Internal Conflict External Conflict

Within the circle, everyone knew I had been Leo’s most devoted, submissive admirer. For thirteen years, I chased him relentlessly, transforming myself from an uneducated, middle-school-dropout, illegitimate child of a wealthy family into an Ivy League economics master’s graduate. Only then did his mother finally acknowledge me, and I became Mrs. Smith. However, after the wedding, I no longer meddled in Leo’s company, cooked, or served him. While he stayed up late planning strategies for his first love, I traveled the world with friends. He would accompany her to Paris fashion shows, and I celebrated my cat’s birthday at home. I understood that a commercial marriage could never produce love. Everything I had poured my heart into was just my own foolish obsession. In my past life, I handled his company’s internal conflicts for him. Yet, he frowned, scolding, “You’re reaching too far.” I cooked soups for his stomach ailments, only to see him hand them off to his overworked first love, brushing it off, “She works harder than I do.” Even on the day I had a car accident, he lit fireworks across the city just to see her smile. I begged him, but he looked down at me from above. “Nicole, what we have is only a transaction.” Then, I opened my eyes and found myself back at our engagement banquet, watching him leave midway to comfort his heartbroken first love. This time, I did not chase after him. Instead, I picked up the microphone and said before all the guests. “Sorry, everyone. My engagement with Leo is canceled.”

"Maria, a resilient single mom from the Philippines, thought love had passed her by. After 25 years, her ex-partner, Dylan, failed to fulfill his promise of marriage, leaving Maria heartbroken and doubting her self-worth.Meanwhile, Liam, a charming pilot and former casanova, sought redemption from past heartaches. He ventured into social media and dating websites, searching for his dream girl. That's where he met Maria.Despite initial hesitations, they connected, exchanging sweet messages and thoughts. As their online romance blossomed, they faced challenges, including quarrels and skepticism from friends and family. Liam's friends doubted Maria's intentions, while those around Maria questioned Liam's sincerity.Undeterred, the couple leaned on each other, introducing their friends DC and Marco to facilitate open communication. Through life's ups and downs, Maria and Liam stood strong, nurturing their love. As they prepared to unite in Canada, Maria's excitement grew. Together, they braved criticism and proved that true love knows no borders.Will their love prevail, or will external pressures tear them apart? Dive into Maria and Liam's poignant journey, exploring themes of resilience, trust, and the power of true connection. As the days turned into weeks, Maria and Liam grew closer, their bond strengthening with each passing day. They would spend hours talking, sharing their dreams, fears, and aspirations. Maria would tell Liam about her kids, her job, and her passion for cooking, while Liam would share his adventures as a pilot, his love for travel, and his desire to settle down. Despite the distance and the skepticism from those around them, they found ways to make it work. They would chat each other every day, sharing their daily routines, and making each other laugh. Liam would always checking up Maria to make her feel special and loved.

"Are you that heartless? Why would you want to destroy my brother's life for your selfish purposes?" Violet asked, tears flowing freely on her cheek. "Heartless? I can say that about you too! I have to watch my son deteriorate because he thinks you are his mother! Do you think I want to marry you in the first place?" He mocked, in anger. " That doesn't justify the fact that you are forcing me to get married to you! I will not! And I will get my brother out of prison with or without your help! I think I made a big mistake coming here in the first place" Violet's world came tumbling over when she was forcefully offered a marriage contract in exchange for her brother's life. Having saved the life of the little grand heir of the Clarksville's family, she was stuck in their world by the ruthless heir, Jason Clarksville. It wasn't her fault that his son was thinking she was his mother! But that wasn't what Jason thought as he was hellbent on giving his son what he needed. And for that she needed to get married to him. How could she get married to the grandson of her family's enemy? That would be over her dead body. But what would happen when her only brother was stuck in-between the plots? Will she agree or will she stick to her decision even if it might cost her brother's life? She had no choice but to agree as she had to save her brother. What would happen when the once detested marriage began to bloom into an orchid of love? Will the external forces make them thrive to make it real or will it cause them to hold on to the contract? Find out in this mind-blowing story.

