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He took her first kiss during their initial meeting, and she called him perverted and arrogant. Her candid demeanor intrigued him, despite the risks involved.To capture her attention, he announced a surrogacy competition, leaving her no choice but to participate, only to discover he was the same man she had taught a lesson he would never forget.Caught in the trap set by this merciless billionaire, she went along with his game and became his wife. His dark secrets slowly emerged, pulling them down into a deep despair. Then he vanished from her life, only to be replaced by another stranger. She felt his warmth, and they kissed.Tears began to cascade down her cheeks, saturating the fabric that covered them. When he sensed her warm tears, he panicked. He didn't understand why, but he couldn't bear to see her cry. "Darling, please don’t cry..." He released her, his fingers delicately brushing her hair. "I won't touch you, I promise not to anymore, okay?"She sobbed more intensely and choked out, "Don't talk!""... Why?" He was taken aback.She gently bit her lip, unable to refrain from saying, "When you talk, you remind me so much of him..."He was so kind and doted on her. When he spoke, it felt as if it weren't another person, but her husband Joshua standing beside her. Even the way he kissed her felt strikingly familiar...In that moment, Hazel realized just how much she longed for Joshua. Without him by her side, each day of waiting became an excruciating ordeal.She wasn’t afraid of waiting. Even if it meant waiting for a long time, she would value it. But she feared she might never see him again, even if she spent her entire life waiting.Would she uncover the truth behind this unfamiliar man? Would she be able to forgive if she realized how he orchestrated the intricate game of LOVE and REVENGE? 
Charlotte Simmons was not just betrayed by her fiancé, who cheated on her with a mistress. Her family business was also taken from her, and she was tricked into sleeping with a stranger on her wedding night. She eventually gave birth to a stranger's child! Her fiancé used her adultery as an excuse to dump her in public, making her the laughing stock of the city. That night, Charlotte Simmons drank herself to oblivion and vowed to seek revenge. However, when she woke up, she found herself lying in Zachary Connor’s bed! She was even more surprised when Zachary asked her to marry him! "Marry me and I’ll make you shine." Who was Zachary Connor? He was known as the emperor of darkness and he also happened to be filthy rich! There were rumors that he was gay. Well, who cared? He was a douchebag anyway, so she decided to go along just so she could punish him for his behavior! They signed and made their marriage official. From then on, Charlotte Simmons got ready and started her plan to torment Zachary Connor. After tormenting him, she knocked on his door that night and said, "Mr. Connor, I want a divorce." However, the next day, Charlotte Simmons walked out of the room with a pale face. "How dare you try to leave when you’re already mine?" 

“I don't want to see this angelic face of hers that deceived me and murdered my child, she disgusts me, she is nothing but a worthless, good for nothing, liar. I was so good to her and this is how she repays me? I fucking loved her, I changed who I was for her sake. I put up with her annoying and embarrassing ass but you know what, take her back to Ryan if you must, I'm sure he was so relieved when I took her off his hands but even I regret taking her.” Camilla composes herself, finding her balance but still a crying mess. “You don't mean that, you're just mad. You love me, remember?” she mummers, her gaze drifting to Santiago. “Tell him he loves me and he's just mad.” she begs, when Santiago doesn't respond, she shakes her head, her gaze falling on Adrian again and he stares at her with disdain. “You said you love me forever.” she whispers. “No, I fucking hate you right now!” He yelled. ***** Camilla Mia Burton is a Wolf less seventeen-year-old with insecurities and fear of the unknown. She is a half-human part-werewolf; she's a powerful wolf even though unaware of the power within her and has a beast too a rare gem. Camilla is as sweet as she can be.However what happens when she meets her mate and he is not what she dreamed about? He is a cruel cold-hearted eighteen years old Alpha. He is ruthless and in disapproval of Mates he wants nothing to do with her. She endeavors to change his perception of how he sees things, yet he loathes and rejects her pushing her away but the mate bond proves to be strong. What will he do when he regrets rejecting and hating her? 
When I ended up in jail for the crimes my boyfriend Bob committed, he used and abandoned me, marrying the Alpha's daughter Lisa. After my release, I became a wedding planner, organizing their wedding.Little did I know, the Alpha himself would come to meet me for his daughter's wedding. And to my surprise, as he approached, I heard the voice of my wolf Susan deep inside me."mate..."His scent of lavender and sea salt overwhelmed me completely.Unbelievably, the handsome, wealthy, and charming Alpha is my mate?Could I possibly become my ex-boyfriend's mother-in-law? Though, there are rumors that the Alpha killed his former Luna... 



