The Billionaire'S Baby Bargain

"I’m dirty," he muttered after another grueling day in the fields. "Then make me dirty," his new wife shot back, her voice a mix of defiance and invitation. Once a billionaire with the world at his feet, he lost everything in a single devastating moment—his fortune, his reputation, and his identity. Now, he toils as a farmer in the quiet countryside, living a life far removed from the glittering world he once ruled. Forced into a marriage of convenience, he’s met with a woman as fiery as she is mysterious. She challenges his pride, unearths his buried wounds, and stands as a force he never expected. But who is she really, and why does she carry secrets as heavy as his own? As the two battle their own demons, they must decide: will their unlikely bond rebuild their lives, or will the weight of their pasts break them apart forever? Discover a story of redemption, resilience, and unexpected love where second chances mean risking everything.

[SLOW BURN} (CHECK OUT MY NEW MAFIA ROMANCE. OUT NOW!) "You can't hurt me anymore, Ace. I'm not that crybaby you used to know," she warned, taking a step back. "Who said anything about hurting anyone, darling? There's only one place I need to cry for me. One very," his eyes trailed down her body, and stopped between her thighs. "Very moist place." He took two steps forward, and closed the gap between them. Ace is the legitimate heir to the Atticus dynasty, but there's a condition. Grandpa before his death says he cannot fully inherit everything until he gets married, and stays married for at least a year. Quick to think, he finds a solution to his dilemma; A contract marriage. With the help of his personal assistant, Grant, He finds Fay Landon. Dainty Fay that cries a lot, and can talk a storm. He vows it's only a marriage of convenience, until the redhead let's her hair down, and shows him the woman behind the tears. She falls first, but he falls harder. In the middle of the war for a billion dollar empire, heartless Ace Atticus will learn that to come out victorious, he needs a Fay up his sleeve. THIRD MONTH OF WIN-WIN. PLEASE SUPPORT ME WITH YOUR VOTES, COLLECTIONS, REVIEWS, COMMENTS, AND GIFTS. THANK YOU.

*This book is in the viral competition, support author by gifting power stone, golden ticket, and adding book to library.* . . On the first day of their divorce he said, "She'll be back before midnight." The second day, "She'll be back in three days. It's just one of her stunt to make me mad". The third day, "She cannot do without me so she'll be back in seven days." On the seventh day, "She'll definitely come back within two weeks." After a whole month... "Boss she's really doing it, she's kissed a stranger at the gala." "Catch her and bring her home." . . In her past life she was the good and enduring wife, in this life she became his little devious sin. A pain in the ass and his little ass kicker. "No one dared treat Mr Hamilton the way she did, do you think he would forgive her?" . . Harlow Blackwood was accused and wrongfully killed in her past life by her family and husbands family. But fate had other plans for her. When she returned, Harlow swore to take revenge on the people who killed her children and ended her life. But there was something else in this life. The husband who joined her enemies to attack her in her previous life turned out to dot on her more than ever before. In her past life Harlow was a mighty cook and would prepare food for the entire family, she turned into their slave to please them, yet no one liked her. But in this life... "I am useless hubby, I can't cook, clean, have kids or take care of you... Her hubby smiled. "None of those matters. I can cook, clean, take good care of you and most importantly, give you children. How many are you willing to have?" In her current life, her husband has a huge secret too, what could that be? . . For more info on the book follow me on Instagram @Sspears and Facebook @kourtneysspears.

[1V1, sweet doting, pure in body and mind] After one night of indulgence, she took on a mysterious bigshot. Afterwards, she slipped away, but he became addicted from just one taste. Rumors had it that he was a financial heir who could cover the sky with one hand, a beast that would devour people without spitting out their bones, yet he doted on her to the point of obsession. "BOSS, the young madam has been taken advantage of." "Oh, acquire that company." "BOSS, the young madam beat up a Hollywood A-list star." "Oh, send over some medicine, her hand must be hurting from the punch." "BOSS, the young madam was confessed to." With a cold laugh, he carried her straight to the Civil Affairs Bureau. Finally, one day, she was cornered in bed and fought back fiercely, "Why are you everywhere? I can't live like this anymore, I want a divorce!" He pinned her down on the bed, "If you want to divorce, fine, the house is yours, the car is yours, the buns are yours, I, too, am yours."

