The Pretend Bride's Unexpected Path To True Love

Book 1: A Surprising Love Hidden In Contractual Promises Albert had been a powerful and determined man who would do whatever it took to succeed. He built his empire through ambition alone, and his personal life remained completely tied to his work. In an unexpected turn of events, he agreed to a contract that would change his life forever. Thalia had been a young, hardworking woman who devoted herself to her little brother Maxwell. She took care of him ever since their parents passed away. She faced the world alone to support both her and her brother's education. Burdened by debt, she made a desperate decision and entered a life covered in secrecy. Even though she earned good money at the Scarlet Angels nightclub, she always hoped to leave that life behind. That contract paid for her studies and let her walk away from the high-end escort service. What she never expected was that, for the first time in this job, she could not ignore her growing feelings. Would the irresistible Albert win over not just her body, but also her heart? Book 2: A Beautiful Bargain: Love Under The Tuscan Sky Thessa had been a dedicated and reserved secretary at the Johnson family's distillery company. After a painful romantic experience, she committed herself to keeping her heart guarded and focused only on work. She grew used to her boss Albert's daily routine, but suddenly found herself working for Aldric, his older brother, who was charming and known for his carefree ways. Everything changed when Thessa had to travel to Tuscany on a business trip with Aldric. Surrounded by beautiful vineyards and enchanting scenery, they became caught up in a plan to advance their business interests by pretending to be in a romantic relationship. What began as an act quickly turned into a real and powerful connection. But just when they believed everything had settled and they found their footing, unexpected challenges surfaced and threatened to unravel everything they built. In a world filled with intrigue, passion, and obstacles, Thessa and Aldric had to fight to protect their love and show they were ready to face any hardship. Yet, no one could say for certain if their love would be strong enough to survive the secrets and pitfalls waiting for them.

Chapters

Chapter 5

A blonde woman, dressed to perfection and flawlessly made up, sat at that distant table. Instinct told me she might have a connection to Albert. I leaned in and gently brushed my hand along his cheek. He paused mid-sentence with his client and turned, pressing a kiss to my cheek as I whispered in his ear.

"Is your ex blonde?"

"Yes. How did you figure that out?"

I winked at him, and his expression shifted in understanding. He slid his hand along my back and gave me a soft kiss on the lips. Keeping his arm around me, he faced his client again.

"Forgive me, my fiancee is a bit of a distraction."

"Well, if I were you, I'd be distracted, too. I can see the passion between you."

Albert gave my waist a gentle squeeze. Instinctively, I leaned into him, and he looked down at me with a contented smile.

The waiter brought our food, and throughout the meal, Albert kept finding small ways to touch me. Sometimes he would feed me a bite from his fork or let his fingers linger on my hand. Every gesture was subtle but impossibly intimate, at least to me. He finished his business with the client, and as soon as dinner ended, he took my hand and led me out to the terrace.

We chose a quiet table with a breathtaking view of the sea below. The lights of the coast glittered in the night.

"You really do have a sharp eye. That was my ex, Florence Ward."

His fingers brushed softly over my hand as he spoke.

"She kept staring, obviously bothered by what she saw."

"I figured she'd be upset to see me with someone else, especially since she doesn't know about our engagement yet. I have no doubt she'll be furious and want me back."

"Sorry if this sounds strange, but wouldn't it be easier to just tell her how you feel?"

He grew serious, his eyes settling on me. I realized I might have overstepped my role, but the question hung between us.

"Forgive me, Albert, I shouldn't have said that. You know what's best for you."

"It's alright. The situation is more complicated than it looks. Anyway, let's change the subject. Tell me about yourself, if you don't mind. Unless that breaks your own rules."

A quiet sigh slipped from me, relieved to see the tension dissolve. Still, he was treading into sensitive ground. I decided to trust him, at least a little.

"I can answer a few of your questions. What do you want to know?"

"Anyone special in your life? A boyfriend?"

That question caught me off guard.

The waiter arrived just then with a chilled bottle of prosecco, poured us each a glass, and slipped away. All the while, Albert's eyes stayed locked on mine.

"I don't have anyone."

"Interesting. I heard you're studying business administration for your degree, right?"

"Yes."

He raised his glass, and we toasted. He took a slow sip, then caught me off guard with his next question.

"Why did you become a high-class escort?"

A rush of heat flooded my cheeks, and I knew I must have turned red. I never advertised what I did, and even with clients, I had never felt as exposed as I did with Albert.

"I didn't have better options, I..." My voice wavered, and tears prickled at the corners of my eyes.

He noticed right away and reached for my hand, his other hand softly brushing my arm.

"I'm sorry. That was thoughtless of me. I shouldn't have asked."

Before I could answer, a voice cut through the evening.

"Good evening, Albert. I'm surprised to see you here."

The woman stepped closer, stopping right at my side. I glanced at Albert, searching his face for any sign of what to do. He smiled reassuringly at me. It was the same blonde woman who had been watching us during dinner.