In the relentless storm of misfortune, Jessa's world crumbled as her businesses fell like a house of cards, leaving her drowning in a sea of debts. The remnants of her once comfortable life vanished one by one, leaving only an overwhelming sense of financial ruin. Among the mounting troubles, the most pressing was her father's debt to a menacing loan shark. Jessa had to settle it, or risk dire consequences for her beloved Papa. To make matters worse, the family home was on the brink of foreclosure by the relentless claws of the bank. Desperate, she approached the formidable Mr. Guiller Moretti, proposing a dire trade-her internal organs in exchange for her father's life. Yet, Mr. Moretti turned down the grim offer and presented an alternative. A job. A demeaning profession she never thought she would consider. Faced with the choice of endangering her father or sacrificing her own dignity, she opted for the latter. Jessa agreed to become a high-priced escort to secure her father's freedom. Little did she know, this was just the beginning of her tumultuous journey. Fate took an unexpected turn when her first client turned out to be Xyrius Dale Smith, a notorious playboy from the university she attended. Xyrius not only paid off her father's debts but showered her with opulence-expensive dresses, cars, condos, and jewelry. Yet, the exorbitant price for this lavish lifestyle was her exclusivity. He demanded her body to be his and his alone. Was it a heaven-sent salvation? Far from it. Was she lucky? Definitely not. From the moment Xyrius became obsessed with her allure, Jessa's life took a chaotic nosedive into a whirlwind of unexpected passion and turmoil, leaving her to question if this twist of fate was a blessing or a curse.

Helena Cole, daughter of poor gardener Nicolas Cole, is forced into a contract marriage with Alexander Stone, the new CEO of Solara Helixia. Helena, who has always lived a quiet life, feels trapped in the marriage, but soon discovers that Alexander is not the cruel and heartless man she had believed him to be. As Helena and Alexander navigate the treacherous waters of their families' bitter feud, they begin to develop feelings for each other. However, their love that begins to build as a result of sharing the same roof is forbidden, and they must keep their relationship a secret from their families, lest they face the consequences. For Helena, the only family property left for her father would be taken away. Meanwhile, Nicolas Cole and Alexander's mother, Isabella Stone, continue to plot against each other, determined to destroy the other's life and property. As tensions between the two families escalate as Nicholas Cole fights to take back what is rightfully his. Helena and Alexander find themselves caught in the middle, struggling to keep their love alive while their families wage war against each other, she gradually navigates from being a weak young lady to a strong and powerful woman. Even though Isabella keeps oppressing Helena's father; he was determined to fight till his last breath. Helena and Alexander must make a choice that will change their lives forever. Will they choose love or family loyalty? Will they later Find out the main reason for their arranged marriage? Will they find out the secrets behind the deaths of Mrs. Cole and Mr. Stone? Will the internal enemies and obstacles behind all the troubles in their relationship be exposed? Find out in "AGAINST THE TIDES", a gripping and steamy billionaire romance novel that will leave you breathless until the end.

Three months after Pete took his foster sister as his mistress, I terminated my marriage, chose to die on paper, and vanished from his life entirely. One quiet morning, I handed my child over to the nannies arranged by the family and walked out of the Rizzuto estate alone. Pete didn’t chase after me that day. He believed I would come back. Once I had calmed down, I would lower my head. The following spring, I was diagnosed with cancer. Standing in the hospital corridor, I suddenly remembered years ago— Pete had taken my hand and said, “You’ll be the finest Donna this Rizzuto family has ever had.” What pulled me back was not Pete. It was a letter from Sicily. Thin paper. Cold, rigid handwriting—the kind favored by old families who had ruled too long to bother with sentiment. “The heir has begun showing signs of emotional instability.” “Recent violent behavior has caused internal concern.” “There is disagreement within the family regarding the current Don’s judgment.” In the mafia world, there is only one reason the elders would bypass a man and reach out to a wife officially presumed dead— When the family itself begins to lose balance. So I returned. To the place I had once fled with everything I had. This time, there were no illusions. I no longer placed any hope in emotion. I was there only to fulfill the obligations of the family. I knew exactly how much time I had left. And I knew exactly what needed to be done. I became a proper Donna.

“Lila,” I began softly, choosing my words. “About last night...” She stood abruptly, cutting me off. “Don’t. There’s nothing to apologize for. It happened.” I frowned, trying to gauge her. “So, what are you saying?” She crossed her arms, steadying herself. “I’m saying I have a deal for you.” “A deal?” “We keep seeing each other—secretly. No one has to know. No strings attached.” I stared at her, wondering if she was serious. But from the look in her eyes, I knew she was. ********** Lila Frost, a brilliant bio-genetics student and the fiercely protected sister of Alpha King Ronan, returns to Silver Lake for a quiet summer focused on her research. But one reckless night changes everything when she shares an unforgettable encounter with Caden Walker—her brother’s dangerously irresistible best friend. Their one-night stand ignites a fiery connection, and they agree to indulge their passion without complications—no love, no strings attached. But when Lila discovers she’s pregnant, her world unravels. Torn between her growing feelings for Caden and the fear that he could never love her back, Lila retreats into her studio, burying herself in her work to escape the truth. The secret she carries threatens not only her heart but also her bond with her overprotective brother. As Caden remains unaware of Lila's internal struggle, Ronan uncovers the truth about their relationship—and his fury knows no bounds. Now, Lila must confront her feelings, her brother’s wrath, and the uncertainty of what her future holds. Can she risk everything for a chance at love with Caden? Or will she lose him—and herself—trying to protect her heart?

