Reluctantly Synonyms

"I like her," I said as I sat across from my mother unable to keep the frustration from boiling over. "Like who?" "Callie," I admitted, my chest tightening as I said her name. Her expression froze for a moment before she set the papers aside and leaned forward. "You’re joking, right? Callie is your brother’s girlfriend." "I don’t care," I snapped. "I can’t stand seeing him with her. She should be mine, and I’m not going to just sit back and watch them together." "Well, well. This is interesting." She sat back, steepling her fingers. "You really want her all to yourself?" "More than anything," I confessed. A slow smile crept across her face, and it sent a chill down my spine. "Don’t worry. I have a plan.” Whatever she had in mind, I knew it wouldn’t be simple. But if it meant having Callie… I was willing to do whatever it took. **************** Callie was given a choice by her new boss: either lose her job or act as his escort for his family’s Christmas and New Year celebrations, pretending to be his girlfriend. Left with no other option, she reluctantly agrees to be his escort but what she doesn’t realize is that she’s walking straight into a trap. Dive into a story of love, betrayal, romance, suspense, and a Christmas miracle. Second Chances Under the Tree is a gripping and intriguing read that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

After being publicly rejected by her mate, the Alpha's son, orphans Kit, and her little sister Cami, run away from their pack. Seven years later, who should walk into the diner that Kit works at and Cami studies in, but the new Beta of the pack they abandoned, who just so happens to be Cami’s very smitten mate. Kit is horrified when Cami begs her to come back to the pack where she still feels the humiliation from her rejection, but she can’t abandon her only family, so she reluctantly tags along. What she doesn’t expect, is that the once arrogant but popular son of the pack’s healer, Colin, has turned out to be not just a nice guy, but smoking hot too. And much to her surprise, he is interested in her. Which is great, because the mate who rejected her is now her Alpha and seems to take amusement in embarrassing her. Embarrassing her, and at the same time, wanting to use her for his pleasure, which even though she can’t stand him, she struggles to be able to physically resist him. And to make matters worse, he refuses to let her reject him back, threatening to kick her out and prevent her from seeing her loved ones anymore. Will she ever be able to finally reject him back and be happy with Colin, who wants her for more than just her body, or will she forever be trapped in an infatuation with someone who is emotionally uninterested?

Cole Patrick is merely a doorstep spawn who is reluctantly adopted by the Wyatt dynasty. He endures the mistreatment from the family but cannot speak up because the Wyatt's are powerful and influential. Zye Wyatt is an exception. She shows him kindness but is careful not to do it in front of the other members of the family. An innocent touch, a shared laugh, and suddenly, their bond blossoms into a forbidden love, ignited under the stars one lazy evening. However, their ruse comes to an end on prom night when Zane, Zye's brother finds them kissing behind the school library. He reports to their father who ships Zye abroad and kicks Cole out. At 18, homeless and determined to rise above his status, Cole forges a path of his own. Ten years later, Zye, broken and fresh from her divorce, finds herself looking for work in a small town. She is attracted to a bike gang from the town and is interested in joining as a step to her freedom. She realises that the bike gang leader is none other than Cole. Hardened by life but still her first love. However, their reunion does not last longer. A private investigator sent to find Zye's whereabouts reports them to her dad. The fragile peace they've curated shatters as shocking truths emerge: Cole wasn't abandoned; he was stolen from his mother after Mr. Wyatt brutally murdered his father. And his mother? Alive, a prisoner of the Wyatts' dark secrets all these years. Now, Cole stands at a crossroads: choose the woman who once offered him solace, or embrace the roaring vengeance for his shattered past and reclaim his stolen birthright. Can their love, forged in the fires of deception and longing, survive the ashes of Wyatt family lies?

