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WARNING: CONTAINS EXPLICIT SCENES. READ WITH CAUTION. MATURE CONTENT. Claire met Sebastian on her wedding day. He is the older brother of her husband-to-be. Fate took its time to play with her when she felt a very huge attraction to the man on the very same day she was bound to be someone else's wife. From the intense look he gives her to the way his lips curved up into a smirk, she can't help but feel foreign sensations running down her body. Sensations she's not allowed to feel for someone who's going to be a family soon. Sebastian knew he needs saving when he felt a very strong urge to pull the bride and lean her on the altar and take her there senselessly. With her strawberry blonde hair curled to the side of her shoulder exposing her delicately creamy-white skin, thoughts of running his tongue there invaded his mind. Damn him to hell for thinking thoughts like that to the woman his brother was about to marry. But the heavens must be in his favor when things around weren't what he expected it to be. This time he was determined to steal her from his brother, and no one can stop him. Not even fate.
I let out a heavy breath as I stared at the woman hopelessly looking back at me in the mirror. The thick makeup designed for this occasion and the crystal beads adorning my hair weren't enough to hide the sadness in my eyes. If my sister were still alive, I wouldn't be the one in this situation. It should be her sitting in this hotel room. She should be the one dressed up for this occasion-not me. But what can I do?
Another sigh escaped my lips. I signed up for this, and I should take responsibility. I forced a smile even though my head ached from all the thinking. My practiced smile, the one I always wear in front of a crowd, was now reflected back at me. The smile everyone believed was real-but it was anything but. I can do this.
My gaze shifted to the door when someone knocked, and one of my cousins, Evany, entered. She gave me an unsure smile.
"Are you okay? Auntie's asking if you're ready," she asked.
Her eyes spoke a thousand unspoken words. She walked over, fixed the tiara resting on my head, and looked at me through the mirror. She gently squeezed my exposed shoulder and leaned closer to me.
"You know you can always say no. You don't have to follow everything they say." She looked at me as if urging me to do the opposite of what my parents wanted. Among all my cousins, Evany was the most mature. It's like she always knew the right thing to say-especially in situations like this.
I nodded at her words. I knew I could refuse to follow my parents' orders, but I still chose to obey them. I didn't really have a choice anyway. Whether I obey or not, they still had control over me.
I gave her a bitter smile, ignoring her words. "I'll be out in a minute."
She gave my shoulder another light squeeze and sighed. "Okay, I'll be outside."
I didn't wait for her to leave before turning back to the mirror. I guess this is my fate. This is what destiny handed me. Maybe I should just suck it up and move on. I can still live a life, even if I'm married. Niu isn't that bad. I'll just spend all his money on shopping-at least that way, I'd get something out of this.
When I stepped out of the room, my mom and dad were already waiting outside. My dad-a very strict businessman-had no room for mistakes, and my mom simply followed whatever he wanted. I guess I'm just like my mom: voiceless and expected to follow whatever orders are given.
I saw unshed tears at the corners of my mother's eyes. She gave me a bitter smile, like she understood exactly what I was going through. She clasped my hands and gently caressed my cheek with her other hand.
"My princess is going to be someone else's queen now. You're leaving me already," she said, her voice trembling slightly. My adorable mother. I gave a soft laugh at her words.
"Ma, I'm just getting married. You sound like I'm leaving for Pluto," I joked.
This is what I do best-hide all my emotions. My father always told me when I was young: never let anyone see through your eyes. The eyes reveal weakness. The eyes cry when they're sad and even when they're happy. And I've mastered the art of hiding everything in my eyes. I only show people what I want them to see. And right now, I'm showing the world that I'm happy about this marriage.
My father cleared his throat, snapping me back to the present. He stood tall and imposing beside my mother. I turned my gaze to him; his eyes were sharp and intense. Just like he always told me-I could never read what was going on in his mind. His face was blank and emotionless, as if he didn't care about anyone. I chuckled to myself. I don't know if I should be thankful to have a father like him, but it feels like I should feel the opposite.
"Don't keep your groom waiting," was all he said before turning around and walking away.
"It's okay, dear. Your father is happy that you agreed to marry Niu. He's a good man, he'll take care of you," my mom said, lightly patting both my cheeks. I nodded.