Ashton Mullen hated Deborah Shepherd so much that he forced her to donate her liver, test medicine, and suffer from terminal illness to take revenge on her.Ashton forced her daughter to death and destroyed the man who protected her and everything she cared about.He said, "Deborah, even in my dreams, I look forward to the day you die."Later, the truth was revealed, and blood flowed all over the ground. But it was too late to regret.Ashton could no longer warm her body.Ashton knelt in front of Deborah's grave, tears falling. He stabbed the blade ruthlessly into his heart. "Debby, it's too cold in the afterworld. I'll come to be with you."...Ashton had always believed that Deborah was madly in love with him.It was not until many years later when they met again, he saw her with his own eyes. She was holding a man who looked like him. Ashton went crazy. 

In the previous life, Heather Lovegood loved Devon Harlan so much that she was willing to donate her blood, liver, and kidney to his first love, Esme Brightwood.
But all she received in return was, "That wretched woman is really tough. She won't die at all."
Heather spent her 25th birthday in the ICU. As she stared at the news that announced Devon and Esme's upcoming wedding, she drew her last breath in pure hatred.
Now that she's reborn, Devon kneels before her and begs for her forgiveness.
"Heath, I'm willing to give you my life!"
Heather replied coldly, "Then you shall pay with it!"
When she was young, she treated dung like the most precious treasure alive. Now that she's older, she realizes that there exists a person in this world who's her only salvation. 

In the times of battle for land and defence of false dignity, Selene is caught in the webs of her father's lust as she is taken captive by the feared Edgar O'alistair, ruling King of the Sol empire as her father awaits trial by the Harmony council. Edgar O'Alistair, a man feared and revered by many holds Selene and her younger sister captive, bound by law to become slaves.
Edgar swore off matters of the heart, now with the ensuing battle and dangers facing the Solian Empire, he is drowned by the raw emotion the foreign princess ignites in him. With family grudges, dark secrets and suicide, how long before Selene becomes a pawn and burns out what little fire she has left? In the midst of betrayal, sorcery, loyalty and death, love triumphs. 

Linda Lucas, a gentle and compassionate woman, cherished her tranquil life until her father's decision to marry her off to Robert Wilson shattered everything for his own benefit.Betrayed by her best friend and half-sister Emily, Linda found solace in a one-night encounter with Vincent Romano, the youngest billionaire and a notorious mafia lord known for his striking looks and fearsome reputation. Vincent's name struck fear into the hearts of many, his criminal empire stretching across the city like a web of manipulation and deceit. Despite his criminal activities, he secretly yearned for genuine affection, yet remained ruthless, dangerous, and cunning.As Linda, defined by her innocence and kindness, faces the prospect of an engagement to Luke Armstrong after her engagement with Robert fell through, she finds herself torn between Luke and Vincent.What will she decide? And when she discovers she has a twin, will she accept Levi as her brother? 







"On the table!" he ordered, leaving me fear-stricken as I scurried and positioned myself the way he had instructed earlier. Who was I to disobey the most callous Alpha King? "You are mine now, doll." he bellowed calmly, yet dangerously, emphasizing on every word. His voice sounded like the voices of many mighty men...authoritative, mysterious, deafening..like a thunder ready to strike. My eyes travelled up to the Moon that hung up in the sky, communicating to it as if telling it to send me a saviour."There is no one coming to save you, Aurora. You are now my property. Your body, soul and spirit belongs to me. I am your master and your King. The sooner you accept your fate, the better.”***Aurora was supposed to be the Alpha's beloved daughter, but fate played a trick on her, making her serve as the pack's slave instead. Someone stole her life. Years went by, the truth got exposed, but when she was about to live her best life and assume her role in the pack, trouble rears its ugly head. Her pack was under attack. Faced with two difficult choices, she would either offer herself as a peace offering to the most cruel Alpha King in exchange for protection for her loved ones, or watch everything she holds dear crumble before her eyes. Desperate to save her loved ones, she offered herself to the king without thinking of the consequences. But the castle of the Alpha King is filled with shocking secrets. What if plans change and she finds not one, not two, but three Alpha Kings ready to claim her? Would she agree to become their breeder? How long would she be able to resist their charms? 


