Laura Mendes always wanted to become a top pastry chef, and landing a job at Moretti's Patisserie, the most prestigious bakery in the city, feels like her big break. But her excitement ended when she meets Shawn Moretti-the infuriatingly arrogant heir to the Moretti group. From the time she set foot in his family's bakery, Shawn makes it really obvious he doesn't want her working there. To him, she's just a random outsider who will never understand the Moretti business. To her, he's an entitled and proud jerk who thinks he owns the world. They always argued, exchanging words that turn the group into a warzone. But as the days went by, their hatred for each other takes an unexpected turn. Behind Laura's stubbornness, Shawn sees talent and undeniable passion. And behind his cold, controlling character, Laura sees a man struggling to live up to impossible expectations. When a major pastry competition forces them to work together, there was a spark between them neither of them can deny. But with family secrets, fierce competition, and years of resentment between them, will they give in to the temptation... or will their love crumble like the pastries she creates?
(Laura's POV)
Some people avoid the kitchen completely out of indifference or simple laziness, but I don't. A lot of people view baking and cooking as laborious chores that require precise measurements and where a single error in component proportions may ruin a meal.
For as long as I can remember, I have loved creating new dishes, experimenting with flavors, and discovering new recipes using whatever ingredients I had at my disposal. I still remember the first time I ever baked something on my own-I was just five years old, standing on a stool in our family kitchen, carefully measuring out flour and sugar while my mother watched with mild amusement.
I've always had a thing for cooking, even though my folks – who were both busy doctors working at the same hospital in totally different fields – never cared much for it. They'd spend long, grueling hours and usually ended up with meals that were nothing more than quick bites; takeout or a casual eat-out was pretty much the norm for them.
Most days, they'd say it's just easier to grab food fast instead of spending time in the kitchen, and, well, they weren't particularly drawn to the culinary arts. Still, they always backed my little food adventures – in fact, they even surprised me by buying my first oven and apron, which meant the world to me. All in all, even with their own hectic lives and a clear preference for simplicity, they made sure I got to follow my passion, however small or scattered it might have seemed at times.
I improved my abilities throughout the years, going from making basic homemade delights to more complex pastries. Eager to have practical experience, I began working at neighbourhood bakeries in Camden, London, by the time I was a teenager. My desire to learn how to make pastries professionally only grew greater.
After endless hours of burning the midnight oil-lost in studying and tripping over mistake after mistake-I woke up one morning to an email that, quite unexpectedly, turned everything upside down.
"Congrats!" it began, almost as if cheering me on. The note, warmly personal yet formal enough, said my application had been accepted; Moretti's Patisserie picked me to be one of their pastry cooks. And, really, it wasn't just any bakery-it's one of the city's well-known sweet spots, celebrated in most cases for its mouthwatering pastries, showy presentations, and a reputation that's simply hard to beat. I read that email three times (yes, three!) before it all really sank in.
At first, it felt almost dreamlike to process that I'd been chosen to work at such an iconic place. The thought of joining Moretti's-a name that carries both culinary pride and a dash of surreal expectation-left me both excited and a little bewildered by the sheer magnitude of the opportunity.
A sudden rush of feelings-shock, joy, and a hint of disbelief-hit me when I suddenly understood what was happening. I grabbed my phone with a trembling hand, my thoughts already darting around about what should come next. There was, without a doubt, just one person I felt compelled to call first.
As soon as Anna answered, her voice was playful. "Hey babe, what's up?"
I didn't waste any time. "Guess who just got an email from Moretti's Patisserie this morning?" I was breathless.
There was a pause before an excited squeal came through the speaker. "No way! Laura, I knew you'd kill it! Oh my God, I'm so proud of you! When do you start?"
I looked back at the email. "Monday."
"Monday? That's in-"
"Three days," I said. "And I have to pack now because I'll be moving to their headquarters in Paris." The weight of those words hit me as I said them out loud. Paris. I was actually moving to Paris!
Anna squealed again. "Paris? This just keeps getting better! Oh my God, we have so much to do. Clothes, luggage, travel essentials-wait, have you booked your flight yet?"
"Not yet! There's so much to get done in such a short amount of time." I rubbed my forehead, feeling the stress start to build. "I need all the help I can get. Will you come shopping with me?"
"You don't have to ask," Anna said. "How about we meet at the mall in 10 minutes?"
"Perfect. Thanks, babe! I'll see you then."
As soon as I hung up, I turned to my parents. My mom was at work, and she had a rule against being disturb during her shifts. So I texted her instead:
Mom, guess what? I got the job at Moretti's Patisserie! I start Monday and I'll be moving to Paris!
I sent the same exact text to my dad.
My dad responded right away, unlike my mom. His message appeared instantly.
Dad: Congratulations, princess! I knew you could do it. Let me know if you need help with packing or travel arrangements.
I smiled, already knowing his overprotective self would kick in. I responded quick.
Dad: I'm fine. I'm not a little girl anymore. I'll be 23 in a few months.
A few seconds later, his response came in.Dad: I understand you think you're all grown up but you will always be a little girl to me and I will always be here to help if you need it.
I sighed, knowing there was no point in arguing. He wouldn't let it go unless I gave him something to do. So I took advantage of it.
Me: Okay, Dad. Since you won't rest unless I let you help, can you book my flights to Paris and find me an apartment near the bakery?
His response was immediate.
Dad: Consider it done. Anything for you, princess.
I smiled as I put my phone down. The reality was finally setting in.
In a few days, I would be starting a new chapter in my life, stepping into the world I had always wanted.
Moretti's Patisserie was waiting for me.
And I was ready.
