Secret Billionaire Husband

"Let's break up." He said, coldly. She loved him so much, but he suddenly left her life. Later, she married someone else but lived unhappily because her husband had his own lover. However, seven years later, he appeared again...

Although it was a contract marriage, she loved her husband whole-heartedly. But only to be told that he never loved her. "Let's divorce, I owe her an explanation." Her heart broke to ashes. She decided to focus on her medical career and her baby. To her surprise, powerful men starting chasing after her, wanting to be a stepfather to her child. And her child's real father, her ex-husband, regretted his past decisions deeply. "Darling, I'm sorry, I know I was wrong. Please, let's get married again."

After breaking up with her childhood sweetheart, she ended up with a poor man, living a life of complete poverty. However, she unexpectedly discovered that her poor husband's real identity: a powerful billionaire tycoon! She couldn't believe that all this was true and tearfully hugged her man who hadn't even had the chance to change out of his suit. "I'm not worthy of you, I'm not capable of being the mistress of such a prestigious family." "You don't have to be capable of anything. Just remember that you are my wife, and if anything happens, your husband will take care of it, don't be afraid of anything."

The bride had run away and she was brought in to impersonate her, scoring a handsome husband for free. Her husband was rich, domineering, and had a great physique. Young and vigorous with plenty of strength! The boss wants to take advantage of her? Acquisition! Someone is bullying her? Blacklist! A car hit her? Smash it! "Honey, you're too violent." "I can't help it, I can't stand seeing others bully you." She was touched, thinking that happiness had arrived and that she could become Mrs. Ryan for real. Until one day, he packed her luggage for her. "Leave, she's back now." She hid her pregnancy diagnosis and left in style… Five years later, she returned home with her twins. All of a sudden one day, "Mommy, some scammer dared to impersonate our dad, we beat him up! We should be rewarded, right?" "Beat someone up? And still want a reward?" Who did these two little devils learn this violence from? Wait a minute? Their dad?... Sofia rushed to check, and who was locked in the restroom if not Mr. Ryan Gregory! Ryan Gregory roared, "How do you educate the kids!" Sofia raised an eyebrow, "I can’t help it, it's hereditary!"

Carry a full belly, her husband brings another woman home and even wants to kick her out! Tragically dying and reincarnated, she is determined to escape, yet he relentlessly pursues: "Dare to flee, I'll search the entire city, find that woman within 48 hours!" He's arrogantly domineering, turning his hand he treats her as insignificant, reversing his hand she's the treasure held in his palm. She scoffs: "Stay away from me, we’re already divorced!"

"Hubby, I don't want anymore, I feel terrible..." "Baby, be good, finish up this medicine." The handsome man embraces the woman in his arms, coaxing her tenderly as he feeds her the medicine. Joanna Lawrence stumbles upon Ashton Heath, the most esteemed scion in all of Closia City, and ends up sleeping with him for the night. After he offers her benefits in exchange for their marriage, the newly appointed Mrs Heath suddenly has the power to have everything she ever wished for. "Hubby, I slapped the Movie Queen Faye today, was I too much?" "Baby, does your hand hurt? Let me rub it for you." "Hubby, I maxed out your credit card, are you angry?" "Baby, are you happy with your purchase? Let me know when you need more." "Hubby, I'm tired today, I don't want to move..."

Cesare Traon Karl Erzet, the Imperial Commander-in-Chief. After three years of service in the war, he returned to propose to Eileen. Eileen struggled to believe that Cesare’s marriage proposal was sincere. After all, from the moment they met when she was ten, The affectionate man had always treated her like a child. “I don’t—I don’t want to marry Your Highness.” For so long, her love for him was unrequited. She did not wish for their marriage to be a transaction. Was it because of the long war? The man, who was normally cool and rational, had changed. His impulsive actions, his unbridled desire for her—they were all too unfamiliar. “This should only be done with someone you love!” “You can also do it with the person you plan to marry.” Eileen was intrigued by this change. And yet, the closer she became with Cesare… She discovered things that defied reason or logic. Eileen learned about her husband’s many evil deeds not long after. “I couldn’t even have your body, Eileen.” Everything he did was for her. He became the villain, only for his Eileen.