When the young Alpha Dylan was still the heir to the pack, his parents brought the innocent Cherry to live with them, hoping to foster a connection between them. Smitten with Dylan from the start, Cherry longed to grow closer to him, while Dylan remained aloof and distant. After a fateful night of revelry, the drunk Dylan succumbed to his desires, spending a passionate night with Cherry. However, his reaction the next day left her heartbroken and disillusioned. Feeling abandoned, Cherry decided to leave all by herself. Two weeks later, Cherry discovered that she was pregnant and decided to embark on a journey of independence and self-discovery in Berlin, where she pursued her dream of becoming a designer. Years went by, and Cherry returned to reunite with her father, only to be discovered by Dylan's friend, who soon learned about the existence of Cherry's daughter Fern. Witnessing this unexpected twist of fate, Dylan set off on a challenging quest to win back the love of his life. 
The day Tabitha got shattered by the news that she was about to meet her end, Alpha Derek, her mate, was screwing around with another she-wolf. Devastated, she decided to accept Derek's rejection.But as the fine pack doctor, Orson, entered Tabitha's life, Derek lost his cool, tormented by jealousy.He locked her down at the crib, regardless of his new mate being green-eyed with envy.To his surprise, Tabitha coldly announced, "Derek, I'm over you." Finally, it dawned on him that Tabitha was, and always had been, his destined mate. 

{Follow me on IG: KaiKitto / author_KaiKitto /for updates.}
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{Warning: R-18, Dark Romance}
"Someone, please save me!"
"Who are you asking for help, dear?" He smiled, bringing his face closer to mine, sending a wave of terror through me.
"Don't do this. I am your sister," I pleaded, my voice trembling. I didn't want to stoop to his level.
"No, my dear. You could never be my sister. This is my revenge, and you are my enemy. You will pay for your sins," he growled, freezing me with fear.
"Please!"
“You think you can hate me just because you discovered you're more powerful? Having two useless wolves inside that shabby body won’t save you, sweetheart.” 
Davina Bryson has always longed to be with her fated mate and live a peaceful life with him. However, her parents, Bryson and Elena, have other plans, to use her as a pawn to gain power.
They want her to be selected as the Alpha prince's chosen mate, bringing them closer to the royal family and paving the way for their ultimate goal of overthrowing them. She knows that her parents don't truly care about her, she's merely a tool for their ambitions.
She meets her destined mate Orion Lycaon, the cold-hearted king of the Lycan Empire; he's unwilling to accept her. But a prophecy foretells a war that threatens the supernatural world, and fate demands their union.
As they navigate their complicated destinies, Davina must confront her own strength and resilience, while Orion must confront and learn to accept her. Their bond becomes the key to winning the war and ensuring their race's survival.
But can she thaw Orion’s icy heart? Will he accept her for the war's sake? And will her parents allow their union or obstruct it?
Fate, power, war, and love collide as they fight for their future and the survival of their race. 




Madelyn Jent died on her wedding anniversary. She had been married to Zach Jardin for eight years, compromising for the better part of her life. However, she ended up being kicked out of the house.After the painful divorce, Madelyn was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Despite her deteriorating health, she clung to life in the hospital, hoping that Zach would visit her one last time.As Valentine's Day arrived, heavy snow fell outside. Yet, Zach failed to make an appearance, leaving Madelyn with a deep sense of regret. "Zach Jardin... If I could start over, I would never fall in love with you again!"Miraculously, Madelyn found herself reborn to the time when she was eighteen. Fueled by the desire to avoid repeating the same mistakes, she made a solemn vow to distance herself from everything related to Zach.But fate seemed determined to test her resolve. Just as she sought to escape the shadows of her past, the same man, Zach, emerged with an intimidating aura, gradually approaching her step by step. His voice, reminiscent of a devil's melody, echoed through the hallway as he declared, "Madelyn, I'll take care of you for the rest of your life..." 

