Kaia Donovan thought she'd escaped the chaos of her past. For years, she lived a quiet life in the bakery her late mother left her, until the day it was sold right out from under her-by her own brother, desperate to settle debts. Her world crumbled as she watched the only piece of her mother's legacy slip away, sold to a mysterious figure: Everett Hudson. Two years later, Kaia has moved on-or so she thought. She's reinvented herself as an artist in the bustling city of Horizon, far from her painful memories. But fate has a way of pulling the strings. When she's thrust into the high-stakes world of art, her abusive boss exploits her talent while hiding her work behind his name. Kaia is a quiet force, though-she bides her time, working in the shadows and avoiding the one thing that still haunts her: Everett Hudson. When a chance encounter leads to her saving a young girl from an assassin's bullet, Kaia is thrust back into Everett's world-and his life. The little girl, Armean, is the daughter of Everett Hudson, and despite Kaia's efforts to distance herself, the girl won't let her go. Their bond deepens, as does the connection between Kaia and Everett, who sees more than just a fleeting attraction in her. The same man who took everything from her now seems to be the one who could help her heal. But the world they live in is dangerous, and secrets about Everett's past and the true reason her bakery was sold begin to surface. As Kaia and Everett are pulled closer into the web of lies, murder, and power, Kaia must decide whether to follow her heart or her survival instinct. The threat of Everett's mafia ties looms large, but so does the attraction that threatens to consume her. She's caught between the man who holds her heart and the shadows of his empire. However, just as Kaia begins to reveal the reality of Everett's history-and her own-the unimaginable occurs. During an intense hug, a familiar voice from her history-one she thought she'd never hear again-resounds in the shadows: "I apologize, Kaia." "However, I had no option." It's her brother. The one who sold her bakery. But there's more-a shocking revelation that will change everything. As Everett reveals a hidden secret of his own, Kaia is left standing at the crossroads of her past and future, unsure of who to trust. As they prepare for a confrontation that could tear their worlds apart, Kaia learns the truth: some legacies can't be outrun... and some loves are destined to collide in the most dangerous of ways. And just as the walls close in, a gunshot rings out. Who is the target? Who will survive? The only thing Kaia knows for sure is that she's not the same girl who used to hide behind her mother's bakery. She's stronger. She's wiser. And now, she's ready to take back everything that was stolen from her. But will it be enough?
"Another early morning, Mom. What would you say if you were here? Probably something about my hair being a mess again."
I nudged the bakery door open with my shoulder, the small bell overhead ringing as the aroma of flour and sugar welcomed me like a familiar companion. It was serene indoors, the sort of tranquility I cherished before the day's activity started.
Switching on the lights, I paused to glance around. The scratched hardwood floors, the faint aroma of cinnamon hanging in the air, and the glass display case that had experienced better moments-this location was more than just a store. It was a place to call home.
Slipping behind the counter, I grabbed the apron that was on its regular hook. The cloth was gentle from years of wear, adorned with my mother's initials in the corner.
She'd worn it every morning, her voice cheerful as she hummed along to the radio. Now, it was mine.
"Let's make her proud today," I whispered.
The first batch of dough was ready to be mixed. My hands moved instinctively, measuring flour and sugar, cracking eggs, and kneading the blend into soft, flexible perfection. The cadence was calming, a dance I had picked up beside my mother.
"Kaia, gentle hands," her voice echoed in my memory. "Baking is love, not a chore."
I smiled faintly, the memory bittersweet.
The oven timer buzzed, snapping me back to the present. I slid the first tray of croissants inside and turned to prepare another. The heat from the oven filled the tiny room, driving out the cold of the early morning.
Just as I was preparing the second batch to proof, the bell over the door chimed.
"Kaia!"
"Lila, what are you doing here so early?"
My best friend waltzed in, her red scarf bright against her dark coat. She leaned on the counter, her usual mischievous grin firmly in place.
"Couldn't resist. Smells like heaven in here, as usual." She reached over and snatched a croissant from the cooling rack.
"You're impossible," I said, shaking my head.
Lila shrugged, taking a big bite. "By the way, I heard something weird last night at the diner."
I looked up from rolling out dough. "Weird how?"
"Some guy was talking about buying up a bakery in town. Sounded like it was happening soon. I figured it couldn't be yours, though, right?"
I laughed, though uneasily. "Of course not. Who'd want to buy this place?"
Lila gave me a look. "Don't sell yourself short. This place is charming. I mean, you've practically turned it into a landmark. But seriously, you haven't heard anything about that?"
"No," I said firmly, brushing off the thought. "It's probably some other bakery. We're not exactly the only one in town."
The dialogue lingered longer than I preferred. I tried to overlook it, focusing instead on preparing the pastries for the day ahead.
The oven chimed once more, prompting me to take out the golden-brown croissants. I was busy organizing them in the display case when the doorbell chimed again.
