Rice By Manuel Arguilla

Rafael Achilles Cordova is the notoriously cold CEO of Cordova Industries, unrivaled in the business world. Raised as the successor of his father's company, he poured his life into preparing to inherit the company and grew up with no other interests. No care for women, money, or life in general. For all 29 years of his life, he lived purely for the sake of carrying out his duty without divulging into a single frivolity. And yet, why couldn't he get his mind off of the bright violet eyes of a particular little lady who randomly entered his life one day? Why was there a fuzzy feeling in his chest at a mere glimpse of her? Why did it feel like his entire world was collapsing with only a single tear running down her cheek? Where were all these feelings coming from? Unfamiliar feelings that he had not once ever felt before in his entire life. Little did he know that those were the feelings of a king who finally found his queen, one who he would lay his entire empire down to stay by her side.

You are the bane to my existence, Ethan. Always hovering over me, dictating my life. But I won't let you control my heart." "Oh, Ava, if you only knew the chaos you've stirred within me. You challenge me in ways I never thought possible. I'm captivated by your spirit, your unwavering determination. Let me show you a love that defies expectations, a love that is entirely our own." "I'm not one to be easily swayed by words, Ethan. I need actions, true intentions. Prove to me that this arrangement isn't just another game of power and control." **** In the dazzling world of high society, Ava Sinclair is a force to be reckoned with—a fiercely independent woman who defies conventions and fights for her dreams. But when an arranged marriage binds her to Ethan Morgan, a brooding and enigmatic billionaire, her carefully constructed world is turned upside down. Ava resents the idea of being tied to a man she barely knows, and Ethan is equally reluctant to enter into a loveless union. Yet, as they navigate the intricacies of their forced arrangement, they find themselves drawn to each other in ways they never anticipated. As their initial animosity gives way to unexpected sparks, Ava and Ethan discover a connection that transcends their obligations. But with their families and society watching their every move, will they have the courage to defy tradition and pursue their own desires? Amidst grand balls, scandalous secrets, and whispered gossip, Ava and Ethan must navigate the treacherous waters of high society and their own guarded hearts. Will they succumb to the pressure of societal expectations, or will they dare to chase the love that sets their souls on fire?

Naomi sacrificed ten years for her love with Liam, only to be betrayed and sold to Lucius, a cold CEO who saw marriage as nothing more than a transaction. A one–year contract, no emotions, no complications. But when two different worlds collided, the boundaries were quickly erased, and an invisible forbidden feeling arose. Yet, just as she began to love someone new, the old lover returned. Liam refused to let go, and Lucius would not accept having what he owned taken from him. Not love with the old, not a possession to the new… yet impossible to refuse!

*** Cat shifter + three Alphas *** Another year, another heat season, and another attempt to escape, but this time- for good. The secret I carry is almost as dark, sick, and twisted as my hatred for Alphas. Running from my problems, I never thought I'd come face to face with my greatest fear in the form of three men. Three extremely dominant, possessive, and obsessive men. Three Alphas. I've been warned- none of them is willing to give up or step aside. Each of them refuses to stop until they "claim" me. Warning: This reverse harem book contains A LOT of mature content, triggering topics and sensitive themes. (Kinks/ BDSM/ strong language, etc.) BOOK ONE IN THE ALPHAS SERIES. The series: Caught by the Alphas - completed Claimed by the Alphas

Dawn, a human girl who lived with her family in an underground bunker for most of her life finds herself getting thrown into a tight web after the night her little brother goes missing on a full moon night. She is helped by a vampire who happens to be her mate but doesn’t hear from him ever since. However, her life takes a mysterious turn when she finds out that she is mated not just to Zade, the vampire but to two other people, a ruthless werewolf Alpha, Xavier and his best friend, Ryan. Burdened with this, she’s made to make a decision, to choose whomever she wants to be with. Zade, the vampire was sweet to her but vampires were known for their slyness, they were trouble and she knows that. Moreover, she wasn’t ready to become a night creeper like them. The werewolves on the other hand are more like humans… her kind. She finds them more predictable and easier to cope with but that doesn’t mean she could cope with Alpha Xavier, the one who had sworn to make her life a living hell. She’s torn between making this decision and in the end, she chooses to be with all! Delve into this fascinating story that revolves around these people who are of different kinds but are forced to be together by a force greater than all. Love. Is Alpha Xavier who Dawn thinks he is? Was she even who she thought she was? And most of all, what dark secrets from their past binds them all? Read to find out!