I guess this is for the best. I let out a heavy breath and smiled at her.
"Let's go, Ma."
---
"Congratulations, hija. You look so lovely. My daughter-in-law is so beautiful," greeted Amalia Altamirano-my mother-in-law.
"Thank you," I replied politely with a smile. This lady never aged. She looked so regal and classy despite her age, and she carried herself so well. She was one of my inspirations back when I was working hard to reach my dreams.
"Hijo, give us lots of grandchildren already. You know, your older brother hasn't given us any yet," said Don Manuelo Altamirano-the hotel magnate and father of my husband.
Husband. The word made me chuckle in my head. Why does it sound so empty? I looked at Niu beside me, his arm resting on my shoulder. I must admit, he was very good-looking. With his background and achievements, I'm sure hundreds of women would throw themselves at his feet and worship him. Should I consider myself lucky?
"Dad, it's too early to talk about pregnancy and babies. Claire and I just got married-she might run away after the reception," Niu joked as he wrapped his arm tighter around my waist. I frowned slightly at his action.
Don Manuelo laughed heartily, clearly amused.
"Well, I want grandchildren by next year," he insisted like a child demanding candy.
His wife nudged him lightly. "Come on now, let them enjoy their marriage first." She turned to me. "Hija, don't let this husband of mine pressure you. He's just been waiting so long for a grandchild, but our eldest refuses to get married. And take note-he's already in his forties!" She rolled her eyes as if her son were a hopeless case. "Niu, where is your brother anyway? I didn't see him at the church."
I glanced around. She was right. I hadn't seen any trace of his brother during the ceremony. We hadn't even been introduced yet since he only came home for the wedding. His older brother had lived in the U.S. for years as the CEO of a hotel chain he built on his own.
"Ma, stop looking for kuya. I'm sure he's just around. You know him," Niu said, giving his mother a meaningful look.
His mom looked scandalized by what Niu implied-and I instantly knew what he meant. I shook my head. Men and their escapades.
Suddenly, the excited murmurs of women nearby caught our attention. I turned to see what the fuss was about and was greeted by the most enigmatic pair of eyes I had ever seen. I found myself frozen, staring at the man whose eyes held both mischief and mystery. His presence exuded power and authority. The crowd parted as he made his way toward us.
I swallowed the lump in my throat. I suddenly felt thirsty. His masculinity was overwhelming-it made my heart race when I saw him looking straight at me with those intense eyes. I was rooted to the spot as our eyes met. It felt like time stood still and the noise around me turned into nothing but a blur.
He stopped in front of us, and immediately, his scent hit me-intoxicating and dangerously seductive. It made me think of thoughts I shouldn't be thinking.
My thoughts were interrupted when his mother lightly slapped his broad shoulder. He laughed softly and took her hand.
"Missed you too, Ma," he said as he kissed her hand and pulled her in for a hug.
His mom playfully slapped his back, making him laugh harder. I guess she really did miss her firstborn-she seemed speechless upon seeing him.
"Dad," he said, hugging his father before finally turning to us.
"Congratulations, brother. You're finally shackled," he said as they fist-bumped.
"And you must be Claire, the beautiful bride," he said, turning to me and extending his hand.
I looked at his outstretched hand. They were large and looked rough. I hesitated for a moment, but it would be awkward if I didn't take it, so I had no choice.
The moment our skin touched, a jolt of electricity surged through my body. It was a tingling current that awakened every nerve, sending sensations I shouldn't be feeling. Forbidden feelings.
He brought my hand to his lips and kissed it. I gasped. His kiss promised a thousand things. He looked into my eyes as his lips brushed against my hand. His warm breath wreaked havoc on my nerves, and my knees almost buckled.
"Lovely. Such a lucky bastard," he whispered before looking at Niu with a devilish grin.
"You ass," Niu laughed and lightly punched his shoulder.
I composed myself and smiled back, hiding how much he had shaken me.
"Glad to finally meet you, Sebastian," I said with a smile.
"Welcome to the family, Mrs. Altamirano." He smiled at me-seductively. And I knew... I was doomed.
