Ruthless Rival

A 16 year old student novelist was mistaken for a rival gang member. Unable to get out of this presona, he had no choice but to embrace it. He then spiralled into a rabbit hole of camaraderie; betrayal and loyalty; trust and deception; inferiority and superiority. Along with having to deal with his other lives.

Celeste Everhart (18) never expected a second chance—to reclaim her voice, and her fate, and uncover the truths that remained buried in her first life. Once an unwanted heiress sacrificed to the secretive and ruthless Brightwell family, Celeste forced herself to become something she could never imagined herself to be. A shark. Celeste saw a glimpse of what was hidden in the shadows at night and had failed to take her place in the Brightwell family. Or rather they had failed her. With the weight of her past life’s memories, Celeste knows what she would do differently… or so she believes. Yet, the more she navigates through these familiar yet treacherous waters, the more she discovers just how little she truly understands. And in this life, three men from her past emerge in ways she could never have foreseen: Avond Brightwell (28) the man she once loved so deeply that he became her voice and her world. But as hidden layers reveal themselves, Celeste begins to wonder—was Avond the man she thought he was? Or is he something far more dangerous? Tiel Brightwell (22) the one who once despised her, mocked her silence, and later fathered her only child. Now, he seems capable of kindness and perhaps even love, but Celeste can’t forget the pain he caused. Will she forgive him, or will she let go of who she was to destroy him? Even when he had not committed the crimes he committed in the past? Gen Callisto (23) the shadow from her sister’s stories, is a self-made millionaire with a tragedy looming in his future. Drawn to him in unexpected ways, Celeste must decide if she can save him from the darkness, or let him perish with the rest. As Celeste battles between love, loyalty, and the desire for vengeance, she faces a final question: will she remain the person she was before and let her new life take its course? Or will she let the hurt of her past turn her heart cold? After all, what better vengeance than to come back with the heart of a shark? -------- Disclaimer: The story begins with Celeste's first life— so please stay tuned because it will be worth it!

The Immortals, celestial beings beyond mortal comprehension, created a world for their grand gamble—Immortal’s Gamble, where civilizations clash in a ruthless test of strength, wisdom, and evolution. Only the strongest endure. In this realm of cultivation, beast spirits, and alchemy, two figures rise—Marcus Dante, a warrior fueled by vengeance, and Ethan Clark, a scholar pushing the limits of science and cultivation. One fights for retribution, the other for progress, but in the Immortal’s Gamble, only those who adapt will survive. As ancient forces awaken, war looms, and rival factions prepare for conquest, the Immortal’s Gamble enters its most crucial stage. Will strength alone decide fate, or will knowledge and innovation tip the scales? A war of cultivation, where souls and beasts intertwine. Alchemy, innovation, and battle-tested warriors shaping the future. Two paths, one gamble, and a fate that cannot be denied. The dice have been cast. This is the Immortal’s Gamble.

Killed On The Roof Top On Her Wedding Day By Her Just-Wedded-husband,Jasmine Trevor begged for a second chance at life. As If The Universe Heard Her Plea,Jasmine Trevor Was Reborn To Two Days Before Her Wedding With Jack Raven. This Life,She Vowed To Change Her Fate While Face Slapping Jack And Get A Sweet Revenge. What Would Be The Perfect Face-Slapping Than Getting Married To His Rival?? Jasmine Went Ahead With The Wedding,on the aisle,she took everyone by surprise by introducing a new groom while she had security men throw Jack Out Of The Hall. A Villian Was Made. Getting Married To The Infamous Billionaire Monster Who Was Tagged As The Killer Of His Parents,Jasmine Was In For A Ride She Never Bargained For. Jasmine’s Taste For Revenge Made Her Get Entangled With The Sadistic Billionaire Who Has A Very Dark Past,One That Might Cloud Her….Thrust Into His Endless Abyss Through A Contract Marriage, Jasmine Was Stuck With Kingsley Elm—-Who Saw Her As His Possession. An Asset And His Obsession. “Be Tame,Little Vengeful Wife. You’re Mine Now.”

