Download Chereads APP
Chereads App StoreGoogle Play
Chereads

Boston Ivy Perth

La Peligrosa Redención del Multimillonario

Tres días. Así de cerca estaba de casarme con Alistair, el hombre al que había amado durante seis años, el hombre cuya vida literalmente había salvado con mi propia sangre rara. Estaba admirando la última perla de mi vestido de novia, un vestido en el que había puesto toda mi alma, cuando él llamó. La boda? Cancelada. Se iba a casar con mi hermanastra, Ivy. Su último deseo, dijo él. Seis meses de vida, quizás menos. ¿Lo peor? Ya había tomado mi vestido de novia de mi estudio para ella. Así sin más, seis años, innumerables transfusiones, nuestros sueños compartidos – todo descartado por la chica que había hecho de mi vida un infierno desde la infancia. Incluso me ofreció una "compensación", como si mi futuro tuviera un precio. Pero si Alistair e Ivy pensaban que simplemente me derrumbaría, me subestimaron seriamente. ¿Querían a mi prometido? Bien. Pero les costaría. Primero, nuestra empresa de moda multimillonaria, Evening Gala – construida con mis diseños, mi visión. Él la cedió. Luego, un frío millón por el vestido robado. Lo pagó. Otro millón por las joyas de boda que se atrevieron a pedirme que entregara para Ivy. Cha-ching. Pensarías que aprenderían. Pero no. Su siguiente propuesta fue la más insultante: Alistair realmente sugirió que yo debería simplemente esperar. Que después del 'inevitable' fallecimiento de Ivy en unos meses, él y yo podríamos simplemente retomar donde lo dejamos, tener una boda aún mejor. ¿En serio? Ya era suficiente. Si Ivy quería jugar a ser novia con mi vida, iba a probar lo que sucede cuando empujas a alguien demasiado lejos. Digamos que su celebración en la habitación del hospital involucró mucho más humo, agua y gritos de lo que ella esperaba, todo gracias a un pequeño regalo de bodas de mi parte. Ahora saben que no soy la misma Hazel a la que podían pisotear. Tengo mi empresa, un montón de su dinero y muchas cuentas que saldar. ¿Piensan que esto ha terminado? Este juego de venganza apenas comienza. Y créanme, juego para ganar.
Claire Winters · 12.6K Views

A Perigosa Redenção do Bilionário

Três dias. Foi o quão perto eu estive de me casar com Alistair, o homem que eu amei por seis anos, o homem cuja vida eu literalmente salvei com meu próprio sangue raro. Eu estava apenas admirando a pérola final no meu vestido de noiva, um vestido no qual eu tinha colocado toda a minha alma, quando ele ligou. O casamento? Cancelado. Ele estava se casando com minha meia-irmã, Ivy. O último desejo dela, ele disse. Seis meses de vida, talvez menos. O pior? Ele já tinha levado meu vestido de noiva do meu estúdio para ela. Assim, de repente, seis anos, inúmeras transfusões, nossos sonhos compartilhados – tudo jogado fora pela garota que fez da minha vida um inferno desde a infância. Ele até me ofereceu "compensação", como se meu futuro tivesse um preço. Mas se Alistair e Ivy pensaram que eu simplesmente desmoronaria, eles me subestimaram seriamente. Eles queriam meu noivo? Tudo bem. Mas isso teria um custo. Primeiro, nossa empresa de moda multimilionária, Evening Gala – construída com meus designs, minha visão. Ele a transferiu para mim. Depois, um milhão de dólares pelo vestido roubado. Ele pagou. Mais um milhão pelas joias do casamento que eles ousaram me pedir para entregar à Ivy. Caixa registradora. Você pensaria que eles aprenderiam. Mas não. A próxima proposta deles foi a mais insultante: Alistair realmente sugeriu que eu deveria apenas esperar. Que após o 'inevitável' falecimento de Ivy em alguns meses, ele e eu poderíamos simplesmente retomar de onde paramos, ter um casamento ainda melhor. Sério? Já chega. Se Ivy queria brincar de noiva com a minha vida, ela iria experimentar o que acontece quando você pressiona alguém demais. Digamos apenas que a celebração no quarto do hospital dela envolveu muito mais fumaça, água e gritos do que ela esperava, tudo graças a um pequeno presente de casamento meu. Agora eles sabem que eu não sou a mesma Hazel que eles podiam pisar em cima. Eu tenho minha empresa, uma pilha do dinheiro deles e muitas contas a acertar. Eles acham que isso acabou? Este jogo de vingança está apenas começando. E acredite em mim, eu jogo para vencer.
Claire Winters · 5.9K Views