Natalie Cooper and Rowan Payne have been married for seven years. She has given birth to children for him.
Despite pouring all her love for him, she can never melt the ice barricading his heart.
Rowan uses his work as an excuse to take their son, Roger Payne, overseas. In reality, it's just easier for him to spend more time with his first love, Imogen Chapman.
Roger, who used to be kind and warm-hearted, no longer loves Natalie after believing in Imogen's lies that are meant to throw a wrench in their relationship.
As Roger takes Imogen's hand, he mocks Natalie, "Your fashion sense is so lame! All you do is slack off at home and do nothing, yet you get to spend all of Daddy's money! I don't want a mommy like you at all!"
Similarly, Rowan berates Natalie as well. "You don't have a single cent under your name, and you don't have a job either. How long can you last out there with our daughter anyway? Don't come running back to me and beg me to remarry you in the future!"
When Rowan and Roger meet Natalie once again, she has already grown into a fashion icon who's placed on an insanely high pedestal in the fashion world. They even discover that Imogen is the one who has been plagiarizing Natalie's work this whole time.
After Imogen's ugly nature is revealed in public, both father and son plead with Natalie to patch up their relationship with them.
But the tall and handsome man next to Natalie embraces her with one arm. He replies to the Paynes arrogantly, "She's my wife. From now on, you should call her 'Aunt Natalie.'" 



Margareth was shocked after she found out that her chosen mate, Xavier, flirted with his mistress at their party. However when she confronted him, Xavier refused to admit it! He also didn't want to reject Margareth as his mate. Frustrated and hurt, Margareth didn't know what to do until Alpha Bastian, the renowned and intimidating leader of the Red Iris Pack, stepped in. He proposed a bet: if Xavier's mistress was pregnant within a month, Xavier would be forced to reject Margareth as his mate. The stakes were high, but Margareth, desperate to escape the humiliation, agreed. Even though, she need her pack to join Bastian's! 
No one knew Giselle Hawk was Maverick Hyland's mysterious mistress for nearly five years. And Maverick was going to marry Giselle's step-sister.Giselle asked Maverick, "Hey, can't you not marry my step-sister?"Maverick smirked, "What? Marry you? An unwelcomed daughter?"Giselle grinned, "Wow, your words hurt. Anyway, you won't marry me. Then we'd better never meet again."Maverick thought she was kidding. But when he was invited to Giselle's wedding party. He went crazy, coz groom was not Maverick."Giselle, why you marry that man?" Maverick shouted."Who? You mean my husband-to-be? He said he wanted to marry me at first sight. Why you show me an angry face?""No. That's not true. You said you'd love me forever.""Excuse me, I said what? Love you? Sorry, but my love had gone with the wind." 