After her parents passed away, all of her family's inheritance was taken away by her uncle. Daisy, who used to be a rich, young lady, fell on hard times and was forced to marry one of the family's bodyguards. Steven, who was the Wilson Family's best, treated her coldly and arrogantly all day long. Suddenly one day, she discovered that the heir to the Martinez Family looked exactly like her husband. Daisy asked,"Honey, are you brothers with him?" Steven replied without a change in his expression,"I have nothing to do with such a playboy. Look at me,wife, don't look at him. How can that pretty boy compare to your handsome husband?"

Despite being betrayed by her boyfriend, the neglected heiress Lariette Elsher is still forced to marry him – all because her family wants to appease the fake daughter. The one she was switched at birth with. Screw this! She's done playing nice! Devasted and enraged, Lariette seeks her friend's help – to pick the best man at her butler cafe to be her contracted husband. Enter Ruediger Alvord, infamously known as the poor outcast of the Alvord family, the Elsher's family nemesis. He proposes to be Lariette's partner-in-crime, to wreak havoc in both families. While Lariette is busy getting her revenge, she fails to notice her contracted husband's strange behavior. She also fails to recognize him from a distant past. Before> Ruediger: I have nothing much on my name but, I can be a good househusband. Lariette: It's okay. I can feed you. After> Ruediger: Do you want that house? It's nothing much. Only one billion. Lariette: Aren't you just... a househusband? Since when is her husband a billionaire?! ---------- WSA 2025 Entry Exclusive cover illustration by @khaizusan (Instagram) Font and design by LotusLin We'll have two main couples in this story. Their romance will be shown simultaneously instead of in different volumes :) First: Neglected heiress FL X hidden bigshot ML Second: Returned with a bun FL X groveling husband ML

She’s a brilliant venture capital executive, driven, intelligent, and fiercely committed to achieving financial freedom through her own efforts. He’s a handsome, highly educated, and capable man, but with one fatal flaw—he’s always looking for shortcuts, including marrying into wealth. When she finds out she’s become his "target," she feels powerless to resist, torn between her rational mind and her emotions. But one extravagant gala turns her world upside down. He appears as the heir to a prestigious family, exuding an aura of cold authority and unshakable composure that commands attention. Standing amidst the crowd, she’s frozen in shock, silently mocking herself for mistaking this man—so deeply rooted in privilege—for a pretty boy chasing her financial support. Overwhelmed with shame, she quickly makes her exit, only to find him leaning casually against a Lamborghini outside. A teasing smile plays on his lips as his eyes lock onto hers. “Running away already, darling?” he asks, his tone light but provocative. In this city where power and wealth intertwine, their story begins—a clash of pride and sincerity, and perhaps, a love reborn from misunderstanding.

Lyla Knight thought she knew her husband, the enigmatic and stoic Noah Anderson—CEO of a billion-dollar empire and the golden bachelor of City A. Their marriage was a quiet agreement, a union arranged by their families to ensure Lyla's safety and happiness. For two years, Noah was away expanding his business, and Lyla pursued her dream of becoming a singer, believing they were just two polite strangers bound by a contract. But appearances can be deceiving. Noah Anderson, the king of the business world, has always been a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Beneath his calm demeanor lies an obsession—a love so deep that he’s been silently protecting his innocent "little rabbit" from the shadows. When he finally returns, his carefully constructed facade begins to crack. “Sweetheart,” he murmurs one day, his voice a mix of pleading and determination, “I let them think I didn’t love you enough to show you off. But now, can we go public? Let me slap their faces with the truth.” Even the king of hell is willing to make puppy eyes to convince his wife to acknowledge him as her husband—a sight that leaves his assistant Cheng fleeing the office in shock. But Lyla’s world is truly shaken when she stumbles into Noah’s private library and finds a hidden treasure trove: old, secretly taken photos of herself from years before they were married. Her heart pounds as she backs away, only to collide with the man himself. His familiar scent surrounds her as his deep, velvety voice whispers near her ear, “It has always been you, sweetheart.” Caught between the shy, gentlemanly facade she believed in and the possessive, passionate man he truly is, Lyla must navigate the truth about her husband and their secret marriage.