"Shying away from your wifely duties, little wife?" He questioned in a husky voice, lowering his face to hers. Ariel quickly turned her head away, "No, Mr. Chaz, you're misunderstanding me again," She voiced quietly. Aiden scoffed, not believing her. He looked down at his chest and found her slim hand still placed against it. "You're quite corny, Ariel. Saying you don't want me, yet you're hands are all over me," Aiden whispered in her ear. *** After overhearing her father and stepmother planning how they were going to marry her off in place of her Stepsister to the unsuccessful son of their debtor. That night, Ariel plans her run away, but that same night, Ariel mysteriously gets kidnapped. Waking up to discover she'd been kidnapped by the same people she was trying to run away from made her life seem like it had hit rock bottom. Now, she was going to be forced into a marriage with a man she didn't know and didn't love. But, would everything remain the same for her when she discovers that her new husband was the richest Billionaire in the country? Chaz Aiden was a successful billionaire with billions of businesses all over the world and zero interest in women, especially after his mother had divorced his father for a richer man. When his grandmother asked him to do him a favor by marrying the Hudson family's daughter, he knew it was for the sake of greed. He swore to make his new wife's life a living hell, making sure he reminded her that she would always be an object he purchased, contracted and never to be loved.

Hezekiah, a strong and independent woman find her life, completely upside down when she works as an assistant for Darius Hidalgo, a mysterious and ethically ambiguous man. Despite having a stable job and loyal boyfriend, Sandro, a one night stand encounter with Darius pulls her into a world of secrets and Hidden motives. She gives in to temptation and indulges in the moment, only to find herself pregnant. As the truths unfold, Hezekiah must choose between loyalty and her own desires, taking on a journey of love, revenge and self-discovery. Temptation. Secrets. Sacrifice. Will Hezekiah risk everything to find herself? Or will the truth destroy her first? Get ready for a heart-pounding story of love, betrayal, and the seductive power of the unknown.

Jasmina Lovic is a smart strong woman assisting the CEO, her cousin, Stevan at ICan Incorporated. She is feisty and knows her way around any business and any man, and is an asset in the corporate world. People seek her out for her expertise. But what she wasn't expecting was catching the attention of Billionaire Nikolai Milordov, her mortal enemy. A man she thought, didn't even know of her existence until now. He wants to contract her for a job in his company, but what she doesn't know is that he didn't just ask for anyone he specifically, asked for her. What's going to happen when one night of passion changes their lives forever. The man that she once thought he was, isn't at all who he is. Will Nikolai conquer his past demons and give into his desire for Jasmina or will his past cause everything to fall apart? Find out! Start reading! ;)

Suzanne Mackenzie agreed to marry billionaire Andrei Runt for just one reason; she must exact her revenge on him. Andrei Runt was responsible for her sister’s death, and she would never let it slide, even if he hides himself behind his wealth. She goes on to marry him and begins to search for the one thing that would bring his whole empire down. In the meantime, she realizes Andrei is not as bad as he seemed and may have some redeemable qualities. Romantic feelings and desires ensue between them, but she must pretend for as long as she could until she gets the secret that would destroy him. Suzanne finally finds the one secret that would forever destroy him, but now she is confronted by her growing affection for him and her loyalty to her family. Would she abandon her family’s ambition and need for revenge for love? Would she honor her late sister’s memory and finally bring the man to justice? Would she abandon love, the one thing that she had ever discovered for herself, for her family duty? It’s a roller coaster of emotions that only you would want to discover.

Maya DeLuca was born as a result of adultery. She is the fruit of the shameful love affair her married mother had. Her mother passed away shortly after giving birth, leaving Maya to bear the consequences of her mother's sins. Right from birth, Maya was loathed by everyone in her family, especially her stepfather, her late mother’s husband. Maya is the evidence of his wife's betrayal; hence, she is a thorn in his flesh. He abused her, punishing her for her mother’s betrayal. Maya is a junior chef at a five-restaurant and also works as a waitress at her Stepfather’s gentlemen's club to pay off the debt she owes him. Maya's Life becomes more complicated when she gets entangled with a handsome billionaire, Dalton Black, as he hires her as his personal chef. Maya obliviously captivated Dalton's heart as love blossomed between them. However, her stepfather posed an obstacle. Dalton Black is the man Maya's Stepfather wants his niece to marry. To fight for her love for Dalton Black, Maya has to face her Stepfather’s wrath and the nefarious plans Dalton Black’s enemies have laid out for him. Dalton Black's life has been full of darkness and purgatory until he met Maya. She became his only desire, the light in his dark world. He will do anything to be with her forever even though she is a weapon his enemies are going to use against him.