Synopsis: "Marry me, or watch your world burn," Killian's voice was cold, carrying the weight of a threat that Elara couldn't escape. With her mother's health deteriorating, the mounting medical bills threatening to drown her family, and the expiration of their rent pushing them to the brink of eviction, Elara is left with no choice. The only option to save them is to marry Killian Hayes—the ruthless billionaire whose name strikes fear into anyone who crosses him. It’s a business deal, nothing more. Her world is about to be reduced to mere survival, and love isn't even a consideration. But as she steps into the cold, luxurious prison of Killian’s mansion, everything changes. Killian’s indifference towards her only strengthens her resolve. She's not a damsel to be saved, not a helpless woman waiting for a knight. Beneath her quiet exterior, Elara is a survivor, a force who will fight for her family’s future, even if it means sacrificing pieces of herself along the way. Yet, as the days pass, something unexpected begins to stir within her. Killian, the man who holds her life in his hands, is not the heartless monster she thought him to be. Beneath his cold demeanor lies a man burdened by his own demons, and Elara finds herself drawn to the vulnerability she hadn’t expected to see. Love is never part of the plan, but as she gets to know the real Killian, she begins to question everything. He may have manipulated her into this marriage, but what she didn’t anticipate was how deeply she could fall for a man whose heart seemed as cold as his empire. In a world where power is everything and love is a dangerous game, Elara must decide if she will let herself be consumed by the man who has the power to break her… or if she can change both their fates with the one thing he never saw coming: love. In a world built on control, sometimes love is the only thing worth fighting for.

"Nobody speaks against, then you are now the Young Lord of The North. The ring on your finger, and my blessing gives you authority, not without rival, but throughout the entire north. Now stand before me!"

In a world shaped by ancient magic and divine intervention, death is not always the end. Fang was once just another casualty of fate, a young boy from earth. But it all changes once the god of electricity, Asu, resurrects him and brands him as a chosen one. Now, bearing the weight of newfound power and the darkness it brings, Fang must navigate the fractured lands of Edenia, where alliances shift like sand and ambition runs rampant. But being a chosen one is no blessing. The gods’ gifts come with chains, and Fang’s power alienates him from the natives. As rival factions fight for control of the western border and the Dwarf Empire threatens to consume everything in its path, Fang must decide whether to become the savior the world needs or the nightmare it deserves. With comrades at his side, each bearing their divine burdens, Fang carves a bloody path through betrayal and chaos. Ruthless and unforgiving, he is determined to shape his own fate. Even if it means making the world fear his name.

In a world where the moon’s phases dictate destiny, Selene Vale has spent her life haunted by shadows—both those of her past and the ones creeping ever closer to her kingdom. When the ruthless tyrant Saren Blackmoor rises to power, wielding dark magic capable of rewriting fate itself, Selene is forced to confront a prophecy she’s long tried to escape: only she can bring an end to the cycle of war, or let the world fall into eternal night. With the aid of a rogue warrior (Orion), a vengeful swordsman (Cassius), and a cunning assassin (Riven), Selene must rally the fractured forces of the Moonborn and Shadowborn—two rival factions bound by ancient blood feuds. But as battle looms, secrets unravel, revealing that fate may not be as set in stone as they once believed. As Selene faces Saren in a final confrontation, she realizes that true power is not in prophecy, but in choice. With the weight of a kingdom on her shoulders and the echoes of the past threatening to consume her, she must decide: will she embrace the darkness within or forge a new path beneath the moon’s light? Moonlit Echoes is a gripping tale of war, destiny, and the power of rewriting one’s fate—where even the darkest nights must give way to the dawn.

