Ever since she was adopted into the Newell family, Sheila had been tormented by her adoptive mother and elder sister, who treated her like a lowly slave. Struggling and strapped for cash, Sheila agreed to lose her virginity to a disgusting old lecher in exchange for money to cover her dearest friend's medical bills. However, the man that she ended up sleeping with turned out to be a handsome gentleman who promised to marry her as a result of their night together. Gerald Lamont, the wealthiest man in the city, went to Sheila's house the very next day. However, to Sheila's horror, he proposed not to her, but to her elder sister, Winnie, who looked just like her. How did that happen? Worse yet, he didn't seem to remember Sheila at all. He even accused her of being a vain woman with ulterior motives. However, as time passed, Gerald gradually realized that Winnie was quite different from the woman he had slept with that fateful night. Would Gerald uncover the secret of the Newell family? Was Winnie really the woman he wanted to marry? If so, how come he couldn't seem to resist the urge to protect Sheila? If the truth was revealed, which lady would he choose?
Late one night, on the top floor of Court Hotel in Soulas.
Sheila Newell trembled with fear as she opened the door of Room 888. She held the knob so tightly that her knuckles turned white.
The air in the dimly-lit room was heavy with the smell of alcohol. Sheila uneasily walked over to the bed. Before she knew what was happening, somebody grabbed her wrist and yanked her, causing her to fall down on the bed against her will.
"Ah-!"
Sheila screamed as a hot body climbed on top of her.
The man was topless, revealing his taut muscles and perfect figure. With a straight nose, thin lips, and a pair of handsome eyes, he looked like a god from the Greek legends.
When she saw his face, Sheila's heart couldn't help but skip a beat.
The man seized the opportunity to firmly imprison her under his body. The thick scent of alcohol assaulted Sheila's nose. She felt like a small animal that had fallen into a trap, and while she tried to struggle, it was futile.
After all, this was the task she had to complete.
"Don't be afraid."
Perhaps the man could tell just how terrified Sheila was, because his magnetic voice almost sounded comforting. Despite his heavy breaths betraying his lustful desire, Sheila felt her tense body relax a little.
Then, the man lowered his head and planted his warm lips on her collarbone, slowly making its way up her neck to the tip of her chin, and finally, her red lips.
His kiss was red hot, like a spark that ignited Sheila's desire.
Sheila couldn't help but let out a moan, but her mouth was covered by the man's lips. Gradually, tears rolled down her cheeks uncontrollably.
The man paused to gently wipe the tears from the corners of her eyes.
His tenderness made Sheila lose all sense of rationality. Not only did she allow the man to do whatever he wanted, but she felt a bit of pleasure as he ravaged her.
It was past midnight.
Sheila quietly slipped out of the man's arms and picked up the clothes scattered on the floor. After hastily getting dressed, she crept out of the room like a mouse.
Winnie Newell had been waiting in the next room for what felt like an eternity. When Sheila finally stumbled inside, Winnie snapped, "What took you so long?"
Sheila tugged at the hem of her clothes uneasily and whispered, "Winnie, it's done. Ivan's medical fees..."
Winnie's eyes wandered to the hickeys on Sheila's neck and she snorted in disgust. "They've been paid. Now, if you want him to live, just keep your mouth shut."
If it weren't for the fact that the female lead role of Star of Tomorrow was at stake, Winnie wouldn't have gone to such lengths to pay Sheila to sleep with the director of the film. Although Sheila was just an adopted daughter of the Newell family, she looked similar to Winnie, which was why the latter took the opportunity to make Sheila do her dirty work.
Thinking of this, Winnie felt inexplicably irritable. She waved at Sheila dismissively and said, "You can go now."
Sheila nodded. Not wanting to stay another second, she turned around and left as quickly as she could.
The hickeys on her body were a shameful reminder of the humiliating deal she had just made. Fortunately, it was over and it would be kept a secret forever.
--
When it was almost dawn, Gerald Lamont awoke to the sound of running water. Almost immediately, he winced in pain from his hangover.
The memory of what had happened the night before flooded into his mind like a tide. He narrowed his cold eyes and glanced to the bathroom.