“I'm pregnant” I declared, as I bowed my head to avoid his piercing gaze on me. “I'm not ready to be a father yet, so take it out” He replied icily, my eyes which were filled with tears, widened. That night was one that brought misery into my life, I was naive and that led me straight into the Devil's Den. “You forgot your place!” He mocked me while I laid on the floor in tears of shame and disgrace. “I don't do peasants” he smirked, I felt my throat go dry as I took hold of the hem of my dress and held it tightly. Was I just called a peasant? ‘Shut it! Aren't you one?’ My subconscious mind mocked in my head, and I sobbed pinching myself because I did forget my place as a ‘maid’. “Rebels don't surrender to emotions” his eyes darkened as he spoke those words to me then he turned to leave. More tears streamed down my eyes as I watched his retreating steps. He took my virginity and I couldn't stop him because I was helpless. I curse the day our paths crossed because ever since, he's brought pain into my life. Who is he? Want to know how our paths crossed? Who am I and how did I lose my virginity to him? Read this book

Olivia Miller, a billionaire, must return to her roots in Miami under a false identity after spending years abroad. Now working as a personal assistant to Noah Jones—a man from her painful past—Olivia's world spirals into a tangled web of lies, betrayals, and dangerous power games. As the tension between them escalates, old wounds resurface, enemies emerge, and alliances blur. Secrets from the past threaten to destroy everything, while Olivia’s ruthless nature and Noah’s relentless drive put them on a collision course that could shatter lives. In this high-stakes game, where power, love, and vengeance collide, who will come out on top? How long will it take for Olivia to reveal her true identity and intentions? Prepare for a gripping tale of deceit, hidden motives, and explosive consequences where no one is safe.

When Althea’s husband dies in a mysterious fire, she becomes the prime suspect. With no solid proof against her, the police hold her in custody—until a mysterious widows association intervened. They bail her out under one condition: whenever they call on her, she must comply, no questions asked. Desperate to escape prison, Althea agrees, unaware of the price she’s about to pay. For years, the association remains silent, and Althea rebuilds her life. But on the fifth year, they return with a demand she can’t ignore—it’s time to fulfill her end of the deal. Now bound to a shadowy contract and assigned to a man with secrets of his own, Althea is plunged into a world of forbidden desires, dark truths, and supernatural forces she never imagined. What started as a desperate escape may end up costing her everything—including her freedom, her sanity, and her heart. For fans of thrilling mysteries, dark romance, and gripping suspense. Twitter: @soulsofopium_1 Instagram: @ro_stallion

Meet Alex Knight, a hardworking young man burdened by crushing debt and a bleak future. When his new boss turns his life into a waking nightmare, Alex finds himself trapped in a job he can't escape, his future held hostage by the whims of a tyrant. Just when he believes he has one anchor left—his girlfriend's love—a devastating betrayal leaves him utterly broken. But then the world changes. The system descends, dragging everyone into a chaotic new reality. Alex becomes the first to sync with it, earning a mysterious title: [Apocalypse Baby] [You have awakened the skill: Exploding Touch] [Anything you touch turns into a bomb.] Armed with a deadly gift, Alex rises from the ashes of his former life to become an unstoppable force in an urban fantasy world where power rules and vengeance drives him forward.

All for the attainment of her parent's recognition, even going as far as breaking her moral boundaries and being a spy in the rival company. But eventually, they didn't hesitate to throw her under the bus leading to her marriage to the most feared business tycoon, a man who says little and glares at you through his glasses all the time. But what if this marriage is a gateway to hidden truth? A past she never knew she had and the reason for her parents' nonchalant treatment.

Jordan Jude is a successful billionaire CEO. He has power, money, and a good reputation. But Jordan has one secret, a secret he kept hidden from everyone: he's gay. However, his life falls apart when news of his romantic relationships with men becomes public. His company’s stock falls, investors leave, and the media attacks him. Jordan sees his business begin to fail. To save his company and image, his father suggests a bold idea: Jordan should hire a fake bride. A fake marriage with a woman can help quiet the critics and rebuild his public image. Jordan dislikes this plan, but he feels he has no choice.

