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.
The sun streaming through my curtains awakens me, its rays hitting my face just the right way to pull me from my exhausted slumber. I yawn tiredly, the lack of sleep from last night weighing on me, but I drag myself up anyway. My feet hit the cold wooden floor, sending a slight shiver up my spine as I stand up and stretch, my body groaning in protest.
I shuffle toward the bathroom, still half asleep, and glance at myself in the mirror. My brown curly hair is a complete mess, a wild bird's nest of tangled strands. Compared to others like my mother and sisters, my hair is considerably longer. It's one of the things I actually like about myself, even if it requires constant care to tame.
I turn on the warm water from the tap, splashing it over my face. The cold, refreshing splash wakes me up slightly, but the weariness lingers. I quickly turn off the tap and gather my hair, pulling it into a messy bun. It's one of those days where I really couldn't care less about how I look, especially since I'm not going anywhere today.
Walking out of the bathroom, I head straight to my walk-in closet, scanning my wardrobe for something comfortable. I settle on a simple grey crop top and black shorts, the perfect choice for a lazy day at home. I throw on my undergarments and pull the clothes on before heading downstairs, ready to face whatever chaos the house might have in store.
The moment I reach the bottom of the stairs, I hear the familiar sound of shouting.
"Mum, she's always taking my makeup and smudging it all over her face! It's expensive, you know!" Amelia's voice rings out, high-pitched and demanding.
I groan inwardly. This argument again. I know exactly what happened. Amelia, always a drama queen, probably overreacted to something small, like Isabella using her makeup. I brace myself for the inevitable.
"Mum, she wasted perfectly good makeup!" I hear Isabella crying now, her sobs echoing through the house.
Sighing, I know I'll have to intervene. Amelia's tantrums never seem to end, and my mother's patience has a tendency to wear thin with her. I march down the stairs, walking into the living room to find Amelia standing with her arms crossed, frowning at Isabella, who's still wiping tears from her eyes. Mum stands nearby, trying to maintain some semblance of control, but even I can tell her temper is close to snapping.
"Do NOT treat her like this!" Mum suddenly roars, her voice surprisingly loud. "I told you, she's young! If you're so angry about it, I'll buy you new stuff!"
My eyes widen. Mum never shouts. She's always calm and rational, even in the most stressful of situations. Her calm demeanor has a way of calming me down, though sometimes it's so serene it annoys me. But this... this is different. Her voice carries a rare sharpness that's enough to make me stop in my tracks.
"Ugh!" Amelia growls, tossing her head dramatically. "I'm so tired of this! Why does she get away with everything?"
"Because she's little, Amelia," Mum replies, taking a deep breath, trying to regain her composure. "You need to be more understanding."
But before I can say anything, Isabella bursts into louder sobs, her face red with frustration. That's it. I can't stand by and watch any longer.
I march up to Isabella, picking her up from the couch and holding her tightly to my chest. She clings to me, her sobs subsiding as I stroke her hair. I look up at my mother and Amelia.
"Mum, Amelia," I say, my voice steady but firm. "SHUT UP!" I shout, my words echoing through the room.
They both fall silent, turning to stare at me. Amelia's face twists with disbelief, while my mother's expression softens, though a hint of frustration still lingers.
"Amelia," I continue, "not everything is about you. You're not the perfect child. People make mistakes." I look at my mother. "And mum, shouting never solves anything."
Amelia glares at me, her arms still crossed, but now with a touch of something else-maybe respect. She seems to think about what I said before speaking again.
"Mum always sides with you," she mutters under her breath, her scowl deepening.
"Um, no... She really doesn't," I reply, rolling my eyes, trying to diffuse the tension. "She just doesn't tolerate your tantrums, Amelia."
She scoffs, flicking her hair over her shoulder with a practiced movement. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever." She turns, swaying her hips as she exits the room with the same attitude that's both infuriating and somehow fascinating.
My mother walks over to me, taking Isabella from my arms with a soft, apologetic smile. She brushes a strand of hair behind her ear before speaking. "My apologies, Claudia," she says, her tone a little gentler now. "I'm lucky to have a problem solver in the house."
I nod but don't say anything, feeling a little awkward as she hugs Isabella close. Mum always has a way of making everything seem okay, even when it's not. Sometimes it drives me mad. I wish she would just admit that sometimes things aren't perfect in this house.
With a final wink, Mum waddles off to her room, likely to do something equally calm and composed, while I turn my attention back to Amelia's retreating figure.
"Claudia," I hear my father's voice suddenly, cutting through the air.