MATURE CONTENT! Sabrina was forced to drop out of school and find a job due to poverty. Life dealt her a double blow when her parents died one after the other, and her sibling disappeared. She needed to find work to support herself and save for tuition for the next semester. She ended up applying for an assistant secretary position at one of the country's largest entertainment companies. Her boss was none other than Mr. Jackson Samaniego, dubbed the Devil Incarnate in the business industry. He had a bad temper, was always angry, and she was always on his bad side. But despite this, Sabrina tried to understand her boss, knowing what had happened to his wife, and she was clinging to a lifeline. But what if an event changes the course of their world? Can Sabrina withstand the brunt of his anger? Can she stay by his side and try to mend his broken heart?
Alpha Liam had no plans in getting a new Luna after his beloved wife was murdered. It was an act of unfaithfulness to his deceased wife. But as the Alpha of the Darkmoon Guardian Pack, he needs to have an heir to continue his legacy. He was against the idea of having a new Luna, but the Lycan King had ordered the Council to choose a bride for Liam. The Council of Claws chose Ember to be the new Luna of the pack. He didn't choose her. Ember was determined to win his heart. He's determined to remain faithful to his dead Luna. But things changed when Liam saw how dedicated Ember was to the pack. She's sweet yet so powerful. She's gentle but so strong. She was the epitome of a perfect Luna, and Liam started to see her in a better light. Liam was ready to finally accept Ember as his wife, especially now that she had his child. But fate had other plans for them. What happened if a woman will claim that she's the real mate of the Alpha? Veronica had Liam wrapped around her fingers the moment they saw each other. Who will Liam choose? Will he choose Ember who had his heir? Or will he choose the woman who claimed to be his lost mate? Lies. Dark secrets. Betrayal. What if Liam had chosen the wrong one? Will there be a chance to claim back his Luna and his child? What if it's too late already? Can Liam take the pain of losing another Luna in his life?
Fabian is selective when it comes to women-he doesn't just pick random girls from the bar. He has a long list of women who are only a call away, ready to satisfy him in bed. He wants them to be educated, intelligent, sexy, wealthy, and, of course, experienced in bed. He prefers women from the wealthiest families and insists on them being insanely beautiful. But all those high standards are about to be thrown out the window when he meets Georgina, a stripper at a club. Horrified by the intense attraction he felt when he first saw her dance, he immediately dismissed the idea of having her in his bed. Yet, night after night, images of her naked body moving seductively haunted his dreams. He saw her perky breasts bouncing as she swayed, her inviting pink slit tempting him for a taste. And every time, he would wake up drenched in sweat, his body aching with desire. Can the high and mighty Fabian Romano swallow his pride for a woman who never fails to make him hard in his dreams? Georgina is the breadwinner of her family-a stripper and an on-call escort. She'll do anything for money, including selling her body and soul. What choice does she have? She doesn't know any other way to make good money except by stripping and entertaining the rich patrons at the club. She openly admits she's ambitious-she wants to catch a wealthy man who will lift her and her family out of poverty. And she doesn't care who she has to step on to achieve that dream. She's a bitch, a gold digger, and a homewrecker.
P-please, I beg you. Come let's go tell Christian I had no hand in whatever happened, p-please." I clutched the lapel of his jacket desperately. "Let's go. You need to tell my husband you were paid." "Young lady, you're harassing me." His tone was cold and his stare granite. But I could care less. "You harassed me first! You had sex with me without my consent, my husband knows and now I'm pregnant with this child he doesn't want. You ruined my marriage! I-I hate you!" ************************************ Caught by her husband with another man on their matrimonial bed the morning after her birthday, Hailey Codza could not defend herself. As though it's not enough, she gets pregnant. Her enraged husband decides to pay her back for her infidelity by having an affair with his ex-girlfriend - Denise Kellers, the family Hailey never knew she had. Losing her family's wealth and company to her husband and his ex (now girlfriend), she is devastated, homeless and penniless as all her credit cards are blocked by her husband. She sees the man who is responsible for her pregnancy. The man she has no idea how he'd found his way to her matrimonial bed - Jared Johnson. Jared is annoyed when this strange woman disrupts his meeting and accuses him of ruining her life, marriage and impregnating her. It affects his business deals and having no choice, he marries her to calm the public whilst engaged to someone else. But he loathes her and allows his family treats her badly. Hailey who has fallen in love with Jared is broken when she can no longer take the humiliation. She signs the divorce papers and leaves, only to arrive six years later to the country as a self-made, secret billionaire and a mother of twins. Now her two ex-husbands are begging to have her back...
