She was in love, after all this time. Or at least, she told herself that to convince herself. Kayla Summers, with her heart still a little broken, thought she had found in her new boyfriend, the discreet and caring sous-chef, the stability she had been seeking. Their relationship seemed perfect, like a peaceful dream. The idea of marriage was no longer just a formality, but a logical step, the inevitable next chapter of their story. But all of that came crashing down in an instant. The marriage license request, which should have been a simple step toward the future, was rejected without hesitation. "Sorry, ma'am, you're already married." The words echoed in her head like a thunderclap. How could she have forgotten that? How could she have ignored that part of her life? A part of her life she thought she had left behind. Daniel Hunt, the man she had vowed to marry, hadn't been around for too long. During his vacation in Las Vegas, he had married a beautiful woman-her-but after one night, he had left her alone. Since then, he had been absent, and their marriage seemed like a bad dream. But now, he was back, and he had a message to deliver. At her doorstep, Daniel looked at her intensely, his piercing gaze hiding a wealth of emotions. "Six months, Kayla. Six months with me, and then I'll sign the papers. Otherwise, you'll stay my wife, forever." These words hit Kayla like a slap. The choice seemed so simple, but in her heart, the sparks of an unspoken passion were already beginning to burn. She felt torn between the calm man she was about to marry and the billionaire, arrogant and insufferable, who had abandoned her... and who now seemed ready to claim her back.
Chapter 01
DANIEL HUNT
Daniel Hunt sat at the long, polished dining table of the Hunt family estate, his fingers tracing the rim of his glass absentmindedly as his thoughts wandered. His family had always been his rock, but recently, a few unsettling truths had started to surface. He had seen firsthand how happy they were, and even though their lives seemed perfect from the outside, there were still pieces missing.
It was during one of their usual family dinners that his mother, Cassandra Hunt, had dropped the bombshell. A new brother. A half-brother, to be exact. Logan and Sean, his older brothers, had taken the news with surprising ease. But it was Daniel who had felt the rush of emotions that didn't quite fit into the family narrative. Zachary, their other brother who had been living all the way over in Australia, was the most distant, only showing up for their monthly get-togethers. But still, the idea of a new sibling, someone who wasn't part of their bloodline, left Daniel uneasy.
He sat there now, staring at the remaining family members, each lost in their own thoughts. He tried to shake off the feeling of discomfort. He couldn't let it consume him. His life was already complicated enough with the responsibilities of the Hunt family business, and now with this new revelation about a half-brother, things were becoming even more tangled.
Despite the complex emotions swirling inside him, Daniel couldn't deny the unspoken bond that had grown stronger between him and the family. Zachary's absence was noticeable, but with the rest of them, there was a sense of belonging that he cherished, no matter how complicated it had become.
He glanced across the table at his younger brother Sean, who sat next to their mother. Sean seemed oblivious to Daniel's internal struggle, chatting away with Logan. Daniel envied that ease-his brother's ability to adapt without overthinking. Perhaps it was a skill he could learn, though he wasn't sure it would come naturally.
"Are you going to tell me what you're thinking, or should I keep guessing?" Logan asked, his voice cutting through Daniel's reverie. He always had a way of reading Daniel's mood with unnerving accuracy.
Daniel shook his head, offering a wry smile. "Nothing to say. Just lost in thought."
Logan raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it, but he didn't press the matter further. Instead, he turned his attention to their mother, who was already busy coordinating the next family get-together. As usual, the Hunt family was full of plans, future endeavors, and obligations. The perfect picture of a family destined for greatness, one that was expected to rise above every challenge that came their way.
But underneath it all, Daniel felt the pressure mounting. They had to live up to their family name, to the legacy built by their father. The stakes were always high, and failure was never an option.
"You seem a bit out of it tonight, Dan," Sean commented, nudging him lightly with his elbow.
"I'm fine," Daniel replied quickly, forcing a smile. "Just... thinking about the family business."
That wasn't entirely a lie. The pressure of taking the reins at some point weighed heavily on him, but it wasn't just the business that was on his mind. It was the sense of unfinished business, of unresolved emotions, that had been plaguing him for months.
The conversation moved on, but Daniel couldn't help but feel distant from the cheerful banter around the table. He had been so caught up in his thoughts that he barely noticed when his phone buzzed, pulling him out of his mental fog. He glanced down at the screen, noting the unfamiliar number. He hesitated for a moment before answering.
"Hello?"
