Chapter: Epilogue Ten months laterAstrid“Oh my God,” I breathed, staring down at my parted thighs while Adrian held my hand tightly. He also watched quietly, or maybe fascinated.“You’re doing good, Mrs. Voss. I can see the baby’s head. We just need you to push a little more,” the doctor said before flashing me a quick smile.Adrian squeezed my hand reassuringly before rubbing my hair.“You can do it, baby. You’re so amazing,” he muttered, still stroking my hair. And with the last strength left in me, I pushed — hard.And then just as quickly, a little cry filled the room as I slumped into the bed, my eyes quickly filling up.Adrian had insisted I get an epidural because, according to him, he wouldn’t be able to listen to me cry or stand around comfortably while I was in pain.Probably the best decision. I felt a little pain, but it wasn’t as severe as the first time when the contractions started.“That’s our baby,” I whispered as tears spilled down my cheeks, watching as the doctor raised the baby u
Last Updated: 2025-09-26
Chapter: Tonight~Astrid~I’d gotten a gift for him, but somehow I was scared to give it to him. Not scared particularly, but well, I thought it would be odd especially when our relationship wasn’t as defined. But now? Hell yeah.“Can you give a hint? I hate surprises,” he muttered, and I chuckled as he unlocked the door, pushing it open for me to walk in.“Trust me. It’s nothing that would kill you or give you a heart attack of some sort,” I muttered, but he only gave a small groan. The man was impatient, that much was obvious.I’d gotten them with me before our flight since I’d done them in New York, but well, I’d been looking for the right time that wasn’t forthcoming up until now.I walked into our bedroom and towards my suitcase while he stayed by the door, leaning on it with legs crossed.I grabbed the box from the side before walking back to him. I was a little nervous, wondering if he’d love it or not. Wait, was this how he felt before proposing?God, second-doubting oneself sucked. Really suc
Last Updated: 2025-09-19
Chapter: Forever AdrianShe stood in the middle of the rink with a bunch of roses in her hand, looking confused. It was cute somehow, and it didn’t help her confusion in the slightest considering that Freya said nothing to her.She turned around and stared at me, blue eyes wild with confusion. I drew in a deep breath.This was it. Now or never.I walked towards her slowly, trying to calm the bunch of nerves in my stomach. God, I never knew proposing would be this hard.I was scared of the many different ways this could go. What if she said no? What if she didn’t like it?It was in that moment I started doubting everything I’d thought, and if maybe I’d misunderstood everything all along.She loves me, but what if she doesn’t want to be with me? What if she needed more time?“What’s going on? I just saw Freya. What’s she doing here?” Astrid whispered, looking around the rink where the skaters skidded.I was sure Freya must have disappeared. She’s with Maya somewhere around.“You sure she’s the one?” I a
Last Updated: 2025-09-17
Chapter: RosesAstrid The next few days passed by quickly, and it was fun. So much fun. Adrian became my tour guide, and we explored so many places in England and, of course, with me properly wrapped in layers of clothing to keep me warm. Not like I’m complaining. “You’re really not telling me where we’re going next?” I asked, hooking my hand around Adrian’s arm as we sat in a cab, driving to God knows where. He hummed, glanced at me, and gave a small smile that seemed almost shy. It was sweet. “I can’t convince you to tell me?” I asked, making my voice sultry and sweet. I scooted closer to him, and he narrowed his eyes at me. “Nope. And no, don’t do what it is you have in mind,” he said, and I chuckled before rubbing the beard that was beginning to grow on his chin. “I have nothing in mind,” I muttered, meeting his eyes, and he raised a lazy brow at me that said otherwise. I laughed. “Well, yeah, I do have a couple of ideas in convincing you,” I said, and he opened his mouth to speak
Last Updated: 2025-09-08
Chapter: His World~Adrian~“What do you want for dinner?” I asked, turning the heat up a notch as Astrid sat in front of the fireplace she’d lit after we came inside.She hummed, folding her legs under her on the chair.“I’m not hungry.”I glanced at her and rolled up my sleeves.“And I’m supposed to believe that?”Her eyes flicked to mine. Even from where I stood, I could see the flames reflected in them.“Yeah.”She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. I shook my head and headed toward the kitchen.“I’ll make some eggs. For later, if you get hungry.”I heard her shifting before she called out softly.“That’d be nice. Thank you.”Silence followed, though a million thoughts crowded my mind.I’d always known England was Astrid’s dream country. That’s why I thought—no, knew—that proposing to her here would be magical. Freya had agreed when I told her. It was bound to happen soon. Her family would be flying in—without Astrid knowing. But for now, I just wanted her to enjoy herself, without pressure.