Billionaire Sebastiano De Luca walks out of prison after serving five years for a gruesome massacre, the world is left stunned. But Special Agent Emily Steve isn't convinced of his innocence. As she digs deeper uncovers a web of deceit and conspiracy that threatens to destroy everything. But she discovers a shocking revelation: The massacre was the product of something no one could fathom a mastermind with twisted motive. But what Emily uncovers next will change everything about her own past , and will force her to confront a dark truth that threatens to destroy her entire world

Elena June, a ghostwriter of adult stories, finds herself in a dangerous situation when her mentor, Adrian Caldwell, discovers her secret job. A respected and emotionless person, professor Adrian offers her a deal to keep her secret in exchange for her obedience. As he closes in on her, Elena is filled with fear, realizing that Adrian wants control over her in more ways than one.

“Where do you think you are going with those bags?” Xander interrogated as soon as he cornered her. “Of course, I’m leaving you!” She said, standing her ground, despite the fear in her eyes. “Why?” “You forgot to mention how dangerous you were.” Xander let out a deep throaty chuckle. “Sweetheart, you didn’t ask.” “I don’t care! I don’t want to be a part of this anymore!” She insisted. Xander shook his head. “Too late. We are already married. You now belong to me, and divorce is out of the question.” — Aurora Swift’s world shatters when Owen—her boyfriend of five years—breaks up with her via text. The betrayal deepens when she finds out he’s also getting engaged to her half-sister, Olivia Swift on the same day. Heartbroken and filled with rage, Aurora has a one-night stand with Xander Scott, Owen’s enigmatic uncle and the youngest billionaire in the country. When the fling leads to a marriage proposal from Xander with a promise to help her get her revenge, Aurora finds it hard to refuse. However, Aurora soon realizes that this is anything but a whirlwind romance. Xander Scott hides more secrets than Aurora knows, and the dangers that follow his mysterious identity soon bring about complications in their marriage. When Xander’s secret identity comes to light, will Aurora choose to remain in the marriage as her love for him has grown in depth, or let it drive them apart?

Synopsis Emma got home to a shocking news in a letter that says she the heiress of her father's company. she had never meet her father. She had grew up with the illusion that her abandoned her mom and had died a long time ago. Puzzled, she decided to go to New York City to find out who her father was and her true identity. But, Emma faces different challenges and opposition from members of her father's extended family who believed that she is an imposter who just came to reap where she did not sow. A major antagonist in the story shows up with a claim that Emma is not the true heiress. Now, Emma must prove herself a worthy heiress and safe her family's legacy and company During the course of the story, more secrets are revealed including facts about Emma Stone's father involving himself with illegal activities which he had to do in order to protect his family What exactly are those illegal activities? Will Emma reclaim her inheritance or will she allow her opposition and rivalry to defeat her? Find out more in this intriguing book that is built on Love, Betrayal, secrecy, and growth.

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Aurelia Holt had quietly sacrificed her career to be a stay-at-home wife for her husband, Blake Carson, so that he could work full time while also pursuing his dream of becoming a successful producer in the future. But on the night of their second wedding anniversary, she watched her husband come home with another woman in his arms. It was Stella, his first love whom he was never really over. “She is already upset, you don’t have to make her feel worse. Is it wrong to show care and concern for my friend?” He argued as he clenched his jaws and kept his gaze steady on my face. “She isn’t just your friend, she was your ex, your first love. And isn’t it so convenient that everytime she needs you or something happens whenever I just want to spend some time with you?” He had always chosen Stella over her, putting her needs and feelings above hers. And that night, she finally had enough. “All you ever care about is Stella!” I continued to yell so loudly that I could practically hear my voice ringing in my ears. “You always do this! You always choose her over me, you always put her feelings above mine.” I watched as a smirk tugged at Stella’s lips as she watched me argue with my husband over her. Blake walked to her side, wrapping his arm around her as she curled her fingers around his arm with a pitiful look. “Stop yelling, you are scaring Stella. Why can’t you be more understanding and stop being so self-centered? Not everything is about you!” The last thing she remembered was her running out into the pouring rain and the next thing she knew, she was asking a stranger to marry her. That stranger was Xavier Wilder, the billionaire CEO of one of the most successful companies in the country. But there was more to him that Aurelia didn’t know just yet, something he was hiding from her. Together, she vowed to make her ex-husband’s life a living hell. There were only two things he cared about the most―his reputation and his ego. And she planned to destroy it all, bit by bit.

