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"You are in love with me, aren't you?" He whispered seductively into her ear. **** Elizabeth Bennett thought her life couldn't get any worse. Losing her twin in a hurricane had shattered her world, forcing her to move states and leave behind everything-friends, family, and a sense of identity. At eighteen, she believed she had endured enough. But then she arrived at Hollands High... and caught the attention of the very person she was meant to avoid. Patrick Diego was many things-charming, untouchable, dangerous. But to Elizabeth, he was something else entirely. Her bully. The one who seemed determined to make her life miserable, never missing a chance to remind her that she didn't belong. But what happens when she stumbles upon his soft side? Will her feelings change the narrative between them, or will falling for him only lead to more heartbreak?
First day at Holland's high.
"Life doesn't give you what you want, but what you deserve."
-
- Elizabeth -
"Beth, hurry up! You're going to be late for school!"
Dad's voice echoed through the house, urgency laced in every syllable.
"Coming!" I called back, grabbing my backpack. One last glance in the mirror, and I was dashing downstairs-until my foot caught the edge of a step. My heart lurched as I stumbled forward, barely catching myself in time.
"Morning, Mom!" I greeted as she stepped out of the kitchen. Closing the distance between us, I pressed a quick kiss to her cheek.
"Morning, Liz!" she replied with a warm smile. Unlike Dad, who preferred Beth, Mom called me Liz-a name I liked better. Maybe because it reminded me of my idol, Thewizardliz.
She handed me a lunch bag, its familiar weight telling me it was packed with my favorite food.
"Breakfast and lunch, just the way you like it," she said.
"Thanks, Mom!" I hugged her tightly, savoring the comfort before Dad's impatient honk pierced the moment.
"Enjoy your first day at Hollands High!" she called as I rushed toward the door.
"I will!" I shouted back, hoping she heard me.
Dad shook his head as I slid into the passenger seat. "You sure took your time, Beth."
"Sorry!" I grinned sheepishly.
"You need to learn to adapt," he muttered, starting the car.
"I'll try," I said, though I wasn't entirely convinced.
Minutes later, as I stepped out of the car, the reality of the situation hit me. The school grounds were teeming with students, moving in clusters, laughter and conversation buzzing all around me.
I inhaled deeply. "My first day," I murmured, bracing myself for what was to come.
New Orleans had always been home, where I was born, where I started school, where I made friends. But then, Hurricane Katrina happened. Our house, our car, everything we had, gone overnight. Yet, the worst part wasn't losing our belongings. It was watching my city, my beautiful, vibrant city, fade into ruin.
It took us over a year to recover, a long, painful year where I had to watch my bond with my best friend, Brielle, slowly disappear. Distance does that to friendships. It sucks.
Taking a break to rebuild meant taking a break from school, too. And now, here I was, eighteen and in high school for my final year, when I was supposed to be in college. Things happen for a reason, I told myself. But for the first time, I wasn't sure I believed it.
Lost in thought, I wandered through the hallways, trying to familiarize myself with my new environment-until I crashed into something.
Or someone.
"Ouch." The impact sent a sharp pain through my forehead as I collided with a solid chest-wait, chest?
I stepped back, looking up, and my breath hitched. His eyes-deep, mesmerizing, oceanic-held mine captive. I had always thought the sea was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. Until now.
"Is that how you apologize after crashing into someone?" His voice was a smooth blend of amusement and irritation.
I blinked. "I... I'm sorry." The words barely made it out.
"Then stop staring and move."
I nodded but remained frozen.
His expression darkened. "Are you deaf?"
That snapped me out of my daze. I quickly stepped aside, and he walked past me without another glance-though not before his scent, rich and intoxicating, filled my lungs.
"That's Patrick," a voice beside me said. I turned to find a girl my age, her striking red hair making her stand out. She wore a jumpsuit and had a knowing look in her eyes.
"Oh..." I muttered, still trying to process what had just happened.
"Avoid him at all costs," she warned.
"Why?"
Her lips pressed into a thin line. "He's a bully and a playboy."
The certainty in her tone made me wonder-had she been one of his victims?
"Noted. Thanks for the heads-up."
"You'll need it," she said before walking away, leaving me alone and feeling more lost than before.
Somehow, I managed to navigate my way to the administrative office, where I had to complete my final registration.
"Elizabeth Bennett," a woman with large-rimmed glasses called, handing me a file.
"Yes, ma'am?"
"That's your student file. It contains everything you need to know about the school. Keep it safe."
"I will," I nodded, gripping the folder as I stepped out.
"Elizabeth Bennett."
The voice behind me made me freeze. Familiar, yet unfamiliar.
I turned, only to find myself cornered.
By him.