A brief silence followed before the voice on the other end spoke, sending a jolt of recognition through him.
"Daniel Hunt?" the voice asked, a slight crack of tension underlying the words.
"Yes, who is this?" Daniel responded, sitting up straighter in his chair.
"I need to speak with you about something... important. Something from your past."
Daniel's curiosity piqued, but before he could ask for more details, the call ended abruptly. He stared at the screen, his heart racing. Who could that have been? And what could they possibly want with him regarding his past?
Before he could process the situation further, his mother's voice broke through his thoughts.
"Daniel, are you coming with us to the meeting tomorrow?" Cassandra asked, a small frown crossing her face as she noticed his distracted expression.
"Of course," Daniel said automatically, though his mind was still elsewhere. "I'll be there."
He couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to change, that the course of his life was about to be altered in ways he couldn't predict. It wasn't just the call-it was everything. The family dynamics, the pressure to succeed, and now this mysterious new connection to his past.
Later that evening, as Daniel sat alone in his study, the events of the day played over in his mind. He couldn't let go of the call. The voice was familiar, but it wasn't until the words "your past" echoed in his mind that he fully grasped the magnitude of the situation.
What did this person know? And what did they want with him?
As if on cue, there was a knock at the door, pulling Daniel out of his spiraling thoughts. He opened the door to find his mother standing in the doorway, her expression stern.
"We need to talk," she said simply, stepping into the room without waiting for a response.
"About what?" Daniel asked, though he had a sinking feeling he knew where this was heading.
"It's about the family business," Cassandra began, her tone low and serious. "There are some developments you need to be aware of. And about your brother... the one who isn't here."
Daniel felt his pulse quicken. "What about him?"
Cassandra didn't answer right away. She closed the door behind her and walked over to the desk, pulling a folder from the drawer. "This is something you need to read. It's about our new brother, Daniel."
Daniel felt his stomach twist. He wasn't sure if it was the weight of the new revelation or the unease from the phone call earlier, but something didn't sit right.
"You've kept this from me," he said quietly, his voice tight.
"I didn't think you were ready to hear it," Cassandra replied, her voice tinged with regret. "But now... it's time."
Daniel sat back in his chair, staring at the folder in his mother's hands. This wasn't just about family business anymore. This was something deeper, something that would change everything.
Zachary Danvers had everything he could ever want. He was successful, famous, wealthy, and surrounded by women, but there was something he lacked-a family. He'd watched other people with the ones they loved, the sense of belonging that he craved. He longed for the warmth of that connection, the bond that went deeper than anything his status or wealth could provide. Karina Hart, or Kari as her friends called her, was known as the best diagnostician in her field. She was sharp, intelligent, and respected, but behind her professional facade, she carried a heavy burden-a past she'd worked tirelessly to bury. No one truly knew the depths of her history, and she intended to keep it that way. The two found themselves at a lively party, laughter echoing around them as people danced and mingled. The air was thick with joy, and Zach couldn't help but be drawn to Kari's quiet beauty and grace. They spent the evening talking, laughing, and getting to know each other. The chemistry between them was undeniable, an unspoken connection that seemed to pull them together. But just as the night seemed perfect, Kari's phone buzzed, the screen lighting up with a single, cryptic message. Her face drained of color, her hand trembling as she stared at the words. "It's happening again." Zach noticed her sudden shift, the way her smile faltered. He took her hand, squeezing it gently, offering comfort she didn't even realize she needed. "What's wrong, Kari?" She hesitated, but the weight of her past was too heavy to ignore. "I have to go," she murmured, voice barely a whisper, but the panic was clear in her eyes. Zach didn't let go of her hand, his grip firm, determined to help her face whatever had come to haunt her. The night had taken a turn, and as Kari's past resurfaced, it wasn't just her future on the line. Zach knew that with the danger now circling, they were both at risk-her past had found them, and it would stop at nothing to tear them apart.