"Well, here I am. Does Florence want to sit down?"

She let her gaze travel over me, taking her time.

"No, thank you. I need to go— my fiance is waiting for me. I only wanted to say good evening. I was expecting your brother to handle these meetings. Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?"

"Of course. This is Thalia, my fiancee. Thalia, this is Florence, an old friend."

The anger and disappointment in Florence's eyes were impossible to miss, but I kept up my act.

"Hello, it's a pleasure to meet a friend of my Albert," I remarked, my tone steady as I shook her hand.

I noticed a faint smile touch his lips as he slipped an arm around me, pulling me close right after Florence released my hand.

"Fiancee?"

"Yes. I proposed to her in Greece."

"It was wonderful, darling. You were so thoughtful—just thinking about it still gives me goosebumps." I smiled sweetly and stroked his forearm, playing my part to perfection.

Florence's eyes burned with anger, though she kept a cold smile plastered on her face.

"Albert, romantic? Well, I wish you both all the best. I should go, but I hope you two enjoy your evening."

"Thank you. We'll see you tomorrow at the lunch meeting. Good night to you and Eaton Harper."

I returned her smile, wishing her a good night as she turned and walked away. After she left, Albert reached out and gently cupped my face, making me look at him.

"Thank you. And I'm sorry for earlier— I'll find a way to make it up to you."

"It's alright."

"Shall we head to bed?"

Continue to next part

Betrayed Hearts, Rising Flames tells the gripping tale of Alaric, a young man whose quest to save his beloved Elara's family plunges him into a world of betrayal and rebellion. Returning from a perilous journey with a rare healing herb, Alaric finds Elara married to the powerful Lord Riven, and his own parents brutally murdered. Broken but determined, Alaric rises to challenge tyranny and reclaim his family's honor. Caught between his enduring love for Elara and a growing bond with Mira, a fierce rebel, Alaric faces profound personal and political turmoil. Mira's secret child with Alaric ignites scandal and jealousy, fracturing the family further. As tensions rise, rivalries among their children lead to devastating betrayals, including the selling of one of Elara's children into slavery and false accusations against another. The youngest child escapes into the wilderness, where a mysterious mentor trains him in survival and combat. Armed with new strength and knowledge, he returns to expose the truth, uncover hidden family secrets, and ignite a reckoning that challenges the foundations of power and loyalty. Throughout their journey, the ancient healing herb symbolizes more than a cure-it represents renewal, hope, and the power to heal both physical and emotional wounds. The city itself reflects the characters' struggles and triumphs, evolving from a place of fear and oppression to one of unity and resilience. This epic narrative explores themes of love's endurance amid betrayal, the painful but necessary path of forgiveness, and the courage needed to rebuild trust and family. Alaric evolves from a hopeful youth to a battle-hardened leader; Elara transforms from a woman broken by sacrifice to a pillar of strength; and Mira moves from shadowed love to fierce protector. Together, they navigate political intrigue, personal sacrifice, and the complexities of family. In the climax, truths are unveiled, betrayals confronted, and a fractured family begins the slow process of healing. The story closes on a hopeful new dawn, where love, forgiveness, and unity forge a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Adventure Mystery Romance

9.3

CASH FOR FUN

9.3

When survival meets spectacle, how far would you go for cash? Ama, 22, is broke, exhausted, and drowning under her mother's hospital bills. Two dead-end jobs can't save her family until a late-night discovery changes everything. Cash for Fun, an app where your life becomes entertainment for strangers, promises quick money for daring challenges. At first, it feels harmless dancing in the rain, kissing a stranger, pranking her boss. The cash floods in, the followers multiply, and Ama tastes a lifestyle she never dreamed possible. But the higher she climbs, the darker the game gets. Her best friend turns into collateral damage. Her cousin's recklessness spirals into disaster. A cocky influencer lures her into a staged romance, and a mysterious benefactor known only as Mr. X demands secrets she swore she'd never reveal. Soon, Ama isn't just playing for money she's gambling her reputation, her relationships, and her soul. As betrayals mount and the app's grip tightens, she's forced to ask herself the question no one streaming dares to face: Is the fun worth the cost? Cash for Fun is a raw, addictive tale of fame, betrayal, and survival in the age of viral entertainment. Sharp, dramatic, and unflinchingly real, it pulls readers into a world where every click has a price, and the biggest payout may be losing everything.

Adventure Modern Romance

9.2

He Chose Her Over Our Child

9.2

My world shattered twice. First, the ocean claimed my son. Then, the mountain road took another, a direct sacrifice to the man I loved and the woman he chose. In the hospital, beeps marked the emptiness where my second son used to be, echoing the first loss, both involving Holden and Giana. During the car crash, I was pinned, bleeding, and trapped. Holden, my partner, looked me in the eyes, then chose to save Giana, abandoning me and our unborn child. Soon, I overheard Holden praising Giana for turning our tragedy into a PR win. His hollow apologies and focus on Giana’s "miracle work" reignited the brutal memory of her push and his past denials. A decade of sacrificing my life and two children for a man who saw me as a liability left a bitter taste. His choice was clear; only profound abandonment remained. But this time, I was choosing me. From my profound loss, a dangerous spark ignited: I would not just survive; I would find freedom and make him pay.