I looked up, anticipating the sight of another recognizable face. Instead, two individuals walked in, their orange safety vests shining in the morning light. One of them was holding a clipboard, while the other appeared anxious to be anywhere else.
"Can I help you?" I asked, straightening.
The man with the clipboard scanned the room before finally turning to me. "This the bakery?"
"Obviously," I said, my brow furrowing.
"Good," he said, scribbling something down. "We're here to start clearing it out."
I froze. "Excuse me?"
"This property has been sold," he remarked casually, as though he hadn't just dropped a bombshell in my life.
My heart thumped agonizingly in my chest.
"That cannot possibly be true." "You've made a mistake.."
"Not a mistake," he replied, raising a folded sheet of paper. "We're only here to carry out instructions."
I grabbed the paper from his hand and quickly looked it over. The phrases merged into one another, yet a single name shone brightly like a warning sign: *Hudson Enterprises.*
I swallowed hard, my hands trembling as I lowered the document. "This is my shop. My bakery. Nobody told me-"
"Take it up with Hudson," the man interrupted, tucking his clipboard under his arm. "We've got a schedule to keep."
"Wait!" I shouted, stepping between them and the counter. "You can't simply burst in here and begin tossing things away. "I don't mind what your document states-this location isn't up for grabs!"
"Ma'am, we're not here to dispute," the second man stated, his tone rough. "You have until the day's end to remove anything you wish to retain."
I gazed at them, a mixture of anger and fear boiling in my chest. "I'm staying right here." "And you aren't either."
The first man exhaled deeply, clearly accustomed to this type of opposition. "Speak to the new owner," he repeated, as if it were the solution to all problems.
The two men turned and walked away, letting the door swing closed behind them.
I remained in place, the bakery abruptly seeming chillier and strange. The sheet in my grasp crumpled as I held it firmly. Hudson Industries. Even in a little town like ours, that name held significance. It was murmured, discussed with a blend of dread and admiration.
Lila approached me, her face wan. "Kaia, what in the world was that all about?"
"I'm not sure," I replied softly.
She extended her hand for the paper, but I held it firmly.
"Kaia," she spoke softly. "What will you do?"
I shook my head, feeling the onset of panic creeping in. "I cannot afford to lose this spot, Lila." "It's everything I have remaining from her."
"You're not going crazy," she stated confidently. "We'll solve this."
Whoever this Hudson guy is, he doesn't get to take your life away."
The determination in her voice sparked something in me. I didn't know who Hudson was, but they'd made a mistake-a big one.
"No," I said, my voice steadying. "He doesn't."
I took my coat and made my way to the door.
"Where are you going?" Lila called after me.
"To find Hudson Enterprises," I said, throwing the door open. "And to make sure they understand exactly what they're messing with."
The bell chimed above me as I stepped into the cold morning air, a mix of worry and resolve stirring in my heart. I was unaware of what I was facing, yet one fact was certain: I wouldn't give up without a fight.
Duke Orion von Hawthorne is feared across Ebonvale-a man of power, ruthlessness, and unshakable control. But beneath his iron rule lies a secret that threatens to destroy everything he has built. He cannot produce an heir. Without one, his legacy will crumble, his enemies will rise, and the Hawthorne bloodline will end with him. But when whispers of a forgotten legend resurface, Orion learns that there is one way to break his curse-claim a Velaryn. The Velaryns were once a race of extraordinary women, their beauty and intelligence unmatched. But their power made them dangerous, and centuries ago, they were hunted to extinction. At least that is what the world thinks. Hidden in the depths of the Dark Forest, rumors circulate about a golden witch, a being that is neither human nor animal, invisible and out of reach. Those who search for her never come back. Resolved to challenge destiny, Orion sets out on his most perilous hunt to date. However, what he discovers is neither a ghost nor a monster. He finds her. A wild girl, covered in golden paint, hidden away in a cave that breathes like a living thing. She is nothing like the obedient women of court, nothing like the delicate noble ladies who kneel before men like him. She is untamed, fearless, and unbroken. And when he takes her captive, she refuses to yield. Sylvara is his greatest challenge. She does not beg. She does not break. She does not bow to his threats. But Orion always wins. As he uncovers the enigma linked to her, he comes to understand she is beyond merely a Velaryn-she harbors a secret that has the potential to either rescue him... or ruin him. She is the final representative of her species, and her mere presence could disrupt the foundations of the kingdom. But Velaryns were never meant to be owned. And as war brews and enemies close in, Orion is forced to question everything he thought he knew. Because the stories never told the full truth about Velaryns. They never warned him what would happen if Velaryn ever loved a man in return. Now, with his legacy, his life, and his heart on the line, Orion must make a choice-claim her and risk losing himself, or let her go and doom his bloodline forever. But what if the real danger is not that he will lose her? What if she was never his to claim in the first place?