Was it the woman he had slept with last night?
Gerald dragged himself out of bed and strode over to the bathroom.
The sound of running water suddenly stopped. He pushed the door to the bathroom open and looked coldly at Winnie, who was wrapped in nothing but a bath towel.
Winnie looked shy and flustered. She had no idea that the man whom Sheila had slept with was not the fat greasy director, but Gerald, a rich and powerful man in Soulas.
What a pleasant surprise!
"I'm sorry." Gerald's cold eyes landed on Winnie's bare shoulders and neck, which were covered in hickeys. He was usually quite reserved, but for some reason, he lost all semblance of control to the woman he had slept with last night.
Thinking of this, the anger he had initially felt instantly vanished. His expression softened and his gaze was no longer cold.
He added, "I'll take responsibility for this."
Pretending to be in a panic, Winnie nodded wordlessly. The truth was that she was overjoyed in her heart.
His family influenced the city's economy. If she could get Gerald's favor, she would be set for life!
Of course she wouldn't let such a great opportunity slide!
Fantasizing about her bright future, Winnie didn't mind taking a gamble.
"What's your name?" Gerald asked gently.
"I'm... My name is Winnie Newell," Winnie answered in a timid voice, her face as red as a tomato.
"Well then, Miss Newell, put on your clothes first. I'll ask my driver to take you home. I'll contact you soon." Without waiting for a response, Gerald closed the door for her and left.
Winnie was wild with joy. She got dressed quickly and left the room in high spirits.
After Winnie left, Gerald took a shower and put on a suit. Just as he was about to leave the room, he caught a glimpse of something on the bed-it was a bloodstain. His expression softened slightly.
Next to the stained quilt, there was a shiny object. When Gerald picked it up, he found that it was a star-shaped earring.
Although the earring looked a little old, it was well maintained.
Winnie must've left it. Gerald carefully put the earring into his pocket and thought about the bright eyes he had seen last night. They sparkled like stars in the dark night.
Gerald smiled imperceptibly. They would see each other soon.
Ever since she was adopted into the Newell family, Sheila had been tormented by her adoptive mother and elder sister, who treated her like a lowly slave. Struggling and strapped for cash, Sheila agreed to lose her virginity to a disgusting old lecher in exchange for money to cover her dearest friend's medical bills. However, the man that she ended up sleeping with turned out to be a handsome gentleman who promised to marry her as a result of their night together. Gerald Lamont, the wealthiest man in the city, went to Sheila's house the very next day. However, to Sheila's horror, he proposed not to her, but to her elder sister, Winnie, who looked just like her. How did that happen? Worse yet, he didn't seem to remember Sheila at all. He even accused her of being a vain woman with ulterior motives. However, as time passed, Gerald gradually realized that Winnie was quite different from the woman he had slept with that fateful night. Would Gerald uncover the secret of the Newell family? Was Winnie really the woman he wanted to marry? If so, how come he couldn't seem to resist the urge to protect Sheila? If the truth was revealed, which lady would he choose?
Ever since she was adopted into the Newell family, Sheila had been tormented by her adoptive mother and elder sister, who treated her like a lowly slave. Struggling and strapped for cash, Sheila agreed to lose her virginity to a disgusting old lecher in exchange for money to cover her dearest friend's medical bills. However, the man that she ended up sleeping with turned out to be a handsome gentleman who promised to marry her as a result of their night together. Gerald Lamont, the wealthiest man in the city, went to Sheila's house the very next day. However, to Sheila's horror, he proposed not to her, but to her elder sister, Winnie, who looked just like her. How did that happen? Worse yet, he didn't seem to remember Sheila at all. He even accused her of being a vain woman with ulterior motives. However, as time passed, Gerald gradually realized that Winnie was quite different from the woman he had slept with that fateful night. Would Gerald uncover the secret of the Newell family? Was Winnie really the woman he wanted to marry? If so, how come he couldn't seem to resist the urge to protect Sheila? If the truth was revealed, which lady would he choose?