A suicidal soldier strikes a bargain with an angel... He must find others to donate his body parts to.

Sophie Monroe, a renowned model from New York, had her world turned upside down after falling into a deceptive romance with her agency's CEO, Nathan Davies. In an act of love, she selflessly steps down from her throne, giving her rival, Amber Moon, a chance to shine. Her decision comes at a cost, leading to her being blacklisted from one of the Top 3 agencies, Star King Entertainment. Three years later, Sophie and Nathan's wedding plans unravel when she discovers Nathan's affair with Amber, who is now pregnant with his child. Heartbroken and betrayed, Sophie finds herself at the marriage court alone, left in the lurch by Nathan who uses Amber's injury as an excuse to postpone their wedding. The same day, Noah Kingsley, the CEO of Collider Scope Entertainment, also finds himself abandoned by his partner at the altar. In an unexpected twist, Sophie and Noah, two strangers bound by a common circumstance, decide to marry each other. Release Schedule: I plan to release 3-5 chapters per week, typically at 6 AM Eastern Standard Time (USA) and 11 AM Greenwich Mean Time (UK). But sometimes I will upload 2 chapters a day, for that the second time will have a 12 hours difference from the given time. Each chapter's length will range from 200 to 1500 words, depending on how much I can write. Thank you for your support, and I hope you enjoy this series!

In the glittering world of wealth and power, two ambitious women, Amara Winston and Evelyn Hart, find themselves drawn to the enigmatic Lucas Rayner, a self-made billionaire with a mysterious past. As heirs to rival empires, Amara and Evelyn have spent their lives competing for dominance in society and business, but their rivalry takes a dangerous turn when love enters the equation. Amara is calculated and poised, embodying the legacy of her traditional, old-money family. Evelyn, fiery and unpredictable, represents the bold innovations of a new generation. Both women are determined to secure Lucas's attention—not just for personal gain, but for the undeniable connection they each feel with him. Lucas, however, is not an ordinary man. Beneath his charming demeanor lies a complex web of secrets and motives. While Amara and Evelyn vie for his heart, Lucas quietly orchestrates a game of his own, testing their limits and exposing vulnerabilities they never knew they had. As business deals intertwine with personal desires, alliances are forged, and betrayals become inevitable. The stakes escalate when long-buried family secrets emerge, threatening to unravel the foundations of the Winston and Hart empires. Lucas becomes the key to salvation—or destruction—for both families. In a world where every move is calculated, every word is weighed, and every relationship has a price, Amara, Evelyn, and Lucas must navigate the delicate balance between love, ambition, and survival. But in the end, only one question remains: will love triumph, or will the game of power consume them all?

“This mark tells the world the sight of your neck belongs to me, so, no one will ever dare to look. I hate sharing what’s mine.” He whispered low, then pulled back to look into my smoldering eyes, a smirk playing on his lips. With his hand still on my throat, his thumb brushed softly over the sting mark he'd just left on my neck, sending a jolt through my body before he pulled away and walked off. I hated the way his torment turned to pleasure, leaving my body craving more while my mind rebelled. Even Lucifer in hell would have cringed at the clash between my desire and logic. Hell no, I’d never give in. *** Money, power, desire—can you really have it all? What would you do if such an opportunity came? For Zara, working as a chef at a Michelin-starred restaurant hasn’t brought her closer to freedom. Debts and the weight of her past keep her shackled in darkness. Not even in her wildest imagination did Zara think her passion for cooking would captivate an enigmatic billionaire, Ravier Auckland, to offer her a contract as his ‘atypical’ private chef. Fueled by a sense of betrayal from her loved ones and a desperate need to prove her worth, Zara sees Ravier’s offer as her way out. But will it lead to the salvation she craves or rather ignite a flame of raw, uncontrollable desire that consumes everything in its path? Very Mature Content!

