BOOK 1 She needs money. He needs a wife. The situation is a win-win for Anastasia and Caleb. To save her family, Anastasia signed a contract to marry Caleb for a year. Starting from a contract marriage, will it end up in a real marriage? Amidst the challenges, will they break a rule from the contract to survive in this marriage? or will they end up losing each other? ********************** BOOK 2 To gain freedom from her overprotective parents' hands, the sunshine Thalia Carter refused to have her internship at her family's company. In the end, she got accepted into a company she didn't expect. As soon as he saw her resume, the grumpy Damon Kane immediately approved her internship. Not because he was fond of her but because he literally hated her surname. He plans to make her life a living hell. Hate filled the office, but what happens if love blooms without their knowing? Despite the 11 years between them, will this office age gap romance be possible for these two? ********************* This book combines Book 1 and Book 2 in the series. Book 2 starts after Chapter 130.
View More(Anastasia's POV)
I wake up swamped in my light blue covers, rubbing my eyes as the bright sunlight hits them. I glance over at my clock which is marked 8:05 am.Oh shit! I am gonna be late!Dashing off from the bed and quickly take a shower. As soon I was finished, I dressed in a white plain T-shirt and partnered it down with denim blue pants and black Converse. I apply a powder and lilting to my bare face before I brush my hair and tie it into a neat bun that rested on top of my head. I exited my apartment and headed to the Latte Cafe where I work as a cashier.Once I arrived, I stride inside the shop and was greeted by a warm smile from my co-worker."Good morning, Ana.""Good morning, Jane," I respond.After I set my belongings in my locker, I help Jane to set up everything before the customer dashes in. While doing our chores, Mrs. Smith arrived at the shop with a profound countenance."Ms. Hansley, to my office now." she coldly states.I glance at Jane but she just shrugged while having that confused face, so do I.As I followed Mrs. Smith upstairs to her office on the second floor. Every step I take gives me a thud in my chest.Sitting on the couch, she shortly throws a brown envelope on the table, containing full of pictures. My heart suddenly plumps a beat as I stare at the picture of me... with Mr. Smith."You are the mistress of my husband." she suddenly said with her gritted teeth.Looking at her with widened eyes, I deny her accusation. "N-no Mrs. Smith. I-I just help your husband to pick a gift for your birthday, he asks for my help!""I do not believe in you! On my birthday, I never received jewelry from him! And it turns out that you are wearing a new necklace the next day! Do you think you can fool me?""B-But I--""GET OUT!! Don't give me a bullshit explanation, I would never believe in your words! YOU'RE FIRED!"N-No..."No. Please... Mrs. Smith. I need a job right now. Plea--" I kneel in front of her, begging her not to fire me while clasping both of my palms.But she seizes my arm and yanks me out of the shop, throwing my things on the floor, with raging eyes darted on mine."P-Please Mrs. Smith!! I'm begging you!" I pleaded, but instead, I received a smack with a loud thud on my right cheek. For a second, everything became faint as I stare at her, full of tears."Leave! Or else I will throw you inside the prison!" she angrily strode inside the shop, leaving me alone with no remorse, crying about this situation I state in.I didn't do anything wrong. I'm not a mistress of her husband. I will never be.What did I do to deserve all of this?Wiping my tears, I reach out my things scattered on the ground. I shouldn't stand here and cry like a pathetic human being. As much as possible, I needed to find a new job.The employment office is quite near so I sprint to the office. But then, I almost fell on the ground when I bumped into something hard."HEY! Watch where you going!!" he scowls.It's a man.In a state of shock, I saw how the coffee stain splattered on his clothes. And it's a Goddamn white polo shirt!!I immediately wipe his clothes using my pink hankie. "I'm so sorry!" He just stood still there in front of me without any words.Why am I so clumsy? This coat looks expensive. What if he will ask for the laundry or buy him a new one? How can I pay him?"I'm sorry," I said again in a low tone, controlling my sobs as a pool of tears starts to fall through my eyes which I abruptly wipes while sniffing.It's so embarrassing if he sees me, looking so pathetic.I heard him sigh and hold my arms to cease what I am doing but I lowered my head in embarrassment. He must be losing his patience now. Seeing his designer shoes, suitcase, and leather pants, maybe his shirt is also expensive. How can I pay him? I'm losing my mind here."Just..." he pauses for a second before I heard him sighing. "Just buy me a new coffee,"Surprisingly, I lifted my head and meet his dark brown eyes. My cheeks suddenly warmed by his gentle stares looking