Die gefährliche Erlösung des Milliardärs

Drei Tage. So nah war ich daran, Alistair zu heiraten, den Mann, den ich sechs Jahre lang geliebt hatte, den Mann, dessen Leben ich buchstäblich mit meinem eigenen seltenen Blut gerettet hatte. Ich bewunderte gerade die letzte Perle an meinem Hochzeitskleid, einem Kleid, in das ich meine Seele gesteckt hatte, als er anrief. Die Hochzeit? Abgesagt. Er würde meine Stiefschwester Ivy heiraten. Ihr letzter Wunsch, sagte er. Sechs Monate zu leben, vielleicht weniger. Das Schlimmste? Er hatte mein Hochzeitskleid bereits aus meinem Studio für sie mitgenommen. Einfach so wurden sechs Jahre, unzählige Transfusionen, unsere gemeinsamen Träume – alles beiseite geworfen für das Mädchen, das mein Leben seit meiner Kindheit zur Hölle gemacht hatte. Er bot mir sogar eine "Entschädigung" an, als ob meine Zukunft ein Preisschild hätte. Aber wenn Alistair und Ivy dachten, ich würde einfach zusammenbrechen, haben sie mich ernsthaft unterschätzt. Sie wollten meinen Verlobten? Gut. Aber es würde sie etwas kosten. Zuerst unser Millionen-Dollar-Modeunternehmen, Evening Gala – aufgebaut auf meinen Designs, meiner Vision. Er unterschrieb die Übertragung. Dann eine kühle Million für das gestohlene Kleid. Er zahlte. Eine weitere Million für den Hochzeitsschmuck, den sie mich tatsächlich baten, Ivy zu überlassen. Klingeling. Man sollte meinen, sie würden daraus lernen. Aber nein. Ihr nächster Vorschlag war der beleidigendste: Alistair schlug tatsächlich vor, dass ich einfach warten sollte. Dass wir nach Ivys 'unvermeidlichem' Tod in ein paar Monaten einfach dort weitermachen könnten, wo wir aufgehört hatten, eine noch bessere Hochzeit haben könnten. Ernsthaft? Genug war genug. Wenn Ivy Braut spielen wollte mit meinem Leben, würde sie zu spüren bekommen, was passiert, wenn man jemanden zu weit treibt. Sagen wir einfach, ihre Feier im Krankenhauszimmer beinhaltete viel mehr Rauch, Wasser und Geschrei als sie erwartet hatte, alles dank eines kleinen Hochzeitsgeschenks von mir persönlich. Jetzt wissen sie, dass ich nicht mehr dieselbe Hazel bin, die sie mit Füßen treten konnten. Ich habe mein Unternehmen, einen Haufen ihres Geldes und eine Menge offener Rechnungen zu begleichen. Sie denken, das ist vorbei? Dieses Rachespiel hat gerade erst begonnen. Und glaubt mir, ich spiele, um zu gewinnen.
Claire Winters · 6.9K Views

