Marcel Sterling is a quiet and hardworking obstetrics nurse who has little time or interest in dating. A former soldier with a soft heart and a knack for staying out of the spotlight, he's content with his routine life until his friends drag him into a blind date. Across town, Anna Blackwood , a sharp-witted heiress desperate to secure her inheritance, is on the hunt for the perfect fake husband. Fate throws them together, and what starts as a convenient arrangement quickly turns into something much more complicated and passionate. With jealous co-workers, manipulative family members and secrets threatening to tear them apart, Marcel and Anna must decide whether their fragile connection is strong enough to defy the odds-or if their contract was doomed from the start.
As Marcel Sterling stepped into the bustling cafe and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sweet pastries filled his nostrils, he adjusted the strap of his worn leather bag slung over his chest while he looked at the different customers who were seated around tables made from fine wood and were sipping coffee as they spoke to their partners.
He sighed as he blamed himself for letting him allow his friends to force him to come to this place.
A former soldier who'd traded in his combat boots for scrubs, he'd found solace in the quieter, more predictable world of an obstetrics ward. But his work had caused long-lasting relationships to become a foreign concept to him. And that his friends, Leo and Peter, did not want. He wasn't one for blind dates, but his friends insisted that he needed someone outside the hospital-someone normal. Obviously that was impossible so they had set him up on this damn blind date.
He was beginning to get impatient while looking for this blind date when his eyes fell on a tall, slender woman that was seated next to a table close to the counter. She was on the phone, speaking in quiet but urgent tones, her posture stiff as though her conversation demanded every ounce of her attention. Something about her drew his gaze- it was her elegance...the poised way she held herself.
Not only that, her dress caught his attention.
White. It was an exact match to the color of outfit he had been told his blind date would wear.
His heart skipped a beat. Could this be her?
***
Anna Blackwood sat at a small corner table in the cafe, her fingers nervously drumming against the phone as her grandfather's voice echoed through the line.
"Anna, this is no longer a suggestion," her grandfather was saying. "The Blackwood name, our business...it's all at risk. And the only way to secure your future-and the future of the family-is to marry. Quickly. If you don't, I'll be forced to take matters into my own hands. And trust me, you don't want that."
Her grip tightened on the phone. It was the first time he'd made such threats. He had always been a man who believed in swift action, especially when it came to business, and he made no exceptions for her.
"I understand, Grandfather," she replied, forcing her voice to sound calm. Inside, she felt pressure mount in her chest.
"I'll figure it out, Grandfather. Don't worry," she added, even though she had no idea how.
Suddenly, the sound of the cafe door opening caught her attention. She looked up, her gaze drawn to a man stepping inside. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed in a black simple shirt and jeans trousers with a leather bag slung over his chest. He looked around the room, his eyes scanning the faces, as though searching for someone.
The man's gaze landed on her, and to her surprise, he smiled after some moments and walked straight toward her. It was the kind of smile that seemed genuine and warm ...and far too disarming.
"Hello, Isabella," he said and cleared his throat. "You look beautiful."
Anna froze in shock
***
Marcel had finally agreed that she had to be his blind date and as he approached her, was thanking his friends in his head because damn...she looked so lovely.
To his surprise, as he talked to her, her eyes widened in shock then became annoyed. Something in the sharp curve of her brow told him she wasn't pleased with the interruption.
She placed a hand on her phone, lowering it, but didn't speak immediately.
"I'm sorry," she finally replied, her words sounding clipped. "Do we know each other?"
He chuckled nervously as he tried to ease the tension that seemed to hang between them. "I'm Marcel. I'm here for the-uh, blind date."
A flash of surprise flickered in her gaze, but it was gone almost immediately and replaced with something far colder. "A blind date?" she repeated.
"Yes, I'm twenty-eight," he answered with a smile as he slid into a seat opposite her since she didn't offer one. "I used to be a soldier, but now I work as a gynecology nurse. Not much of a romantic, I guess... but you know, I try."
She stared at him for a moment, the edges of her lips twitching as she did so. Despite the coldness in her gaze, there was an air of curiosity about her. As if she found him interesting.
His smile grew even deeper. Being interesting was not an effect he had on a lot of ladies.
"Well, you've got the wrong person," she said, a short laugh escaping her lips. "I'm Anna Blackwood."
