Eleanor, found herself unexpectedly married to Adam, Dylan's older brother, a disabled man, a man she had no feelings for, a man very much older than she is. Adam and Charlotte agreed to have a contract marriage, just so they could get revenge on Dylan, and Eleanor, for hurting them. As time went by, Charlotte and Adam fell in love, however little did she know that this man was the complete opposite of what he portrayed himself to be. How will Charlotte react when she finds out that the man she married is a mafia, and that her life is at risk, staying married to Adam? What will Charlotte do when her one night stand comes back threatening the love she and Adam has built? How will Charlotte and Adam navigate their exes, Dylan, and Eleanor, wanting them back, and threatening to ruin the love they share? Find out in this tale of love , betrayal, and revenge, with so many plot twists that will keep you at the edges of your seats.
Life was a bed of roses for Debra, the daughter of Alpha. That was until she had a one-night stand with Caleb. She was sure he was her mate as determined by Moon Goddess. But this hateful man refused to accept her. Weeks passed before Debra discovered that she was pregnant. Her pregnancy brought shame to her and everyone she loved. Not only was she driven out, but her father was also hunted down by usurpers. Fortunately, she survived with the help of the mysterious Thorn Edge Pack. Five years passed and Debra didn't hear anything from Caleb. One day, their paths crossed again. They were both on the same mission—carrying out secret investigations in the dangerous Roz Town for the safety and posterity of their respective packs. Caleb was still cold toward her. But as time went on, he fell head over heels in love with her. He tried to make up for abandoning her, but Debra wasn't having any of it. She was hell-bent on hiding her daughter from him and also making a clean break. What did the future hold for the two as they journeyed in Roz Town? What kind of secrets would they find? Would Caleb win Debra's heart and get to know his lovely daughter? Find out!
It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mistake of falling in love with Kristopher. When the time came that she needed him the most, her husband was in the company of another woman. Enough was enough. Carrie chose to divorce Kristopher and move on with her life. Only when she left did Kristopher realize how important she was to him. In the face of his ex-wife’s countless admirers, Kristopher offered her 20 million dollars and proposed a new deal. “Let’s get married again.”
There was only one man in Raegan's heart, and it was Mitchel. In the second year of her marriage to him, she got pregnant. Raegan's joy knew no bounds. But before she could break the news to her husband, he served her divorce papers because he wanted to marry his first love. After an accident, Raegan lay in the pool of her own blood and called out to Mitchel for help. Unfortunately, he left with his first love in his arms. Raegan escaped death by the whiskers. Afterward, she decided to get her life back on track. Her name was everywhere years later. Mitchel became very uncomfortable. For some reason, he began to miss her. His heart ached when he saw her all smiles with another man. He crashed her wedding and fell to his knees while she was at the altar. With bloodshot eyes, he queried, "I thought you said your love for me is unbreakable? How come you are getting married to someone else? Come back to me!"
"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?"