La Dangereuse Rédemption du Milliardaire

Trois jours. C'est à quel point j'étais proche d'épouser Alistair, l'homme que j'avais aimé pendant six ans, l'homme dont j'avais littéralement sauvé la vie avec mon propre sang rare. J'admirais juste la dernière perle de ma robe de mariée, une robe dans laquelle j'avais mis toute mon âme, quand il a appelé. Le mariage ? Annulé. Il épousait ma demi-sœur, Ivy. Son souhait de mourante, disait-il. Six mois à vivre, peut-être moins. Le comble ? Il avait déjà pris ma robe de mariée de mon studio pour elle. Comme ça, six ans, d'innombrables transfusions, nos rêves partagés – tous jetés aux oubliettes pour la fille qui avait fait de ma vie un enfer depuis l'enfance. Il m'a même offert une "compensation", comme si mon avenir avait une étiquette de prix. Mais si Alistair et Ivy pensaient que j'allais simplement m'effondrer, ils m'ont sérieusement sous-estimée. Ils voulaient mon fiancé ? D'accord. Mais cela leur coûterait cher. D'abord, notre entreprise de mode multi-millions de dollars, Evening Gala – construite sur mes designs, ma vision. Il l'a cédée. Puis, un million pour la robe volée. Il a payé. Un autre million pour les bijoux de mariage qu'ils ont osé me demander de remettre à Ivy. Cha-ching. On pourrait penser qu'ils apprendraient. Mais non. Leur proposition suivante était la plus insultante : Alistair a réellement suggéré que je devrais juste attendre. Qu'après le 'décès inévitable' d'Ivy dans quelques mois, lui et moi pourrions simplement reprendre là où nous nous étions arrêtés, avoir un mariage encore meilleur. Sérieusement ? C'en était assez. Si Ivy voulait jouer à la mariée avec ma vie, elle allait goûter à ce qui arrive quand on pousse quelqu'un trop loin. Disons simplement que la célébration dans sa chambre d'hôpital impliquait beaucoup plus de fumée, d'eau et de cris qu'elle n'avait prévu, tout cela grâce à un petit cadeau de mariage de ma part. Maintenant ils savent que je ne suis plus la même Hazel qu'ils pouvaient piétiner. J'ai mon entreprise, une pile de leur argent, et beaucoup de comptes à régler. Ils pensent que c'est fini ? Ce jeu de vengeance ne fait que commencer. Et croyez-moi, je joue pour gagner.
Claire Winters · 9.1K Views

Penebusan Berbahaya Sang Milyarder

Tiga hari. Itulah seberapa dekat aku dengan pernikahan bersama Alistair, pria yang kucintai selama enam tahun, pria yang nyawanya telah kuselamatkan dengan darahku yang langka. Aku sedang mengagumi mutiara terakhir pada gaun pengantinku, gaun yang telah kucurahkan jiwaku ke dalamnya, ketika dia menelepon. Pernikahan? Batal. Dia akan menikahi saudari tiriku, Ivy. Keinginan terakhirnya, katanya. Enam bulan untuk hidup, mungkin kurang. Yang lebih menyebalkan? Dia bahkan sudah mengambil gaun pengantinku dari studioku untuknya. Begitu saja, enam tahun, tak terhitung transfusi darah, impian bersama kami – semua dibuang begitu saja demi gadis yang telah membuat hidupku seperti neraka sejak kecil. Dia bahkan menawarkanku "kompensasi," seolah masa depanku memiliki label harga. Tapi jika Alistair dan Ivy berpikir aku akan hancur begitu saja, mereka benar-benar meremehkanku. Mereka menginginkan tunanganku? Baiklah. Tapi mereka harus membayar. Pertama, perusahaan mode multi-juta dolar kami, Evening Gala – dibangun dari desainku, visi-ku. Dia menandatangani penyerahannya. Kemudian, satu juta dolar untuk gaun yang dicuri. Dia membayar. Satu juta lagi untuk perhiasan pernikahan yang mereka berani minta aku serahkan untuk Ivy. Cha-ching. Kau pikir mereka akan belajar. Tapi tidak. Proposal mereka berikutnya adalah yang paling menghina: Alistair benar-benar menyarankan bahwa aku harus menunggu saja. Bahwa setelah 'kepergian yang tak terelakkan' dari Ivy dalam beberapa bulan, dia dan aku bisa melanjutkan dari mana kami tinggalkan, mengadakan pernikahan yang bahkan lebih baik. Serius? Cukup sudah. Jika Ivy ingin bermain pengantin dengan hidupku, dia akan merasakan apa yang terjadi ketika kau mendorong seseorang terlalu jauh. Katakanlah saja perayaan di kamar rumah sakitnya melibatkan lebih banyak asap, air, dan teriakan daripada yang dia harapkan, semua berkat hadiah pernikahan kecil dariku. Sekarang mereka tahu aku bukan Hazel yang sama yang bisa mereka injak-injak. Aku punya perusahaanku, setumpuk uang mereka, dan banyak sekali dendam untuk dibalas. Mereka pikir ini sudah berakhir? Permainan balas dendam ini baru saja dimulai. Dan percayalah, aku bermain untuk menang.
Claire Winters · 4.4K Views

