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"Lock the door." Isla hesitated, her pulse racing. "Alaric-" "Now." His voice was pure dominance. Her fingers fumbled with the lock just as he spun her around, pressing her back against the cold mahogany desk. His hands skimmed her thighs, pushing up her skirt, his eyes dark with hunger. "You've been running from me all week, little rose." His fingers trailed higher, teasing. "But we both know you want this." "We can't," she whispered, her breath hitching as his lips brushed her neck. He smirked, slipping his hand between her legs. "We already did. And now, I'm going to ruin you all over again." ___ Betrayed. Humiliated. Abandoned. On her wedding day, just as she was about to say "I do," Isla world shattered. Her fiancé's mistress crashed the ceremony, dragging every dirty secret into the light. Heartbroken and furious, she did the one thing she never thought she would-she drowned her pain in the arms of Alaric Vance, her father's best friend. One night. No names. No strings. But when morning came, she realized the man who had ruined her in every sinful way wasn't just only her father's friend-he was now her new boss. Alaric is powerful, ruthless, and twice her age. And now that he's had a taste, he wants more. Working under him is impossible. The tension is suffocating, the chemistry undeniable. He's everywhere-watching, teasing, owning her. And no matter how much she tries to resist, she knows the truth: She's already his.
My eyes fluttered open, only to immediately shut again as a dull, throbbing headache overwhelmed my senses, making me groan from the pain.
"Fucking hell," I muttered under my breath, my hands instinctively clutching my head, hoping it would somehow stop the pain. Spoiler alert: it didn't. If anything, the pain only intensified, pounding against my temples like a relentless drumbeat.
And the worst part? My entire body ached. Everywhere.
"What happened? How much did I drink last night?" I muttered, asking no one in particular as I opened my eyes, trying to take in my surroundings. But without my glasses, I could barely make anything out. One thing was clear, though-I wasn't in my room, and I couldn't remember anything, not even where I was.
I sighed and reached out for my glasses, hoping I hadn't broken them. But instead of the familiar frame I expected to feel, my hands brushed something else-something hard, like a human body.
I stiffened, my breath catching in my throat as I blinked in confusion, shaking my head at the ridiculous thought that there could be a man in bed with me. There was no way. Absolutely no way.
Still, with shaky hands, I reached out again, hesitantly touching whatever I had felt before-and my eyes widened in shock.
Not only was it a man, but he was naked.
What the...
Before I could even process it, a strong hand suddenly grabbed mine. I gasped in shock as I was yanked forward, my body lifted as if I weighed nothing. And in the next second, I found myself sprawled across the lap of a man.
Oh, and did I mention he was naked?
"Oh my God! Who are you? Let me go this instant!" I yelled, my face flushing as I felt the unbearable hardness beneath me, pressing through my underwear. A strange, unfamiliar sensation coursed through me like wildfire, making my breath hitch.
"Let you go?" A low chuckle echoed through the room, dark and amused. "Funny-that wasn't exactly what you were saying last night while being such an obedient little thing."
I froze. My eyes widened in disbelief as I squinted, trying to make out the man before me. And when I did, my heart plummeted. Memories from yesterday crashed into me all at once.
The wedding. The club. And then...
"I can feel you trembling, little rose. Don't tell me that you are scared especially after what happened between us last night" His voice was a slow drawl, rich with amusement.
Alaric Voss.
My father's friend. I really had sex with my father's friend.
I'm fucked.
A day ago.
Your wedding day is supposed to be the happiest moment of your life-the day every girl dreams about. A day filled with love, joy, and the promise of forever. Just like in those fairy tales where Prince Charming sweeps you off your feet, sealing your happily ever after with a kiss.
So tell me, why was mine so different?
Why had my happiest day turned into my worst nightmare, caused by none other than my own Prince Charming?
Leon.
"W-what did you say?" The priest was the first to break out of the stunned silence, his voice uncertain as he turned to the woman standing at the back of the hall. "You... object to the union of these two couples?"
The heavily pregnant woman had one hand resting on her swollen belly, the other raised in defiance. A sneer twisted her lips as she glared not at me-but at my boyfriend of three years.
At my Leon.
"Yes! I said that. You heard me right. I object!" She exclaimed, pointing at Leon, her eyes filled with hate and betrayal that almost made me laugh.
