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n the glittering world of Manhattan's elite, after a devastating betrayal by her step-sister, Emily Donovan is thrown into the path of a notorious billionaire, Ryan Harrington. Betrayed and abandoned, Emily must lead the way through a complex hall of mirrors, with hidden adversaries and puzzling alibis in a shadowland of wealth. As she fights to protect her daughter's happiness and find a way back to the truth, Emily must confront the devastating secret of her past. Will she find the strength to expose the truth and reclaim her place in a world determined to see her fail?
CHAPTER 1
EMILY'S POV.
My heart was already in my hand by now. My sweaty folded palms did nothing to decrease its fast palpitations. My heart was beating so fast; I was so scared, not because I did anything bad but because I knew how much my father was relying on my step-sister and I to win this contract.
I spent weeks and endless hours preparing my presentations. I watched as my step sister, Samantha, started her presentation effortlessly. I just hope I wouldn't forget everything I prepared. It would be a total waste of time.
Just when I was still pondering over how easy I fidget and forget things were my ears more inclined to pick what Samantha was saying. How long had I been distracted? Everything Samantha was saying was my presentation! My teary gland was instantly stimulated. My vision was hazy because of the tears that already formed in my eyes.
I threw a quick glance at my dad. My heart shattered a million times as I saw the proud smile and expression my dad gave Samantha. It was even more heartbreaking when I saw the awe at which the board of directors threw at Samantha at intervals as she made valid points.
What was I going to say? I let the tears dropped freely when I recollected all it took me to gather my facts and how much it told on my daily routine. Soon, the board of directors were all applauding Samantha impressively with shock on their faces. I had prepared that presentation like it was my mission on earth.
"That was indeed powerful!" Another round of applause echoed.
"Miss Emily you can now proceed with your presentation"
Wait. What?
I was so disheveled. It was so hard to comport myself mentally and emotionally. I slowly used my handkerchief to wipe my tears and took slow steps to the projector. What the hell was I going to say!
"Good day everyone. I am Emily Donovan. Partnering with us wou-ld not.....". And that was all it took for me to break down totally. I've just embarrassed myself but I cared less. I felt so hurt and used.
"What is wrong Miss Emily?" A man asked. I gave a negative nod and ran out of the room. I went straight into the convenience and cried my pairs out. Why would she do this to me? Just why?
After tearing up for a while, I washed my face and went back. Just as I was going to twist the knob did it open revealing excited Samantha.
"We won the contract!" She jumped.
"How dare you?" I dragged her to me.
"What did I do this time?" She asked innocently. I forgot to also add that she's an innocent devil.
"You still live up to your title of being an innocent devil. How dare you steal my presentation!" I screamed crying again caring not that I had just dried my tears.
"Well, does it matter? We won the contract, didn't we?" She asked disconnecting my grip on her.
Just then, dad came out and gave Samantha a quick hug.
"I must say that I'm more impressed today than every other days" he patted her back dotingly. He freed himself from her tight embrace and faced me.
"Learn from your sister" he told me turning to Samantha again.
"This calls for a celebration!" He announced.
"And you must be there Emily" he told me and left leaving me with Samantha. After a long glare, I left her angrily.
That has always been the life I've been living. I've always been living in the shadow of my sister. She takes credit for everything without people knowing who the mastermind behind her powerful exhibitions, contents and presentations is. I would never see a reason to compete with Samantha but I had prepared this presentation to the best of my ability so that at least just this once dad would tell me he's proud of me.
I got home to prepare for the party. I don't like socialising but who am I to turn down dad's order. I grew up so lonely and reserved. After losing my mum who meant everything to me, I just couldn't bring myself to be closer to any other person. Dad remarried and his attention drifted from me to Samantha. She did everything right in his eyes and could almost be termed the 'perfect daughter'. He even displays how proud of her he is to other people making Samantha very popular.
I took a last look at myself in the mirror. Satisfied, with how I was looking I headed to the party. The loud music filled my ears immediately I got to the party. Everyone was jubilating. This was sure a big win for the company.
"Good evening everyone" dad started making everyone to get a seat.
"This party would do little or nothing to compensate you all for the relentless effort you all have put towards the growth of this company. So let's all take this as a preparation to greater achievements. I'd like to thank my admirable daughter Samantha for always proving how capable she is. Let's celebrate!"