The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption

Three days. That’s how close I was to marrying Alistair, the man I’d loved for six years, the man whose life I’d literally saved with my own rare blood. I was just admiring the final pearl on my wedding dress, a gown I’d poured my soul into, when he called. The wedding? Off. He was marrying my stepsister, Ivy. Her dying wish, he said. Six months to live, maybe less. The kicker? He’d already taken my wedding dress from my studio for her. Just like that, six years, countless transfusions, our shared dreams – all tossed aside for the girl who’d made my life a living hell since childhood. He even offered me “compensation,” as if my future had a price tag. But if Alistair and Ivy thought I’d just crumble, they seriously underestimated me. They wanted my fiancé? Fine. But it would cost them. First, our multi-million-dollar fashion company, Evening Gala – built on my designs, my vision. He signed it over. Then, a cool million for the stolen dress. He paid. Another million for the wedding jewelry they dared to ask me to hand over for Ivy. Cha-ching. You’d think they’d learn. But no. Their next proposal was the most insulting yet: Alistair actually suggested that I should just wait. That after Ivy’s ‘inevitable’ passing in a few months, he and I could just pick up where we left off, have an even better wedding. Seriously? Enough was enough. If Ivy wanted to play bride with my life, she was going to get a taste of what happens when you push someone too far. Let's just say her hospital room celebration involved a lot more smoke, water, and screaming than she bargained for, all thanks to a little wedding gift from yours truly. Now they know I’m not the same Hazel they could walk all over. I’ve got my company, a pile of their cash, and a whole lot of scores to settle. They think this is over? This game of revenge is just getting started. And believe me, I play to win.
Claire Winters · 240.7K Views

The Cursed Triplet Alphas’ Fated Mate

Being a wolfless hybrid was bad? Yes, but not as bad as being rejected by your groom three days before your wedding, in favor of your younger sister! ~~~ Sue was an outcast from birth, and she grew up stomaching ridicules and insults despite being a princess in starlight pack. Instead of wallowing in self pity, Sue strives for strength and soon becomes a strong fighter. Having been rejected multiple times for being the pack’s freak, Sue was over the moon when she unexpectedly gets accepted by her present mate whom she’s presently engaged to. However, when she’s rejected again, and is replaced by her sister this time, she believes all hope is lost for her, not knowing fate has something else in store for her. In a mission that’s supposed to kill her, she ends up coming across her mate in the monstrous enemy she was sent to capture, and by the end of it all, she discovers said mate has two brothers who’re also her mates, and not only were they willing to accept her, they forcefully took her along with them against her will, making Sue dislike and want nothing to do with them. Too bad they were stupidly hot and utterly breathtaking. Cursed because of the sins of their ancestors— Angelo, Landon and Damon lived as part monsters and part wolves, a deadly curse which would end up taking their lives if they didn't find their fated mate, the key to breaking the curse. Which was why as soon as they found her, there was no way they’d be letting her go, no matter what. Even though she was the daughter of their greatest enemy, even though she was wolfless, and even though she definitely wasn’t the fire breathing, powerful mate that was prophesied for them decades ago. ~~~ | ~~~ “I bet your nipples are hard right now. And are you wet between your legs as well? I should be able to smell it if I focus hard.” he husked out in a sultry voice, the dark eyes of his drinking me up and I wished the ground would open up to swallow me up at once. “N- no…” I managed to hurl out but he only laughed, then he leaned even closer and my heart lurched into my throat after his next words. “Why? You hate hearing the truth?” He demanded then I felt his large hand settle on my thigh. “I can check right now for you, to see if you’re dripping and making a mess of your little panties.” My cheeks felt so red, it felt like they might go up in flames at any moment from now. “A- are you crazy?” I managed after what felt like ages, while gaping at him as an immense amount of shock went through my entire body. He flashed me a dark grin, his fangs gleaming in the moonlight. “Couldn’t you tell?” He drawled and I let out a huff of disbelief. This man wasn’t just crazy. He was mad. Him and his two brothers.
Josephine_Ivy1 · 132.2K Views