Emerald Greene, a teacher with a broken heart, is rescued from drowning by a mysterious man. They start a no-strings-attached fling, but Emerald's world turns upside down when she discovers he’s the father of one of her students. Torn between being a mistress or letting him go, Emerald faces a choice that’s even harder when she realizes she needs him for revenge against her ex. Will she stay for love or leverage?

The Billionaire’s Secret System Jiang Wei is no ordinary billionaire. A financial prodigy who rose from nothing, he built Titan Capital into a global powerhouse, dominating markets with ruthless precision. But his greatest weapon isn’t his wealth—it’s the secret AI-driven system he created, a program capable of predicting and manipulating financial trends before they happen. To the world, Jiang Wei is a self-made success. Behind the scenes, he walks a dangerous line between power and destruction. Governments, corporations, and rival elites would kill to control his system, and now, Kai Corporation, a tech giant with hidden ambitions, is closing in on his secret. When a mysterious cyberattack breaches his defenses, Jiang Wei realizes he’s no longer just playing the market—he’s playing for survival. From the high-stakes world of finance to underground power struggles in Shanghai and Tokyo, he must outwit enemies, forge uneasy alliances, and protect his empire. But in a game where money is just the surface, who really holds the strings of power? A battle of intelligence, wealth, and survival begins. In the world of billionaires, there are no rules—only winners and losers. And Jiang Wei refuses to lose.

“Congratulations, you have been hired as the personal assistant…” “Really!” Grace exclaimed even before Jace Brandon, the CEO of Brandon Corporations could finish his statement. The growing sparkle in Grace’s eyes did not escape the keen sight of Jace. “To my son,” he completed. “Yes, I’m very much delighted to take up the position of the personal assistant to … your what?!” Grace’s eyes almost popped out of their socket as she completed “son?” listlessly. “You heard me right,” Jace replied coldly as he stared at Grace. “Is that not the same as being employed as your child’s nanny?” Grace asked doubtfully. “If you want to put it that way, yes.” Jace replied nonchalantly. “In other words…” Grace began. “You are officially my son’s nanny, if you accept the offer,” Jace Brandon completed. “If there is nothing else, this interview is officially over.” ********* Grace Fowler, who had always dreamt of becoming a top designer in the biggest designing firm in the country was blacklisted for exposing sensitive company information due to a set up by the ones she trusted the most— her boyfriend and her kid sister. Shattered and battered, she set out for greener pastures in an unknown land and ended up being hired as a nanny to the son of Jace Brandon, the wealthiest billionaire in San Francisco. But the scariest thing was when her job description was gradually amended to not only taking care of the five year old autistic son of the CEO but the widowed CEO himself. What does the future hold for her when suddenly, everything around her begins to change and her past comes calling again with the sudden appearance of her boss’s late wife. Will Grace be able to let go of her past and embrace the joy of fighting for the heart of the man her heart yearns for, or settle for happiness in the arms of Trent, her boss’s cousin, who literally adores the ground Grace walks on?

*Synopsis:* David, a vulnerable eighteen-year-old, is to leave the only home he's ever known-The Orphanage. With nowhere to turn, he's offered a job by the orphanage's priest, Father Michael. Desperate and grateful, David accepts. Unknown to David, The priest has sinister intentions. The priest's outward piety hides a dark secret: he's a predator who exploits young men for his own twisted desires. David soon finds himself trapped in a living nightmare, forced to endure unimaginable abuse at the hands of Father Michael and the nuns. As the horrors escalate, David discovers the shocking truth: his ordeal was orchestrated from the start. The orphanage, once a sanctuary, has become a hunting ground for predators. Fuelled by rage and a thirst for vengeance, David embarks on a perilous quest for revenge against those who destroyed his innocence. Will he find justice, or will his pursuit of retribution consume him? *Genre:* Psychological Thriller/Drama

Claire Reed thought she married the man of her dreams, Evander Kensington, but she had no idea that their marriage was built on a lie; a family vow that trapped him by her side. His heart, however, belonged to another woman, his white lotus. No matter how hard Claire tried to win Evander’s love, he only grew colder, and his family treated her like she didn’t exist. When she lost their unborn child, Claire’s world shattered. She wanted to see Evander, but he didn't bother to check on her. Instead, he went to meet that white lotus. Unable to bear the betrayal, she decided to free Evander from this marriage, leaving behind a letter and divorce papers, claiming she now had someone else she loved! ~~~~ "You’re mine, and I’ll never let you go!” he declared, his voice dark with possessiveness. “But I don’t want you anymore! You can have Susan—I’m now in love with someone else!” Claire shot back, her words sharp and final. "You can't be with anyone. Do you even know how sleepless nights I've without you?" Evander's hold on her tightened. "I'll see how you become some else when I'll claim you," he pronounced before crashing his lips on her.