For over a century, the Nightfang and Shadowveil packs have been very bitter enemies, their fight soaked in generations of bloodshed. When a more powerful enemy threatens both packs, an uneasy truce is forced between their leaders-Dacre Valnan, the ruthless and calculating alpha of Shadowveil and Aidana Draven, a brave and independent she-wolf who refuses to bow to anyone. Forced to work together, Dacre and Aidana meet at every turn, their hatred for each other becoming something none of them can try to control. But as problem draws nearer, they discover a sad truth-someone close to them is working against them, pulling strings from the shadows to ensure their death. Their rivalry takes an even crueler turn when they find out that they are fated mates, a bond that should bring them together but only fuels their rage. Dacre, affected by the scars of the past, rejects the bond outright, refusing to be shackled to the daughter of his sworn enemy. Aidana, not willing to give in to fate, fights it with everything she has. As betrayals give in and hidden truths of the pasts unveil, Aidana and Dacre must either continue down the path of hatred and destruction or welcome the fate that could either save or destroy them forever.
Kara Martin was known as Miss Perfect. She was a beauty with good personality and successful career. Unfortunately, her life changed at one night. She was accused of adultery, losing her job, and abandoned by her fiance. The arrogant man who slept with her did not want to take responsibility. He even threatened to kill her if they met again. What's worse, Kara was pregnant with twins and she chose to give birth to them. Four and a half years later, Kara returned to work at a large company. As the secretary, she would frequently face their notorious CEO. Kara thought it wouldn't be a problem, but as it turned out ... the CEO was the father of the twins!
Everyone was shocked to the bones when the news of Rupert Benton's engagement broke out. It was surprising because the lucky girl was said to be a plain Jane, who grew up in the countryside and had nothing to her name. One evening, she showed up at a banquet, stunning everyone present. "Wow, she's so beautiful!" All the men drooled, and the women got so jealous. What they didn't know was that this so-called country girl was actually an heiress to a billion-dollar empire. It wasn't long before her secrets came to light one after the other. The elites couldn't stop talking about her. "Holy smokes! So, her father is the richest man in the world?" "She's also that excellent, but mysterious designer who many people adore! Who would have guessed?" Nonetheless, people thought that Rupert didn't love her. But they were in for another surprise. Rupert released a statement, silencing all the naysayers. "I'm very much in love with my beautiful fiancee. We will be getting married soon." Two questions were on everyone's minds: "Why did she hide her identity? And why was Rupert in love with her all of a sudden?"
Dear readers, this book has resumed daily updates. It took Sabrina three whole years to realize that her husband, Tyrone didn't have a heart. He was the coldest and most indifferent man she had ever met. He never smiled at her, let alone treated her like his wife. To make matters worse, the return of the woman he had eyes for brought Sabrina nothing but divorce papers. Sabrina's heart broke. Hoping that there was still a chance for them to work on their marriage, she asked, "Quick question,Tyrone. Would you still divorce me if I told you that I was pregnant?" "Absolutely!" he responded. Realizing that she didn't mean shit to him, Sabrina decided to let go. She signed the divorce agreement while lying on her sickbed with a broken heart. Surprisingly, that wasn't the end for the couple. It was as if scales fell off Tyrone's eyes after she signed the divorce agreement. The once so heartless man groveled at her bedside and pleaded, "Sabrina, I made a big mistake. Please don't divorce me. I promise to change." Sabrina smiled weakly, not knowing what to do...
He told her to call him Daddy. Not because he earned it, but because he fucking owned her. The moment she signed that contract, she stopped being a woman with dignity and became his filthy little plaything. His holes to use. His mess to ruin. He didn't just fuck her, he rewired her. Stripped her clean of boundaries and filled her with sin. Every punishment made her scream. Every game dragged her deeper into his twisted world. And the way he praised her... Good girl. She should've run the first time he said it. But Daddy doesn't let his toys leave. He breaks them until they beg to stay. ** Mia's life changed the night she let a stranger ruin her. One night. She never expected to see him again. Until she walked into her new job... and her boss turned around. Ace.Her one-night sin in a thousand-dollar suit. Only this time, he wasn't asking her to be his assistant. She was to be his wife.
"I, Erika Blackwood, stand before you, Alexander Robertson, with a heavy heart. I hereby reject you as my mate. The bond we once shared has grown fragile, and my soul yearns for a different path. May you find solace in the love of another, and may we both find the happiness we seek." Alexander didn't say a word and looked at me. But he refused to accept. *********** Erika Blackwood is the next Alpha in line of the Ironclaw Pack. She hides her identity and gets mated to the Alpha of the Moonforest Pack, Alexander Robertson. Three years passed, but Alexander is still unwilling to let go of his childhood sweetheart. Erika is mistreated and eventually framed by the same childhood sweetheart. Now she leaves with that humiliation, and goes back to her pack, swearing vengeance on those who hurt her. They all waited for her to return and beg, but what happens when they realize that the famous Ironclaw Pack that was going to help in the rogue war, was ruled by a woman named, Erika Blackwood. Now her Ex mates want her back. Other Alphas want this woman.. But will she accept any of them? Or will she stay independent forever?...
Rumors claimed that Fernanda, newly back with her family, was nothing more than a violent country bumpkin. Fernanda just flashed a casual, dismissive grin in response. Another rumor suggested that the usually rational Cristian had lost all sense, madly in love with Fernanda. This frustrated her. She could tolerate gossip about herself, but slander against her beloved crossed the line! Gradually, as Fernanda's multiple identities as a celebrated designer, a savvy gamer, an acclaimed painter, and a successful business magnate came to light, everyone realized they were the ones who had been fooled.