Five years ago, Anastasia Laurent broke his heart. To her, their college romance was just a careless game—toying with a love she never took seriously. To Dante Alexander Montgomery, it was the ultimate betrayal. Now, he’s back. No longer the lovesick senior she abandoned—but a ruthless billionaire who owns half the city. When Anastasia’s best friend begs her to go on a blind date in her place and ruin it, she agrees—after all, how bad could it be? Bad. Very bad. Because her date? Dante. And he’s not just here to rekindle old flames. He’s here to destroy her. Before she can run, Dante traps her in a deal she never saw coming: Marriage. Publicly, they’ll be the perfect billionaire power couple. Privately? He’ll make her regret the day she walked away. But as the lines between revenge and obsession blur, Anastasia realizes one thing— She thought she was done with Dante. But Dante was never done with her. --- Excerpt "You think you can run from me again, Anastasia?” Dante's voice was calm, but the storm in his eyes told another story. She backed into the wall, pulse racing as he stalked closer, his towering frame cutting off every escape route. “I-I’m not—” she stammered. His fingers tilted her chin, forcing her to meet his cold gaze. “You didn’t just break my heart,” he murmured darkly. “You shattered it. And now? Now, you’ll pay for it.” Her breath hitched. “Congratulations, Anastasia,” he whispered, leaning in until his lips brushed her ear. “You just became my wife.”

Gianna Bucceli, the daughter of a powerful Italian Don was supposed to be on a flight to England. Before she can leave, she is kidnapped and meant to be sold to her father’s biggest enemy. But one mistake changes everything. Instead of her going to her father’s rival gang, she is sent to Nikolai Petrov, the ruthless Pakhan of the Northern Russian mafia gang. He knows that keeping Gianna could start a war but letting her go is the last thing he wants.

 “I reject you, Jacqueline! You are not worthy to be my mate and the Luna of this Pack!” Alpha Gabby shouted at me. “But I never did…” I tried, but he stopped me halfway. “One more word from you, and I will have your tongue cut off!” Gabby said angrily. I have been rejected. _ _ _ _ _ _  Gabby and Jacqueline were the sweetest couples of their time. After they met during a one-night stand, they fell in love and eventually became mates. Gabby was an Alpha, making Jacqueline a Luna. But their relationship suffers a collision when Gabby is manipulated by his friends and family. He rejects Jacqueline, but he never falls out of love with her. The same applies to Jacqueline. Jacqueline is tormented after this incident, but she eventually comes across Nathan, a kind Alpha. She finds out she is pregnant with Gabby's child, but Nathan chooses to take care of her and her unborn baby. Eventually, Gabby wants Jacqueline back, but Nathan wants her to stay with him. Both Alphas are ready to be at loggerheads to have Jacqueline. What will be her choice? What will be the aftermath of her choice?

Power. Control. Discipline. Peter Alexander built his empire on these principles, becoming the second wealthiest man in the world. Cold, ruthless, and dangerously untouchable, he has no patience for weakness—especially not the kind that comes from desire. Then she walks into his life. Naarah, a breathtaking beauty with an innocent heart, unknowingly steps into Peter’s world when she interrupts a high-stakes business meeting, challenging him in front of his board. Bold, unaware of the dangers surrounding her, she defies him without hesitation. And for the first time in years, Peter feels something stir—something dangerous, something forbidden. But he’s not the only one who notices her. His greatest rival, the world’s richest and most merciless man, sets his sights on Naarah, mistaking lust for love and believing she belongs to him. Deception, manipulation, and a deadly obsession pull her deeper into a world she doesn’t understand. And when she begins to mistake her confusion for feelings toward the wrong man, the stakes rise even higher. Peter watches, his patience wearing thin, his control slipping. She should fear him—he’s a man who takes what he wants. Yet, she challenges him at every turn, awakening a hunger he can no longer ignore. But when his rival crosses the line, threatening to steal everything, Peter will stop at nothing to protect the woman he can no longer deny belongs to him. In a battle of power, passion, and possession, can Naarah resist the dark allure of the billionaire who wants to claim her? And when desire turns to something deeper, will Peter allow himself to surrender to the only thing he’s ever feared—love?