Last Updated: 2025-08-30
Chapter: Snow~Astrid~I had no idea how Adrian managed it, but we were in England within two days, and goodness—it was snowy.I’d never been more excited about anything in my whole life. Tugging at his arm, I pointed at a car half-covered in snow as he pulled keys from his pocket and unlocked a door.Well, he’d said we weren’t going to stay at a hotel, and then he went all out and rented a summer house sitting pretty by the side of the road.It was nice. And the thought of having him all to myself for the next few days was thrilling. Okay, yeah—a lot of things thrilled me.He hummed, glanced down at me, then followed the direction I was pointing. He raised a brow. I giggled.“Do you think we can maybe catch some snow later?” I asked.He pressed his lips together before dropping his eyes to mine. Those pretty brown eyes, framed by lashes far too long for a man—if you ask me.“No, we can’t,” he said, adjusting the coat around me before pushing the door open and holding it out for me.I pursed my lip
Last Updated: 2025-08-29
Chapter: Profile~Maya~“…starting today. When will you be starting?” Jerry’s voice drifted over, but it felt like I was in a blurry haze with different images in my mind—all of them related to last night.“Maya!” I blinked once, then twice, before turning to the man perched on my desk, concern etched across his face.I forced a small smile, tucking my hair behind my ear. “I’m sorry. What were you saying?”He narrowed his eyes at me.“When will you start working on your profile of Noah Garfield?” he asked, and I pursed my lips. Oh.I glanced around the room. My eyes met Anna’s. She snickered before whispering something to Isabel, who giggled.Oh Jesus. They were getting under my skin.Judging by the fact that I was already thrown off by… Well, last night, the last thing I wanted was to face those two. But I needed to leave the house, get some fresh air, and rethink my life choices—which had proven, up until this point, to be the wrong ones. Terrible ones.When I woke up, Liam was nowhere to be found.
Last Updated: 2025-10-14
Chapter: Authors NoteDear esteemed readers, I apologize for the lack of updates. I fell terribly ill as my health has been deteriorating for a while now. I was advised by my doctor to take a break and after two weeks, I could finally pick up my pen to write out something. I miss y’all and sorry for the silence. This is a short chapter but I hope we could pick up from where we left ☺️. I would try my best to update as much as I can but I won’t put too much pressure on myself. I hope y’all would understand. Thank you and looking forward to continuing this journey with y’all.