"But why?" The priest asked, and the pregnant woman rolled her eyes dramatically. The hall fell silent, with some guests watching in surprise, others with excitement, as the drama unfolded. But at that moment, I couldn't even express what I was feeling.
Was it disbelief? Hope that this was just one of those brutal pranks from Leon and his friend? Or perhaps...
I glanced at the woman's pregnant belly and moved my glasses higher as dread settled within me. That wasn't Leon's child.
"Why?" The woman frowned, as if the priest had asked the most absurd question, before pointing to her belly with an expression that screamed, 'Can't you see?'
"Because the baby inside me is none other than this bastard over there! That idiot knew I was pregnant and still went ahead and married another woman. Can you imagine?!"
"Serena! Shut up" Leon yelled out angrily as soon as she said that, his eyes darkening with unstrained fury.
Everyone gasped, and before I knew it, I closed my eyes, falling to the ground with a soft thud. My heart shattered into pieces, and tears threatened to spill. The air felt suffocating, and I clutched my chest as my shoulders trembled.
"Leon... how could you? How could you do this to me?" I whispered, my breath barely audible. Almost immediately, Leon reached out, his voice laced with concern.
"Isla, I can explain–" He reached out to touch me, but I recoiled, lifting my gaze to meet his as anger surged through me.
He could explain? So, this wasn't a joke, a nightmare, or some cruel dream. This was real.
"You can explain? Explain exactly what, Leon!" I yelled, my voice breaking as I stood up and shoved him away with all my strength.
"Three years! Three fucking years we spent together, and you get someone pregnant, and you're telling me you can explain? Explain what?!" I demanded, tears blurring my vision and fogging up my glasses.
"Isla... please, just listen to me. It was a mistake, please-"
"A mistake?" Serena's voice cut through the air, filled with rage. "Did you just say it was a mistake, you bastard? You slept with me not once, but for an entire year, and you call that a mistake?"
I gasped, staring at Leon in shock.
A year? He had been cheating on me for a year?
"Oh my God, they've been having an affair for a year, and she didn't know. How is that even possible? I'd know if my husband was cheating on me in a week," someone from the crowd whispered, disbelief in their voice.
"Right! It's her fault for trusting him so easily," another voice chimed in. The whispers began, filling the air, sharp and suffocating.
"Is that true? Have you really been cheating on me for an entire year, Leon?" I asked, my voice trembling with disbelief. Leon opened his mouth to speak, but the woman cut him off, her tone sharp.
"Are you that stupid? What's so hard to believe? I'm due next week, and I'm not about to let you marry him," she said, her eyes narrowing as she turned back to Leon. "And really, Leon, I'm disappointed. I thought you didn't like her. You called her ugly and a damn nun and said she wouldn't even let you touch her in bed and that she was nothing but wife material because her father was wealthy. Still, I am carrying your child. How could you possibly choose her over your unborn child?!"
"Serena, watch your mouth or else..." Leon snapped, trying to stop her from saying too much, but it did nothing to erase what I had just heard.
The damage had already been done and no one could mend a broken glass once it's been shattered.
I took a shaky breath, removing my glasses and wiping away the tears. I pulled off the veil and threw it to the ground. Every eye in the room was on me, and I saw Leon's frantic expression as he opened his mouth to speak, but stopped when I held out my hand, cutting him off. With cold precision, I reached for my finger and removed the stupid ring he had placed there just moments ago before throwing it at him.
"Isla, w-what is the meaning of this?" He asked, his voice faltering as I glared at him, then turned to the crowd, ignoring him entirely.
"I'm sorry for wasting your precious time today, but the wedding is off. Please make your way to the door, I won't be seeing you out since I'll be leaving first." With that, I turned and walked away, not sparing another glance at anyone.
I stopped beside the pregnant woman, my gaze cold and unwavering. She stiffened, instinctively stepping back.
"Congratulations on your pregnancy. I hope you have a safe delivery next week. You can also keep the trash since you want it so bad, you both fit each other" Her eyes widened at my words, but I didn't wait for her response. I simply turned and walked away, away from the whispers and murmurs that threatened to consume me.
Away from my wedding.
Fairytales were a lie, there was no prince charming. There never has been.