In the year 2084, a deadly virus wipes out 99% of the male population, plunging the world into chaos. Governments fall, mega-corporations rise, and society is reshaped under the control of powerful women. Desperate to avoid extinction, humanity enforces strict reproduction laws, treating the few surviving men like precious resources. Rei Kuroya, a 22-year-old who had been cryogenically frozen due to a terminal illness before the virus outbreak, wakes up five years later only to discover that he is now one of the last surviving men on Earth. Thrust into a society that sees him as both a savior and a prize, Rei quickly becomes the target of rival factions. From ruthless corporate leaders to underground rebels, everyone wants to control him.

In the nation of Avrael, power is both a blessing and a curse. Sixteen-year-old Ayato Daath, a poor orphan, had always hoped to live unnoticed in the shadows of the city. But when he is forced to undergo The Rite of Manifestation, the ritual that determines one’s magical potential, his worst fear comes true—he is an Elite. Now torn from the only life he’s ever known, Ayato is thrust into a brutal world of magic, bloodshed, and treacherous politics. In a society where the strong prey on the weak, where rival factions scheme in the dark, and where a single misstep could mean death, Ayato must quickly learn one thing—adapt, or perish. And one thing Ayato already knows is that in Avrael, only the ruthless survive.

The death of the High King’s only son initiates the King Trials; demanding the eldest pureblood from each Regnum. Aurora, the estranged and bastard-born daughter of Regnum Valwa, is the only female among eight other Herems. One of noble blood who lived her life in destitution, with her mother and her ill-stricken father and brother. She is blood-bound to compete in the King Trials on the bargain that if she represents Regnum Valwa, her father and brother will receive the treatment they so desperately need. However, this is no easy feat, she is faced against ruthless rivals, dangerous mythological beings and creatures, forced to fight in bloody duels with an onslaught of death-defying challenges that forges a woman into a warrior; a scoundrel into a soldier. A chronicle of duty and bravery, a story brimming with riveting action, an enemies-to-lovers romance with war-provoking betrayals that reveal they are all pawns in a much larger game.

When her business and the gallery she inherited from her mother burn to the ground, Nicolette Voss is determined to rebuild—and get revenge on her father. She turned to her father’s rival, Julius Allens, for an alliance, only to find that his son, Alaric, is now the new CEO. Alaric is willing to help, but on one condition—she must be his wife for a year. They called him Ruthless Alaric after an infamous incident 6 years ago. Alaric is back in town, and so are the crumbs of his past. But he is determined to change everything with a wife. He has his hidden agenda. She needs her revenge. But will this marriage between storm and steel survive the heat? Or will deep secrets beyond their control destroy them both?

Sophia Evans never expected that landing a job at Kingston Enterprises would turn her life upside down. A hardworking woman with dreams of making it big in the corporate world, she is determined to prove herself. But everything changes when she crosses paths with the company's enigmatic CEO, Alexander Kingston. Alexander is ruthless in business and even colder in matters of the heart. Having built his empire on discipline and control, he sees love as a weakness—until Sophia storms into his life. She’s different from the women he’s used to. Bold, intelligent, and unafraid to challenge him, she awakens emotions he’s spent years suppressing. As the tension between them grows, so do the obstacles. From an ex-fiancée who refuses to let go to a rival billionaire determined to claim Sophia for himself, their love is tested at every turn. And when secrets from Alexander’s past threaten to destroy everything, Sophia must decide if loving him is worth the risk. Will she melt the heart of the untouchable CEO, or will their love become just another business deal gone wrong? A story of passion, power, and love against the odds—My CEO is a romance that proves even the coldest hearts can be warmed.