"If given the chance, she would do everything in her power to never associate with those who destroyed her life and drove her to the brink of death. She would live a peaceful life and achieve her dreams," were her words before she succumbed to the darkness, embracing her demise. ***** Eveline Miller, a simple, kind, and loving girl, loved Gabriel Winston, her childhood sweetheart, all her life. However, all he did in return was hate her. One fateful night, she ended up finding herself sleeping next to him and he ended up declaring her a lair who took advantage of his intoxicated state. Though married for three years, Eveline tried her best to prove her innocence and pave her way to his heart, only to learn that her husband was having a secret affair. The days she decided to confront him was the day she was push to death by none other than her best friend, Tiffany. It was then she realized the woman her husband was cheating her with was her so called friend. But what next? The moment she thought her life was over, she woke up in the time when she wasn't married and from that moment on, she swore to make her life worth it and ignore those who didn't deserve her love. But wait, why is Gabriel suddenly being interested in her when he didn't even blink the time she was pushed to death. Come and join me in the journey of Eveline and Gabriel and enjoy the twist and turn they face along. PS: The photo cover doesn't belong to me. Credit to the respected owner.

When struggling artist Lila Hart takes a temp job as an assistant to Damian Blackwood, a cold, enigmatic billionaire, their worlds collide. Behind his wealth and power, Damian hides a painful past and an impossible secret. Lila’s warmth begins to thaw his icy exterior, but as their romance deepens, they face betrayal, public scandal, and a revelation that could destroy everything.

Blurb: Linda Charles, a bright but failing designer, never thought she would cross paths with Kevin Donald, a cruel businessman hiding his identity as a corporate giant. Linda is pushed into a fake relationship with the man she despises the most after losing everything in a twisted power game. Unknown to her, Kevin holds a deep secret that could destroy both of their lives. As they fight enemies on all sides, from spiteful ex-lovers to power-hungry foes, their intense hate turns into undeniable desire. But with Kevin's lie hanging over them and a shocking betrayal waiting in the shadows, will Linda be able to trust the man who has hurt her, or will they lose everything before love can blossom?

The footsteps sounded closer, and closer, and closer, until he faintly heard Siri's voice welcoming someone into the house, but before he could open his eyes to see who it was, he felt a large hand gripping his neck, his legs were locked tightly between much larger ones, and, he felt the cold metal of a gun placed directly on his...gun. Zeno quickly opened his eyes from instincts, ready to fight off his attacker, but the moment he did so, he was met with mesmerizing dark grey orbs, staring dangerously at him. The face of his attacker was too close, he couldn't make out his features, but he knew they were sharp, even from a closed look. He didn't bother fighting, he didn't want to lose his junior member down there, and his Nana still expected grandchildren from him. He couldn't disappoint her. "Who. Are. You?" The voice of his attacker was so deep, dark, and commanding. Zeno was a fighter, but he felt a chill run down his spine from the sound of the voice. The hand around Zeno's neck tightened, but he endured it, he was a fighter. Judging by his attacker's looks and actions of confidence, this was his boss. ~~~ After losing his parents and being faced with an unbelievable medical bill; Zeno Evander finds himself working as a Manny for a mysterious Billionaire, but it doesn't last long, after almost being killed by the Mafia billionaire, Zeno swore never to return to that place again. But after a week of escaping the Mafia billionaire, Zeno finds himself kidnapped and Blackmailed into signing a year's contract as the Mafia's Manny and bodyguard. Could Zeno escape his evil and monstrous boss? Or would he be consumed by him? Consumed by the forbidden passion he felt build up between them? Would he risk his life just to experience the burn of forbidden love? After the betrayal from his family, ex-wife and friend five years ago, Sebastian Orion became a totally different being. He became cold, aloof, and dangerous as he rose to become the most feared Mafia king of the underworld, and everyone who heard his name shivered from fear. He distrusted everyone and hated any form of human relationships, building a thick wall around himself. But, not until his son's manny came into the picture. Zeno irritated him in every way, he hated the mere sight of his bodyguard and would have chosen to kill him if not for the sake of his son. Sebastian always tried to push Zeno away by treating him in the lowest way possible. But when the contract was coming to an end, were his feelings still the same? Or did he suddenly realize that it wasn't only his son that needed Zeno? ~~~ "What are you waiting for? Leave!" Sebastian snarled bitterly. He would have to speak with Butler Nicole to find out why he brought back this stupid clown to his house. He had just returned from yet another trip, just to find this nuisance in his house again. He hated Zeno so much, he was classless and looked extremely dangerous to be near his son, who knew if he was sent as a snitch by an enemy? "I'm sorry, boss, but I can't," Zeno said and stood his ground. Leaving would mean he wanted his Nana to die, no, he'd rather stay here and take all punches that came his way, he was used to it. "What?!" Sebastian couldn't believe that such stupid people were still existing in the world. "I can't leave," Zeno repeated.