Dysis Salmon has spent her life enduring her father's cruelty, a survivor in the shadows of his dark world. Her life, however, takes a terrifying turn when his debts become unmanageable; she is offered as payment to Alexander Levi, the most feared man in the city. Alexander is the untouchable, cold, and cunning ruler of the underworld. To him, Dysis is just another piece in the ruthless game he plays. Yet beneath his icy exterior lies a man haunted by his past-a past that begins to unravel the moment Dysis enters his life. Trapped in Alexander's opulent mansion, Dysis refuses to be a pawn. There is unquestionably tension between them as a result of her resistance to his authority. She learns, however, that Alexander is a guy who conceals suffering while wielding power as she digs deeper into his world. Dysis has to choose between running away from the guy who terrifies her and risking all to reveal the beast's weak spot as dangerous foes close in and hidden secrets threaten to come to light. Dysis and Alexander find themselves entangled in a perverse dance of power, passion, and treachery in a society where love is viewed as a weakness and trust as a luxury. One issue still stands, though, as the stakes are high and the boundaries become hazy: will they save or destroy one another? **There is a cost to everything. And for Dysis, the cost of freedom may be her heart.**
Yelena discovered that she wasn't her parents' biological child. After seeing through their ploy to trade her as a pawn in a business deal, she was sent away to her barren birthplace. There, she stumbled upon her true origins—a lineage of historic opulence. Her real family showered her with love and adoration. In the face of her so-called sister's envy, Yelena conquered every adversity and took her revenge, all while showcasing her talents. She soon caught the attention of the city's most eligible bachelor. He cornered Yelena and pinned her against the wall. “It's time to reveal your true identity, darling.”
Five years ago, Alessia La Rosa's life took a drastic turn when, suffering from memory loss, she wed to Dominic Carter under her grandfather's mysterious arrangement. But their marriage was a facade, bringing her only humiliation and heartache as Dominic showed no love, and she couldn't conceive. Upon discovering Dominic's infidelity, Alessia sought liberation through divorce. Yet, fate had more in store for her. Five years later, spurred by an anonymous email hinting at her lost child's whereabouts, she returns to the city with her twin babies in tow, determined to uncover the truth. As she navigates the tangled web of her past, a surprising twist awaits. Dominic, upon meeting her again, finds himself drawn to the woman she has become, unaware of her true identity as his former wife. Little does he know, the woman he's falling for is not only his ex-wife but also a powerful Doctor and Master Hacker.
In Lothlann Continent, talent in martial arts won cultivators respect. Darren Chu, a mediocre talent in martial arts, was deemed a loser by everyone. His status changed when a fireball fell from the sky and hit him on the head. He cheated death. Empowered with the ability to assimilate other creatures' talent, Darren sought to better himself and seek vengeance against those who had wronged his family, including his little sister. "You will kneel in front of me one day," swore the future lord of martial arts.
Rachel used to think that her devotion would win Brian over one day, but she was proven wrong when his true love returned. Rachel had endured it all—from standing alone at the altar to dragging herself to the hospital for an emergency treatment. Everyone thought she was crazy to give up so much of herself for someone who didn’t return her feelings. But when Brian received news of Rachel’s terminal illness and realized she didn’t have long to live, he completely broke down. "I forbid you to die!" Rachel just smiled. She no longer needed him. "I will finally be free."
Accused of murder, Sylvia Todd's mother was deemed a traitor by the entire pack, condeming Sylvia to live the rest of her life alone in humiliation as a lowly slave. All she wanted to do was to prove her mother's innocence somehow, but fate never seemed to be on the side of the traitor's daughter. Still, Sylvia never lost hope. As the future lycan king of all werewolves, Rufus Duncan possessed great power and status, but he had an inexplicable reputation for being cruel, bloodthirsty, and ruthless. Unbeknownst to everyone, he had been cursed long ago to transform into a killer monster on every full moon. Even though fate did not always look upon the two, it brought Sylvia and Rufus together as each other's destined mates. Will justice be served for Sylvia's mother? What about Rufus' secret? Can Sylvia and Rufus defy all societal norms and stay together? Will these two unlucky souls have their happy ending?
"Please trust me, I didn't do anything." "I don't believe you. I am rejecting you as my Queen and giving you the punishment of death." Alina was living outside her pack for five years. Her parents didn't try to contact her and always ignored her. Her best friend convinced her to go back to their pack and she agreed. But she had never imagined what was waiting there for her. She never thought she would meet her mate and had to face betrayal from everywhere. She had to pay for the crime which she never committed. Aaron Robertson is the king of Lycans. He is a very dominant and powerful King who not only rules Lycans but also rules other ranks of werewolves. Everyone is afraid of Lycans and he is the king of them. But who knew that he would get a mate who was just a simple Omega with no powers and strengths? He called her weak all the time but little did he know that his weak Omega would give him the biggest betrayal of his life for which he had to give her the sentence of death.