Zen Design Garden

BLURB Married at the age of 18, Mila Throndsen gave up everything including her dreams and family prestige for the sake of her childhood sweetheart, Killian. But her husband who once loved her no longer wants to spare her even the simplest glance. Mila did everything she could, even enduring her husband's abuses just so she can rekindle their dying love but it was all in vain. Two months after a passionate one-night stand with a stranger, Mila ended up pregnant. Her husband furiously threw a divorce paper to her face and accused her of cheating Her family disowned and threw her out of their lives too. Devasted and angry, Mila left her hometown, Westwood, for a smaller city, swearing to make everyone who abandoned her pay dearly. Six years later, Mila became a charming model and successful fashionista working in one of the biggest Clothing and Design companies. An enticing business offer brought her back to Westwood but this time around, she wasn't alone. Two adorable little twins accompanied her! Shantel and Leon on the other hand, had another motive, a secret goal, one that Mila wasn't even aware of. "Find a rich CEO for our Mommy, who will also become our Daddy! " Extract; A beam of excitement appeared on Shantel's face as she stared at the handsome man across the street. But there was something else fueling her excitement; this handsome man looked exactly like her twin brother! The little girl rushed over and bumped into the stone ice; Dominic Hartless, the most powerful man of Westwood. A slight frown appeared on Dominic's face as he stared down the cute little thing standing before him. But his frown quickly turned into widened eyes when the little girl proposed; "Excuse me, Handsome Mister, will you marry me? "

I fell in love with a cold, taciturn tattoo artist named Henry Kane. So I deliberately damaged my tattoo again and again, picking at the skin and reworking the design, just to see him a few more times. By the third visit for touch-ups, scrolling comments suddenly appeared before my eyes: “I’m dying of laughter. This desperate female lead literally destroyed her freshly tattooed skin just to see the male lead again, and she still didn’t dare confess her feelings.” “Henry Kane is actually the embodiment of an ancient ferocious beast who sat on mountains of gold and silver but refused to spend them, choosing instead to open a tattoo studio to experience mortal life.” “He looks icy and distant, but his possessiveness has long since maxed out.” “He was just afraid his violent nature would scare his woman away.” I looked at the man in front of me, who was lowering his head as he wiped down the tattoo machine, and he did indeed give off an unmistakable keep-your-distance aura. But the comments claimed that he wanted to possess me? “Um… Excuse me?” The man tilted his head slightly, and under the weight of his deep gaze, the confession lodged in my throat. My mind short-circuited, and I blurted out, “I… I wanted to tattoo it on my lower back this time.” In an instant, the comments exploded in joy. “Woohoo! We’re taking off!” “Lower back, you say? That’s a sensitive spot! Can this pure-hearted ferocious beast really hold back?” “Good grief, straight to the undressing scene! This cunning move by the female lead is operating on a whole other level!” The man’s hand gripping the tattoo machine jerked to a sudden stop, and the air seemed to freeze for a few seconds. Then he answered, his voice slightly hoarse and unreadable, “Alright.”

Akala ni Jade Naive Guaren-Severa, sapat ang pagmamahal para manatiling buo ang isang relasyon. Akala niya, kaya nilang tuparin ang mga pangako nila—na mamahalin ang isa’t isa sa hirap at ginhawa, habang-buhay. Pero nasaan na ang lahat ng iyon ngayon? Once, she had everything she ever wanted. A loving husband, a happy life, a family they were supposed to build together. Pero ngayon, ang naiwan na lang sa kanya ay sakit, pagkaduda, at mga tanong na walang kasagutan. “Ako ba ang may pagkukulang? Hindi ba ako naging sapat? Mas mahal niya ba talaga ang babaeng ‘yon kaysa sa akin?” The woman who tore their world apart. The woman who pushed Jade down the stairs, causing her miscarriage, yet Azriel, blinded by anger and grief, chose her over Jade. The same woman who stole Azriel's heart and left Jade with nothing but broken promises. Nang muli siyang mabuntis, inisip ni Jade na baka may pag-asa pa. Baka sakaling maayos pa nila ang lahat. Pero imbes na yakapin ang panibagong simula, tinulak siya ni Azriel palayo. Sa halip na lumaban, binigyan siya ng divorce papers at tuluyang iniwan—kasabay ng lahat ng pangakong binitiwan noon. Lumipas ang ilang taon. Akala ni Jade, tuluyan na silang tapos. Hanggang sa muli silang pagtagpuin ng tadhana. Azriel is marrying his mistress, and Jade is hired to design their wedding gown. Ngayon, kailangang harapin ni Jade ang lahat ng nangyari. Handa na ba siyang magpatawad? O huli na ang lahat para bumalik sa dati?

