--- Married to the Enemy Don When love and war collide, who will survive the battle of their hearts? She was living a quiet life-until violence shattered everything she knew. With her family torn apart by a deadly feud, her only chance to survive is to marry the city's most feared don-the man she was raised to despise. He's ruthless, powerful, and merciless, ruling the underworld with an iron fist. Yet beneath his cold exterior lies a man wrestling with his own darkness-one who never expected to be bound forever to his enemy. Forced into a marriage neither wanted, they walk a razor's edge of trust and betrayal. Every secret shared, every stolen glance, could ignite a war or spark a forbidden love. In a world where loyalty is deadly and vengeance is law, can two enemies find a way to heal each other's broken hearts? Dive into a gripping saga of passion, power, and sacrifice, where survival means risking everything-and love is the most dangerous game of all. In this fight for life and love, will their hearts be the ultimate battleground? ---
---
001
The rain pounded hard against the glass windows of the grand estate, the storm outside mirroring the turmoil inside. A silence hung thick in the room, broken only by the soft ticking of an ancient clock and the distant roll of thunder.
Lara's heart thudded painfully in her chest as she stood facing the man she had been told was her enemy-the man who had destroyed everything she once knew. The don, Marcus Adeniyi, was a figure carved out of shadows and danger. His presence filled the room like a storm, sharp eyes assessing her with a cold intensity that made her skin crawl.
"You understand why this has to happen," Marcus said, his voice low but commanding. "This marriage isn't about love. It's about survival-for both our families."
Lara swallowed hard, her throat dry. The walls of her family home had been reduced to ashes only days ago, flames devouring memories and hope alike. Her younger brother was missing, taken by those who wanted to send a message-a message from Marcus's rival clan.
The choice had been brutal: surrender to an alliance sealed by marriage or watch her family fall apart completely.
"I don't want this," she said quietly, eyes flickering with a mixture of defiance and desperation. "But if it's the only way to keep my brother alive... then I'll do it."
Marcus nodded, his expression unreadable. "Good. Because once this is done, there's no turning back. You're mine-and I don't tolerate betrayal."
Lara's jaw tightened. She wasn't his pawn. Not yet.
---
The wedding was a quiet affair, far from the opulent celebrations Lara had imagined for herself as a child. Instead, it was held in a private chapel guarded by Marcus's men, a place where vows were exchanged with heavy hearts and wary eyes.
As she walked down the aisle, her white dress a stark contrast against the dark wood, all she could think about was the future-a future where every step would be shadowed by suspicion and danger.
Marcus waited at the altar, looking every bit the ruthless don the city feared. Yet, when their eyes met, there was a flicker of something unspoken-a challenge, a warning, or perhaps a reluctant acceptance.
"I swear to protect you," Marcus said as he took her hand, the weight of the promise hanging heavily between them. "But you have to prove you're not my enemy."
Lara met his gaze steadily. "I'm not your enemy. Not yet."
---
The days that followed the wedding were a whirlwind of uneasy alliances and fragile peace. Marcus's estate was a fortress, filled with luxury and secrets. Lara found herself navigating a world she barely understood-one of whispered deals, dangerous rivalries, and silent threats.
Every glance from Marcus was a test. Every conversation a negotiation. She learned quickly that in this world, trust was a weapon-and everyone held one.
One evening, as she wandered through the sprawling gardens, lost in thought, Marcus appeared beside her.
"You're braver than I expected," he said quietly.
Lara looked up, surprised. "Why?"
"Most would have broken by now. Or played the victim."
"I don't have that luxury," she replied, her voice steady. "I have to find a way to survive-and maybe even fight back."
Marcus studied her, a shadow of respect crossing his features. "Good. Because if you're going to live here, you'll need strength. And loyalty."
Lara's heart skipped. Loyalty to him? To this enemy she was supposed to hate?
---
But not everyone welcomed her arrival. Rumors spread quickly in the underworld, whispers of a gold digger married to the don for power and wealth. Lara faced cold stares and whispered accusations from Marcus's closest allies, some openly hostile, others dangerously calculating.
Her only ally was Marcus's trusted lieutenant, Elias-a man as loyal to Marcus as he was wary of Lara.
"I don't trust her," Elias told Marcus one evening. "She's here to use you. Mark my words."
Marcus's eyes flashed with warning. "Watch yourself, Elias. She's here because of me."
"But can she be trusted?" Elias pressed. "Or is this just another betrayal waiting to happen?"
---
The tension reached a breaking point when Lara received an anonymous note slipped under her door:
"Not everyone here wants peace. Watch your back. Trust no one."
Fear prickled her skin, but anger flared brighter.
If she was going to survive this marriage-to protect her family, to find her brother-she would have to be stronger, smarter, and more ruthless than anyone expected.
Even if it meant walking the razor's edge between love and hate.
---
As thunder rumbled again outside, Lara looked out over the city lights, a fierce determination burning in her eyes.
This marriage was a battlefield. And she intended to win.
---
In their three years of marriage, Chelsea had been a dutiful wife to Edmund. She used to think that her love and care would someday melt Edmund's cold heart, but she was wrong. Finally, she couldn't take the disappointment any longer and chose to end the marriage. Edmund had always thought that his wife was just boring and dull. So it was shocking when Chelsea suddenly threw divorce papers at his face in front of everyone at the Nelson Group's anniversary party. How humiliating! After that, everyone thought that the formerly-married couple would never see each other again, even Chelsea. Once again, she thought wrong. Sometime later, at an award ceremony, Chelsea went onstage to accept the award for best screenplay. Her ex-husband, Edmund, was the one presenting the award to her. As he handed her the trophy, he suddenly reached for her hand and pleaded humbly in front of the audience, "Chelsea, I'm sorry I didn't cherish you before. Could you please give me another chance?" Chelsea looked at him indifferently. "I'm sorry, Mr. Nelson. My only concern now is my business." Edmund's heart was shattered into a million pieces. "Chelsea, I really can't live without you." But his ex-wife just walked away. Wasn't it better for her to just concentrate on her career? Men would only distract her—especially her ex-husband.
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!"
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!
Charlee was left at the altar and became a laughingstock. She tried to keep her head high, but ultimately lost it when she received a sex tape of her fiance and her half-sister. Devastated, she ended up spending a wild night with a hot stranger. It was supposed to be one-time thing, but he kept popping up, helping her with projects and revenge, all while flirting with her constantly. Charlee soon realized that it was nice having him around, until her ex suddenly appeared at her door, begging for another chance. Her tycoon lover asked, “Who will you choose? Think carefully before you answer.”
To fund her father's medical bills, Helena stepped in for her half‑sister and wed the city's notorious deaf heir. On their wedding night, as she bared herself, he dismissed her hope with, "This is strictly business." Living beneath the weight of his unpredictable moods, she learned to fear every moment. When everyone bet on her ruin, he became her fiercest protector. But as their contract expired and she gathered her things, tears shimmered in his eyes. "Please… don't leave me."
The whispers said that out of bitter jealousy, Hadley shoved Eric's beloved down the stairs, robbing the unborn child of life. To avenge, Eric forced Hadley abroad and completely cut her off. Years later, she reemerged, and they felt like strangers. When they met again, she was the nightclub's star, with men ready to pay fortunes just to glimpse her elusive performance. Unable to contain himself, Eric blocked her path, asking, "Is this truly how you earn a living now? Why not come back to me?" Hadley's lips curved faintly. "If you’re eager to see me, you’d better join the queue, darling."