Charlotte Bourbon, a 19-year-old widow, was happy in her life after she got married to the man of her dreams. However, because of a sudden illness, her husband died within a month, and Charlotte's life came to a sudden halt. ‘She became the curse for her husband that he died young.’ ‘She is the one, who killed her husband.’ ‘She should have died with her husband.’ Numerous such things Charlotte would hear from the people around her in the palace when she decided to take her life. However, was it that easy to die? Édouard Bourdillon was the eldest son of King Christian Bourdillon of the Kingdom of Escana. He decided to marry the widow of his late younger brother so that he could take over the Beromont territory which his brother possessed. But was this the only reason he wanted to marry Charlotte? ~~~~~~~~ "What are you doing?" Terrified Charlotte asked as she saw Édouard unbuttoning his shirt. "I am hot, so I am taking off the shirt," Édouard said and reached for the last button. "But it's cold weather," Charlotte said and knitted her brows. "Not here, Charlotte. Your mere presence around me makes me hot," Édouard said and took off the shirt. "Ahhh!" Charlotte quickly brought her hands in front of her eyes and covered them. From the gaps between her fingers, she peeked out of curiosity. A lump formed in her throat as she saw his perfectly carved body with a few scars on the chest and near the abdomen. Charlotte saw him approaching her and she tightly shut her eyes. A few seconds later, when she realized everything was so quiet, she opened her eyes again and found him before her. She promptly moved back and hit the wall behind her. She thought to leave the room when Édouard caged her petite body between his arms. "Are you going to—" "Yes. I want to be wild with you tonight, Little Cherry," Édouard said with a smirk, and the next second, he lifted her in his arms. ~~~~~ *Cover art is mine. Made by "HS AONARAN" available on FB* Follow me on Instagram: rayoflight_pcy

Li Che, a twenty three years old failed singer decided to venture into the acting industry after five failed years as a singer but unexpectedly found out she was sold to the revered business boss Mu Jingze by her father. What becomes her fate and did she succeeded in becoming a movie star? Find out as we begin our journey.

Follow Instagram @sere_nity_lee for new info novel of Serenity Lee [Mature content] [WSA 2022] || Vol 1-3 END "So, you are, my lecturer?" Audia asked as the two of them were on their way in Alvin's private car. Alvin cleared his throat once. "Yes, that is so." "No wonder I feel like I know your face," said Audia, matching her memory. "What do you teach, huh?" "Architecture." Audia nodded her head while her mouth formed an 'o' shape. 'Uh? .... Wait ... what?' Suddenly the nerves of her brain suppress the memory in the hippocampus. "Mr. Mandala?" Audia asked for sure. Which immediately got a nod from Alvin. "No way!" Audia screamed in disbelief. Her eyes narrowed at Alvin. "Why?" asked Alvin in surprise. A Mandala H, that's what Audia remembers when the new lecturer introduced himself when he first taught. Wearing a plaid shirt, smooth hair, neatly slicked back, glasses always perched on his sharp nose. Came with a bag containing his laptop and a textbook for teaching. Lecturer arrogant, pretentious cool, stingy smile, flat face, killer. Very different from Alvin who is now her husband. Unexpectedly 'that Mr. Mandala' and Alvin—her husband, turned out to be the same person. 'That annoying person turned out to be my husband?' she thought. 'Oh noooooo!' * * ******* ** The bride-to-be suddenly withdrew from the marriage due to an arranged marriage. Then run away and the news is not known. The groom-to-be was left speechless in front of the invited guests. Worry for a moment. Canceling the marriage contract or looking for an impromptu replacement bride. Until his eyes caught a woman in a white dress sitting among the invited guests. The other ones were students at his campus where he had just taught. As a substitute teacher. How will the story of their marriage continue? Will the seeds of love grow between these two strangers? With a myriad of question marks in the bride's heart, why was she chosen among the many other single women who were also present at the grand wedding of the son of one of Indonesia's well-known real estate entrepreneurs. cover: www.freepik.com === INCLUDE COLLECTION/TAP LOVE/ADD BEFORE READING. SO THAT THIS STORY IS IN YOUR READING LIST AND GETS NOTIFICATIONS WHEN NEW CHAPTER UPDATES ^^ CONTINUE SUPPORT THIS STORY, by throwing BLUE STONE'S POWER STONES FOR THIS STORY! — 1 POWER STONE WILL GET 1 FREE VOUCHER TO OPEN THE LOCKED BOOK. DON'T FORGET, A 5 STAR REVIEW YES! THANK YOU