"Blackwood?" Marcel repeated, his confusion reflecting on his face.
Her sharp look made him realize that he had made a mistake and that he should know of the name instantly.
"I'm the heir to the Blackwood dynasty," she said as if the title was supposed to explain everything.
Marcel inclined his head as his fingers drummed against his bag.
The Blackwoods. He'd heard of them, of course. The wealthiest family in the country, with their fingers in everything from real estate to tech.
Christ. What had he just done?
He stood up immediately, his face reddening with embarrassment.
"God, I am so sorry" he said with a choked voice. "I... I guess I've made a mistake."
Anna's expression softened, but not by much. "Yes," she said flatly, "You have."
Becoming even more flustered, he mumbled, " I am so sorry to interrupt. You are wearing the same color of the dress of the person I am supposed to meet. Jeez."
Acute embarrassment stopped him from thinking of anything else to say. He turned and walked away, wishing that the grounds would open up and swallow him while cursing his friends at the same time.
***
Anna watched him go as an intriguing look appeared on her face.
For some reason, she liked his honesty and simplicity. Maybe it was because there weren't many like him where she came from.
"Hmm. Interesting conversation you had there."
She gasped as she turned to her phone and saw that the phone call had been on all this while.
"Grand-pa!" She said, exhaling in shock. "You have been listening all this while?"
"Uh-huh. You were unnecessarily impatient with the young man. I wonder why."
She rolled her eyes. She knew where he was driving at. "Oh Grandpa, please."
He continued anyway in a pondering tone. "And I wonder if there can be more from this interesting surprise."
At that, Anna could not say anymore because to her surprise, she too was wondering the same thing.
Nate's eyes darkened with anger as he took another step closer. "To my grandfather, to you and to everyone else, you may be my wife," his voice was as cold as ice when he bit out. "But to me, you are certainly not." Maddie's breath caught slightly at the sharpness of his words. "This entire facade is a business deal," Nate continued with a voice full of derision. "Nothing else. I did it to keep my grandfather from driving me insane and that's all it ever is." He let out a humorless chuckle. "So no, Maddie, you are not my wife. You're just a deal. Do you fucking understand?" **** Maddie Hayes never imagined she would ever crave the touch of the coldest and rudest billionaire ever, even though she had been trapped in a marriage with him. But life had other plans for her and her fake husband, Nate Blackwood. Just when their forced union had started to feel real, betrayal and secrets ripped them apart again. Heartbroken and furious, Maddie walked away but Nate wasn't ready to let her go and was willing to fight for her even though some wounds didn't heal so easily. Could love survive in a place where trust had been completely shattered?
In a world of betrayal, secrets, and second chances, can love truly conquer all? Sophia Bennett thought her life was perfect-until the day she walked into her sister's wedding and saw her own husband standing at the altar. Devastated, she soon learns the cruel truth: her sister is pregnant with the man she loved, and the world-including her own family-stands behind them because she is barren. Feeling betrayed, Sophia runs away and makes a reckless decision that changes her life forever: she goes on a one-night stand with a stranger. But that stranger, Alexander Grayson, is no ordinary man. He's a billionaire tech mogul with a dark past, and who is entangled in a rivalry with Sophia's ex-husband. When fate brings them together again, Sophia is forced to confront her feelings for the man who could either heal or destroy her. As dark secrets unfold and Sophia's past and present collide especially as Liam and her mother want her back when she becomes pregnant, Sophia must decide if she's willing to find herself and take a chance on love again.
In the bustling corporate world of Metropolis an unexpected twist of fate occurs in the lives of two individuals Regina Jones, CEO of a well known corporate empire, finds herself thrust into a high-stakes battle for a pivotal business deal that could secure her family's legacy right after a devastating breakup with her boyfriend Alexander, who left her for her own sister. Regina seeks solace in a reckless one-night stand. Little did she know, her impulsive encounter was gonna be with her rival and her ex-uncle. Massimo Gomez , the most handsome, sexy and ruthless boss of the Sicilian Mafia family. His reputation was known for being a playboy, violence and strict when it comes to business. Every living thing on earth and beyond trembles at the mention of his name.
