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Emilia Rosemont never expected her life to turn into a gilded cage. Forced into a marriage with billionaire CEO Alessandro DiLaurentis, she becomes a pawn in a twisted game of family legacy and cruel ambition. For Alex, the marriage is nothing more than an obligation one he despises and resents. His heart belongs to another, and he doesn't hide his disdain for the wife he was forced to marry. Trapped in his world of wealth and power, Emilia endures his coldness, his cruelty, and the haunting knowledge that her husband will never love her. But as Alex's possessiveness grows, so does his conflicted desire, leaving Emilia ensnared in a web of hate, obsession, and forbidden attraction. With his seductive mistress, Vanessa, pulling the strings from the shadows, Emilia realizes that escape might be impossible. In this dark billionaire romance of love and betrayal, Emilia must find the strength to survive a man who both despises and craves her, in a world where everyone has a price and love is the ultimate sacrifice. Will she ever be free, or is she destined to remain the Surrogate Wife forever?
The marble floors echoed with each reluctant step Emilia took, the sound a cold reminder that this house was not a home-it was a prison, a pristine cage crafted with glinting chandeliers, gold-trimmed mirrors, and walls that seemed to watch her every move. She clutched the delicate fabric of her dress, feeling out of place in her own skin as she made her way down the corridor toward the main living room. She had been summoned, of course. In this house, nothing was her choice.
When she reached the arched entrance, she paused. There, framed by the blinding sunlight pouring in from floor-to-ceiling windows, stood Alessandro DiLaurentis-Alex, the man she'd been forced to marry. His figure was imposing, tall and severe, with an aura that felt more like a threat than a presence. He wore a tailored black suit that accentuated his athletic frame, every inch of him radiating authority. He didn't look at her; he didn't even acknowledge her presence, his sharp gaze fixed on something beyond the glass, his expression unreadable.
"Alex," she said softly, her voice almost swallowed by the vastness of the room.
He turned his head slightly, as if it took an effort to bring her into focus. A faint scowl twisted his features, barely concealed under his polished exterior. He took his time answering, as though the sight of her was a chore he preferred to avoid.
"Emilia," he said, his tone edged with that familiar disdain. "You're late."
"I... I didn't know you needed me here so soon," she replied, keeping her voice steady, though her heart beat faster under his scrutiny.
"That's no excuse," he cut in, his eyes narrowing. "When I ask for you, you come. Is that clear?"
She nodded, biting her lip, feeling that sinking sensation she'd grown used to-the feeling of being diminished, of becoming something small and inconsequential under his gaze.
"Yes. I understand," she said, her voice barely a whisper.
For a brief moment, silence hung between them, thick and stifling. He looked away again, his gaze drifting back to the view outside, where the sprawling estate stretched in all directions. There was a stiffness in his posture, a tension she couldn't quite place.
Finally, he spoke, his voice a cold drawl. "My grandfather is expecting us for dinner tomorrow. You'll wear something appropriate."
Emilia blinked, thrown by the abruptness of his words. "I... of course. I'll find something."
He gave a slight nod, clearly already dismissing her in his mind. But just as she was about to turn and leave, his voice halted her.
"Make no mistake, Emilia," he said, each word slow and deliberate. "This arrangement between us-it's nothing more than a contractual obligation. You're here to serve a purpose, and once that's fulfilled, we'll part ways. Don't forget that."
Her throat tightened, but she forced herself to stand a little straighter. She had known this marriage was only a transaction, but hearing him say it so plainly made her chest ache with a hollow sort of pain. Yet, she wouldn't let him see it.
"Believe me," she replied, her voice steady this time, "I have no illusions about what this is."
A ghost of a smirk appeared on his lips, amused by her attempt at defiance. "Good. Then we understand each other."
Another long silence followed, his gaze lingering on her, studying her in a way that made her skin prickle. She felt exposed, like he could see every thought, every flicker of insecurity she fought so hard to hide.