Last Updated: 2025-10-14
Chapter: ChangeLiam“Jesus, Maya. You don’t go around saying that to random men,” I breathed and she tilted her head to the side and it took all my willpower to stop myself from gawking at her like a lust-struck fool.One of us had to stay sane. So yeah—I had to do right by her.“I’ve known you since I was fifteen. You’re not a random stranger, so please,” she inched closer, and I stared down at her. Begging didn’t suit her, but God, she made it look pretty.It wasn’t something I thought she knew how to do with that sharp mouth and judgmental eyes.I placed my hands on her shoulders —it was a decent place.“Maya,” I exhaled. “Go to sleep. I don’t want you waking up regretting this.”She studied me for a long moment before stepping back. My eyes swept down her body and—good Lord.She bit her lower lips before wrapping her arms around her chest and taking a couple steps back until she was halfway in her room, leaving me at the doorway.Um…okay? She was coming back to her senses, right?“You don’t find
Last Updated: 2025-09-30
Chapter: Tempted~Liam~She blinked before taking a step back, her lips parted.“Liam, what the fuck?” she mumbled, and I raised both my hands in genuine apology. Honestly, it didn’t occur to me that I had that drink.Steven had fucking put it in there even after I told him not to, and Jesus, Maya had to fall victim.“I’m really, really sorry. I had no idea it was still in there,” I muttered, and she bit her lip before running her fingers through her hair.She stayed silent for a while before letting out a rough breath.“How many hours do I have left before it kicks in?” she asked, and I raised a brow. Am I supposed to know that?“I don’t…”“You can’t be fucking serious right now,” she scoffed before pinning me with a glare. “You are serious?”“Look, Maya. I had no idea that it was still there. I’d have removed it, and if I remembered earlier I would have stopped you from drinking it too. I don’t know how effective it is, but I do know it… messes with the body,” I said, and she groaned before burying
Last Updated: 2025-09-28
Chapter: AphrexMayaThe rest of the ride to the house was silent, and Liam was well… a little off. I didn’t ask, but I had a feeling it had something to do with Noah Garfield.It was even more silent as we walked into the house and oh boy, was it uncomfortable and awkward.“Do you have something against Noah?” I asked, and Liam slowed in his steps before turning around to glance at me. I watched him curiously, even as he gave a nonchalant shrug.“Well, let’s say he’s the dickhead that put me in this situation in the first place. By sleeping with my ex and then spreading false lies about me,” he said, and I pursed my lips. Oh…Up until this point, I still had no idea why Liam was fake dating me publicly. Yeah, I was doing this because of my sister and ex, but him?I only knew it was some kind of PR stunt, maybe for a new movie or something, but the details? I knew absolutely nothing about that, and I wasn’t going to ask… at least, not now.“That’s horrible. I’m sorry,” I said, and he shook his head b
Last Updated: 2025-09-24
Chapter: Noah Garfield ~Liam~I stopped by her work on my way home because yeah, giving out the impression of me being obsessed with my girlfriend was a great start. There was a handful of people outside the main gate, and I honestly wondered how she made it in the morning, but I trust Joe and Andrew to keep her safe.I stayed in my car, staring at the building through the tinted glass, making it impossible for anyone to suspect I was there. One of the guards put a call across to whoever — I’m guessing either Joe or Andrew — to get Maya.He glanced at me. “They’ll be here in a few minutes,” he muttered, and I hummed, still looking out the window and wondering where she’d come out from.In less than five minutes, she was out, not through the main gate but the back. My lips tugged up. She was smart.Before the people camped outside the gate could notice, she was already in the car, while one of the guards joined the others in the car she’d come with in the morning, making enough space for us.“Oh hi there, be
Last Updated: 2025-09-20