COALESCENCE OF THE FIVE SERIES BOOK ONE: THE 5-TIME REJECTED GAMMA & THE LYCAN KING BOOK TWO: THE ROGUES WHO WENT ROGUE BOOK THREE: THE INDOMITABLE HUNTRESS & THE HARDENED DUKE *** BOOK ONE: After being rejected by 5 mates, Gamma Lucianne pleaded with the Moon Goddess to spare her from any further mate-bonds. To her dismay, she is being bonded for the sixth time. What’s worse is that her sixth-chance mate is the most powerful creature ruling over all werewolves and Lycans - the Lycan King himself. She is certain, dead certain, that a rejection would come sooner or later, though she hopes for it to be sooner. King Alexandar was ecstatic to meet his bonded mate, and couldn’t thank their Goddess enough for gifting him someone so perfect. However, he soon realizes that this gift is reluctant to accept him, and more than willing to sever their bond. He tries to connect with her but she seems so far away. He is desperate to get intimate with her but she seems reluctant to open up to him. He tries to tell her that he is willing to commit to her for the rest of his life but she doesn’t seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that he’s different; and a chance to love her. But when not-so-subtle crushes, jealous suitors, self-entitled Queen-wannabes, an old flame, a silent protector and a past wedding engagement threaten to jeopardize their relationship, will Lucianne and Xandar still choose to be together? Is their love strong enough to overcome everything and everyone? Or will Lucianne resort to enduring a sixth rejection from the one person she thought she could entrust her heart with?
Chandler Su who had cheated by her boyfriend then got drunk at a bar. To take revenge, she grabbed a man randomly and took him to the room. After a crazy night, Chandler found the strange man was a super handsome guy the next morning. Shy and shocked Chandler run away after leaving 150 RMB and scorning the man of his poor bed skills. However, she never thought the story would become so dramatic as the next day, she found out that the new coming president of her company was exactly the man she slept the last night! Worse than that, this new boss seemed very narrow-minded as he asked Chandler to come to his office on the first day.
"You're my wife in name only, on paper only. My heart and love will never be yours." Edward made it clear to Daisy that she was nothing to him. They were both victims of family greed -- the marriage was arranged for them. Six years passed. She remained quiet, gaining a reputation in the army as a tough-as-nails colonel. When she walked into his life again, Edward fell in love with this woman, unlike any he had known. She surprised and delighted him. But will Daisy take him back? Can their son keep them together? Can the rift between them be healed? Pick this one up and find out!
After three years of loveless marriage, Kira was slapped with divorce papers. She has shown him her unrequited love throughout her entire marriage with him, but he decided to turn blind eyes all because of his lover. Distraught and heartbroken, Kira choose to sign the divorce papers with bitter heart. But then and there, she promised herself that when she's back, he will come crawling to her, but she will make him pay for hurting her. Join Kira as she transform to a wealthy heiress and soared as the CEO of a multi-billion-dollar empire, a remarkable healer and make her ex-husband pay!
Life was a bed of roses for Debra, the daughter of Alpha. That was until she had a one-night stand with Caleb. She was sure he was her mate as determined by Moon Goddess. But this hateful man refused to accept her. Weeks passed before Debra discovered that she was pregnant. Her pregnancy brought shame to her and everyone she loved. Not only was she driven out, but her father was also hunted down by usurpers. Fortunately, she survived with the help of the mysterious Thorn Edge Pack. Five years passed and Debra didn't hear anything from Caleb. One day, their paths crossed again. They were both on the same mission—carrying out secret investigations in the dangerous Roz Town for the safety and posterity of their respective packs. Caleb was still cold toward her. But as time went on, he fell head over heels in love with her. He tried to make up for abandoning her, but Debra wasn't having any of it. She was hell-bent on hiding her daughter from him and also making a clean break. What did the future hold for the two as they journeyed in Roz Town? What kind of secrets would they find? Would Caleb win Debra's heart and get to know his lovely daughter? Find out!