"What?" she finally managed, desperate to break the oppressive quiet.
"Nothing," he said, his voice devoid of any warmth. "Just wondering what my grandfather saw in you."
The words cut, sharper than any physical blow, and though she kept her face neutral, inside, the hurt twisted deeper. She wanted to snap back, to make him feel the sting of his cruelty, but she knew it would be futile. Nothing she said would change his opinion of her. To him, she was an inconvenience-a placeholder.
"Will that be all?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
"For now." He dismissed her with a flick of his hand, his attention already drifting back to the view outside.
Turning, Emilia walked out of the room, her steps as quiet as she could make them. As she reached the hallway, her fingers found the wall, and she leaned against it for a moment, closing her eyes. She needed to steady herself, to force back the emotions he'd so effortlessly dredged up. She knew what he thought of her, and she had promised herself she wouldn't let it affect her. But sometimes, in moments like these, his words broke through her defenses, seeping into places she had tried to keep guarded.
"Did he send you running away already?"
The voice startled her, and her eyes flew open to see Vanessa Chen leaning casually against the wall. Vanessa's dark, glossy hair framed a face that was both beautiful and cruel, with eyes that held a glint of amusement as they fixed on Emilia.
"Vanessa," Emilia said, attempting to keep her tone polite.
Vanessa's smile was thin, predatory. "Poor Emilia. I almost feel sorry for you."
Emilia kept her expression neutral, not wanting to give Vanessa the satisfaction of seeing her ruffled. "I don't need your pity."
"Is that so?" Vanessa arched a perfectly shaped brow, her lips curving into a mocking smile. "Because, from where I'm standing, it looks like you're in over your head."
Emilia swallowed, determined not to let Vanessa see how much her words hit home. "Alex and I have an understanding. I don't expect you to understand it."
"Oh, I understand," Vanessa said, her voice dropping to a cold, quiet tone. "I understand perfectly. Alex may be tied to you on paper, but he belongs to me. He always has, and he always will. You're nothing more than a formality."
The words sliced into her, but Emilia didn't let it show. She met Vanessa's gaze with a calm she didn't feel. "Is that why you feel the need to remind me?"
For a second, something flickered in Vanessa's eyes-surprise, maybe even anger. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by a look of bored indifference.
"Enjoy your little charade while it lasts, Emilia," Vanessa said, her voice dripping with venom. "It won't be long before you're out of the picture."
With that, she turned on her heel and strode down the hall, leaving Emilia standing alone, the weight of her words pressing down on her. Emilia took a shaky breath, trying to gather the pieces of herself that had been chipped away in those brief, painful encounters.
She hadn't chosen this life, hadn't asked to be Alex's wife. But now that she was here, she realized that every day would be a battle-a test of how much she could endure without losing herself entirely. And in the dark, twisted world she'd been forced into, she knew one thing with absolute certainty: she was utterly, inescapably alone
A cold-hearted billionaire. A headstrong florist drowning in debt. A contract that binds them in a marriage of convenience-with no room for love. Xavier Harrington is a man who controls everything-his business, his reputation, his emotions. When a billion-dollar deal requires him to appear as a devoted husband, he does what he does best: he makes an offer no one can refuse. Mia Brooks never imagined she'd sign a contract to be a billionaire's wife, but with her flower shop on the verge of collapse, she has no choice. The rules are simple-no feelings, no attachments, and absolutely no falling in love. But behind Xavier's icy demeanor lies a scarred past and a desire he can't control. And behind Mia's defiance is a heart that refuses to be tamed. As passion blurs the lines of their arrangement, secrets surface, enemies close in, and a betrayal from the past threatens to destroy everything. When the contract ends, will Xavier let Mia go... or will he risk everything to make her stay?