down at mine.Wait... Coffee?"Americano."Americano?With a confused face, I nodded. "O-okay."That must be a good call, right?We headed to the nearest coffee shop and ordered one Americano. Thank God, the coffee is not expensive.While waiting at the counter, I took a glance at him in the small room. He was sitting in the corner while staring outside as if he was deep in thought.He was like a male character in a drama with those shiny shimmering effects around him. He looks dramatic. But staring at his masculine build with a tan complexion, a pointed nose, and a newly shaved beard around his mouth, he indeed has a strong sex appeal, totally handsome. His overall appearance screams wealth, but his deep brown eyes show differently. It looks... Empty.My deep thought was disturbed when the cashier handed me the coffee. I went straight to the table where he was waiting for me.I gave him his Americano."Sit," he ordered.Sighing, I sit in front of him. I do not have any choice but to obey him, rather than pay for the damage to his shirt.However, after a moment of silence, he did not say anything. I glance at him as he is busy taking a sip of his coffee. Maybe he wants me here until he wraps up his drink."Do you need money?" he suddenly asked.I abruptly darted at him. What's wrong with this man? Yes, I need money. Does he think I intended to bump with him like a hoax woman, for money?Sighing, I stood up and was ready to leave when he spoke again."I have a job offer for you."I halted in my trance.Job offer?He looks serious. "If you are good with the job. I can give you more money." I doubted what he said. "I know, you're hesitant to talk to a stranger like me but..." he looked at his watch then glance back at me. "I can give you my card as your reference for my identity. I'm expecting you to accept my offer within this week." he places the business card on the table and rushes outside.I stare at his back while he was walking away until he strode inside the black sedan, and faded out of my sight.Is that for real? A job from a stranger?My eyes flickered to the mahogany table. The business card.I sighed. Do I look messy right now? Even a stranger noticed that I am not in good condition.***I entered our apartment only to find Mrs. Polly, the landlord with some men taking our stuff out of our apartment."Mrs. Polly what are you doing?!" I run over to one of the big muscled men and grab the vase he was about to take out and put it back in its place.My mother and sister were standing at the door with tears welling up in their eyes. You can see that they are already struggling in this situation."Ms. Hansley, you are running back on your rent. I already gave you two months to pay me!""I'm sorry Mrs. Polly, but we have nothing right now. I promise I would pay you soon.""You said that two months ago too, Ms. Hansley."I sigh in frustration as I run my hands through my hair. "I know.""Ms. Hansley, I can't let you stay here any lo-""Give me until the end of this week, at least until we find somewhere to stay." I pleaded."I can't give you until this week's end, Ms. Hansley. I will give you until tomorrow to leave this apartment this instant.""B-but Mrs. Polly--""No buts Ms. Hansley." she left the apartment with his men following her tracks.I glance at my mom and sister, they're smiling but with sad eyes. This situation is so hard to handle for them. How can I tell them about being jobless now?I wrapped my arms around them to ease that everything is going to be alright. "Everything's gonna be alright, I promise Mom, Alice. I will find a way."Even saying those easing words, my mind was on a roller coaster of how to find a place as soon as possible.Tomorrow? How can we find a place tomorrow and pay all the debts?Right! That rich coffee guy!"Take a rest, for now, Mom. Alice take her to her room." Alice nodded.Once they were gone, I search my bag, looking for the business card from that wealthy man."There you go!"Caleb Carter, CEO of Carter Enterprise? Is he that big-time?I rush to the Carter Enterprise building. The address is only walking distance from my apartment. When I arrived, I am still hesitant to step inside but maybe that guy will really help me out of this mess.As I entered the building, I reach out to the receptionist. "Is Mr. Caleb Carter working here?""Yes Ma'am, He's the CEO of the Carter Enterprises.""Can I see him?""Do you have an appointment, Ma'am?""Ahmm... No--""I'm sorry Ma'am, you can't see our CEO without setting an appointment, and his schedule is swamped so maybe it's hard for you to reach him."Damn!"R-Really?"Shit! What do I do? I should have grabbed the chance when we were at the coffee shop earlier. Did I miss the chance?Turning my back away, my heartbeat race when my eyes meet the dark deep brown eyes, striding inside the building.Caleb Carter.Our eyes meet and he slowly walks in my direction wearing his solemn mug. My heart was pounding so rapidly and my hand are sweating furiously when he reached my position.He changed his clothes.Why is he so attractive wearing that denim white