“You never loved me anyway, did you?” --------------- From the start, Lucy Grey knew her marriage was doomed to fall. She held onto her one-sided love for her husband for two years, but that was not enough to save their marriage. On the day Lucy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Landon stayed beside his first love at the hospital. Finally, she realized it was time to let go. On that same night, she signed the divorce agreement and left quietly. But fate dealt a cruel hand as Lucy found out she was pregnant! After three years of searching, Landon finally found her. However, when he stood in front of her doorstep, he never expected a child who looked exactly like him would adorably look up and ask, “Are you my daddy?” .... This novel currently participates in "Viral Book Call", a Webnovel contest. Show your support by adding this to your library and writing a review. Thank you! #Marriage #Whitemoonlight #Substitute #Baby #Winheratallcost #Faceslapping. #MLgrovelling #ObsessedML

He'd wanted her for six months. And the opportunity had finally arrived to make Celia Taylor his--at least temporarily. Billionaire businessman Evan Reese knew she was desperate to get him to sign with Maddox Communications. Perhaps he would. But first Celia needed to accompany him to beautiful Catalina for a family wedding. There he would wine, dine and seduce the stunning ad executive...for he knew she desired him, as well. Yet would she still want him when Evan told her she'd be playing the role of his fake fiancee?

Vivienne and Rico were teenage lovers who thought their love would last forever. But when Rico unexpectedly breaks up with Vivienne, she is left heartbroken and devastated. Years go by, and Vivienne tries to move on with her life. But fate has other plans. In her late twenties, Vivienne is shocked to discover that Rico is now a billionaire businessman. And to her surprise, he wants her back - but on his terms. Rico forces Vivienne into a marriage of convenience, citing a business deal that requires him to be married. Vivienne is hesitant at first, but eventually agrees to the arrangement. As they start their married life, Vivienne and Rico are like enemies, constantly bickering and arguing. But as they spend more time together, old feelings begin to resurface. They start to see each other in a different light, and their mutual attraction grows stronger. Despite their initial reluctance, Vivienne and Rico find themselves falling deeply in love again. But as their relationship blossoms, they must confront the secrets and misunderstandings that drove them apart in the first place. Will Vivienne and Rico be able to overcome their past and build a future together? Or will their differences tear them apart once again?

Xavier Harrington, a cold domineering billionaire whose company was at the brink of closing down all because he couldn't find a wife. He then resorts to paying any available lady he could find to act as his wife just until his troubles are over. His first attempt? The lady ran away with his billion dollars and he was determined to find her. However, Laura Collins who was running away from home stumbled on his guards who took her to him as the lady who ran away with his money when she had never met him. Running away from home, she encounters a billionaire who kidnapped her and wants her to sign a non-disclosure contract of living with him for two years. Will Laura accept Xavier's proposal to live with him for two years out of desperation of hiding from her family?? Will she refuse because she couldn't bear to live with someone who had kidnapped her and suddenly wanted to make her his wife when she knew nothing about him??

Isabella Green thought her life was already complicated enough; a one-night stand with a charming stranger left her pregnant, and now she's struggling to figure out her next steps. But everything spirals out of control when she mistakenly accuses the wrong man, billionaire Michael Hartley, of being the father. With one slap in a crowded restaurant, she turns his world upside down, shattering his relationship and dragging her into a web of deceit, power, and dangerous secrets. Michael isn’t the type to let things go easily, especially when he discovers it was his reckless twin brother, Liam, who fathered Isabella’s child. But Michael isn’t just furious, he’s intrigued. To protect his family’s name and salvage his public image, he forces Isabella into a fake relationship, one that’s supposed to fix everything… until real emotions start getting in the way. As Isabella navigates the high-stakes world of the Hartley family, she quickly realizes there’s more at play than a scandalous romance. From hidden fortunes and dark family secrets to a vengeful ex-girlfriend and a twin brother with dangerous enemies, Isabella is thrust into a life she never asked for. But with a baby on the way and her heart on the line, she must decide whether to trust Michael or run before she gets hurt again.