Sebastian Hale is a man who gets what he wants-until his father, Gregory Hale, threatens to destroy everything he's built unless he agrees to a marriage of convenience. Trapped in his father's ruthless game, Sebastian's only option is to marry Ivy Collins, a fiery journalist with secrets of her own. For Ivy, the marriage is a means to an end. Marrying Sebastian gives her access to the Hale family empire-and the chance to expose their darkest secrets. But what begins as a cold business arrangement soon ignites into a fiery passion neither of them can resist. As the lines between love and betrayal blur, Ivy discovers the truth about Sebastian's family, including a devastating secret that could destroy them both. With Gregory pulling the strings, Ivy and Sebastian must decide whether to fight for each other-or lose everything in the process.
Grace Parker has dedicated her life to helping others, but when her nonprofit is on the verge of collapse, she's forced to strike a deal with the last man she ever wanted to rely on: Sebastian Cole. Cold, calculating, and devastatingly handsome, Sebastian offers to save her charity but only if she agrees to play the role of his fiancée in a high-stakes business negotiation. What starts as a business arrangement quickly spirals out of control when a single night of passion leaves Grace with a life altering secret. As their fake relationship begins to feel all too real, Grace and Sebastian are drawn together by more than just their shared goals. But standing in their way are Sebastian's manipulative ex, Natasha Blake, and his ruthless rival, Henry Adler, who will stop at nothing to destroy everything Grace and Sebastian have built. When lies, betrayal, and secrets threaten to tear them apart, Grace and Sebastian must confront their deepest fears and decide if the love they've found is worth fighting for.
Lucas Sterling has everything money, power, and a reputation as the city's most eligible bachelor. But behind the charm and billion-dollar smile lies a man scarred by betrayal and convinced love is nothing more than a liability. Emily Harper is his complete opposite a spirited schoolteacher with a passion for helping others and no patience for arrogant playboys like Lucas. When fate throws them together, sparks fly, and Lucas finds himself captivated by the one woman who refuses to fall for his charm. As Emily challenges Lucas to confront his demons, a shadow from his past resurfaces. Isabella Royce, his cunning ex-lover, is determined to reclaim him at any cost even if it means destroying everything Lucas holds dear. Can Emily's love tame the heart of a man who's built walls around it? Or will Isabella's schemes shatter their fragile bond before it has a chance to bloom?
Trapped in a marriage she never wanted, Lily Hart is thrust into the cold, calculating world of billionaire CEO Adrian Blackwood. He married her only to claim her father's company, and his resentment is as intense as his possessiveness. Behind his mask of power and wealth, Adrian harbors a dark affection for his mistress, Celeste. a beauty with a vengeful soul and her sights set firmly on destroying Lily. In Adrian's world, love is as elusive as freedom, and for Lily, it's nowhere to be found. She's nothing but a pawn, forced to endure his cruelty and trapped in a twisted game of control and desire. But as the walls close in and secrets unravel, Adrian's indifference begins to shift into something else, something possessive and obsessive that even he can't deny. Lily must find the strength to survive in a world built to shatter her and face the question: will she ever escape Adrian's ruthless grasp, or will she be forever bound to a man who will do anything to keep her?
Sophia Russo never imagined she'd be standing on the auction block, her future sold to the highest bidder to save her mother's life. But when desperation drove her to a world of danger and dark desires, she came face to face with Dante DeLuca Milan's ruthless Mafia King. Cold, possessive, and unstoppable, Dante didn't just buy her freedom; he claimed her soul. Trapped in his luxurious mansion, Sophia vows to escape and protect her heart from the man who controls her every move. Yet, with every heated glance and forbidden touch, she finds herself drawn deeper into his world of power and seduction. Two years later, just when she's ready to break free, Sophia becomes a pawn in a deadly mafia war. Dante will risk everything to save her, but as the past unravels, shocking secrets surface forcing Sophia to question whether she can ever truly escape him... or if she even wants to. In this high-stakes game of love and danger, is it better to run from the devil or fall for him completely?