When the CEO and the Star Swapped Lives

Z-List actress Skylar Vance has been dogged by controversy since her debut. Vilified for her curves and drowned in tabloid scandals, she’s branded a "sex symbol" by ruthless industry rivals. Studio sabotage, smear campaigns, and predatory gossip columns have trapped her career in limbo for years. Enter Silas Sterling, the Ivy League-educated CEO of Sterling Holdings. A titan of Wall Street whose strategic ruthlessness reshaped entire industries, he reigns from a gilded throne—yet his icy demeanor has alienated family and colleagues alike. To the world, he’s untouchable. To those who know him? Unbearable. When a freak accident swaps their bodies, Skylar wakes up as the feared billionaire—and accidentally sets about revolutionizing Sterling Holdings with radiant empathy: She starts her days with warm family check-ins, showers subordinates with genuine care, rolls out irresistible employee perks, and lavishes compliments on her secretary's stunning new perm. Meanwhile, Silas storms through Skylar’s world like a corporate Category 5 hurricane: suing tabloids into oblivion, blacklisting scheming rivals, and warning online trolls with signature legal threats. The Internet Explodes: Forum Post: WHO is Skylar Vance’s sugar daddy? Her rise from Z-list to A-list reeks of shady backing! Tabloids froth with theories about her mysterious benefactor—until Sterling Holdings’ notoriously reclusive CEO drops a bombshell on live TV: "I’m bankrolling my own girlfriend’s career. Got a problem with that?"
周伊雯 · 2.8K Views

Zombie Apocalypse: I Have Safe Zone Superpower

The beginning of the apocalypse brought chaos and disaster to humanity. It tore away the mask of society and revealed the cruelty hiding beneath. Ivy Ravencroft experienced it all firsthand. Her family was unfair and cruel, and they abused her so badly that she went blind. Her lover died trying to protect her, and she spent the next five years struggling to survive—until she finally died in the apocalypse. But then, Ivy woke up again—reborn in the first year of the apocalypse. At first, she felt hopeless. If only she had returned to a time before the apocalypse, she could have gathered food, weapons, and supplies to survive better. Still, she was grateful for one thing: she had kept her special ability—the power to create safe zones. This time, Ivy made a promise. She would protect her lover, find her real family, and take revenge on everyone who had hurt her. .................................. "Huh? Why is there a bento box lying here?" Ivy asked, confused. "What bento? Are you trying to trick me again?" Silas asked, sadness in his eyes. "This one!" Ivy said, holding up the packaged meal and waving it at him. "What the—where did that come from?" Silas stared at it in shock. Ivy’s eyes widened. She realized something—only she could see these items, and when she picked them up, they became real. "Can… I buy it from you?" Silas asked, unsure. "Of course. But I won't give it to you for free." Ivy smiled like a fox. Silas closed his eyes; he was ready for her to demand something sky-high and said, "Okay. Tell me how many gold bars you want." Ivy smiled and teased, "I don't want gold bars; they are way too cheap. I want one kiss." Silas: Blushing hard. His subordinates: "..." This wave of dog food was too unexpected! ....................................................... With the supplies, picking a superpower and a safe zone superpower, Ivy built her own residential area. She gained Kindness Energy and multiplied supplies with the help of Temporal Storage.
LittleRabbit1111 · 41.7K Views