pants and tuck-in black long sleeves, tall and slender with a very fair, clear sanguine complexion?"You came."My eyes narrowed to the floor. "Y-yeah..."Do I look desperate now? Maybe he noticed."Let's talk in my office."We headed inside the elevator, but halted when I saw what was written at the top of the elevator which states 'for the CEO use only'.Should I take a different elevator? I was about to walk to the other elevator when he called me."Where are you going?" he asked with narrowed brows."I--""Just get in," he said in a firm voice. I instantly hopped inside the elevator with him.The elevator halted at the well-lit and spacious room. He commanded me to sit on the couch. His manly voice sounds intimidating. I noticed everything is cinnamon brown and pale white, from the walls to couches and tables. It's almost the same color as his deep brown eyes. It's almost empty but have everything in his hands."So... Are you willing to take the job?" he leaned his back on the couch."Umm... I... I need a job sir, whatever that is. I... I will a-accept it." I stuttered.There! I said it. Shit!!What if it's an immoral job?What if he will sell me or my organs?What if he will make me sell drugs?What if..."Be my wife."THALIA I was panting and out of breath when I finally reached Damon's hotel room. I did my best to get here as fast as possible.We have not seen each other for two days and I'm worried he might ditch me again without a word.I pressed the doorbell, but still… no response.I'm starting to get panicked inside as I don't know what I should feel: anger or worry. He's really making me mad–The door suddenly opened and a man with wet hair, wearing only a bathrobe, leaned at the door with a frown.“Miss, what brings you here?” “I want to see my groom.”He scoffed. “You can… tomorrow and after tomorrow and for the rest of your life.”I smirk as I'm glad he's still alive and kicking my patience.“Why are you so hot right now?” I asked and tried to get inside his room but he blocked me.“I'm always hot as hell, baby.” His comment didn't impress me. I crossed my arms with a jaw clenched because he stopped me from getting in. “It's almost curfew. I'll take you back.” Curfew? What curfew?
THALIA“Are you able to look after her? Also, she is incredibly costly when it comes to food–”“I am not!” I yelled at Leander's tease. This is actually not the right time to open his mouth and spout nonsense.Damon is true to his words. He really went to see my family tonight just to ask for my hand.Even though I just graduated, I didn't stop him as I didn't want to let him go.“Manners.” Dad sternly said. “She doesn't have that either.” He continued, which made my jaw drop.“Dad!”“Don't yell in front of the food, sweetie.” This time, I gaze at my Mom with pleading eyes. Those two are– “If you can't handle her, feel free to return her.”I chuckled with disbelief at my mother's words. Why is my family like this? They are talking about my bad side instead of my good. Is that how painful it was for them to let me go and live with my man? They are hilarious–“I have too much patience when it comes to a child.”I gasped in surprise at Damon beside me. Is he thinking the same?“You–” I
THALIA Warm tears escalated at the back of my eyes as I held my breath for a second. Lots of words and thoughts came across me, but I didn't know how to react to this, I didn't know how to face him, and I didn't know how I would feel.Fury and longing lingered in my chest as I turned to him with tears welling up in my eyes.There… a man standing three feet away from me, staring at me intently, lovingly, as if he hadn’t left me and made me miss him for a month.He looked the same. “Damon…”His eyes and lips formed a smile before saying, “Congratulations.”I scoffed as I held back my tears.He's really something.“Thanks.” I blankly responded.At least I'm thankful he showed up today, or maybe he's just visiting me, then begone again for a month.As he sensed the intense stare I gave him, his smile faded, and he sighed. “Did you stop waiting?” He said almost a whisper. “What do you think?”He remained silent as his eyes locked on mine using his soft, day-dreamy look, which I hate th
THALIAAFTER A MONTH“After Michael Scott was found dead a week ago, Alfred Laverde was found dead in Whiteface Mountain in the town of Wilmington in Essex County.”Wilmington… That's where Cassie's accident occurred years ago.I avoided my eyes from the TV as my heart suddenly pounded frantically. Anyway, I continue tying the lace of my sandal while trying my best not to react as best as I can at the news.Since Frederick's father was found dead, I'm having a hard time forgetting that news. It breaks my heart to see Fred in tears while mourning for his deceased father.He actually didn't deserve it because he didn't actually kill anyone. Well, almost, and that's us. Still… Fred was a great friend and we noticed he's turning his back on us. Maybe he's blaming us for his loss.And now… my granduncle is also dead.I gaze at my mother, who doesn't even show any emotions while listening to the news. I don't feel the sorrow of losing him. He killed my grandfather, and to be honest, I shou