Sasha Hamilton had always lived a life of luxury, never needing to worry about the intricacies of business or the weight of responsibility. At 24, she reveled in the freedom her father's wealth afforded her-a carefree existence of private jets, designer clothes, and extravagant parties. She had it all, and she didn't mind letting the world know it. However, her perfect world came crashing down the day her father, Garret Hamilton, summoned her into his office. "Christian Matheson," her father's voice was cold, his gaze as unyielding as ever. "You're going to marry him." The shock hit Sasha like a tidal wave. She had heard of Christian-27 years old, heir to a business empire that was now teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. It was the only reason Garret Hamilton had offered to help the Matheson family: an arranged marriage between their children, an alliance that would solidify Garret's hold over the rival company and bring Christian's family under his control. Christian, once known as a carefree playboy, now faced the devastating reality of his father's company crumbling. When Garret's proposal came, it seemed like the only lifeline left. Christian knew he had no choice but to agree, even if it meant marrying a woman who was nothing more than a pawn in his father's desperate game. Thrown together in a marriage neither wanted, Sasha and Christian were forced to navigate the minefield of their families' expectations, their own secrets, and the web of lies that entangled them. What started as a cold, calculated arrangement might turn into something neither of them ever expected.
There stood the most gorgeous man in Erica Ferguson's eyes, her groom, Arnold Binder. Tall, handsome, with a smile that could melt even the coldest heart, he had been the man of her dreams, or so she thought. The wedding had been nothing short of a fairy tale, and the love he had shown her before their vows had made her believe she was the luckiest woman alive. But then, the truth hit her like a tidal wave, shattering her illusions into pieces. Her world crumbled when she discovered that her husband had never loved her like he had claimed. All the sweet words, the tender gestures, were nothing more than a facade. Arnold had married her to please his grandmother, a cold business arrangement that meant nothing to him beyond obligation. The realization tore through Erica's heart like a knife, leaving her breathless, drowning in a sea of disbelief. Since that painful revelation, Erica's life had been nothing but a living hell. She had expected love, care, and partnership, but instead, she faced indifference and loneliness. Her husband, once the center of her world, now felt like a stranger. He never bothered to see her pain, nor did he try to comfort her. She was left to face it all alone. Erica, despite her strength, could feel herself slowly starting to break apart. The weight of betrayal was unbearable, and though she tried to hold onto the pieces of herself, they were slipping through her fingers like sand. She had always been strong, but even the strongest woman had her breaking point.
You are cordially invited to the wedding of two people. This wedding marks the union of two elite Greek-American families, an event as prestigious as it is feared. The eyes of the world will be on this ceremony, where luxury blends with tradition, and where smiles hide untold stories. It meets all the necessary requirements according to tradition. Greek, check. Wealthy, check. Status, check. Love? Eh, not really. The marriage of Christian Matheson and Sasha Hamilton is more than just a union. It is a strategic move, a carefully orchestrated family agreement, meant to preserve the honor and prosperity of both clans. Two opposing worlds collide here, united by blood ties and financial interests, but separated by secrets, grudges, and unspoken desires. Christian, heir to a dwindling fortune, and Sasha, the daughter of a ruthless magnate, never wanted this alliance. But under the pressure of their respective families, they had no choice but to bow to the demands of an age-old tradition. So, come see how two strangers, forced together by their families, handle the situation. How will they navigate this marriage of convenience while slowly discovering each other in a world where appearances reign, and every gesture, every word, can change everything? Will love come from this constraint, or will their story be marked by the weight of expectations? Only time will tell.
I was 18, and I had no real idea of what that truly meant until my father made a decision that would change my life forever. An arranged marriage, with Isaac Miller, a young billionaire whose name echoes around the world. My father made this decision to restore peace between our families, a peace I didn't even understand. Isaac Miller wasn't just a businessman; he was a living empire. Thousands of companies, investments in sectors that even the biggest corporations wouldn't dare touch. At 25, he was already at the helm of it all, a business genius, relentless, unshakable. And I, I was nothing more than Claudia Richardson, an 18-year-old girl, kind and innocent, who never asked to be a pawn in a game far beyond my understanding. I often wondered how a man like Isaac could commit to such a relationship, one based on a contract, on family benefits rather than real feelings. But my father had his reasons, reasons I didn't have the courage to question. He said it was for stability, to protect our name, our legacy. But that only frightened me more. Why would a man like Isaac, with so much power, agree to marry a girl like me? The marriage was just a formality for him, a way to maintain order and family interests. But what was I in all of this? Just a simple symbol of union between two empires.
I knew it wasn't the case because I heard a deep, possessive voice say, "You're mine, chicken." At first, I wanted to yell at him for trying to steal my chicken, but as I realized who it was, I froze. He was talking to me. My eyes widened, and I almost choked as I stared at Izaiha, my soulmate. Right there, in the middle of our little argument over the last piece of chicken, such a ridiculous moment... and yet so me, I felt the awkwardness wash over me-a piece of chicken in my mouth, a wave of shame, and my eyes locked with his, so intense. But it was him, the son of the alpha wolf kings, my soulmate. Him, the prince of the pack, the one who seemed capable of conquering the world with a single glance. And I, Lainey Knight, daughter of the demon king and queen. This was no ordinary fate. This wasn't just a chance meeting. It was the bond the legends whispered about, the one that would unite the realms of demons and wolves. But I wasn't ready. Not yet. And yet, standing in front of him, I knew everything was about to change. Forever.