Patrick.
"A new student... and a virgin, I see."
My eyes widened. How the hell does he know that?
A smirk played on his lips. "I know everything, love."
His fingers traced my face, slow and deliberate. I recoiled, but not fast enough.
"You-"
"See you around, love." He patted my cheek before walking away as if nothing had happened.
I stood there, heart racing, mind whirling.
What the hell just happened?
And how, on my very first day, had I already caught the attention of the one person I was supposed to avoid?
---
A/N: What do you guys think of the first chapter? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Isabelle Houston had a lot of expectations for their two years dating anniversary, but none of them involved finding out that her boyfriend, Zachary Rogers had been cheating on her with her twin sister, Emily. Heartbroken, she'd gone days of grieving only to receive a call from her mom prompting her to come home. There she received the news that she'd been arranged to marry the Prince of Wales. But how will she marry someone she doesn't even know? What would become of her? Read this book to find out. Forced Marriage : I Married The Prince. A novel written by Queenebunoluwa15.
Blurb, What happens when the rejected and despised one becomes the Billionaire's pampered little wife? Malisa Bree thought her life was over when her parents tried forcing her to marry an old man who was old enough to give birth to her. But who would have thought it was simply just beginning? " I will marry her. " The youngest billionaire in Europe, Aiden Evans spoke up shocking everyone in the room. " But she - " " I will marry her. " He'd repeated firmly and before they could say a word. He went on his knees in front of her and proposed. " Will you marry me, Mali? " The eighteen year old bride stared dumbfounded at him on his knees, unable to believe her luck. How could her fate change in just few hours? " I will... " She replied at long last. Slowly, he inserted the ring into her fingers and stared at the others. " From now on, she is mine and whoever dares to cross her will answer to me. " His seemingly simple words sent chills down their spine. Malisa stared at him with awe, how can this be possible? Was it a dream or what? Read this book to find out. Billionaire's little wife by Queenebunoluwa15.
"Cecile..." The words felt heavy, and they added to the intensity of the atmosphere around them. "Joel...?" Cecile's voice wavered as she stared at him, eyes brimming with unshed tears. How could she not have known? How could she have hoped for something more between them... more than friendship? How could she? "I don't feel the same for you..." His words sliced through the air, like fiery knives piercing her already wounded heart. "You...?" Cecile's breath hitched, and the tears she'd been holding back began to fall in large drops, blurring her vision. "I'm sorry..." His words were thick with regret as he turned his gaze away from her, looking out at the vast sea before them, unable to face her pain. "My heart only beats for her... for Jemmy..." Cecile's world came crashing down, the confession cutting deeper than the loss of her own sister ever had. "I hate you!" She stood up abruptly, her anger and hurt driving her to run off, leaving Joel behind in the thickening silence. Joel stood there, paralyzed, unable to follow her, the ghosts of the past haunting every inch of his being. Guilt overwhelmed him-he had never meant to hurt her, never meant to make her cry. --- Joel Maverick has always been haunted by the loss of his first love and the trauma of his past. Even when Cecile Grayson, a lady who loved and cared for him deeply, came into his life, he couldn't accept her love. Instead, he pushed her away, hurting her in the process. Now, the question arises: Can Joel let go of the past? Can he heal and open his heart to someone else? Or will the memories of Jemmy and the weight of his troubled past keep him locked in an endless cycle of heartbreak and distrust? Read this book to find out. " Rekindling Joel's Heart " by Queenebunoluwa15
Blurb; “ Let's break up, Miranda. ” His words were likened to fiery knives, piercing through her already wounded heart. “ No, Joseph. Please don't say this. I — ” Her words became cut up in her throat, seeing the look in his eyes. For a moment, she couldn't recognize the guy in front of her. Where was her caring and compassionate best friend, who never ceased to dote endlessly on her? “ Okay. ” She said, swallowing the lump in her throat. She didn't miss the relief in his eyes. “ Goodbye, Miranda. ” He stared at her one more time, taking several steps backwards until he was out of her sight. Miranda broke down in tears when he was out of her sight, she found it completely difficult to believe what had just happened. “ When did we get here? ” she wondered as the pain in her heart intensified. …. Miranda and Joseph had been best friends since forever until Joseph fell in love with the Queen Bee. Their relationship deteriorated as a result. Despite how devastated she was by the news, Mira still felt happy for him, until she accidentally found out about the evil scheme the Queen Bee had against him. In the end, she became torn between taking a risk on their friendship by telling him about it, or keeping quiet and watching him get ruined. What will she do? Read this book to find out.
Sushie Williams committed suicide due to chronic depression but she was rescued from death and entered into a world of mysteries. Will she learn to love herself? Will she be strong enough to face the challenges ahead or will she be weak? Read this book to find out!