THALIAMy eyes began to well up with tears of conflicting feelings. Anger, worries, and longing came out all at once. He disappeared without a trace after saying he would come back, and God knows if he’s alive or not. He made me fucking worried for nothing!“Where were you?” That was the only thing I asked.“I have to take care of something–”“Then why did you have to vanish like that?” My voice cracked up in the end as I failed to control it.He avoided my eyes with guilt lingering all over his face. I don't know what to feel. But there's only one thing I could figure out after seeing him again.“To protect you from harm.”I firmly shut my eyes, tears streamed down my cheeks as his words were like hitting my chest with a knife. All he could think was to be my protector, whereas here I am thinking he might have chosen the others over me.Am I being too selfish?I wiped my face as I looked around. Good thing my bodyguards are outside the university. “What happened to Uncle Michae
THALIAI flinched as I was startled when my phone suddenly rang. I got up in bed, sighing as soon as I saw the time. It's almost three, but my eyes won't even close just a bit.My attention was switched to my phone, which still kept ringing. Who would call at this hour?I answered it without looking at the caller.“Wha–”“Thalia.”My brows furrowed at the familiar voice in the end. I checked the number, but it's unregistered.“Ca-Cassie?”“I'm sorry for barking at the wrong tree.” My jaw fell as soon as I confirmed it was her. I jump off the bed and gaze outside the window.“Where are you? Who's with you?” I desperately asked.However, I heard her chuckle and sighed deeply.“I intentionally took the chance that my mother used to work with Laverde and got in as their so-called illegitimate family member.”Her words left me baffled. So… she's not a real Laverde?“What's your reason?”“I have found evidence and took a chance to get closer to the enemy.”“Evidence of what?”“I only want
THALIAI inhale sharply as soon as I exit the building. My chest feels heavy and tightened, and I don't know how to cope with the pain deep inside of me.My fingers firmly curled around the handle of my handbag.It's just my hunch. It's just my guts. It's just my suspicion that it was Damon. But why don't I feel this suspicion is real?I hate it.My phone rang, and Damon's secretary was plastered on my screen.“How was it? Is it Damon?”“No.”Then why did that jerk get Damon's phone?I scratched my temple as I walked to my car. I entered my car with a frown.“Where did that robber find it?”“He said a woman came and sold the phone.”I paused and confusedly thought about who that woman could be.“Woman? Who?”“He couldn't recognize her because she covered almost her face.”Why do people love covering their faces? Scared of the sunburn or hiding from the authorities?Since it's a woman, there's no way Damon is in trouble. So, I don't give a fuck with that woman who stole Damon's phone a
THALIAMom and Dad quickly went to Paris last night. Leander and I left here in New York so that we wouldn't be embroiled in the quarrel with Laverde.It's my mother's family, so I'm afraid Mom will break down. I heard her screaming to Uncle Adam on the phone before they left. I sighed as I put down my spoon on the table. I glanced at Leander, who was also in deep thought in front of his breakfast.“What's gonna happen now?”“What else? Mom possibly cut her ties with them.” I tightly shut my eyes in frustration. Why are there traitors in our lives? “Are we just going to stay here and wait? Mom might break down.”Leander let out a frustrating sigh. “Dad is with her. Also, they won't let us tag along with them.”It's been two decades since that happened. Doesn't the grandfather's case have a statute of limitations? I wonder how they found evidence despite the long period since it happened. Anyway, if it really proves my granduncle was the suspect of my grandfather's death, I hope he
THALIAOne week.It's been one week since Damon went missing. I even helped in looking for him but to no avail. Not even the authorities could find Damon Kane. There's no body or anything that can lead to his whereabouts. It was as if he vanished into thin air.I was depressed and cried every night while I had this hope every day of finding him together with the authorities.My parents and Leander didn't complain about how I poured everything into this search and rescue. They can see through me how desperate I am just to find him and I was hoping he's alive and in a safe place.Uncle Michael, who caused all of this, was on the run and hiding somewhere. Where's his courage to kill off my father's happiness now? Maybe he was also the reason why Leander's secretary was abducted and injured. Leander poured his soul into finding her but was also abducted by Uncle Michael. As of now, I don't know why Leander's secretary was abducted.I refused to talk to Frederick. Not because I hate his
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