After an abrupt stampede, Freya was hastily taken to the hospital, yet her mate Kingsley found solace in another woman. For three long years, Freya harbored the hope that her love would thaw Kingsley's icy heart, but alas, her yearning proved to be nothing more than a jest. She observed Kingsley showering the other woman with affection, and now, weary of unrequited devotion, she resolved to depart, vowing to reject him. However, the aloof Kingsley underwent an astonishing transformation, assuming a new persona as he fervently pursued Freya. 
Lucy opened her eyes and saw a clean room filled with the smell of disinfectant water. Only then did she remember that she had just donated a kidney to her younger sister. The anesthetic has only just worn off.Just then, the door of the ward opened and a slender man walked in.When Lucy saw the man, an excited smile appeared on her pale face."Smith, you came to see me..."Lucy's tone was weak, but tried to make every word clear.She stretched out her hand somewhat hard, wanting to get Smith Lu's response.But what she could never have imagined was the bad news that followed..."Lucy, did you know that your family is bankrupt?" Smith indifferently ignored Lucy's outstretched hand, and walked to sit on the sofa by the window."What are you talking about? It's impossible, my family has been going well before, and nothing bad has happened recently. How is that possible? Smith, you have to save my family..."Lucy was so worried that she even could not breathe. And when she asked for help, Smith just watched indifferently.Gradually, Lucy noticed something, tried to calm herself down, and sat up slightly to look at Smith."I have helped you to acquire your family's company, and your property transfer letter has been notarized. I never thought you would love me this much that you're willing to give up all your possessions, but I am here to divorce you today."Divorce?Property transfer letter?Was that prenuptial agreement actually a property transfer letter?But she didn't know anything about it.Although they had been married for just a few months, not even six months.Even Smith almost never came home, she still cleaned the house every day, made his favorite meals and waited for him to come home.Now she had just gone through surgery and he didn't say a word of concern or a greeting to her.He only set foot in her ward to get a divorce... 
Architect Cora Spade marries Axel Jaeger for love, a man who claims to be drowning in debt. He tells her his startup has failed, so she leaves for Auchendale on a long-term assignment. For three years, amid the war and plagues, she works tirelessly and pays off his debt totaling in the millions with blueprint after blueprint.But on the night Cora returns, she uncovers the truth—the so-called "debt" is nothing but a lie and a test of her loyalty. Back in Chremford, Axel has a new lover in his arms, and even their five-year-old son sees the other woman as his mother.Worse still, their marriage certificate turns out to be forged.Without hesitation, Cora dials a number she's buried for decades. And when they meet again, she's transformed into the heir of an elite, powerful family everyone clamors to please.Now plunged into crisis, Axel kneels among fragments of his shattered dignity and begs for her forgiveness.All Cora does is respond with a gentle smile. "Pulling the plug on your funding was just the appetizer, Mr. Jaeger. Enjoy the real feast ahead." 
Kiara, an alluring young lady was a big time slut. That was her only speciality. She was given birth to by a prostitute and was also brought up by a prostitute. Don't get it twisted, they were two different women. So you wouldn't blame her, would you? It runs in the blood.
As a prostitute that she was, she was not meant to love but what happens when she fell for a player?
Alexander, the heir and only successor to Alexander group of companies. His companies were well known and highly acknowledged in the whole Texas. In spite of how young Alexander was, all his employees feared him. He was so rude and sensitive.
He gives absolutely no damn about anyone- well, maybe except one person though; His grandma- his weakness. And maybe his best friend as well; Mack. Alexander was a handsome young man, a big time player; who screwed ladies with no strings attached. He was forced to get married at his young age in order to get rid his wayward attitude, but as a player that he was, would he agree easily? And what happens when a player incredulously acknowledged a slut? 
Step into the captivating world of Emilia, a woman whose life took an unexpected turn when she found herself caught in a web of love, betrayal, and redemption. In the midst of a seemingly perfect relationship with her husband, Ethan, Emilia's dreams of starting a family were shattered by the harsh reality of infertility. Determined to overcome this obstacle, they embarked on a journey of in vitro fertilization (IVF), hoping to bring their long-awaited bundle of joy into the world.But as the IVF process unfolded, doubts and suspicions began to surface, threatening to tear their relationship apart. Ethan's accusations of infidelity and doubts about the paternity of their child cast a dark shadow over their love. Unable to bear the weight of his anger and false accusations, Emilia made the heartbreaking decision to leave her home and seek solace in a new country, Canada.In this foreign land, Emilia found herself on a path of self-discovery and the pursuit of truth. With unwavering det 