What happens when your worst fear comes true? Everyone wishes for happiness but what happens when to get yours you have to take a big gamble! Would it be a win or a lose? Read this book to find out! An interesting story about two lovers who got married despite the odds.
As a simple assistant, messaging the CEO in the dead of night to request shares of adult films was a bold move. Bethany, unsurprisingly, didn't receive any films. However, the CEO responded that, while he had no films to share, he could offer a live demonstration. After a night filled with passion, Bethany was certain she'd lose her job. But instead, her boss proposed, "Marry me. Please consider it." "Mr. Bates, you're kidding me, right?"
My marriage to Mathias was supposed to make me the happiest woman in the world. Although I knew he didn't love me, I thought he would fall for me once I showered him with all the love I had to give. Five years passed and Mathias still didn't give a damn about me. Instead, he met his true love and cut all ties with me because of her. He showed her off; something he never did for me. His abandonment pushed me into depression. I was broken in every sense of the word. Even on my deathbed, my so-called husband didn't come to say goodbye to me. When I opened my eyes again, I found myself reborn. I was still Mathias's wife and it was two months before he met his true love. In this life, I refused to be hurt by him again. After talking some sense into my head, I asked him for a divorce in other to escape being heartbroken like I was previously. Mathias tore up the divorce papers time and time again while also shutting me down. "Rylie, stop all this nonsense! Playing hard to get doesn't work anymore!" To show him that I was dead serious, I went ahead to file for divorce. Only then did he panic. He abandoned the "woman of his dreams" and came to my side. "Please give me a second chance, Rylie. I promise to do right by you. You'll be the only woman in my heart from now on. Don't leave me, okay?" A war broke out in my mind after this apology. On one hand, I didn't want to be hurt again. And on the other, I didn't want to let go of the man I loved so dearly. What should I do?!
They don't know I'm a girl. They all look at me and see a boy. A prince. Their kind purchase humans like me for their lustful desires. And, when they stormed into our kingdom to buy my sister, I intervened to protect her. I made them take me too. The plan was to escape with my sister whenever we found a chance. How was I to know our prison would be the most fortified place in their kingdom? I was supposed to be on the sidelines. The one they had no real use for. The one they never meant to buy. But then, the most important person in their savage land-their ruthless beast king-took an interest in the "pretty little prince." How do we survive in this brutal kingdom, where everyone hates our kind and shows us no mercy? And how does someone, with a secret like mine, become a lust slave? . AUTHOR'S NOTE. This is a dark romance-dark, mature content. Highly rated 18+ Expect triggers, expect hardcore. If you're a seasoned reader of this genre, looking for something different, prepared to go in blindly not knowing what to expect at every turn, but eager to know more anyway, then dive in! . From the author of the international bestselling book: "The Alpha King's Hated Slave."
After three secretive years of marriage, Eliana never met her enigmatic husband until she was served with divorce papers and learned of his extravagant pursuit of another. She snapped back to reality and secured a divorce. Thereafter, Eliana unveiled her various personas: an esteemed doctor, legendary secret agent, master hacker, celebrated designer, adept race car driver, and distinguished scientist. As her diverse talents became known, her ex-husband was consumed by remorse. Desperately, he pleaded, "Eliana, give me another chance! All my properties, even my life, are yours."
On the day of their wedding anniversary, Joshua's mistress drugged Alicia, and she ended up in a stranger's bed. In one night, Alicia lost her innocence, while Joshua's mistress carried his child in her womb. Heartbroken and humiliated, Alicia demanded a divorce, but Joshua saw it as yet another tantrum. When they finally parted ways, she went on to become a renowned artist, sought out and admired by everyone. Consumed by regret, Joshua darkened her doorstep in hopes of reconciliation, only to find her in the arms of a powerful tycoon. "Say hello to your sister-in-law."
WARNING! This book is not suitable for young readers or sensitive minds. Some parts contain graphic sex scenes, adult language, and situations intended for mature readers only! BLURB She saved herself for the man she thought would be her forever. She believed in love, in promises, in happily ever after. Until she caught her fiancé tangled in another woman's arms. Betrayal burned through her veins, leaving behind only one desire. REVENGE. And what better way to break him than to seduce the one man who could shatter his pride-his powerful, dangerously handsome billionaire uncle? He's older, untouchable, and completely off-limits. But she's willing to play dirty, willing to risk everything, just to watch her ex suffer. But what happens when the game turns on her? Because the moment she steps into his world, she realizes he's not just a pawn in her twisted little plan. He's a man who dominates, consumes, and makes her feel things she's never felt before. And the worst part? She might not want to escape.