Chapter: Campus Tour•.• Skylar •.•“Mum, what are you talking about? Does Dad know about this?” I asked, pressing my lips into a thin line. I hated this.I definitely did not like where this was headed.“Honey, your dad and I have talked about this, and though he doesn’t appreciate that you’d be living with a boy, there’s nothing we can do right now,” she said.I huffed, darting out my tongue to wet my bottom lip before running a hand through my hair.“You both have connections. Hell, you could even buy a building close to campus,” I blurted, and I could hear Mum’s sigh — and Dad’s faint voice in the background. They really were going to do this to me?“We want you to have the full school experience, and believe me, darling, it would get boring staying alone in a huge house.”“Harper can move in with me.”“We don’t know about that, Skylar. We’re not her parents,” Mum said, and I swallowed nothing. Okay, fair point.“I could ask her mum. She loves me.”“Sky…”“Mum, I cannot stay with Jaxon for a semester,
Last Updated: 2025-11-04
Chapter: Roomie•.• Skylar •.• “Um, so what are we going to do? What did your mum say?” Harper asked, rubbing her hands down her arms. Goosebumps broke out on her skin, and guilt pricked at me. It was late and cold, and she’d still stepped out to keep me company. I sucked my teeth before looking away. “She called Jaxon. She said he’s coming to get me,” I said, and she paused before cocking her head to the side. “Jaxon?” she repeated, and I pressed my lips together. I didn’t want to be in this situation either — especially when I’d really hoped we’d never cross paths again. And now, this happens. “Oh,” she mumbled, and I glanced at her — quick enough to catch the smirk on her lips. “There’s nothing funny, Harps,” I pointed out, and she chuckled before dropping her hands. “Jaxon is the safest you can be around right now. But—” she chuckled again, and I frowned. “You’d likely kill yourselves. I mean, under the same roof isn’t really a good idea,” she mumbled. “It’s just for the night,”
Last Updated: 2025-09-22
Chapter: Stranded•.• Jaxon •.• “Lily is having her birthday party tonight. You’ll be there, yeah?” Andy said, giving me a quick glance before taking a puff from the cigarette stick in his hand. The smoke filled the air, and I sagged deeper into my seat, swiveling softly. I tapped my fingers on the desk and hummed. “Of course,” I muttered, and he raised a brow at me. “You know she’s into you, right? If you play your cards well, you’d be able to get into her pants tonight,” he chuckled, and a smirk tugged at my lips. “She’s not the kinda bitch I’d go for, but well, a pussy is a pussy,” I said, and he grinned. Nothing excited Andy more than women, sex, and parties. After seeing Skylar to her dorm, I’d returned to my apartment, and apparently, Andy had gotten in. He really shouldn’t have access to my keys. “That’s the spirit, man. By the way…” he perked up, discarding the rest of his cigarette into the ashtray. I pushed my hair back with my fingers and stared at him. Whatever he had to say
Last Updated: 2025-09-22
Chapter: Walk You•.• Skylar •.•“I’m Room 16,” Harper said, staring at her phone. “Queens Hall.” She looked up at me. The school had sent out details of students’ dorm rooms and every other vital piece of information through email.“What room are you?” she asked, and I pursed my lips, staring down at my phone.“Room 17…” I was interrupted when Harper shrieked and threw her arms around me.“Our rooms will be right next to each other!” she grinned, and I cocked my head to the side.“Anderson’s Hall. No, our rooms won’t be next to each other,” I said, and her smile fell as she dropped her arms.“Oh,” she muttered. I nodded, tucking a stray strand of hair that had fallen out of my ponytail behind my ear.“I looked up the dormitories, and Anderson’s is a little far from Queens,” her shoulders sagged, and her brows drew together.“We’ll be so far from each other,” she mumbled, and I chuckled, shaking my head.“We’re still on the same campus, Harps. I’m sure the walk to your dorm will be nothing more than te
Last Updated: 2025-10-22
Chapter: Fresh ManPresent •.•Skylar•.• “Boys, sex, parties… you should have fun,” Mum said and I stifled a sigh as Dad carried my suitcase out of the car’s trunk while Mum kept talking my ear off. “I mean it, Sky. You’re in college now, it’s time to get a life. Have fun. Get yourself a boyfriend and have sex.” Mum continued, her voice loud enough that I was sure everyone heard it. I rolled my eyes. Jesus, this was embarrassing. Not to mention the weird looks people were already casting my way. It was my first day in college, Jesus. And no, I wasn’t interested in keeping a guy around and tagging him as my boyfriend. “Your dad won’t appreciate you getting pregnant though. So yeah, condoms and contraceptives,” Mum added, scrunching up her nose as she leaned on the car, brushing a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear. “I know about protection and condoms. Can you stop yelling it already?” I pressed my lips together, meeting her blue gaze. Concern and an expression way softer crossed her fa