I look up to see him standing in the doorway, his tall frame casting a shadow across the room. He's dressed in his usual dark suit, a briefcase in hand. He doesn't look angry, but there's something in his expression that tells me this isn't just a casual conversation.
"I need to speak with you," he says, his voice commanding but not unkind.
I nod, setting down the now-quiet Isabella and following him out of the room. My father rarely calls me into his office for anything, so this must be serious. As I step into his office, I feel the familiar tension in my chest rise. The walls are lined with bookshelves, the windows giving a view of the sprawling estate beyond. But despite the luxury and grandeur, the office always feels a little cold to me.
"Take a seat," he says, gesturing to the leather chair in front of his desk. I sit down slowly, the leather creaking slightly beneath me, and lean back as he closes the door behind us. The room is silent for a moment as he gathers his thoughts.
"There is something important I need to discuss with you, Claudia," he finally says, his tone more serious now. "I need your undivided attention."
I nod, my fingers instinctively fiddling with the hem of my shirt. My father's business dealings are often the subject of these "important" discussions, but something about his tone today feels different. More weighty, somehow.
"I'm listening," I reply, my voice steady despite the unease gnawing at my stomach.
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.
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.
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 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.
"Love is blind!" Lucinda abandoned her beautiful and comfortable life because of a man. She married him and slaved off for him for three long years. One day, the scales finally fell off her eyes. She realized that all her efforts were in vain. Her husband, Nathaniel still treated her like shit. All he cared about was his lover. "Enough is enough! I quit wasting my years with an ungrateful man!" Lucinda's heart was shattered into many pieces, but she summoned up the courage to ask for a divorce. The news caused a stir online! A filthy rich young woman recently got divorced? She was a good catch! Countless CEOs and handsome young men immediately swarmed to her like bees to honey! Nathaniel couldn't take it anymore. He held a press conference and begged with teary eyes, "I love you, Lucinda. I can't live without you. Please come back to me." Would Lucinda give him a second chance? Read to find out!
Rosalynn's marriage to Brian wasn't what she envisioned it to be. Her husband, Brian, barely came home. He avoided her like a plague. Worse still, he was always in the news for dating numerous celebrities. Rosalynn persevered until she couldn't take it anymore. She upped and left after filing for a divorce. Everything changed days later. Brian took interest in a designer that worked for his company anonymously. From her profile, he could tell that she was brilliant and dazzling. He pulled the stops to find out her true identity. Little did he know that he was going to receive the greatest shocker of his life. Brian bit his finger with regret when he recalled his past actions and the woman he foolishly let go.
"There will be no falling in love, we will only act as a loving couple when we are in public, we will share a room to make it believable, but no intimacy, touching is off-limits. We'll only have sex once a month, and that's solely to produce an heir. You won't interfere in my business, and I won't interfere in yours. You will be my wife in every sense and you will not be involved with any other man," he said, arrogance seeping from every word. I watch his mouth move, I'm not ready to fall in love with any man, especially not one as arrogant and egoistic as him. I can handle acting as a loving couple, and as for intimacy once a month. I can agree to that just to satisfy my sexual cravings with no strings attached. "Where can I sign?" I asked since I had nothing to lose. *** Nadine's wedding dreams turned to nightmares when she caught her sister and fiancé cheating! With a secret recording, she's ready for revenge. But then mysterious billionaire Logan West offers a deal: A Contract Marriage to take down her ex's empire. But what Nadine doesn't know is her life is getting complicated as she takes her chance to get revenge or risks everything for a chance at love?"
Brenna lived with her adoptive parents for twenty years, enduring their exploitation. When their real daughter appeared, they sent Brenna back to her true parents, thinking they were broke. In reality, her birth parents belonged to a top circle that her adoptive family could never reach. Hoping Brenna would fail, they gasped at her status: a global finance expert, a gifted engineer, the fastest racer... Was there any end to the identities she kept hidden? After her fiancé ended their engagement, Brenna met his twin brother. Unexpectedly, her ex-fiancé showed up, confessing his love...
Corinne devoted three years of her life to her boyfriend, only for it to all go to waste. He saw her as nothing more than a country bumpkin and left her at the altar to be with his true love. After getting jilted, Corinne reclaimed her identity as the granddaughter of the town’s richest man, inherited a billion-dollar fortune, and ultimately rose to the top. But her success attracted the envy of others, and people constantly tried to bring her down. As she dealt with these troublemakers one by one, Mr. Hopkins, notorious for his ruthlessness, stood by and cheered her on. “Way to go, honey!”
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?"