Everyone except me cheered and got along with the rhythm of the music.
"Ma'am you care for a drink?" A bartender approached.
"A drink wouldn't be bad" I collected the wine from him and sipped slowly already feeling the rhythm of the music. Within time, I was feeling uncomfortable. It got worse.
I closed the space between my thighs tightly trying to maintain composure but it only got worse. This was torture. My entire system was on fire. What exactly was added to my drink? I was feeling so dizzy and my in between ached with immense pleasure.
"How the hell would I locate the convenience in this hotel?" I screamed within me already feelings shameful at what my emotions were already compelling me to do.
I could feel wetness all over me as I made my way through the crowd. My eyes were begging me to close it but my wetness was screaming otherwise. This was pure torture. The next thing I saw was thick darkness.
The left side of my bed hit a comfy spot and I made myself comfortable on it. I noticed another movement but I cared less about it.
"Who the hell are you?" I heard a scream.
"What?" My eyes were wide opened.
"Are you deaf? I asked who the hell you are" a green pair of eyes shouted at me.
Everything suddenly dawned on me.
I took up the bed sheet and saw blood all over.
"What the hell did you do to me?"
After three loveless years, Neil's betrayal deeply wounded Katelyn. She wasted no time in getting rid of that scoundrel! After the divorce, she devoted herself to career pursuits. Rising to prominence as a top designer, skilled doctor, and brilliant hacker, she became a revered icon. Neil, realizing his grave mistake, tried in vain to win her back, only to witness her magnificent wedding to another. As their vows were broadcast on the world's largest billboard, Vincent slid a ring onto Katelyn's finger and declared, "Katelyn is now my wife, a priceless treasure. Let all who covet her beware!"
Dear readers, this book has resumed daily updates. It took Sabrina three whole years to realize that her husband, Tyrone didn't have a heart. He was the coldest and most indifferent man she had ever met. He never smiled at her, let alone treated her like his wife. To make matters worse, the return of the woman he had eyes for brought Sabrina nothing but divorce papers. Sabrina's heart broke. Hoping that there was still a chance for them to work on their marriage, she asked, "Quick question,Tyrone. Would you still divorce me if I told you that I was pregnant?" "Absolutely!" he responded. Realizing that she didn't mean shit to him, Sabrina decided to let go. She signed the divorce agreement while lying on her sickbed with a broken heart. Surprisingly, that wasn't the end for the couple. It was as if scales fell off Tyrone's eyes after she signed the divorce agreement. The once so heartless man groveled at her bedside and pleaded, "Sabrina, I made a big mistake. Please don't divorce me. I promise to change." Sabrina smiled weakly, not knowing what to do...
"Mr. Evans, please maintain some dignity. Don't forget I'm your brother's wife!" Having caught her husband and best friend together in the bed, Elena wanted nothing more than to exact revenge on the people she once called family. She refused to be a pitiful divorcee and vowed to make everyone who had once looked down on her beg for forgiveness. And to start with her newfound freedom, Elena indulges in a one-night stand with a stranger. However, what was meant to be a fleeting escape turns into a nightmare when she learns that the stranger is none other than her husband's older brother! Would Elena be free from the shackles of her marriage? Or would the mysterious stranger make her life a living hell since he seemed to have a personal vendetta against his family? [The story is 18+ and involves mature content.]
Their marriage was nothing but for the benefit of the two families. He could choose anyone to be his bride, but the moment he laid his eyes on her, he knew she was the one he wanted. However, their marriage didn't last for a long because of her indifference. Until the moment he signed the divorce agreement, he finally witnessed her true colors. It turned out that she also took advantage of him. Their divorce was not an end but the start of the real love game.
Three years of marriage couldn't melt Theo's frozen heart. When an art gallery collapsed on Lena, he was off romancing another woman—lavishing her with a private jet. Three steel pins held Lena's shoulder together, but her heart remained broken. She filed for divorce and told everyone that he was impotent. Rising from the rubble, Lena blazed onto the design world's A‑list. She expected him to sail off with his true love—until Theo reappeared at her runway, pressing her against the wall. "Impotent, huh? Care to give it a try?"
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?