Last Updated: 2025-10-23
Chapter: Prologue Flashback - 10years ago •.• Skylar•.• I looked out of the window from the backseat where I sat with my little brother, who had his attention on the iPad in his hands. Mum and Dad were at the front, laughing about something while Daddy drove. “Sweetie, are you excited to see Jaxon and his little sister?” Mummy asked. I pursed my lips before looking away from the window, shaking my head. Mum glanced back at me, her brows drawing together and her eyes softening. “Why, honey? You don’t like it there?” she asked. I stared down at my hands. They were little—not as big as Mum’s or Dad’s. “Jaxon ignores me the whole time. He no longer plays with me but prefers sitting with Aidan,” I pouted, and Mummy shared a look with Dad, who said something I didn’t catch. “Did you have a fight with him?” Mum went on to ask, and I shook my head. “No.” “He’s taken after his father. Leave it to Aaron to pass his fucking trait to his son,” Daddy said, and Mummy glared at him. “Language, Ad
Last Updated: 2025-10-24
A Substitute Bride For Mr. Voss
“A million dollars,” he said, his voice flat, like he was negotiating over a car, not a person.
Astrid shook her head, opening her mouth to protest, but he cut her off.
“Let’s make it two then,” he offered. She stared at him, stunned, wondering if he’d lost his mind.
“Mr. Voss…”
“Final offer. Five million,” he said, his gaze steady, unyielding.
Astrid took a deep breath, her heart pounding. “Fine. I’ll be your wife.”
***
When Astrid Blythe, a rising event planner, runs into her ex, Adrian Voss, at his engagement party, she’s shocked to discover that his fiancée is missing. What starts as a strange encounter quickly spirals into something even more surreal when Adrian offers Astrid a proposal of his own: marry him in a cold, calculated, no-strings-attached arrangement.
Despite her better judgment, Astrid agrees to the deal. But as the line between business and desire blurs, she finds herself drawn back into Adrian’s dangerous orbit—and realizes, to her horror, that she’s falling again for the man she once loved…the man who had a hand in the death of their child.
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Chapter: EpilogueTen months later Astrid “Oh my God,” I breathed, staring down at my parted thighs while Adrian held my hand tightly. He also watched quietly, or maybe fascinated. “You’re doing good, Mrs. Voss. I can see the baby’s head. We just need you to push a little more,” the doctor said before flashing me a quick smile. Adrian squeezed my hand reassuringly before rubbing my hair. “You can do it, baby. You’re so amazing,” he muttered, still stroking my hair. And with the last strength left in me, I pushed — hard. And then just as quickly, a little cry filled the room as I slumped into the bed, my eyes quickly filling up. Adrian had insisted I get an epidural because, according to him, he wouldn’t be able to listen to me cry or stand around comfortably while I was in pain. Probably the best decision. I felt a little pain, but it wasn’t as severe as the first time when the contractions started. “That’s our baby,” I whispered as tears spilled down my cheeks, watching as the doctor raised th
Last Updated: 2025-09-26
Chapter: Forever AdrianShe stood in the middle of the rink with a bunch of roses in her hand, looking confused. It was cute somehow, and it didn’t help her confusion in the slightest considering that Freya said nothing to her.She turned around and stared at me, blue eyes wild with confusion. I drew in a deep breath.This was it. Now or never.I walked towards her slowly, trying to calm the bunch of nerves in my stomach. God, I never knew proposing would be this hard.I was scared of the many different ways this could go. What if she said no? What if she didn’t like it?It was in that moment I started doubting everything I’d thought, and if maybe I’d misunderstood everything all along.She loves me, but what if she doesn’t want to be with me? What if she needed more time?“What’s going on? I just saw Freya. What’s she doing here?” Astrid whispered, looking around the rink where the skaters skidded.I was sure Freya must have disappeared. She’s with Maya somewhere around.“You sure she’s the one?” I a
