Podium Finish

blurb: “You walked away from our marriage like it meant nothing.” “Because loving you meant losing everything I’d built.” “Then watch me destroy it.” Five years ago, billionaire heir Damien Blackwell made a devastating choice—he abandoned his secret husband, Luca Rivera, to protect his empire and hide his truth. No goodbyes. Just a cold betrayal that shattered them both. Now Damien needs a miracle. To claim his inheritance and take over the family empire, he must prove he’s legally married—and there’s only one man who fits the bill. But Luca is no longer the soft-hearted lover Damien left behind. He’s re-emerged as Lucas Vale, a ruthless tech mogul with a new name, a bulletproof reputation, and a heart hardened by betrayal. When Luca agrees to play the part of Damien’s doting husband—for a price—their fake reunion ignites a wildfire of buried passion, unresolved rage, and secrets that could destroy them both. Because one of them is hiding a secret that changes everything—and someone in Damien’s circle wants Luca gone... permanently. Love. Lies. Legacy. Will their second chance save them—or finish what heartbreak started?

Claire Hamilton gave up everything for love. Her name, her inheritance, and her father’s trust. Everyone warned her not to marry Lucas Blackwell, the charming businessman with secrets behind his smile. But she didn’t listen. Now her father is dead in a suspicious crash. And on the day she buries him, Lucas hands her divorce papers and says the cruelest words: “I no longer have use for you.” He takes everything: her family company, her wealth, her dignity. But what he doesn’t know is… Claire is pregnant. She vanishes, opens a small flower shop, and raises her son in peace—until Alexander Sinclair walks in. A cold billionaire. A grieving widower. His daughter hasn’t been herself since her mother died… but around Claire, she begins to heal. So does Alexander. Claire tries to guard her heart, but he keeps showing up, not just for flowers, but for her. Just when she dares to love again, Lucas returns. Claims he’s dying and wants her back. Says walking away was his biggest mistake. And that’s when Claire uncovers the truth: Lucas planned everything. Now he’s back to finish what he started. But Claire isn’t the girl he once discarded. She’s a mother. She’s angry. And she’s not running anymore. This time… she’s the one coming for him.

"You belong to me!" he said in his deep, husky voice, sending shivers down my spine. "And you are mine to love, princess!" His tone was full of possessiveness. "Let me go-" I started to protest, but he silenced me by pressing his index finger to my lips. "Shh, be quiet!" he whispered softly against my lips. I looked into his eyes, which were filled with desire and longing. "It's just you and me tonight, and I want to make it special for us," his strong voice sent chills down my spine. My heart raced as I felt his fingers at the edge of my dress, ready to tear it away. *"I'm about to do the most sinful things with you now, Jaan!"* His voice echoed in my ears. "I've waited long enough!" His voice grew deeper with desire. "No, please-"before I finish my sentence, he interrupted me as air rushed around my body. He ripped my dress in two pieces.

Sehari setelah aku dan Narto Gunawan mengajukan gugatan cerai, dua video menjadi viral. Satunya adalah video tujuh tahun yang lalu, aku yang berusia 22 tahun menemani Narto bernyanyi di lorong bawah tanah. Aku sambil memegang kotak makan siang seharga dua puluh ribu dan tersenyum ke arah kamera. “Apakah Mulan Angeta di masa depan akan sangat bahagia setelah menikah dengan penyanyi Narto yang menjadi terkenal? Aku tidak boleh melupakan semua kerja keras yang telah kulalui demi dia selama bertahun-tahun, dia harus membalasku dua kali lipat!” Video lainnya adalah hari ini ketika Shinta Claudia berjalan sambil menggandeng tangan Narto di podium Penghargaan Melodi Emas. Pria itu mengungkapkan rasa cintanya dalam bahasa Italia, “Akhirnya, aku tidak perlu lagi melihat Mulan merindukanmu."