Josh Anderson was once an ordinary boy who only wanted a peaceful life with his mother. But peace was a luxury he could never afford under the rule of his tyrannical father, Marcus Anderson. Growing up in a house filled with fear, violence, and endless screaming, Josh and his mother, Mary, lived as prisoners to a man who thrived on their suffering. Then one day, everything changed. After years of enduring Marcus’s abuse, Mary was finally pushed too far—beaten unconscious in front of her sister, Jane Rocky, and her own son. Rushed to the hospital, she never woke up. The news of her death shattered Josh’s world. His mother—his protector, his source of warmth—was gone. And the one responsible? The man who called himself his father. At his mother’s funeral, standing before a crowd of mourners, Josh made a choice that would change his life forever. He was no longer Josh Anderson. That name had died with his mother. From that moment on, he became Josh Rocky, a boy with no room left for love or sympathy. And as Marcus Anderson fled the country to escape justice, Josh vowed that one day, he would hunt him down and make him pay. Ten years later… The once-fragile boy has become a cold, ruthless man—the CEO of Rocky Jewelries Company, one of the most powerful jewelry empires in the country. Feared by employees and competitors alike, Josh Rocky is known as "Sir Grumpy"—a man who fires employees without hesitation, shows no mercy to rivals, and views kindness as a weakness. To him, emotions are nothing but obstacles. Love? It’s a lie. Sympathy? It’s a weakness. Family? It’s a myth. Will Josh remain the ruthless man he’s become, or will the ghosts of his past force him to confront the emotions he buried long ago?

Camilla Sanchez's life took a devastating turn when she lost her parents at a young age. Adopted by her uncle, she expected a loving home, but instead, she endured a nightmare. The situation worsened on her 24th birthday when she was forced into replacing her cousin, Clara, and marrying the ruthless cursed billionaire, Sinclair Luther. Camilla viewed the arrangement as a loveless contract marriage but it seemed fate had other plans. Camilla died tragically and her perspective changed as everything came into light. In a surprising twist, Camilla was reborn on the eve of her forced marriage. Given a second chance, Camilla must now decide: will she accept her fate as a replacement bride? Will she find love with Sinclair Luther? Or will this second life lead to another loveless, painful marriage? Dive into (title) to discover the answers.

The world has changed, sports have changed. A game that used to rely on hard-work has drasticaly changed, as more and more people start gaining better talents to give them the edge in the match. Ikari, a talentless But hard working player tries his best but always fails, and now he has grown far too tired of it all.

The Tycoon Chronicles: Rise of an Empire"** Abandoned and betrayed, Alexander Veyron and Eleanor Luthien are two children cast aside by the cruel whims of their families and society. Alex, discarded in a storm by his heartless parents, learns to survive in the shadows of poverty. Ellie, stripped of her inheritance and orphaned by greed, finds herself wandering the streets with nothing but shattered dreams. Together, they find each other amidst the ruins of their lives, forging a bond stronger than blood. Their shared vow to rise above their pain becomes the foundation of their partnership—one destined to reshape the world. But their journey is far from ordinary. Alex awakens the **Absolute God Tycoon System**, an unparalleled force that grants him the ability to conquer industries, manipulate economies, and build an empire from scratch. With Ellie by his side as his most trusted ally, the two embark on a relentless quest for wealth and power. From the underground markets to global corporate battles, Alex and Ellie face ruthless rivals, dangerous betrayals, and the ever-growing temptation of their own ambitions. As Alex rises to control entire industries, Ellie fears losing him to the world’s greed and allure. Together, they must balance their love, loyalty, and the weight of an empire. In a world ruled by money and power, their bond will be tested—but as they climb the ranks of the rich and powerful, one thing becomes certain: they will rule together or risk losing everything. *"The Tycoon Chronicles: Rise of an Empire"* is an epic tale of survival, ambition, and love, set in a competitive world of business tycoons, ruthless elites, and soaring dreams.