"Alexander, this isn't right," Valentina whispered, her voice shaky as his hand traced the line of her jaw. He tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze. "It doesn't matter what's right," he said, his voice low and commanding. "It matters what's mine." Her breath caught as his fingers slid to the back of her neck. "And you think I'm yours?" "I don't think, Valentina," he murmured, a dark smile curving his lips. "I know." --- Valentina never expected her life to take such a dangerous turn. After her husband demands a divorce to marry his mistress, she finds herself entangled with Alexander-a powerful mafia Don whose reputation is as lethal as the man himself. Alexander doesn't just want Valentina; he needs her. When he discovers she's the daughter of Nico Vance, the man responsible for the tragedy that destroyed his family, his rage burns hotter. But instead of killing her, Alexander makes a chilling decision: Valentina will become his late wife, down to the last detail. Caught between desire and danger, Valentina must decide if she'll run from Alexander's dark world-or step willingly into it. Because once she does, there's no turning back.
Julia and Evan were the perfect couple-or so she thought. But everything changed when Evan abruptly ended their relationship, leaving her heartbroken and unable to tell him she was carrying his child. Years later, Julia has built a life for herself and her son, Andy, while Evan has risen to unimaginable wealth and success. Their paths cross again at a chance meeting, but Julia soon discovers Evan has moved on with someone else. Julia is done with the pain. She's fought battles alone, raising a son who deserves the truth about his father, even if Evan doesn't deserve her forgiveness. When Julia told Evan years ago she had something to say, he didn't listen. Now, it's time for him to listen. But is it too late to reclaim what he lost? "We should break up," he'd said, the words cutting through her like glass. The pregnancy test in her pocket stayed hidden, just like the child they would never share. Now, it's Evan's turn to hear the truth-and to face his deepest regret.
Two years ago, Ricky found himself coerced into marrying Emma to protect the woman he cherished. From Ricky's perspective, Emma was despicable, resorting to underhanded schemes to ensure their marriage. He maintained a distant and cold attitude toward her, reserving his warmth for another. Yet, Emma remained wholeheartedly dedicated to Ricky for more than ten years. As she grew weary and considered relinquishing her efforts, Ricky was seized by a sudden fear. Only when Emma's life teetered on the edge, pregnant with Ricky's child, did he recognize-the love of his life had always been Emma.
Linsey was stood up by her groom to run off with another woman. Furious, she grabbed a random stranger and declared, "Let's get married!" She had acted on impulse, realizing too late that her new husband was the notorious rascal, Collin. The public laughed at her, and even her runaway ex offered to reconcile. But Linsey scoffed at him. "My husband and I are very much in love!" Everyone thought she was delusional. Then Collin was revealed to be the richest man in the world. In front of everyone, he got down on one knee and held up a stunning diamond ring. "I look forward to our forever, honey."
Sawyer, the world's top arms dealer, stunned everyone by falling for Maren—the worthless girl no one respected. People scoffed. Why chase a useless pretty face? But when powerful elites began gathering around her, jaws dropped. "She's not even married to him yet—already cashing in on his power?" they assumed. Curious eyes dug into Maren's past... only to find she was a scientific genius, a world-renowned medical expert, and heiress to a mafia empire. Later, Sawyer posted online. "My wife treats me like the enemy. Any advice?"
It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mistake of falling in love with Kristopher. When the time came that she needed him the most, her husband was in the company of another woman. Enough was enough. Carrie chose to divorce Kristopher and move on with her life. Only when she left did Kristopher realize how important she was to him. In the face of his ex-wife’s countless admirers, Kristopher offered her 20 million dollars and proposed a new deal. “Let’s get married again.”
Rosalynn's marriage to Brian wasn't what she envisioned it to be. Her husband, Brian, barely came home. He avoided her like a plague. Worse still, he was always in the news for dating numerous celebrities. Rosalynn persevered until she couldn't take it anymore. She upped and left after filing for a divorce. Everything changed days later. Brian took interest in a designer that worked for his company anonymously. From her profile, he could tell that she was brilliant and dazzling. He pulled the stops to find out her true identity. Little did he know that he was going to receive the greatest shocker of his life. Brian bit his finger with regret when he recalled his past actions and the woman he foolishly let go.