Ever since she was adopted into the Newell family, Sheila had been tormented by her adoptive mother and elder sister, who treated her like a lowly slave. Struggling and strapped for cash, Sheila agreed to lose her virginity to a disgusting old lecher in exchange for money to cover her dearest friend's medical bills. However, the man that she ended up sleeping with turned out to be a handsome gentleman who promised to marry her as a result of their night together. Gerald Lamont, the wealthiest man in the city, went to Sheila's house the very next day. However, to Sheila's horror, he proposed not to her, but to her elder sister, Winnie, who looked just like her. How did that happen? Worse yet, he didn't seem to remember Sheila at all. He even accused her of being a vain woman with ulterior motives. However, as time passed, Gerald gradually realized that Winnie was quite different from the woman he had slept with that fateful night. Would Gerald uncover the secret of the Newell family? Was Winnie really the woman he wanted to marry? If so, how come he couldn't seem to resist the urge to protect Sheila? If the truth was revealed, which lady would he choose?
Ever since she was adopted into the Newell family, Sheila had been tormented by her adoptive mother and elder sister, who treated her like a lowly slave. Struggling and strapped for cash, Sheila agreed to lose her virginity to a disgusting old lecher in exchange for money to cover her dearest friend's medical bills. However, the man that she ended up sleeping with turned out to be a handsome gentleman who promised to marry her as a result of their night together. Gerald Lamont, the wealthiest man in the city, went to Sheila's house the very next day. However, to Sheila's horror, he proposed not to her, but to her elder sister, Winnie, who looked just like her. How did that happen? Worse yet, he didn't seem to remember Sheila at all. He even accused her of being a vain woman with ulterior motives. However, as time passed, Gerald gradually realized that Winnie was quite different from the woman he had slept with that fateful night. Would Gerald uncover the secret of the Newell family? Was Winnie really the woman he wanted to marry? If so, how come he couldn't seem to resist the urge to protect Sheila? If the truth was revealed, which lady would he choose?
Janice, the long-forgotten legitimate heiress, made her way back to her family, pouring her heart into winning their hearts. Yet, she had to relinquish her very identity, her academic credentials, and her creative works to her foster sister. In return for her sacrifices, she found no warmth, only deeper neglect. Resolute, Janice vowed to cut off all emotional bonds. Transformed, she now stood as a master of martial arts, adept in eight languages, an esteemed medical expert, and a celebrated designer. With newfound resolve, she declared, "From this day forward, no one in this family shall cross me."
"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?"
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?
"Sign the divorce papers and get out!" Leanna got married to pay a debt, but she was betrayed by her husband and shunned by her in-laws. Seeing that her efforts were in vain, she agreed to divorce and claimed her half of the properties. With her purse plump from the settlement, Leanna enjoyed her newfound freedom. The constant harassment from her ex's mistress never fazed her. She took back her identities as top hacker, champion racer, medical professor, and renowned jewelry designer. Then someone discovered her secret. Matthew smiled. "Will you have me as your next husband?"
After two years of marriage, Sadie was finally pregnant. Filled with hope and joy, she was blindsided when Noah asked for a divorce. During a failed attempt on her life, Sadie found herself lying in a pool of blood, desperately calling Noah to ask him to save her and the baby. But her calls went unanswered. Shattered by his betrayal, she left the country. Time passed, and Sadie was about to be wed for a second time. Noah appeared in a frenzy and fell to his knees. "How dare you marry someone else after bearing my child?"
Three years ago, the Moore family opposed Charles Moore's choice to marry his beloved woman and selected Scarlett Riley as his bride. Charles didn't love her. In fact, he hated her. Not long after they got married, Scarlett received an offer from her dream university and jumped on it. Three years later, Charles's beloved woman fell terribly ill. In order to fulfill her last wish, he called Scarlett back and presented her with a divorce agreement. Scarlett was deeply hurt by Charles's abrupt decision, but she chose to let him go and agreed to sign the divorce papers. However, Charles seemed to delay the process deliberately, leaving Scarlett confused and frustrated. Now, Scarlett was trapped between the consequences of Charles's indecision. Would she be able to break free from him? Would Charles eventually come to his senses and face his true feelings?