Rumors claimed that Fernanda, newly back with her family, was nothing more than a violent country bumpkin. Fernanda just flashed a casual, dismissive grin in response. Another rumor suggested that the usually rational Cristian had lost all sense, madly in love with Fernanda. This frustrated her. She could tolerate gossip about herself, but slander against her beloved crossed the line! Gradually, as Fernanda's multiple identities as a celebrated designer, a savvy gamer, an acclaimed painter, and a successful business magnate came to light, everyone realized they were the ones who had been fooled.
Veronica is an eighteen-year-old omega who falls into an emotional breakdown when her Mate, who was soon to be the Alpha of the Sun crest pack, turns against her, hurls hurtful words at her, and rejects her on the night of the full moon festival because he and everyone in the pack, including her, thinks she is an omega. As if the pain of rejection, helplessness, and worthlessness wasn't enough, she lost her best and only friend to the cold hands of death when rogue wolves attacked their pack. Right in the presence of her mate, she was tagged as someone who always attracted problems and calamities anywhere she went and he turned a blind eye and watched as she was banished from the pack. With hatred for her life, she runs deep into the woods that were off-limits and jumps off to end her life, but in a turn of events, something else happens. What would her mate do when he finds out that Veronica is not who he thinks she is? Will she be able to forgive him? What fate lies ahead for them?
After hiding her true identity throughout her three-year marriage to Colton, Allison had committed wholeheartedly, only to find herself neglected and pushed toward divorce. Disheartened, she set out to rediscover her true self-a talented perfumer, the mastermind of a famous intelligence agency, and the heir to a secret hacker network. Realizing his mistakes, Colton expressed his regret. "I know I messed up. Please, give me another chance." Yet, Kellan, a once-disabled tycoon, stood up from his wheelchair, took Allison's hand, and scoffed dismissively, "You think she'll take you back? Dream on."
She was a world-renowned divine doctor, the CEO of a publicly traded company, the most formidable female mercenary, and a top-tier tech genius. Marissa, a titan with a plethora of secret identities, had hidden her true stature to marry a seemingly impoverished young man. However, on the eve of their wedding, her fiance, who was actually the lost heir to a wealthy dynasty, called off the engagement and subjected her to degradation and mockery. Upon the revelation of her concealed identities, her ex-fiance was left stunned and desperately pleaded for her forgiveness. Standing protectively before Marissa, an incredibly influential and fearsome magnate declared, "This is my wife. Who would dare try to claim her?"
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?
Once upon a time, there were two kingdoms once at peace. The kingdom of Salem and the kingdom of Mombana... Until the day, the king of Mombana passed away and a new monarch took over, Prince Cone. Prince Cone, has always been hungry for more power and more and more. After his coronation, he attacked Salem. The attack was so unexpected, Salem never prepared for it. They were caught off guard. The king and Queen was killed, the prince was taken into slavery. The people of Salem that survived the war was enslaved, their land taken from them. Their women were made sex slaves. They lost everything, including their land. Evil befall the land of Salem in form of Prince Cone, and the prince of Salem in his slavery was filled with so much rage. The prince of Salem, Prince Lucien swore revenge. 🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳 Ten years later, thirty-years old Lucien and his people raided a coup and escaped slavery. They went into hiding and recuperated. They trained day and night under the leadership of the fearless and cold Lucien who was driven with everything in him to get back their land, and take Mombana land too. It took them five years before they ambushed and attacked Mombana. They killed Prince Cone and reclaimed everything. As they screamed out their victory, Lucien's eyes found and pinned the proud princess of Mombana. Princess Danika. The daughter of Prince Cone. As Lucien stared at her with the coldest eyes anyone can ever possess, he felt victory for the first time. He walked to the princess with the slave collar he'd won for ten years rattling in his hand as he walked. He reached close to her and with a swift movement, he collared her neck. Then, he tilted her chin up, staring into the bluest eyes and the most beautiful face ever created, he gave her a cold smile. "You are my acquisition. My slave. My sex slave. My property. I will pay you in spades, everything you and your father ever did to me and my people." He stated curtly. Pure hatred, coldness and victory was the only emotion on his face. .