Bailey seems to be never destined to fit in, a little geeky, but under it all, a hidden beauty that so many seem to miss, but still not what her pack Alpha is looking for in a fated mate... so he is determined to reject her and make her life hell. Bailey, knowing her life will likely never be the same focuses on what she can control, her future, and heads off to study; becoming a teacher. Asher is the Beta of Autumn Valley Pack, a neighbouring pack. A broken man having suffered the loss of his mate after a rogue attack, Asher is slowly crumbling. Falling to pieces. A shadow of his former self, and not a man that anyone wants to be around anymore... Until, Autumn Valley Pack require a new teacher, and Bailey finds herself there and pushed together with the Beta. Is there a connection building or is that in their imaginations? And what will happen when Bailey's mate comes back to claim what is his?
"Please trust me, I didn't do anything." "I don't believe you. I am rejecting you as my Queen and giving you the punishment of death." Alina was living outside her pack for five years. Her parents didn't try to contact her and always ignored her. Her best friend convinced her to go back to their pack and she agreed. But she had never imagined what was waiting there for her. She never thought she would meet her mate and had to face betrayal from everywhere. She had to pay for the crime which she never committed. Aaron Robertson is the king of Lycans. He is a very dominant and powerful King who not only rules Lycans but also rules other ranks of werewolves. Everyone is afraid of Lycans and he is the king of them. But who knew that he would get a mate who was just a simple Omega with no powers and strengths? He called her weak all the time but little did he know that his weak Omega would give him the biggest betrayal of his life for which he had to give her the sentence of death.
To the public, she was the CEO's executive secretary. Behind closed doors, she was the wife he never officially acknowledged. Jenessa was elated when she learned that she was pregnant. But that joy was replaced with dread as her husband, Ryan, showered his affections on his first love. With a heavy heart, she chose to set him free and leave. When they met again, Ryan's attention was caught by Jenessa's protruding belly. "Whose child are you carrying?!" he demanded. But she only scoffed. "It's none of your business, my dear ex-husband!"
Rena got into an entanglement with a big shot when she was drunk one night. She needed Waylen's help while he was drawn to her youthful beauty. As such, what was supposed to be a one-night stand progressed into something serious. All was well until Rena discovered that Waylen's heart belonged to another woman. When his first love returned, he stopped coming home, leaving Rena all alone for many nights. She put up with it until she received a check and farewell note one day. Contrary to how Waylen expected her to react, Rena had a smile on her face as she bid him farewell. "It was fun while it lasted, Waylen. May our paths never cross. Have a nice life." But as fate would have it, their paths crossed again. This time, Rena had another man by her side. Waylen's eyes burned with jealousy. He spat, "How the hell did you move on? I thought you loved only me!" "Keyword, loved!" Rena flipped her hair back and retorted, "There are plenty of fish in the sea, Waylen. Besides, you were the one who asked for a breakup. Now, if you want to date me, you have to wait in line." The next day, Rena received a credit alert of billions and a diamond ring. Waylen appeared again, got down on one knee, and uttered, "May I cut in line, Rena? I still want you."
Kaelyn devoted three years tending to her husband after a terrible accident. But once he was fully recovered, he cast her aside and brought his first love back from abroad. Devastated, Kaelyn decided on a divorce as people mocked her for being discarded. She went on to reinvent herself, becoming a highly sought-after doctor, a champion racer, and an internationally renowned architectural designer. Even then, the traitors sneered in disdain, believing Kaelyn would never find someone. But then the ex-husband’s uncle, a powerful warlord, returned with his army to ask for Kaelyn’s hand in marriage.
For the whole 17 years of her existence, Alana did not know the word freedom and happiness having been confined in the basement of her family's house accused of killing her own mother. She's beaten, cursed at, and barely survived from crumbs of food thrown at her. She thought this is her final destiny and has accepted the bitter fate of her life not until the night of her 18th birthday, a mysterious alpha appeared at her door telling her that she is the long-lost daughter of the alpha king and claiming her as his mate he's been looking for several years now.