Si Jom Tan ay isang mag-aaral ng Architecture sa Kaicheng University. Kilala siya bilang cold, snob at masungit na lalaki sa kanilang eskwelahan. Bagamat masungit ay may itinatago rin itong kabaitan. Si Clowie Trugillo naman ay isang mag-aaral ng Fashion Design sa Senwell University. She is known to be the soft-hearted and kind-hearted person. She is also an Artist, she was once held an exhibit for her arts. Isang araw, nagtagpo ang mga landas nila. She was being friendly to him but he just ignored her. Pero hindi iyon ang dahilan para hindi siya magustuhan ni Clowie. Jom was the reason why Clowie transferred to Kaicheng University. In that school, nakilala si Clowie bilang isang spoiled brat na walang ibang ginawa kung hindi ang magpapansin kay Jom. She has many haters on that school but she was thankful she got to meet her only friend, Jeane. Napaka-pursigido ni Clowie na makuha ang loob ni Jom. She supported him in every ways she can. She doesn't care about what people say around her kahit pa nagmumukha na siyang tanga at kawawa. Not until, nakita niya si Jom na nagpropose kay Jelly, ang childhood sweetheart nito. She's badly hurt emotionally. That same day, she was invited to an event. She didn't know she'd be in big trouble that would make Jom loathe her. Mamahalin pa kaya ni Jom si Clowie? Mapapatawad pa kaya siya nito kung sarado na ang puso't isipan ng binata? Let's find out by reading their story!

Book 1 – My Dad’s Mafia Best Friend When Lyra is sent to Italy to stay with her father’s best friend, Adrian, after his business collapses in New York, her first concern is for her dad—but right behind it is the forbidden desire she’s harbored for Adrian since they met a year ago. Adrian fights his own battle, struggling to keep his best friend’s daughter out of his mind. But as the fire between them grows, resisting becomes impossible. With their age gap, the weight of taboo, and the dangerous Mafia world Lyra’s father wants to shield her from, how long can they ignore the spark between them? Book 2 – Greg and Kael’s Love Story (M/M) Fashion design student Greg is already overwhelmed—balancing classes, an internship, and the secret that his best friend’s boyfriend is a Mafia boss. The last thing he needs is trouble knocking at his door. But trouble doesn’t just knock—it sneaks in, wearing the name Kael. Greg should stay far away, but danger has never looked so tempting. As their worlds collide in a game of deception, attraction, and secrets too dangerous to expose, the question isn’t just how long Kael can hide—it’s how long Greg can resist. Book 3 – Bella and Quinn’s Love Story (W/W) Bella has spent years burying her dark past, even from her closest friends. But one mistake lands her behind bars, trapped with a mysterious woman who won’t stop getting under her skin. When an attempted poisoning leads to her breaking out from prison, Bella never expects the real shock to come after—the truth about her family, her past, and the undeniable pull toward the very woman she should be avoiding, Quinn.

Adele has been married for 10 years, being a full-time, dutiful wife and mother who sacrified her life and career for her family. But in return, their 7-year- old son, Ethan, suddenly began to despise her. “You make me sick, I wish Aunt Julia was my mother. I'm embarrassed to call you my mother, bitch!” Ethan barked. Adele was humiliated, shamed, and dragged by the public and Julia, who stole her design, yet her husband, Ryan, bowed to them and apologized. “I'm sorry, my wife has been stressed lately. Being a full-time housewife, she has no idea what the world is like. Please don't hold her accountable for this.” He turned to Julia, “Can you forgive her for crashing your daughter's birthday? I'm sure she didn't mean to. I agree, she's mentally unstable.” Adele was left reeling from heartbreak after heartbreak. She had never imagined that one day both her husband and son would choose someone else over her. Tired of trying to mend a broken relationship, she calmly finalized the divorce and even gave up custody of her son, but would Ryan let her enjoy freedom and peace, just like that? Adele soon found out that divorcing a prominent CEO who has so much power and influence than she was made aware, was no joke. God on her side, she got into a marriage contract with a bigger monster. But this monster and his 7-year-old daughter worshipped the ground she walked on. Adele rose from ashes: a net worth of over a 100 billion, one of the most influential women in the country, and a happy wife and stepmother. And now, her ex-husband and son wants her back and would do anything! But come on, the ship has sailed! However, it seems there are secrets to unravel...

