Novel-novel oleh Cynthia Simon

Ethan POVI stood at the door, pressing my ear against it.I could hear her soft whimpers again.I exhaled.Doesn’t she like the food?…Wait.Why do I even care?I scoffed at myself and walked straight to my room, dropping on the bed.A virgin?I sighed, rubbing my face.Why did I stop?I wanted her out of this building. That’s all that matters. So why did that word—virgin—make me stop?“Shit,” I muttered.The doorbell rang.I groaned and dragged myself up, walking to the door. When I opened it, a middle-aged man stood there holding a suitcase.I raised a brow.“Good day, sir. I was sent by Mr. Wellington to deliver this to Maya Rivers.”“And what is that?” I asked.“Clothes, sir.”Clothes?The old man got her clothes?I scoffed.He’s really trying so hard, isn’t he?“This is useless,” I said, grabbing the luggage. “She’ll be gone tomorrow.”I shut the door.I need to move out.My space isn’t mine anymore. This will be the third house I’m changing—and I still can’t leave this goddamn

Maya POVI stayed curled up in the duvet on the floor, my body shaking as I struggled to control my tears.My head throbbed.I sniffed, exhausted… completely drained.Then—The door opened quietly.Is he back?I didn’t turn.I didn’t have the strength.Just… leave me alone.Please.It's not like I want to do this too.My mind cried.A gentle touch on my shoulder forced me to turn my head.I froze. Standing over me were three men, each wearing a sickening, predatory smirk.Something about their faces made my stomach drop instantly.“What’s going on…?” I whispered.“Hey, angel,” the one closest to me said.My heart started racing.“W-who are you? What’s going on?” I asked, slowly sitting up, clutching the duvet tightly to my body.“No need to panic,” he said, stepping closer. “We’re just here to have some fun.”I moved back immediately.“F-fun…? What do you mean fun?” My voice trembled.“Aww, she’s dumb,” one of the others laughed.“Relax, Sten. I like them like this,” the one in front

Ethan POVThe sound was so loud it forced me to raise my head.I glanced behind me for a second before turning back to my computer, ignoring whatever chaos was happening in the house—and ignoring the endless calls from Mr. Wellington.Instead, I scrolled lazily through an endless feed of hot girls.Jack had sent a bunch of them.He knew my taste.“If you need some fruit, you should beg me for it, not steal it!”Vera’s angry voice echoed through the house.I rolled my eyes.A notification popped up on my phone.Sofia Hart just agreed to show up for the party. — JackMy lips curled into a smirk.Of course she did.No one ever resists me.Just then, another sound rang out—sharp enough to make me stand.I walked up the stairs, and right there in the hallway, I froze.Vera was holding her cheek in shock.And the so-called wife stood in front of her, glaring.“Did you just hit me?” Vera asked, stunned.“I’ll hit you again and again until I knock some sense into your bald skull,” the girl sp

Day 1,Maya POVThe noise was too much.I woke up with a banging headache, groaning as I forced my eyes open.“Arrggh… what is that?” I muttered.My gaze slowly moved to the clock standing opposite the bed.9:17 AM.What?I slept till the next day?I guess I was really that tired.I tried getting out of bed—And froze instantly.There stood Ethan.Shirtless.Smoking heavily.He sat at the far end of the room, typing aggressively on his computer while loud heavy music blasted through the speakers — the very thing that had jolted me awake.He turned slowly when he noticed I was awake.“Arrrrrrgggg!” I screamed, grabbing the duvet and covering my body.He scoffed and rolled his eyes.“What are you doing here?” I demanded, still clutching the duvet tightly around myself.He said nothing. Just kept on typing.“Dammit! I asked you a question. Get out!” I barked.“Out?” he raised a dark brow, finally looking at me. “In my own house?”“Well—I’m here now, so get out!”“You can’t be serious.” H

Maya POVI stood in front of the full-length mirror as a team of stylists pinned jewels into my hair and tightened the corset of my gown. The silk was heavy, and the diamonds were blinding.My reflection stared back at me, expressionless.The only image in my mind was Andre lying on that hospital bed.I looked beautiful. Perfect, even.Yet happiness felt miles away.My eyes were empty.“We’re done, ma’am,” one of the dressers said, flashing me a warm, pitying smile.I nodded faintly as they walked me out to the grand hall, where the old man and the kind man from earlier were waiting.Hmm.So he works for the Wellingtons.A third man stood with them — probably the grandson I was supposed to marry. But he looked older than I expected.Not that I cared.As long as Andre was saved.The old man’s face brightened the moment he saw me. “You look stunning, my dear.”“Thank you, sir.” I replied, my voice sounding hollow.He handed me a leather file. “Sign here as the official wife of Ethan Wel

Maya POV“Marriage?” I asked, just to be sure as the word tasted like lead in my mouth.“It’s quite simple, Ms. Rivers. Marry him, stay for one hundred days, and $10 million is yours,” the old man said, his voice as calm as if he were discussing the weather.I stared at this old man in front of me.Is he insane?“I can’t just marry someone I don’t even know, sir.”He didn’t react. “Then you may leave. I guess you’re not that desperate for money.” He turned back to his computer.I stood there, stunned.Marriage?I can’t possibly get married now. My brother needs me.I froze at that thought.Not me… but money.I exhaled sharply.What do I do? Andre… what should I do?It’s only one hundred days. The money could save him.But why would anyone want a marriage that lasts only that long?What's the catch?“Aren’t you leaving?” he asked without looking up.I swallowed. “Is… is there a reason you want me to marry your grandson?He paused, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. For a split sec