Once Falling Slowly

“A marriage of convenience… turned into a love worth fighting for.” Isang kasal na hindi pinili, kundi ipinilit ng kapalaran. Para kay Vernice, ang kasal ay isang bagay na dapat nagmumula sa pagmamahal at hindi sa kasunduan. Ngunit biglang nagbago ang lahat nang mapilitan siyang pumayag sa isang arranged marriage—at ang lalaking nakatakda niyang pakasalan ay walang iba kundi si Caius, isang makapangyarihang negosyante na kilala sa kanyang malamig na ugali at walang interes sa pag-ibig. Sa simula, parang isang bangungot ang pagsasama nila. Ang buhay ng isang simpleng babae ay biglang naipit sa mundo ng karangyaan, intriga, at matinding pressure na dala ng pagiging asawa ng isang kilalang billionaire. Sa kanilang pagsasama, tila dalawang magkaibang mundo ang pinilit na pinagtatagpo—isang pusong naghahanap ng pagmamahal at isang pusong sanay nang magtago sa likod ng yaman at kapangyarihan. Ngunit habang lumilipas ang mga araw, may mga simpleng bagay na unti-unting nagbabago. Ang mga tingin na dati ay malamig, naging mainit. Ang mga usapan na dati ay pormal at walang saysay, nagiging puno ng lambing at tawa. At ang kasal na dati’y walang emosyon, nagiging isang tahanan ng pag-ibig na hindi nila inasahan. Subalit hindi mawawala ang mga pagsubok—mga taong tututol, intriga ng lipunan, at takot na baka ang lahat ng ito ay pansamantala lamang. Ngunit sa kabila ng lahat, matutuklasan nilang hindi ang kasunduan ang magtatali sa kanila, kundi ang pusong natutong magmahal ng totoo. Isang kwento ng dalawang taong hindi pinili ang isa’t isa, pero pinili ng tadhana. Sa huli, mapapatunayan nilang minsan, ang pagmamahal ay dumarating sa pinaka–hindi inaasahang paraan.

Being a fresh university graduate, all that Claire needs is an adventure of a lifetime. Her life as a beautiful Rapunzel in the castle is something any woman her age would desire to have, but she knows what's hidden behind her exorbitant smile. But everything changes on one stormy evening.He'll appear like a knight in shining armor, and then he'll stay like a King of her heart. Healing and destroying her at the same time will become his ability, but eternity with him will become her heartfelt wish, even though her question remains unanswered--Is it love?

After a relentless climb in the financial world, Isabelle Wakefield is on the brink of a monumental merger that could cement her as a Wall Street icon. However, the deal hinges on her being married. Enter Damien Blackwood, a ruthless billionaire known for his unyielding negotiations. He agrees to a short-term marriage contract, seeing a chance to expand his empire. Their intense chemistry and clashing personalities spark a passionate bond, challenging their views on love and authority. Isabelle's tenacity captivates Damien, while she is drawn to the empathy beneath his arrogant exterior. As their professional and personal lives intertwine, they must decide if their temporary agreement can evolve into a lasting relationship, overcoming their fears to embrace a shared future.

"Take me, please." This time into his ear. He sat up some and grabbed my hips pulling me on to him harder. The deeper he went the more I lost control. I could tell he was holding back. Maybe he was afraid to hurt me. The bruises, because of what he knows about my past, He thinks he has to treat me like I'm fragile. I looked straight into his eyes. "I can take it, please, I want you to make me yours." I was begging him now. I saw his face change as he sat up and pushed my legs up higher. Suddenly he was slamming into me… ***** When Sandra married Ryan she thought she had married her hero. A young bright police detective on his way up. It wasn't long before she realized she was wrong. A narcissistic abusive man with the support of the city and the police department. She was trapped. Caged. Until the night of her monthly trip to the movies with the friends she was allowed. The other police detective’s wives. She saw his eyes as he leaned against the wall. A tinge of recognition as she walked past him. Then everything went dark.

Astra wanted nothing more but genuine happiness and the strength to move on from her failed marriage. When she got married to New York’s most eligible bachelor, she felt her joy was at its peak. One night, she got thrown out in the rain by her billionaire husband, and she had no idea her marriage was about to end. Billionaire Nicholas Michealson felt betrayed when he discovered his wife of almost two years was cheating on him, and he divorced her without listening to her side of the story. He felt betrayed and hurt by the only person he ever let into his heart. Five years later, and the hurt is still fresh, They both want closure to move on from each other. In a period of five years, everything has changed except the truth. Astra has huge secrets, and Nicholas has been wrong all along. Maybe it was indeed too late for both of them.