“oh I forgot you're here for the big announcement”. Nathan laughed “you’re joking if you think father will hand over the company to you Logan. I mean we both know you don't have what it takes”. Logan Carter is one of the sons of Arthur Carter— a popular billionaire. Nathan Carter is Logan’s stepbrother. Even though Logan is already a billionaire, he competes with Nathan on who becomes the next president of their father's company Carter Enterprise. When Arthur Carter announces that any of his sons who gives him his first grandchild will become the next president of his company, Logan's jaw dropped in surprise. He had sworn never to get married because of his last heartbreak. Now he did not just have to get married, he had to have a child too. When his friend David suggests that he could hire someone to have his child without getting married to her, he reluctantly agrees. David introduces Tara to Logan Carter at the Nighttime bar where Logan offers to hire Tara as the surrogate mother of his child and his contract fiancee. With the condition that she moves in with him for the baby’s sake and to authenticate their relationship in the eye of his family. Tara is a twenty five years old stripper who is beautiful and still a virgin. She only gets into the stripping business because she desperately needs to earn a living and cannot find a better job. Her beauty and sensuality has earned her the admiration of many men. Will Logan be able to maintain the professional boundaries that their contract demands and also keep his oath never to get married or will he fall for Tara’s charms?

Matt had been gifted something that had only been of legend. something so beautiful and dangerous. he knows what has to be done is his destiny but will he handle the chaos that will ensue with this blessing, or will it all go to shit? *snippet* “What the fuck Chloe,” he ground out, “I'm not leaving until I have answers, you can't expect me to just let it go when you're thin as hell and covered in bruises,” He shouted in her face. “No, fuck you, you can't just come into my life, turn into that... that creature and expect to know my life story,” Chloe said stubbornly, folding her arms in front of her chest and turning away. “Im not asking for that, I just need to know who did this to you,” “You,” She turned on her hill, poking Matt in the chest, “Don't need to know anything,” She glared, Matt snatching her wrist and pulling her to him. “Why do you have to be so difficult?” he asked, his features softening. “Why do you have to be a mythical creature that's not supposed to exist,” “Ouch,” Niki muttered behind Matt in a sarcastic tone, folding her arms. “What?” Chloe snapped at her, regretting it instantly. “You're not supposed to exist either,” She said calmly. “What's that supposed to mean?” she asked, getting frustrated, her anger at the situation boiling inside her. “Its a long story, Matt can tell you,” Niki said, turning and walking away. “Come on, I'll explain everything,” Matt gestured for Chloe to follow, which she reluctantly did.

That isn't fair," I said, my voice cracking. "I cannot marry someone I do not love, no matter how convenient it is for you. "I am not going to do it!" I was shivering with wrath. Madam Angelica sighed heavily, her expression intensifying. "You're being selfish, Anna," she said. "It's not just about you; it's about the entire family and the future. I understand you don't want to marry someone you don't love, but I need you to understand the importance of this decision." I was at a breaking point. I'd always been a polite girl, following what I was taught and never challenging my family's judgment. But this time, I was willing to fight for what I wanted. My joy was too precious to sacrifice for the sake of family responsibilities. "I won't do it," I shouted."I won't be part of this arranged marriage" I clutched my bag firmly and dashed off to work in rage. Anna is forced by her mom to marry a billionaire suitor Kevin Beyer in order to save her family from the debt her late father caused them. Her mother reluctantly approves of the marriage without caring about Anna's feelings, Anna was left with no other choice than to marry Kevin. Anna wondered how Johnny, her boyfriend, would feel when he heard about this and how she would cope with the rest of her life as the wife of a man she didn't love. She knew that this arrangement would be difficult, but she had no other choice. Would she ever find true love or happiness in this situation ? What did her lover do on hearing about this marriage?

"What's your name?" He asked, making the managers go shut at once. They followed his gaze and it landed on Mallory. Mallory felt her soul being pierced. Did he just ask for her name? Her Wilder didn't even know her name? "Uh... her name is..." "Let her speak for herself, Arlo" Wilder raised his hand at his cousin who zipped up at once. Then, reluctantly, Mallory muttered: "I'm Mallory Harrington." Wilder said nothing, his gaze on her unreadable. Then, she asked. "Don't you... remember me?" "Am I... supposed to know you?" Wilder asked with an unfeigned doubt. This broke Mallory even more. How can her Wilder not recognize her? Her next breath came raggedly, she had to drop her teary gaze to the floor. "How can you not remember me?" She winced. "We were..." ********** What happens when Mallory goes to work one morning and discovers the new CEO who was the soon-to-be heir to one of the richest companies in the world was her ex-husband who had been missing for seven years? How does she tell him she used to be married to him before he went missing? How does she tell him she was still very much in love with him and wanted him back in her life, even if there was someone else? How does she tell him she had twins at home that looked like him? How does she tell him any of these when he couldn't recognize her and acted very cold towards her? What happened to her Wilder?