After being kicked out of her home, Harlee learned she wasn't the biological daughter of her family. Rumors had it that her impoverished biological family favored sons and planned to profit from her return. Unexpectedly, her real father was a zillionaire, catapulting her into immense wealth and making her the most cherished member of the family. While they anticipated her disgrace, Harlee secretly held design patents worth billions. Celebrated for her brilliance, she was invited to mentor in a national astronomy group, drew interest from wealthy suitors, and caught the eye of a mysterious figure, ascending to legendary status.
"Listen, Gadreel Ødegaar," she looked at him, not hesitating this time. "It's my anniversary present for you. Let's divorce." *** Ivory Remington had sacrificed five years to look after her husband Gadreel who was in a vegetative state after an accident and a few months ago, he finally awakened like a miracle. She thought it was the start of their happy life but Gadreel still had no heart for her. On their anniversary and her birthday, she received a cheating video of her dear husband and her stepsister. Heartbroken, Ivory chose to quit this stupid game. She decided to set him free but the reason she left on the divorce agreement pierced Gadreel's noble pride. *** "Impotent? Are you serious?" He gripped her wrist and a dangerous glint flashed in his eyes. "I'm a woman, Gadreel. I'm tired of being in a sexless marriage. Let's end it once and for all." "Sexless, huh?" he chuckled lowly and without warning grabbed her chin in between his hands, pulling her face closer. "Turns out my wife was so eager to get a man between her legs? "
Rena got into an entanglement with a big shot when she was drunk one night. She needed Waylen's help while he was drawn to her youthful beauty. As such, what was supposed to be a one-night stand progressed into something serious. All was well until Rena discovered that Waylen's heart belonged to another woman. When his first love returned, he stopped coming home, leaving Rena all alone for many nights. She put up with it until she received a check and farewell note one day. Contrary to how Waylen expected her to react, Rena had a smile on her face as she bid him farewell. "It was fun while it lasted, Waylen. May our paths never cross. Have a nice life." But as fate would have it, their paths crossed again. This time, Rena had another man by her side. Waylen's eyes burned with jealousy. He spat, "How the hell did you move on? I thought you loved only me!" "Keyword, loved!" Rena flipped her hair back and retorted, "There are plenty of fish in the sea, Waylen. Besides, you were the one who asked for a breakup. Now, if you want to date me, you have to wait in line." The next day, Rena received a credit alert of billions and a diamond ring. Waylen appeared again, got down on one knee, and uttered, "May I cut in line, Rena? I still want you."
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.”
Darya spent three years loving Micah, worshipping the ground he walked on. Until his neglect and his family's abuse finally woke her up to the ugly truth-he doesn't love her. Never did, never will. To her, he is a hero, her knight in shining armour. To him, she is an opportunist, a gold digger who schemed her way into his life. Darya accepts the harsh reality, gathers the shattered pieces of her dignity, divorces him, takes back her real name, reclaims her title as the country's youngest billionaire heiress. Their paths cross again at a party. Micah watches his ex-wife sing like an angel, tear up the dance floor, then thwart a lecher with a roundhouse kick. He realises, belatedly, that she's exactly the kind of woman he'd want to marry, if only he had taken the trouble to get to know her. Micah acts promptly to win her back, but discovers she's now surrounded by eligible bachelors: high-powered CEO, genius biochemist, award-winning singer, reformed playboy. Worse, she makes it pretty clear that she's done with him. Micah gears up for an uphill battle. He must prove to her he's still worthy of her love before she falls for someone else. And time is running out.
The day Raina gave birth should have been the happiest of her life. Instead, it became her worst nightmare. Moments after delivering their twins, Alexander shattered her heart-divorcing her and forcing her to sign away custody of their son, Liam. With nothing but betrayal and heartbreak to her name, Raina disappeared, raising their daughter, Ava, on her own.Years later, fate comes knocking when Liam falls gravely ill. Desperate to save his son, Alexander is forced to seek out the one person he once cast aside. Alexander finds himself face to face with the woman he underestimated, pleading for a second chance-not just for himself, but for their son. But Raina is no longer the same broken woman who once loved him.No longer the woman he left behind. She has carved out a new life-one built on strength, wealth, and a long-buried legacy she expected to uncover.Raina has spent years learning to live without him.The question is... Will she risk reopening old wounds to save the son she never got to love? or has Alexander lost her forever?