Last Updated: 2025-09-17
Chapter: RosesAstrid The next few days passed by quickly, and it was fun. So much fun. Adrian became my tour guide, and we explored so many places in England and, of course, with me properly wrapped in layers of clothing to keep me warm. Not like I’m complaining. “You’re really not telling me where we’re going next?” I asked, hooking my hand around Adrian’s arm as we sat in a cab, driving to God knows where. He hummed, glanced at me, and gave a small smile that seemed almost shy. It was sweet. “I can’t convince you to tell me?” I asked, making my voice sultry and sweet. I scooted closer to him, and he narrowed his eyes at me. “Nope. And no, don’t do what it is you have in mind,” he said, and I chuckled before rubbing the beard that was beginning to grow on his chin. “I have nothing in mind,” I muttered, meeting his eyes, and he raised a lazy brow at me that said otherwise. I laughed. “Well, yeah, I do have a couple of ideas in convincing you,” I said, and he opened his mouth to speak
Last Updated: 2025-09-08
Chapter: His World~Adrian~“What do you want for dinner?” I asked, turning the heat up a notch as Astrid sat in front of the fireplace she’d lit after we came inside.She hummed, folding her legs under her on the chair.“I’m not hungry.”I glanced at her and rolled up my sleeves.“And I’m supposed to believe that?”Her eyes flicked to mine. Even from where I stood, I could see the flames reflected in them.“Yeah.”She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. I shook my head and headed toward the kitchen.“I’ll make some eggs. For later, if you get hungry.”I heard her shifting before she called out softly.“That’d be nice. Thank you.”Silence followed, though a million thoughts crowded my mind.I’d always known England was Astrid’s dream country. That’s why I thought—no, knew—that proposing to her here would be magical. Freya had agreed when I told her. It was bound to happen soon. Her family would be flying in—without Astrid knowing. But for now, I just wanted her to enjoy herself, without pressure.
Last Updated: 2025-08-30
Chapter: Snow~Astrid~I had no idea how Adrian managed it, but we were in England within two days, and goodness—it was snowy.I’d never been more excited about anything in my whole life. Tugging at his arm, I pointed at a car half-covered in snow as he pulled keys from his pocket and unlocked a door.Well, he’d said we weren’t going to stay at a hotel, and then he went all out and rented a summer house sitting pretty by the side of the road.It was nice. And the thought of having him all to myself for the next few days was thrilling. Okay, yeah—a lot of things thrilled me.He hummed, glanced down at me, then followed the direction I was pointing. He raised a brow. I giggled.“Do you think we can maybe catch some snow later?” I asked.He pressed his lips together before dropping his eyes to mine. Those pretty brown eyes, framed by lashes far too long for a man—if you ask me.“No, we can’t,” he said, adjusting the coat around me before pushing the door open and holding it out for me.I pursed my lip
Last Updated: 2025-08-29
Chapter: I love youAstrid“Right there, huh?” His voice was husky, a whisper right above me. I arched my back, my eyes drifting closed as my lips parted.His finger rubbed circles on my clit while teasing my entrance. Probably wondering how we got here.We’d gone for lunch as he’d suggested, and heaven knows I’d wanted something other than food. He had stared at me like he knew what I wanted and was going to give it to me—just like he was right now.“Be a good girl, yeah?” he continued, propping himself higher so he could hold my gaze while his finger worked magic down there.“Please.” My voice came out as a broken whisper, just like I’d been begging for the past ten minutes. He was a tease, and it fucking drove me crazy.“Hm.” He hummed, dipped his head, and slipped one of my very hard nipples into his mouth. I wrapped my arms around him, pulling him closer.God, this was torture.“Adrian,” I breathed, feeling my orgasm just around the corner. But I knew he’d slow down again, drag it out until the tide
Last Updated: 2025-08-26
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