Laura Mendes always wanted to become a top pastry chef, and landing a job at Moretti's Patisserie, the most prestigious bakery in the city, feels like her big break. But her excitement ended when she meets Shawn Moretti-the infuriatingly arrogant heir to the Moretti group. From the time she set foot in his family's bakery, Shawn makes it really obvious he doesn't want her working there. To him, she's just a random outsider who will never understand the Moretti business. To her, he's an entitled and proud jerk who thinks he owns the world. They always argued, exchanging words that turn the group into a warzone. But as the days went by, their hatred for each other takes an unexpected turn. Behind Laura's stubbornness, Shawn sees talent and undeniable passion. And behind his cold, controlling character, Laura sees a man struggling to live up to impossible expectations. When a major pastry competition forces them to work together, there was a spark between them neither of them can deny. But with family secrets, fierce competition, and years of resentment between them, will they give in to the temptation... or will their love crumble like the pastries she creates?
(Laura's POV)
Some people avoid the kitchen completely out of indifference or simple laziness, but I don't. A lot of people view baking and cooking as laborious chores that require precise measurements and where a single error in component proportions may ruin a meal.
For as long as I can remember, I have loved creating new dishes, experimenting with flavors, and discovering new recipes using whatever ingredients I had at my disposal. I still remember the first time I ever baked something on my own-I was just five years old, standing on a stool in our family kitchen, carefully measuring out flour and sugar while my mother watched with mild amusement.
I've always had a thing for cooking, even though my folks – who were both busy doctors working at the same hospital in totally different fields – never cared much for it. They'd spend long, grueling hours and usually ended up with meals that were nothing more than quick bites; takeout or a casual eat-out was pretty much the norm for them.
Most days, they'd say it's just easier to grab food fast instead of spending time in the kitchen, and, well, they weren't particularly drawn to the culinary arts. Still, they always backed my little food adventures – in fact, they even surprised me by buying my first oven and apron, which meant the world to me. All in all, even with their own hectic lives and a clear preference for simplicity, they made sure I got to follow my passion, however small or scattered it might have seemed at times.
I improved my abilities throughout the years, going from making basic homemade delights to more complex pastries. Eager to have practical experience, I began working at neighbourhood bakeries in Camden, London, by the time I was a teenager. My desire to learn how to make pastries professionally only grew greater.
After endless hours of burning the midnight oil-lost in studying and tripping over mistake after mistake-I woke up one morning to an email that, quite unexpectedly, turned everything upside down.
"Congrats!" it began, almost as if cheering me on. The note, warmly personal yet formal enough, said my application had been accepted; Moretti's Patisserie picked me to be one of their pastry cooks. And, really, it wasn't just any bakery-it's one of the city's well-known sweet spots, celebrated in most cases for its mouthwatering pastries, showy presentations, and a reputation that's simply hard to beat. I read that email three times (yes, three!) before it all really sank in.
At first, it felt almost dreamlike to process that I'd been chosen to work at such an iconic place. The thought of joining Moretti's-a name that carries both culinary pride and a dash of surreal expectation-left me both excited and a little bewildered by the sheer magnitude of the opportunity.
A sudden rush of feelings-shock, joy, and a hint of disbelief-hit me when I suddenly understood what was happening. I grabbed my phone with a trembling hand, my thoughts already darting around about what should come next. There was, without a doubt, just one person I felt compelled to call first.
As soon as Anna answered, her voice was playful. "Hey babe, what's up?"
I didn't waste any time. "Guess who just got an email from Moretti's Patisserie this morning?" I was breathless.
There was a pause before an excited squeal came through the speaker. "No way! Laura, I knew you'd kill it! Oh my God, I'm so proud of you! When do you start?"
I looked back at the email. "Monday."
"Monday? That's in-"
"Three days," I said. "And I have to pack now because I'll be moving to their headquarters in Paris." The weight of those words hit me as I said them out loud. Paris. I was actually moving to Paris!
Anna squealed again. "Paris? This just keeps getting better! Oh my God, we have so much to do. Clothes, luggage, travel essentials-wait, have you booked your flight yet?"
"Not yet! There's so much to get done in such a short amount of time." I rubbed my forehead, feeling the stress start to build. "I need all the help I can get. Will you come shopping with me?"
"You don't have to ask," Anna said. "How about we meet at the mall in 10 minutes?"
"Perfect. Thanks, babe! I'll see you then."
As soon as I hung up, I turned to my parents. My mom was at work, and she had a rule against being disturb during her shifts. So I texted her instead:
Mom, guess what? I got the job at Moretti's Patisserie! I start Monday and I'll be moving to Paris!
I sent the same exact text to my dad.
My dad responded right away, unlike my mom. His message appeared instantly.
Dad: Congratulations, princess! I knew you could do it. Let me know if you need help with packing or travel arrangements.
I smiled, already knowing his overprotective self would kick in. I responded quick.
Dad: I'm fine. I'm not a little girl anymore. I'll be 23 in a few months.
A few seconds later, his response came in.Dad: I understand you think you're all grown up but you will always be a little girl to me and I will always be here to help if you need it.
I sighed, knowing there was no point in arguing. He wouldn't let it go unless I gave him something to do. So I took advantage of it.