In a car, Matteo Gallagher kisses Evelyn Walsh until she's breathless and entranced. She's been stripped, but he's still fully clothed. The stark contrast makes her blush. Matteo wraps an arm around Evelyn's waist and pulls her close. He chuckles and whispers, "The soundproof divider is up, so the driver can't hear you. He wouldn't dare listen in, anyway. Why are you so shy?" She watches as he intensifies his ministrations on her and throws her arms around him. Love fills her eyes, and she's about to reach her climax. Just then, a phone rings, interrupting them.

Amber is a simple, kind, and brave girl. She’s the eldest among three siblings. Despite having a complete family, they lack one thing that is essential for survival—money. Her father works as a security guard in a well-known construction firm while her mother is an online seller of thrifty clothes. At a young age, she saw how her parents worked hard to provide the needs of their family. That is why she promised herself that she will do everything to help her parents once she graduated—but things won’t be that easy for her. Amber is a third-year college student in a well-known university, but unlike most of the students, she got in because of her scholarship. She was never the type of student to ace her academics, but her marks are enough to lessen her school fees by 50%. In order to pay for the remaining half, she applied as a student assistant in their university. William James Walton, he's one of the most sought after business man in his generation. He's young, good-looking and smart. Many of his business opponents envy the his charm and strategies. Will these two people from two different world be able to find happiness in each others arms? Or will their differences hinder the chance of a happy ending?

“Are you deaf? I said the marriage is over.” His voice rose, sharp and final, “From this moment on, I, Damon Cross, reject you, Amber Smith, as my mate.” --- Amber Smith is the wife of Damon Cross, the powerful alpha of the silver moon pack and a wealthy, charismatic CEO. To the outside world, she is the lucky woman who got married to the rich and handsome CEO. But behind closed doors, she was nothing more than a complete stranger to him. On the day she was supposed to reveal her pregnancy to him, Amber comes home to find him in bed with his ex girlfriend. In an attempt to escape the pain, she makes the decision to leave the country, burying her feelings behind her. Six years later, she returns to the country, no longer the timid omega she once was. But as the world's most prestigious CEOs. And this time around, she's not the one chasing love.

Breanna Wilson is a club stripper at night and a psychology student by day, joggling both lives to get a good education and pay her bills. Maxwell Caines, an ex national boxing champion turned psychology professor, is the youngest and hottest Professor in the entire university. A huge ladies man. Appears with a constant frown and talks like he owns everybody. She thinks he's a sad, angry, meddlesome man. He thinks she's a rude and arrogant girl that makes terrible life decisions and needs therapy. Both lives entwine when Maxwell catches her, one of his most promising students working at a strip club. He helps her get a job after witnessing the brutal death of her brother and a romantic relationship brews between a student and professor. Will their relationship stand the test of time when she gets kidnapped by familiar people and his job is threatened?.

They say karma strikes when you least expect it. And for me, it did. That small boy I once harassed, ignored, and bullied is now a fully grown Urekai Alpha with immense power, unmatched strength, and a name associated with many fearsome reputations. And because he once swore vengeance, I have been running all my life. But he has caught me. The hatred he has for me, is one I have never known before. Coated with venom. Burning with spite. Only in those cold, satanic gray eyes have I seen hate in its rawest, purest form. I thought I had prepared for this day. That I was ready for the revenge and retribution he promised. However, the punishment he delivers is one I never saw coming. But how do you break what is already broken? How do you drown one who lives with their head buried underwater? How do you kill something that stopped breathing a long time ago? And more terrifying still, how the hell does love grow from the most venomous, hate-filled, black heart to ever exist? . . WARNING: This book contains highly sexual mature content and really dark themes that cross the line from dark into pitch-black territory, which some readers may find unsettling or triggering. Please proceed with caution. • NOTE: This book is a complete standalone. Though set in the Urekai universe, this story introduces entirely new characters with their own depths, nuances, and experiences. You need not read "That Prince Is A Girl" to enjoy or understand this tale, for it is a completely independent story of its own.