In a desperate attempt to pay off her mother's debt, Yanne John found herself forced into marriage with Steven, the young master of the Lucas Family. However, Steven had been bedridden and in a vegetative state for the past three years. Many believed Yanne to be a widow, her father manipulated her, and her sister took pleasure in her misfortune.Unexpectedly, one fateful night, the seemingly lifeless vegetable miraculously woke up and began misbehaving towards Yanne. He accused her of being a gold digger, willing to marry a man in such a state for financial gain. They struck a deal: if he completed a task, they would divorce, setting her free.But despite reclaiming his possessions, Steven couldn't let go. Yanne confronted him, questioning why he clung to their marriage when he clearly disliked her love for money. To her surprise, Steven tearfully confessed, "Yanne John, you mean everything to me. Without you, I am nothing."Unbeknownst to him, his love for her had taken root deep within his being, impossible to sever. And so, their relationship transformed from one of convenience to one of genuine affection.Soon, everyone discovered that Yanne, once married to a vegetable, had turned her life around. The cool and distant husband had become utterly devoted, obeying her every command as if it were an imperial decree. Not only did she have a loving husband by her side every night, but she also had a pair of adorable twins. To top it all off, she had become the wealthiest woman in the world—a true winner in life.During a media interview, Yanne was asked about her secret to taming her husband. With a mischievous smile, she replied, "The secret is... psychological warfare!" 
Silvia lost everything in one night—her parents,her trust,and her mate. Coming home from their funeral,she found her "fated"partner,Zack,tangled with another she-wolf. "You'll always be my Luna... even if I need variety,"he said,smirking. Heartbroken but fierce,she rejected him—and turned to someone far more dangerous.
"I need help,"she whispered.
Sherman leaned closer,his voice like silk over steel. "I offer more than help,little wolf. I offer everything he couldn't give you."
Now married to Zack's powerful half-brother,Silvia plays a deadly game of loyalty,vengeance,and survival. But Sherman Carter doesn't help for free—and as their bond deepens,truths unravel.
Is Silvia just a pawn in Sherman's war?
Or is she becoming the Queen who'll burn the whole pack down?
When love,betrayal,and bloodlines collide,how far will one omega go to save her family—and destroy the mate who broke her soul? 
Ethan Cooper is the youngest director in Fernwick. He looks cold and distant all the time, and he's very decisive whenever he acts. Everyone knows him as a fair and just man who cannot tolerate the slightest wrongdoing.
In order to stay by his side, Iris Whitman personally tears the admission letter to the prestigious Vantrel University during her senior high school year. Instead, she fills in the name of the law school Ethan is studying at.
After graduating from university, Iris uses all of her connections just to join the FBI field office where Ethan works.
In Iris' first year, the field office decides to distribute dangerous missions by having everyone draw lots for the very first time.
There are two sticks, with one long and the other short. Whoever gets the short stick will have to take on the mission.
Iris gets the short stick. So, Ethan dispatches her to infiltrate a cross-border human-trafficking organization as a spy.
In Iris' fourth year, everyone has to draw lots again. With trembling fingers, Iris draws the short stick once again. Her mission is to arrest drug dealers overseas.
In Iris' sixth year, the lot-drawing session greets her once again like an unshakable curse. As she stares at the familiar short stick lying in her palm, she lets out a chuckle all of a sudden.
This time, Ethan intends to dispatch her to Averlain to investigate a major corruption case.
Iris has drawn the short stick three times in six years. All she gets in return is countless scars on her body, the destruction of her family, as well as betrayal. 

I am Tanya White, the White Reaper, brought in by Richard Stone at a staggering price to extend the life of his short-lived grandson, Cedric Stone.
I warn Cedric not to smoke or drink while the ritual is underway. However, he reacts by locking me in a bathtub brimming with booze, while ten strong men smoke beside me.
I warn him to resist all pleasures during the ritual's climax. But he immediately turns to Arianna Jones and spends the next month wrapped up in nights of pleasure with her.
I beg the Lord of the Underworld to grant him 99 chances. But he uses the very last one to lock me in and leave to play with Arianna's dogs.
"Tanya, you're a liar. This so-called short-lived fate? Only Grandpa was foolish enough to believe your nonsense. I didn't cooperate with you, yet look at me—I'm still alive, aren't I?"
This time, I say nothing.
"Cedric Stone, if you don't want to live, then I will grant your wish." 
My ex-boyfriend, Jason Bell, still hasn't let go of me, even though I've been married to Cedric Mosley for two years now.
He sends blood-red dancing heels to me and threatens to destroy my current "peaceful life".
Terrified and trembling, I'm about to call the cops when a hand in latex gloves rests on my shoulder.
"Don't be afraid."
My forensic doctor husband, having just returned from an autopsy, carries a faint scent of formaldehyde with him.
He takes off his glasses. With the same hands he uses to handle scalpels, he slowly helps me open the threatening letter inside the package.
"The handwriting is sloppy, with uneven pressure applied. It's typical of an anxious personality type."
Then, as if he's reviewing an autopsy report, he comments mildly, "This type of person usually has brittle bones that snap easily."
*
There are 206 bones in an adult body.
When Cedric placed a “rib” ring on my finger, he whispered, “You are the bone I lost long ago—the one that makes me whole.”
That is the origin of this title. 


Eleanor is Citadel's most spoiled and dazzling beauty. With just a glance, she can captivate any man, and it's said that admirers line up for her for miles. Yet, as the Hayes family's daughter, she didn't give them so much as a glance.Everything changes when her best friend throws down a challenge. "Eleanor, if you can win over my uncle Alexander, you can pick any car from my garage."Alexander Grant, the head of Grant Group, is cold, disciplined, and impossibly proud. He is the kind of man no socialite dares to approach. Rumor has it that not even the boldest socialite dares come near.Eleanor smiles. She has never failed to get what she wants, but even the most confident schemes can be upended by the twists of fate.