“Everyone has secrets in the glitzy world of the elite, but his could cost her everything.” Emily Chase, a struggling writer, never anticipates being thrown into the perilous orbit of elusive tech magnate and billionaire Damien Blackwood once she discovers a clue about him. Damien, who has a reputation for charm and cool control, has defended his kingdom and his emotions from the outside world for many years. However, Emily finds herself torn between telling the truth and falling in love with the man behind the mask after learning of rumors of a past argument that could ruin him. Emily discovers that Damien’s secrets are more complex than she initially thought, drawing her into a web of treachery, passion, and peril as enemies press in and her inquiry reveals even more sinister facts. Their unquestionable chemistry creates a bond that has the potential to either break her determination or bring about her redemption. However, each step she takes toward Damien puts her own weaknesses in jeopardy and forces her to face her worst fears. Emily has to choose how far she will go for love as the stakes are high and her allegiances are put to the test. Will she be freed by discovering the truth, or will everything she has battled to defend be destroyed?

When Lali marries into the powerful and wealthy Jeon family, she expects a life of respect and luxury. But behind the grand walls of the Jeon mansion, she finds herself surrounded by mystery, tension, and secrets no one dares to speak of. Lali begins to uncover clues about a hidden past that seems strangely connected to her. A mysterious portrait, coded messages, and a family that guards its secrets fiercely pull her deeper into a web of lies. Her husband, Gguk, is distant and guarded, but his quiet presence stirs emotions in her that she can’t ignore. As Lali tries to get closer to him, she realizes that love may be the only thing strong enough to face the darkness. Can Lali unravel the truth without breaking apart her marriage and the family? Or will the Jeon family’s secrets destroy her before she uncovers them all?

Nora is shattered a month before her wedding when she uncovers her fiancé's deceitful affair. As she manages this betrayal, she discovers a deep ploy to hinder her from claiming her rightful inheritance. Devastated but determined, Nora takes a daring step to regain control of her life. Enter Demetri 'The Demon' to those who know him, a formidable man barely known to her, who offers her protection and support in return for a contract marriage to satisfy him. In a twist of fate, Nora marries Demetri to claim her inheritance and fight those who plotted against her. But as she battles her own family and Demetri's many rivals, will she be able to keep from falling for the man known to crush people beneath his booted heel. Excerpt: She had forgotten that the man was intimidating and directly challenged him. Rather than speaking, Demetri rose from his seat and approached her deliberately. Although it was a mere few steps, time seemed to stretch for Nora. When he was almost within touching distance, his hand gently landed on her knee, moving it sideways. His touch moved with a hint of a caress, and he stepped between her open legs. Nora sat there in frozen silence, her eyes wide like a deer caught in headlights. Catching her chin between his fingers, he tilted her face upwards and spoke unhurriedly," You are my wife." She nodded her head slowly in affirmation while his thumb slowly traced her lip. "I have given you time to gather your emotions." Another nod. Nora's nervousness made her lick her lips, acutely aware of his intense gaze fixed upon them. "Your reason for the marriage was to secure your inheritance and get away from under your mother's thumb." "Yes..." Nora whispered in confusion. Her confusion was not about his statement but about the bewildering sensations coursing through her. What was happening with her? "It's time for you to fulfil your end of the contract, yes?" He continued. "Yes," Nora whispered breathlessly. Why was she breathless? Had the oxygen level in the house dropped? Was the air suddenly thinning? Abruptly, his hand left her face, and she watched as he drew closer. It was then that Nora comprehended what was unfolding. All those tantalizing, heart-pounding kisses she had read about in novels were about to possibly become her reality. But the anticipated kiss didn't happen. Instead, he paused near her and commanded, "Kiss me."