Me: Okay, Dad. Since you won't rest unless I let you help, can you book my flights to Paris and find me an apartment near the bakery?
His response was immediate.
Dad: Consider it done. Anything for you, princess.
I smiled as I put my phone down. The reality was finally setting in.
In a few days, I would be starting a new chapter in my life, stepping into the world I had always wanted.
Moretti's Patisserie was waiting for me.
And I was ready.
For over a century, the Nightfang and Shadowveil packs have been very bitter enemies, their fight soaked in generations of bloodshed. When a more powerful enemy threatens both packs, an uneasy truce is forced between their leaders-Dacre Valnan, the ruthless and calculating alpha of Shadowveil and Aidana Draven, a brave and independent she-wolf who refuses to bow to anyone. Forced to work together, Dacre and Aidana meet at every turn, their hatred for each other becoming something none of them can try to control. But as problem draws nearer, they discover a sad truth-someone close to them is working against them, pulling strings from the shadows to ensure their death. Their rivalry takes an even crueler turn when they find out that they are fated mates, a bond that should bring them together but only fuels their rage. Dacre, affected by the scars of the past, rejects the bond outright, refusing to be shackled to the daughter of his sworn enemy. Aidana, not willing to give in to fate, fights it with everything she has. As betrayals give in and hidden truths of the pasts unveil, Aidana and Dacre must either continue down the path of hatred and destruction or welcome the fate that could either save or destroy them forever.
Madisyn was stunned to discover that she was not her parents' biological child. Due to the real daughter's scheming, she was kicked out and became a laughingstock. Thought to be born to peasants, Madisyn was shocked to find that her real father was the richest man in the city, and her brothers were renowned figures in their respective fields. They showered her with love, only to learn that Madisyn had a thriving business of her own. "Stop pestering me!" said her ex-boyfriend. "My heart only belongs to Jenna." "How dare you think that my woman has feelings for you?" claimed a mysterious bigwig.
Life was a bed of roses for Debra, the daughter of Alpha. That was until she had a one-night stand with Caleb. She was sure he was her mate as determined by Moon Goddess. But this hateful man refused to accept her. Weeks passed before Debra discovered that she was pregnant. Her pregnancy brought shame to her and everyone she loved. Not only was she driven out, but her father was also hunted down by usurpers. Fortunately, she survived with the help of the mysterious Thorn Edge Pack. Five years passed and Debra didn't hear anything from Caleb. One day, their paths crossed again. They were both on the same mission—carrying out secret investigations in the dangerous Roz Town for the safety and posterity of their respective packs. Caleb was still cold toward her. But as time went on, he fell head over heels in love with her. He tried to make up for abandoning her, but Debra wasn't having any of it. She was hell-bent on hiding her daughter from him and also making a clean break. What did the future hold for the two as they journeyed in Roz Town? What kind of secrets would they find? Would Caleb win Debra's heart and get to know his lovely daughter? Find out!
Allison fell in love with Ethan Iversen, the soon-to-be Alpha of the Moonlight Crown pack. She always wanted him to notice her. Meanwhile, Ethan was an arrogant Alpha who thought a weak Omega could not be his companion. Ethan's cousin, Ryan Iversen, who came back from abroad and was the actual heir of the pack, never tried to get the position nor did he show any interest in it. He was a popular playboy Alpha but when he came back to the pack, one thing captured his eyes and that was Allison.
"Leonard Bryant is a man of the hour in Sea City. He has won the Pritzker Prize at a young age, which is considered as Nobel Prize in the architecture field. An architectural drawing of his can be auctioned to hundreds of millions yuan. Everyone takes him as an architectural design talent. But everyone also thinks he is gay because of his frequent refusal of women. Ashley Powell has been taking Leonard as her idol and loving Leonard for several years. For him, Ashley chooses to learn architectural design during university. As the saying goes, "when there is a will, there is a way", she finally gets the chance to work in Bryant Group after her graduation. At the graduation ceremony, Ashley was coaxed by her classmates to test if Leonard is gay. A little drunk Ashley came to Leonard's room, then .... 'Who says this man is gay? He is not gay but a beast!' Ashley thinks."
She thought he was the villain. He was only trying to save his soul. Rena lives in a world of sunshine, sweets, and simple dreams. Until one reckless decision drops her into a dark realm of secrets, curses and werewolves. Kidnapped, heartbroken. She doesn't know who to trust anymore especially not Logan, the arrogant, cruel Alpha who's keeping her as a hostage. Until she discovers his dark secret. He's been hearing her thoughts all along. Now the walls between them are crumbling. And when feelings grow where hatred once lived, a curse demands that blood becomes a love that demands sacrifice. But how can she give her heart to the one who might need it to die?
The dream of everyone with regards to marriage is to be able to find that special someone and settle down with them. Even arranged marriages grant you an opportunity to meet your partner briefly before the wedding. How will you feel about waking up in the morning with someone sleeping next to you who is not just anyone but your legally married partner yet with no memory of how that had happened in just a few hours of going out the previous day? This is the story of Jason Haward and Julia Harrison, two strangers trapped in a marriage they never planned. The quest to find out why led to the unfolding of a mystery which made them realize they are both living a lie. To find out more, read this amazing story of love, betrayal, revenge and murder.