Betrayed. Hunted. Exiled. Once the crown prince of Valoria, Raiden Valorian had everything—power, loyalty, and a kingdom destined to be his. But in one fateful night, his throne was stolen, his father slain, and his people left to suffer under the rule of a tyrant. Now, stripped of his title and forced into the shadows, Raiden has nothing… except a dream. With only a handful of loyal followers and a mind sharpened by vengeance, he sets out to carve his own path—not to reclaim what was lost, but to build something greater. A kingdom that will never fall. A legacy that will shake the world. But power is never given; it is taken. To rise, Raiden must navigate a treacherous world of warlords, rival factions, and ancient forces that seek to control destiny itself. Every decision will test his will—should he rule with wisdom or fear? Forge alliances or crush his enemies? Become a just king… or a conqueror feared by all? One thing is certain—those who betrayed him will kneel, or they will burn. For fans of epic fantasy, kingdom-building, and ruthless strategy. A tale of ambition, power, and the price of forging an empire.

She makes me feel hate, anger, desire, lust and something even more dangerous – love. ***** Amelia (Amy) Shawls, the legitimate and perfect princess of real estate mogul, and serving senator, Gregory Shawls, had it all –wealth, beauty, brain and a fiance who doted on her. But amidst her plenty admirers and few haters, were her vile stepmother and her envious stepsister, who sought to destroy her and take away her inheritance. Amelia's seemingly perfect life took a dark and scary turn on the eve before her celebrity marriage, when she gets a text message from her fiance, Jerry, asking her to meet him up at their favourite restaurant. On her way, Amelia is kidnapped and taken to an unknown location where she narrowly escapes her abductors only to end up crashing into a river. When Amelia finally regained consciousness a week later, she discovered that her life and everything she ever loved and worked for had been stolen from her by those who claimed to love her. Vengeful, she strikes a deal with the handsome but vicious devil, who rescued her from the jaws of death. ----- Meet Blaze Anderson, the charming but ruthless CEO of the Andex group. His heart is as cold as ice and his mere name caves terror in the heart of people. Blaze harboured a deep resentment against Amelia's entire family and would stop at nothing to see all of them, including Amelia destroyed. What would happen when the line between deep hatred and passion slowly thins out? Would Amelia ever consent to love after learning the bitter truth behind Blaze's assistance?

Bloodmoon:Rising – A Werewolf Thriller Caleb Mercer has spent his life feeling like an outsider in his quiet mountain town, but nothing could have prepared him for the truth—he's not just different. He's dangerous. On the night of his eighteenth birthday, the full moon ignites a change deep in his bones, unleashing the beast hidden in his bloodline. Wracked with pain and driven by a primal hunger, he barely survives his first shift. When he wakes, the town is buzzing with whispers of slaughtered cattle and strange tracks in the woods. Caleb knows the truth—he lost control, and next time, it might be a person instead. But he's not the only predator in the forest. Something older, stronger, and far more ruthless is watching him, waiting. A rival pack has sensed his transformation, and they see him as a threat. As Caleb struggles to control the monster within, he's thrown into a deadly game of survival—one where the only rule is hunt or be hunted. The moon is rising. The blood is calling. And if Caleb doesn't master his instincts soon, he won't live long enough to see the next full moon.

After falling in the line of duty, former Earth soldier Klein awakens in a new world—Alden—a vast realm of swords, magic, and uncharted power. With ten massive continents, each ruled by mighty empires and rival kingdoms, Alden is a land where strength determines one’s fate. Blessed with his military experience, tactical brilliance, and a second chance at life, Klein sets out to carve his name into history. From clashing with ruthless warlords to unraveling ancient magical mysteries, Klein’s journey is one of relentless growth and ambition. As he masters swordsmanship, harnesses powerful magic, and forms alliances with unlikely companions, he aims to transcend the limits of mortal strength. But in a world where betrayal is common and monsters lurk in both shadow and light, Klein must decide whether to become a savior or a conqueror. Join Klein as he defies destiny, rises through the ranks, and reshapes the very foundations of Alden with his iron will and unwavering resolve.

