A Night, A Secret, A Billionaire's Baby

--- Title: After the Vows Genre: Contemporary Romance / Drama / Erotic Romance Trope: Arranged Marriage, Enemies to Lovers, Forbidden Desire, Forced Proximity Theme: Passion vs Duty, Breaking Free, Healing from Betrayal, Unveiling True Love Setting: A luxurious private island resort owned by a powerful family dynasty. --- Synopsis: He married her for power. She vowed never to fall in love. Isla Monroe is the scandal-ridden daughter of a disgraced politician, trying to stay invisible in a world that feeds off reputation. When her father strikes a deal with billionaire resort mogul, Ares Lancaster, Isla is forced into an arranged marriage to save her family's name. Ares, cold and ruthless, never planned to care for his bride-she was just a pawn to gain more control of the Monroe empire. But he never expected the fire in her eyes, the sting of her defiance, or the way her touch haunts him. Now stuck together on a private island for six months due to a stipulation in the marriage contract, passion becomes their battlefield. Lust turns into obsession. Secrets unravel. And somewhere in the tension-filled nights and scorching kisses, love begins to bloom in the most forbidden way. But the truth about Ares' deal could ruin everything-and Isla may never forgive the man who made her fall in love, only to break her heart. --- Exposition: Isla learns she must marry Ares or her family loses everything. Ares is shown as dominant, closed-off, with a hidden vulnerable past. The wedding is cold, but the chemistry is fiery. Inciting Incident: They're flown to the private island with staff who obey Ares without question. Isla discovers she's essentially trapped. Their first heated confrontation turns into an explosive, hate-fueled kiss. Rising Action: A series of sensual, charged interactions. Ares begins to soften, though he hides it behind control. Isla starts to fall, but also uncovers parts of Ares' past that don't add up. Spicy scenes woven with emotional intimacy-piano playing, slow dancing, shared nightmares, jealousy. Climax: Isla discovers Ares made a secret deal with her father to control her. Heartbroken, she leaves the island. Ares realizes he's in love, but doesn't know how to win her back. Falling Action: Ares publicly rejects the business deal and exposes her father's corruption. He begs Isla to give him a chance-not as a contract, but as a man in love. Isla struggles between pride, heartbreak, and lingering desire. Denouement: Isla returns on her own terms. They remarry under the stars, not out of obligation-but out of pure, burning love. - Characterization: Isla Monroe: Age26,Fiercely independent, sharp-tongued, emotionally guarded but secretly yearning for love. Once a socialite, now infamous after her father's political scandal. She agrees to the marriage out of loyalty to her younger sister and to escape the media storm. Trust, her loss of identity, and letting someone in again. Learns that love doesn't have to come at the cost of self-respect. Ares Lancaster: Age 32,Male Lead. Dominant, strategic, emotionally unavailable but deeply passionate beneath the surface. Billionaire resort owner with a hidden traumatic childhood. Marries Isla to gain control over Monroe's land-but his motives start to change. Vulnerability, guilt over his past, and fear of loving someone who could leave him. Breaks down his emotional walls and chooses love over power. Callie Monroe: Age 19,Isla's younger sister. Sweet, naïve, artistic Isla's motivation to protect her family; she becomes close to Ares as a younger sister figure, which surprises Isla. Senator Gerald Monroe: Age: 58 Isla's father Manipulative, power-hungry, emotionally cold He's the reason behind the marriage; used Isla as a bargaining chip to salvage his legacy. Theo Lancaster: Age: 30 Ares' estranged half-brother Charismatic, reckless, charming but hiding secrets Brings complications and mystery. He flirts with Isla to get under Ares' skin, but later proves useful in helping uncover their father's dark past. Veronica Lancaster: Age: 57 Ares' cold and calculating stepmother. Elegant, ruthless, ambitious. Tries to push Ares into marrying someone "suitable" and threatens to reveal secrets from his past if he doesn't comply with her. A manipulative villainess. Marcellus Crane:Age: 45 Ares' right-hand man and personal lawyer Personality: Stoic, professional, loyal A confidante to Ares, but keeps his own moral compass-tries to guide Ares to do the right thing. Sofia Lane: Age 28 Isla's best friend and ex-roommate Witty, supportive, and always says what she means Offers emotional grounding for Isla and helps her escape after things explode with Ares. Damian Voss: Age 40, he's a Investigative journalist. Ambitious, clever, relentless Obsessed with exposing the Monroe and Lancaster families. Provides twists when he reveals truths both Isla and Ares didn't see coming. ---

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