It is rumored that Mr King is ruthless,a murder and a King. Everyone kneels and bows when they see him! It is rumored that there is a snake den in Mr King’s house which is full of skeletons! Rumor has it that Mr King’s married little bride has run away! ! !Mr King was so furious that he want to destroy the world,and everyone was in danger... However, Seeing her again, Mr King smirked and handcuffed the little bride and held her in bridal style directly to the bed, "If you run away once more, I will broke your legs." The little bride trembled, her eyes wet. Then Mr King heart’s softened and he directly pressed a kiss on her lip!

She was young, happily lived with her parents, they were her joy, her strength, they made her strive to work hard. She had fiance, and they were to get married, her family supported theur union so she was glad. She was happy, as long as she had them, she was satisfied. But under the blackmoon, right in front of her eyes The haunting experience took place. Her parents were brutally murdered, right on her eyes. She could clearly remember the pain that continued to slash her chest and the way it haunted her. Their scream that full moon night, their screams of agony as they turned to ash. Who was she?? Aeris Vern. She had the beauty and everything but then the only thing she lacked was her wolf. Her wolf refused to come out. And that made her vulnerable to others. And she kept blaming that, she kept blaming her wolf for not coming out, cause she couldn't act when her parents needed her the most and that was why the Alpha of Ember Wolves did what he did. Murdered her parents. Declan Theon. Alpha of Embers Wolves was a dominant and intimidating alpha, feared by all. His aura alone commanded respect, his heart stonelike, everyone always bowed. He was feared by most of the packs in the Seven Grounds Aeris still hunted in pains from the death of her parent, decided to take revenge. She was gonna end the man who killed her parents. She was going to end Alpha Declan. Fate or was it a curse... That on the night of the full moon, when a virgin would be picked for Declan to offer as a sacrifice to the God of Nekroth.. Tharros. He saw her. And not just that, she was chosen for the sacrifice.

Tessa is the picture perfect student with good grades, flawless attendance and a charming smile. With one year left to graduate high school and a bucket list imposed by her best friend, her goal is pretty much the same with an extra addition—tick off every item on the cursed bucket list. But trouble comes knocking in the form of blue eyes, muscled body and an ego the size of her head. What happens when the school's badboy, Benjamin notices her in a boxing ring?

Vorian Rex is the inaccessible elite CEO of NexusVibe, a tech empire that controls the international stage. Affluent beyond extent and submitting to no one, he’s created a lifestyle of authority and confidentiality, concealing his truth: he’s gay, and he’s never permitted anyone near enough to question his dominance. That is, till Zephyr Cole, his new secretary, walks into his office with keen intelligence, subtle resistance, and an aura which dismantles Vorian’s impenetrable barriers. Zephyr is driven, insightful, and seductively enticing; a man who equals Vorian’s intensity. One late-night encounter triggers a bond that could consume them both. However, with a cruel adversary scheming to take NexusVibe, a family heritage at stake, and Zephyr’s own hidden truths threatening to emerge, their forbidden romance becomes an intense game. When a company scheme reveals their truth, Vorian must choose: safeguard his kingdom or fight for the man who’s proven to him what it means to be liberated.

Ang kasal ni Abigail kay Liam ay hindi dahil sa love, kundi dahil sa business deal. Kahit anong effort ni Abigail na ayusin ang relasyon nila, hindi niya mapawi ang galit ni Liam. Sa isang matinding phone call, sinabi ni Liam na gusto na niyang mag-divorce dahil sawang-sawa na siya. Initially, nagprotesta si Abigail pero sa huli, pumayag din siya. Habang pinipirmahan ang divorce papers, tiniyak ni Abigail na hindi makikialam si Liam sa negosyo ng pamilya niya. Ngayon, handa na siyang kalimutan si Liam at simulan ang bagong buhay. —- Abigail gazed at her signature and broke into a wide grin “ Liam Jones, from now on we’re strangers “