*Some bitches are born to be queens. Others? Born to burn.* –I died a stupid, loyal wife. –I woke up a vengeful, filthy-rich queen. In my first life, I played the perfect role devoted wife, good sister, trusting best friend. They repaid me with betrayal. My husband stole my fortune. My best friend sold me out. And my step-sister? That bitch put the final knife in my back. Then they killed me. Brutally. But guess what, darlings? I came back. One year earlier. And now? It’s their turn to suffer. I’m no longer the woman they remember. The weak, soft-spoken idiot? Dead. The Valeria Devereaux standing before them? She’s dripping in wealth, power, and lethal intentions. And this time I play to win. First target? The snakes in my circle. Next? My ex-husband, Liam Whitmore. Final round? I take back my empire, my name, and their last fucking breath. But things get complicated when two men enter the game. –Rafael Kane billionaire, ruthless, and dangerously obsessed with owning me. – Dominic Moretti business rival, deadly charming, but way too soft to play my game. Both want me. Both will chase me. But I’m not here for love I’m here for blood. Let’s play, bitches. Enjoy.

In a world where magic and monsters lurk in the shadows, 24-year-old Nuel Ainsworth has made a name for himself as a ruthless hunter of dark magic users. Driven by a personal vendetta, he's spent years eradicating threats to humanity - until the day he's forced to confront the ultimate horror: his own destiny. When Nuel's latest mission goes horribly wrong, he's captured by a rival organization who reveal a shocking truth: the prestigious family he's been working for has been manipulating him all along, using him to further their own sinister agenda. The mission that nearly cost him his life was, in fact, a deliberate attempt to eliminate him. With his life hanging in the balance, Nuel is presented with an impossible choice: undergo a forbidden awakening that will grant him the very magic he's sworn to destroy, or watch as his foster aunt suffers the consequences of his refusal. As Nuel navigates the treacherous landscape of his newfound powers, he's drawn into a world of ancient secrets, forgotten lore, and unholy alliances. The demons he once hunted now march towards humanity's last stronghold, fueled by a desire for vengeance against the hunter who slain their princess. With the fate of humanity hanging by a thread, Nuel must confront the darkness within himself and make a choice: succumb to the nightmare that has haunted him his entire life, or rise above it to become the hero he never wanted to be.

Fiona Marlowe, a smart but struggling nurse, had no idea her life would be turned upside down following an unintentional encounter with Alexander Ford, a cold, intimidating, and terribly gorgeous millionaire surgeon. She becomes caught in a perilous web of power, secrets, and heartbreak, though, when she is forced into a contract marriage to save her ailing brother. But beneath Alexander's steely veneer is a terrible background and a sensitivity that only she seems to understand. From forced proximity, what starts out as war becomes perhaps something more fundamental. But can a lady he once bullied flourish between a man too damaged to love?

He ruined her life. Now, he wants to own her. When Lara Lawson’s family is destroyed by a scandal, she loses everything—her home, her wealth, and her dignity. The source of her downfall? Adrian Sinclair, the ruthless billionaire heir who spread the rumors that shattered her world. Now, years later, Lara has rebuilt her life. She’s strong, independent, and determined to never let Adrian win again. But when fate traps her in a dangerous game, she’s forced into an impossible deal—marry Adrian, or watch her last chance at saving her family slip away. But the man she hates isn’t the same boy from the past. Adrian is colder, darker, and completely obsessed with her. He claims he’s always wanted her, that the rumors were never meant to hurt her, that he’ll do anything to make her his. Lara swears she’ll never forgive him. But the more she resists, the more she finds herself tangled in his web of desire, secrets, and whispered promises. Because the truth is, Lara has a secret of her own. And if Adrian ever finds out, he’ll never let her go…