Hometown Smile

Jude Queens never believed in fairytales—until Malachi Flynn crashed into his world with a grin like summer and a spike that could stop time. Bound by their shared love for volleyball, their chemistry burned bright and fast, leaving everything else in the shadows. But just as Jude opened his heart, Malachi vanished without a word. Two years later, Malachi returns—older, familiar, and still devastatingly magnetic. The moment they lock eyes, the ache returns. So does the desire. But buried beneath Malachi’s smile are secrets that could shatter them both. Torn between anger and longing, Jude must decide: can he forgive the boy who left him in pieces, or is some pain too deep to heal? “Why Did You Leave Me When I Needed You Most?” is a sizzling, tender story of second chances, the scars we carry, and the hope that love—real, soul-deep love—can echo back stronger than before.

One reckless night. One stranger’s bed. One marriage certificate she never meant to sign. Tessa Hayes only wanted to forget her cheating ex for a few hours. Instead, she wakes up hungover, sore, and tied by law to Owen Carter — the cold, infuriatingly gorgeous billionaire CEO every woman wants but none can tame. Owen doesn’t want an annulment. He wants a wife. For one year, Tessa will play the role: smile for the cameras, survive his controlling family, and help him secure the biggest deal of his career. In return, he’ll give her more than she ever dreamed of. But fake kisses spark real flames. And when jealous exes, a ruthless rival, and a leaked marriage contract threaten to expose their secret, Tessa realizes she's in, deeper than she ever planned. Because falling for her accidental husband? That was never part of the deal.

Nina is a 22 years old pretty, but spoilt brat. Only daughter of a multi billionaire. She's rude, always gets what she wants... name it. And she doesn't give a damn about anyone; no one at all. All she cares about is being the princess. But one day, Nina's perfect life was interrupted when she suddenly got kidnapped from her home by some strange people who took her to who they referred to as "their boss". Jericho. That's his name. A hurt soul;.a dark heart. He doesn't know what it means to smile anymore as there was only one thing on his mind - revenge. He was a drug Lord - a popular Mafia Boss. And after getting prepared for so long, he finally set out to accomplish his revenge mission. And the first thing he does was kidnapping the arrogant daughter of his enemy - Nina - and bending her to his will.

My fated mate rejected me in front of the entire pack and they cheered while he did it. Moving to Nightshade Pack was supposed to be my escape. Instead, I got two step-brothers who looked at me like I was something they wanted to destroy. Dante Blackwell: brutal, possessive, with eyes that burned through me every time we were in the same room. Mateo Blackwell: all charm and cruelty, with a smile that shouldn't make my heart race but does. They made my life hell. Every day was a new way to remind me I didn't belong. But one incident changed it all. What happens when the step-brothers you're supposed to hate become the ones you can't stop craving? When the mate who destroyed you comes crawling back? When the broken girl they underestimated discovers she's something they should fear? Sometimes the prey becomes the predator.

“Am I selling myself!?” I asked as I looked at the documents in front of me. He looked up, and with a sly smile said: “Yes.” Just like that, I was forced into a marriage with the most eligible bachelor of NY. He was the heartless boss everyone feared, the enigmatic CEO that I worked for until I desperately needed money for my mom’s treatment and had to “sell myself”. But what would happen when his truth came out that he, in fact, was also a mafia boss? Scratch that – what would happen when every time he hurt me, I wanted to help him? Could I make the heart less boss feel something, or would I kill myself trying? I'm Hailey, and this is my story. I didn't know how it would go, until he came in and took control. Now all I yearn for is him, but would he ever feel the same about me?

I gasp, surprised and he leans towards me. I catch the scent of his cologne and the faint scent of the cigarette smoke, lingering around him. But underneath it, there’s the scent of earth and rain. I see his muscles flexing under the thin linen of the shirt. I also notice the outlines of a scar, running down his forearm. I imagine his hands on me, his lips on mine. What is happening… Why am I thinking this? “Oh, don’t worry, Lily. “ his smile is canine, the words that come out of his mouth are a snarl, “I won’t touch you. I don’t want to. “ When her mother got sick, Lily had no choice but to marry a man she never met. At that time she didn’t know Arthur Stark was not only beautiful but as cruel as the rumours said. Her husband is a cold billionaire involved with the mafia. He never touches anyone. Not even his own mate.

Seven days before our wedding, Danny Wagner—my childhood sweetheart—got down on one knee for Mia Kant, the broke girl he'd been sponsoring. Right in front of me and his buddies. I didn't cry. Didn't lose it. Just slapped a smile on my face and said, "Wishing you two a lifetime of happiness." His buddies? Oh, they had the nerve to tell me to be generous and let Danny help Mia finish her "wish list." Danny, unsatisfied and ticked off, said I was overreacting and demanded an apology. Dismissive, he sneered, "I said I'd marry you after Mia's wish list was done. Stop being so unreasonable." I knew this was the last item on her list. I opened my notes app, scrolled to my wish list, and deleted all thirty-three bullet points. Done. Then I made a call. "I'm willing to marry you."

Something happened between us last night…I bit the pillow. I couldn’t really believe that I was in the same unknown room with him. Am I still dreaming? If yes, please wake me up!“I want to wake up from this nightmare!” I screamed mindlessly. I heard Rhio laugh.“You aren’t dreaming Jasmin,” he said with a big smile, “And this isn’t a nightmare…for me.”I threw him the pillow, “Do you think I’m glad with what happened?”“We’ll there’s nothing we could do about that,” he smirked, “for all I knew, I have deflowered you.”Rhio Zel Cantheliz, the sole heir of Multi-Billionaire Zel Cantheliz Corporation, were his clan died in tragic event namely, Zel Cantheliz Massacre. Rhio, who really hated woman, needing one to save his family hierarchy.

"You don't have to feel uncomfortable because of me."  "Someone stole something valuable from me, I'm only here to get it back.  "I'll be off with the girl who stole my heart soon." He said calmly.  I was shattered, he had come for someone else. She was probably his new mate. I was sad to see he moved on so easily after rejecting me. I could feel my heart get torn to shreds. I couldn't help but get curious about what his new mate looked like, or who she was. Tears of jealousy choked my heart, trying to force it's way through my eyes.  I took a deep breath and forced a smile, I was never going to let him get the best of me. I turned to him wearing a bright smile. "Good luck."

My college dormmate, who spread nasty rumors about me, sends me an e-invitation. "I'm marrying the richest man in the country and will soon be a trophy wife—I'll be leagues above you. Seeing as we were once dormmates, I'll begrudgingly allow you to be my bridesmaid. Don't miss this chance!" I frown. What is wrong with Jasmine Teach? I'm the country's richest person. When did a man overtake me? I want to block her number and delete the conversation, but I check the e-invitation to be sure. I'm stunned when I see the photo of her husband-to-be. Isn't that Harold Jackson, my husband? He's supposed to be on a business trip. My lips curve in a cold smile, and I type a response while gnashing my teeth. "I'd be honored to be your bridesmaid. I'll prepare a huge surprise for you, too."