Action Adventure Modern

7.6

Jilted By Nephew, Claimed By King

7.6

I was kneeling on the cold concrete of an abandoned warehouse, staring at a ticking timer while a masked man held a knife to my throat. My fiancé's nephew, Preston, finally burst through the door, but he wasn't alone. He was clutching my stepsister, Felicia, both of them looking frantic. The kidnapper gave Preston a brutal choice: the bomb was rigged to the door, and he could only take one woman with him. The other would stay behind to burn. Without a single second of hesitation, Preston grabbed Felicia's hand and turned his back on me. "I'm sorry, Annelise," he said, his voice flat and devoid of any real regret. He slammed the heavy iron door shut, leaving me to scream in the darkness as the flames began to roar. He didn't just leave me to die; he did it to protect his inheritance, treating me like a piece of trash that was finally being cleared from his path. Later, in the hospital, he didn't even offer an apology. Instead, he raised his hand to strike me, threatening to finish what the fire started if I dared to speak a word about his cowardice. His stepsister laughed, trying to pour scalding coffee on my face while calling me a pathetic loser who should have stayed in the warehouse. I sat there, cowering and shaking like a broken girl, letting them believe they had won. I watched their cruelty with wide, watery eyes, wondering how they could be so blind to the monster they were provoking. What Preston didn't know was that the entire kidnapping was a performance I had choreographed myself, and every second of his betrayal was recorded in 4K. Now, I've successfully moved into the manor of the real king-his uncle, Francesco Lancaster. He thinks he's rescued a wounded bird, but he's actually invited a world-class predator into his home. The game is no longer about survival; it's about total destruction.

Action Adventure Romance

8.4

Leaving My Cruel Mate

8.4

In Belmor Town, I, Isabella Frost, was bound to Lord Adrian Stone, but his love for Sylvia Harmon, a lotus-picker with a harsh ten-cent rule, shattered our bond. Once cherished, I faced betrayal, enduring Sylvia's cruelty-whippings, humiliation-and Adrian's cold indifference. Heartbroken, I used a rare decree to break our sacred bond and fled to Joravia Town. There, rebuilding my life, I found solace with Nathan, a kind healer. As Adrian seeks redemption, I embrace a new love, leaving my painful past behind in this journey of resilience.

Adventure Modern Romance

9.5

Legend of Icaros

9.5

He was born from the void between stars - a being of immense power, forged from cosmic origins. For thousands of years, he walked among humanity, protecting them and keeping his true strength hidden. After losing the only family he had, grief led him to seek his own end... only to wake up in a world entirely unlike his own. Here, cultivation is the main path to power. Those who master spirit qi gain superhuman strength, speed, and abilities that place them far above ordinary people. Four great sects rule the land, competing for resources, secrets, and dominance over each other. Icaros joined the Li Sect, where he found companions he came to trust and care for: the capable and easygoing Li Han, the sharp and composed Su Yan, and the spirited Nelly. For a time, he felt he had found a place to belong, even as he kept his true nature hidden and wondered whether he could ever learn to cultivate like those around him. Everything changed when their voyage was suddenly attacked. A powerful figure floating in the sky cut their ship apart with sharp, devastating energy strikes, leaving only destruction in his wake. Believing his friends had been lost in the disaster, Icaros chose to stop holding back any longer. > "I am done hiding!" He unleashed his full power: golden light blazed from his eyes, he flew at incredible speed, and he broke through every barrier and enemy in his way. On the shores ahead, he tore through hordes of powerful jade monsters, destroying them completely before flying deep into the interior of the island. Meanwhile, survivors washed up scattered and alone. One young cultivator found himself on the shores of Jade Island - a place most cultivators avoid, as it holds no treasures or useful materials, only danger and endless deposits of ordinary jade. Yet despite the risks, ordinary people have built settlements here, finding safety from the conflicts and power struggles of the outside world. This island works by different rules. Spirit qi is scarce and unstable, making cultivation far less effective than elsewhere. Instead, the people here rely on advanced technology - weapons and explosives that can injure or even defeat those with great physical strength. Here, skill and preparation can be just as powerful as raw strength, and even the strongest cultivators must move with caution. Now, Icaros has vanished deep into the island. His companions are lost somewhere across this dangerous land. And the mysterious swordsman who destroyed their ship has already arrived here, searching for an ancient map said to lead to the legacy of a being from another world. Will they find each other again? And can anyone survive in a place where the usual rules of power no longer hold true? ✅ Chapters 1–19: FREE 🔒 Chapters 20 onwards: PAID (Continue the journey of power, friendship, and discovery!)

Action Adventure Modern Sci-Fi

The Pretend Bride's Unexpected Path To True Love

Chapter 5

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