My Harem is Full Of Naughty SSS Ranked Heros And Villains

In a world ruled by superpowered heroes and twisted villains, I—Michael Sean—play the role of an E-rank student with a "pathetic" teleport ability at Hero Academy. But that’s the lie. I’m Unknown—the underground's most feared rising villain. The mastermind behind deadly missions. The man wanted by every hero council in the world. And yet… I’m surrounded by **beautiful, powerful, and dangerously naughty women— Each one a walking SSS+ bombshell. Each one hopelessly obsessed with me. --- Sarah – Hero Academy's top student. Cold on the surface, but beneath that ice is a girl begging to be dominated. She’s the daughter of one of the heros I am going to have revenge on… and also my girlfriend. Poison Ivy – My second-in-command in the villain syndicate. Twisted, toxic, and will literally kill anyone who tries to take her place in my bed. Electric Girl – Sarah’s wild best friend. She wants me... even if it means betraying her own team. And more to come… --- I’m not just building a harem. I’m building an empire. By day, I pretend to be shy, gloomy, harmless. By night, I’m the reason their thighs tremble and cities burn. But with every kiss… every touch… every moan… I’m getting closer to my true goal— > REVENGE. Because one of the hero who is a likely suspect of the one that killed my parents sits on the throne of justice… And his daughter calls me “darling.” --- Genres: Smut · Action · Romance · Villain MC · Reverse Morality · Harem · Academy · Superpowers · Psychological Tags: Yandere · Possessive Females · Dominant MC · Secret Identity · Betrayal · Public Innocence, Private Madness · Forbidden Romance · Revenge Plot · NSFW Scenes · 18+ --- Warning: This novel contains explicit scenes, morally gray characters, and women who don’t just fight crime… they beg for punishment.
The_NovelCrafter · 7.1K Views

Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

On the day of her wedding, Ivy Quinn vanishes, leaving behind only a note: "I’m sorry, I can't marry a blind man." To protect her son from heartbreak, Elizabeth Winters strikes a desperate deal—Ruby, Ivy’s identical twin, must take her sister’s place at the altar. Trapped by duty and family pressure, Ruby agrees, believing it will only last until Stefan’s eyesight is restored. But from the moment they marry, Stefan senses something is different about his "wife." The woman beside him is nothing like the shallow fiancée he once knew. She’s sharp, resilient, and understands his business in a way Ivy never did. Against all odds, he falls harder than ever for this new version of her. And Ruby? She never expected to fall in love with a man who was never meant to be hers. But just when she finds the courage to tell him the truth, Ivy returns, ready to reclaim the life she abandoned. When Stefan finally opens his eyes, will he see the woman who truly stood by him—or will he be too blind to recognize real love? ****Excerpt**** “By the way, did Ruby come to the wedding?” he asked, catching her off guard since she hadn't expected him to ask her that all of a sudden. Was he already suspecting that it was her and not Ivy? Ruby’s fingers froze on the door handle for just a fraction of a second. It was enough to set off alarms in Stefan's head. “I—uh…” She hesitated, but only briefly. “No. She had work. She couldn’t make it.” Was he suspecting a switch already? What must have set off the alarm in his head? Stefan hummed, tilting his head slightly. “Oh, I see. How is she, then? I hope she's coming to visit one of these days?” Her fingers tightened on the handle, though her voice remained steady. “Yeah. She would, the moment she is chanced and can come.” A slow smirk tugged at the corner of Stefan’s lips, though he kept his expression neutral. Interesting. Very interesting. His wife had just lied to him and he didn't know why. Even though he was blind, he'd find out why soon enough.
BabyAngel2 · 162.5K Views

Shards of Silence

Audrey Jones has spent her life trapped behind pristine walls, part of a family that shines in public and shatters in private. To their church and school community, the Joneses are the perfect family—devoted parents, active leaders, and doting caretakers. But behind the doors of their immaculate home, Audrey is subjected to cruel punishments, relentless gaslighting, and isolation designed to break her. When the Joneses adopt Mia, the daughter of their deceased friends, Audrey hopes for a sister. Instead, she gains her worst tormentor. Charming and cunning, Mia quickly earns their parents' favor and manipulates her way into the role of the perfect child. With each passing day, Mia spins a web of lies that paints Audrey as unstable, pushing her deeper into loneliness and convincing everyone around her—including her teachers—that Audrey is dangerous. But Mia’s greatest weapon is not the belt or the starvation. It’s the story she weaves so masterfully that no one questions it. When Audrey collapses at school, worn down by sleepless nights and Mia’s slow chemical sabotage, she finds an unexpected ally in Mrs. Hayes, an English teacher who sees through the golden facade. As the Joneses tighten their grip and Mia’s manipulation escalates to terrifying heights, Audrey must decide whether to keep surviving inside the golden cage—or find the strength to shatter it. In a world where truth is dismissed as delusion and love is wielded as a weapon, Audrey's fight is not just for freedom, but for the right to own her story.
Minerva_Ivy · 8.3K Views