Di usia 27 tahun, Aiden Ravindra udah jadi CEO termuda di Zenith Corp, perusahaan teknologi terbesar di Asia Tenggara. Dia dikenal banget dengan sikapnya yang dingin, perfeksionis, dan nggak pernah ngijinin perasaan mengganggu logikanya. Tapi, di balik kesuksesannya, Aiden punya trauma mendalam—kehilangan keluarganya dalam kecelakaan tragis yang bikin dia lebih fokus sama kerjaan dan kesuksesan sebagai pelarian. Sementara itu, ada Alya Mahendra, jurnalis muda yang idealis dan lagi berjuang keras untuk ngebuktiin kemampuannya di dunia media yang super ketat. Ketika dia ditugaskan buat meliput perjalanan bisnis Zenith Corp, Alya nggak sengaja ketemu Aiden. Pertemuan itu malah buka babak baru dalam hidup Alya, karena dia mulai lihat sisi manusiawi Aiden yang selama ini tersembunyi di balik citra CEO suksesnya. Alya dan Aiden pun terjebak dalam hubungan profesional yang rumit, dimulai dari beda pandangan, tapi lama-lama mereka mulai ngerti satu sama lain, termasuk luka-luka yang mereka bawa masing-masing. Tapi, perjalanan mereka nggak semudah itu. Ada banyak intrik di dunia bisnis, konflik internal, dan rahasia masa lalu Aiden yang bisa jadi penghalang besar buat mereka. Akankah Aiden bisa menghadapin bayangan masa lalunya dan buka hati buat Alya? Dan bisakah Alya bertahan di tengah badai yang ancam karier dan kehidupannya? Jejak Langkah Sang CEO bakal bawa kamu ke dalam cerita soal ambisi, cinta, dan berani menghadapi kenyataan.

After getting into a fight with my CEO husband, Zachary Langford, I decided to sleep in a hotel room that night out of fury. Little did I know that a video would go viral on the Internet the next day. In the video, I took turns pleasuring seven men in my birthday suit. My moans filled the room the whole time. Zachary delivered a heavy slap across my face with the video shown on his phone. "How could I have ever married a shameless slut like you?" I couldn't even defend myself. All I could do was call the police for help. But once the police were done inspecting the video, they determined that it wasn't a deepfake. They had also discovered traces of the men's and my DNA in the hotel room. Everyone went into frenzied discussions on the Internet based on the video. It was then Zachary publicly announced that he shall be divorcing me soon after. Thanks to that, my mom died of a sudden heart attack. Apparently, the heart attack was triggered out of pure fury toward me. As for my father, he got into a fatal car accident on his way to the hospital. His corpse was completely broken and battered. After I got cast out of my family, those men's wives went as far as to hire hooligans to violate me in order to get revenge on me. Not wanting to get violated, I ended up falling down the stairs while I was fleeing from them. My brain suffered from internal bleeding, which killed me in the end. Even when I breathed my last, I still failed to understand why those videos and the evidence still existed despite the fact that I had done nothing at all. When I open my eyes again, I've returned to the day I'm having a fight with Zachary.

I had not asked my mother for money in three months. She thought I had finally learned to be a good, obedient son and, in a rare act of mercy, sent me a message. "I already had Calvin pay the registration fee. Learn to be more sensible from now on. Stop thinking about scamming money from the family. "I know your dad is having a hard time right now, but since you chose to stay with me, you need to be on the same side as me." When she said this, she did not yet know that I had already transferred my in-state residency out. No one believed that I, Miles Hart, who appeared on the surface to be the young master of a wealthy family, had a closet filled entirely with clothes bought before my parents’ divorce. For three full years, there was not a single new piece of clothing. Every dollar I spent privately had to be submitted through an internal approval system, with a written application and justification. Even fees for school activities required screenshots of official notices and formal quotations. All expenses had to pass the review of my stepfather, Calvin Pierce. Just because my mother constantly suspected I was siding with my father and was afraid I would secretly funnel money to him. A month ago, I needed $500 for a math competition registration fee. Calvin rejected the request again and again. "There isn't enough justification. "Why do you have to participate in this competition? "Wait until the end of the month for unified approval." By the time approval finally came through, the registration window had already closed. Mom did not know that I had endured these three years for only one reason: an in-state residency, which would make college admissions easier. Now, I was officially recommended for admission to a top university. This family was no longer a place I needed to stay in.