"Strip!" "W..what?" Mary stuttered, not believing what she had just heard. Did this man just tell her to strip in the midst of everyone? Granted, there were only three in the room, but it was still outrageous. "I said strip Mary! I am a paying client, and I would like to see what I am paying for. You are to be my wife; it is only reasonable that I see all the goods." *** Notorious playboy Nicholas Harrington, known for his scandalous affairs, finds himself caught in yet another illicit escapade, causing concern for the future of his family's empire. Frustrated with his son's behavior, Nicholas's father forces him into an arranged marriage. Reluctantly, he marries Mary, an orphan raised in a convent, and their relationship begins with a rocky start. Nicholas, having no regard for his wife, continues with his indulgent lifestyle. It continued for some months until Nicholas became tired and threw Mary out on the street. But little did he know that Mary was already with child. With nowhere to go, Mary was forced to roam the streets until help came. Tragedy struck when Nicholas's father was diagnosed with an incurable disease and had a few months to go. But he was only going to hand over the company if Nicholas gave him a grandson. Now Nicholas must begin to look for his wife and try to convince her to give him a male child. And he would do everything he could to keep Mary with him. Their reunion sparks a turbulent journey of anger, passion, and hidden desires. Mary and Nicholas find themselves at a crossroads. Can they overcome the scars of their tumultuous history and embrace a future together, or are they destined for a bittersweet ending?

Amber Cole is a 31-year-old stripper. With her prime years in the industry slipping away, she’s aware that soon her looks will no longer be enough to make the money she needs to survive. Struggling with her self-worth and looking for a way out, Amber’s world is about to be upended when she meets Ryan Carter, a cold, successful businessman from Chicago. Ryan, reeling from his fiancée's betrayal, is forced into a bizarre deal by a clause in his late grandfather’s will: he must marry and stay married for one year. When his best friend, Tom, suggests he hire a stripper to pretend to be his fiancée, Ryan reluctantly agrees. He picks Amber, offering her $500,000 for her time. Unaware of the deep complexities of her own emotions, Amber agrees, seeing the money as her ticket to a fresh start. Despite their differences — Ryan's polished world of wealth and Amber's gritty, down-to-earth life — they are drawn into a tense, fiery dynamic that forces both to confront their prejudices and assumptions. Amber start their arrangement, initially unaware of the emotional journey she’s about to embark on. As she undergoes a transformation, both physically and emotionally, Ryan begins to question his initial perception of her, discovering that beneath her tough exterior, Amber is more than just a stripper. As the months pass, their relationship evolves from contractual obligation to something far more complicated. Sparks fly, but so do their insecurities. Amber finds herself falling for Ryan, but can she ever be the woman he needs her to be? And can Ryan truly let go of his past and embrace the real, messy woman Amber has become?

With one of the best college grades and her degree in medicine, Emma Newton’s next plan is to move to Abuja to pursue her dreams. Her goals in life were easy; get a great job at a private hospital, pay back all her family's debts and make her parents proud. That was before her father got very sick in front of her eyes and is fighting for his life. She reluctantly moves to Abuja with one major goal at the top of the list; Save her father from dying. Alex Lightwood is the CEO of the billion dollar technology company; Pearl mobile, and one of the top business moguls in Abuja. He's also one of the hottest men in the city. But what no one knows is the pain he carries in his heart from mourning the death of his wife and first love. Because of that, he has become cold hearted and ruthless. His wife left him with their three kids but he can't stand to look at them because they remind him of her so much so he hires nanny after nanny to take care of them. However, his mischievous and ill mannered kids have sent away all THIRTY nannies he's hired. That's when he realizes he needs major help. Fate causes Emma and Alex’s paths to cross and he offers her a job to be 'His Caretaker’. Desperate for the money to save her father, she accepted. To Emma Newton, Alex Lightwood must be the coldest, insufferable, arrogant and bipolar person she has ever come across. But, to Alex Lightwood, Emma Newton is the only girl who has ever dared to look him in the eye and question him. Will they let love win or their egos?