The Conqueror's Concubine: His Obessesion

He destroyed her kingdom. Now he wants her heart. Taken as a concubine by the ruthless King Malek—known for razing realms with his god-like powers—Seraya swore she’d never bow. But the more she resists, the more obsessed he becomes. In a palace of jealous rivals and deadly secrets, Seraya must survive his obsession, outwit his enemies… and guard her heart before it’s claimed completely. Because soon, she’ll discover exactly why they call him the Conqueror— and what becomes of those who dare to defy him. -Enemies to Lovers -Tyrant King x Captive Princess -Palace Intrigue -Soul-bonded Fates Teaser Preview: Seraya didn’t look back. King Malek watched her disappear beyond the hedges, striding away purposefully, not allowing her pride on full display. Interesting. He stood in the garden’s center, arms loosely folded, pulse annoyingly fast. A part of him—cold and calculating—should’ve left by now. Should’ve called a guard to escort her, reminded himself she was just another unwilling offering from a conquered land. But the rest of him, the darker, quieter part… was intrigued. She was different. Most women fell over themselves trying to please him. Some wept. Some flattered. Others performed needlessly grand gestures to gain his notice. But Seraya? She hid under tables and looked at him like he was something less than impressive. Like he was just another guard with nothing to offer her. It was maddening. And strangely refreshing. Malek sat back down on the same cushion she’d just vacated, still warm from her body, her scent lingering faintly—honeysuckle and sun-warmed linen. This, he thought. This is the scent that has been evading him the past few weeks. He’d gotten lingering traces of it at times when he’d enter a room, but it was always a ghost of a scent. At times it had lingered around that little red headed concubine, Jane or something. She was decent in bed, eager for sure. But not what he wanted. Lying in bed afterwards, her true scent came out—apples and ivy, and left him feeling empty. What had first intrigued him had been an illusion. But he knew it existed somewhere in the palace. He’d felt like a bloodhound the past few weeks searching for its true owner. Of course it belonged to the little vixen who has been avoiding the king like the plague. He took another deep inhale. His hand drifted to the spot where her fingers had curled into the edge of the cushion. He let out a breath and chuckled softly to himself. “You really don’t know, do you?” he murmured to the empty garden. She hadn’t recognized him. Not without the crown, the robes, the ring of soldiers and desperate concubines. And gods, that made it even better. It had been a long time since anyone had spoken to him without fear or flattery. She hadn’t lied to protect herself. She didn’t pander. She just was. Honest. Guarded, yes, but there had been a spark behind her eyes. A fire buried beneath the survival instincts. He’d seen it. Felt it. She hated him. And it thrilled him. He leaned his head back against the stone wall and closed his eyes, letting the filtered sunlight wash over his face. This garden had always been a quiet place, but now it felt… alive. Perhaps because for once, he didn’t have to be the king. He could be Lex—just a man in training clothes. Just a shadow on the edge of her world. And she had let him in, just a little. “She thinks I’m charming,” he mused aloud, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Poor girl.” He wouldn’t reveal himself yet. No, not until she was well and truly tangled. Until she wanted him—and hated herself for it. Until she looked at Lex the way all the others looked at Malek… and realized too late that they were the same man. But it wouldn’t be easy. She was flame wrapped in thorns. And if he reached too fast, too hard, she’d cut him before she burned him. He liked that. He hadn't meant to linger. A quiet moment int he library-that's all he wanted. But instead he found something better than peace. A challenge.
PennyRose · 15.1K Views
Related Topics
More