“Let’s end this. Let’s break up,” he said, his voice cold. “Stacy is the only woman I’ve ever loved,” he continued, humiliating her in front of everyone at his birthday party. Cassia’s head spun as she stood there, unable to move or utter a word. For the past five years, she had put him first in everything, even choosing him over her career and future. She loved him so deeply that she wouldn’t have minded losing it all just to be with him. Her only desire was to have his heart, but despite all her sacrifices, when his first love returned, he chose her, neglecting Cassia and shattering her entire world. How was she supposed to pick herself up after giving everything for him? But Cassia was determined. She vowed to get back at him—and at everyone who underestimated her. After he chose his first love over her, she resolved to start fresh, become successful, and compete with Darvan’s company. This time, her revenge would be cold and calculated. She wouldn’t be swayed by emotions again. Now, however, she was torn between two charming men: a well-known senior in the design world and Darvan’s uncle, who controlled a significant portion of the family’s business shares. She wondered whether she should align herself with her senior or use Darvan’s uncle to bring down the entire family. Meanwhile, Darvan realized too late that he needed her back. He had fallen deeply in love with her. “Please, let’s get back together. I want to fight for us this time,” the famous Darvan Sinclair begged, dropping to his knees and pleading for her forgiveness. He would do more than just beg if it meant keeping her by his side again.

My father and brother had preferred my sister over me since we were kids. In fact, they hated me. When I was bullied at a party, it was a mafia boss, Edwin Carlson, who stepped in. He saved me and announced right there in front of everyone that I was the woman he loved. He warned that anyone who dared mess with me again would have to deal with him. Edwin bought a castle deep in the forest just for me. He filled the garden with my favorite tulips and held a grand wedding there that made headlines across the country. For a while, I became the woman everyone envied. Seven months pregnant, I attended my father's birthday party. But that night, a sudden fire broke out. My biased father and brother only cared about saving my sister, Kelsey Grant. They rushed her out while I was left behind to die in the flames. In the end, it was Edwin who carried me out. But when I woke up in the hospital, I saw something that shattered my heart. "What the hell were you thinking, starting that fire?" Edwin's face was dark with rage. "Stephanie's only seven months pregnant! Are you trying to force her into early labor? Were you trying to kill her and the baby?" My father and brother spoke in hushed voices, trying to explain. "Kelsey has leukemia. The doctors said we can't wait anymore—she needs surgery soon. And she needs the baby's bone marrow..." "I care about Kelsey's life more than you do. Why else would I have married Stephanie? But you can't hurt her. I have my own plan!" Edwin warned coldly. "Saving Kelsey is the goal, yes—but if you try to save her at the cost of Stephanie's life, I won't allow it!" After hearing that, I fled the hospital room in a panic. So that was why he married me. Not because he loved me, but to save Kelsey. Everything he did for me—his kindness, his care—was all for her. Just like my father and brother, he loved Kelsey. Not me. If no one loved me, then I figured I might as well just disappear.

Durante a cerimônia de premiação da Competição Internacional de Design de Joias, a minha meia-irmã recebeu o grande prêmio, só que usando os designs que havia roubado de mim. E qual era o grande prêmio? Tornar-se a noiva do principal patrocinador da premiação, Jude Moretti, o Padrinho da família Moretti. Ele era um homem cruel e ambicioso, mas que acabou atingido por uma grande explosão e por isso diziam que ele não podia ter filhos. Naquela noite, os homens de Moretti, vestidos com seus paletós pretos, traziam um contrato de casamento todo cravejado a ouro. Eles buscavam a "artesã extraordinária". Meu noivo, Marco, entrou em pânico e fugiu com a Sandra às pressas para Vegas, eles se casaram naquela noite e ela foi salva. Com o ato consumado, Sandra retornou usando o meu vestido de seda, o pescoço cheio de marcas e exibindo um anel brilhante em seu dedo. — Agora, o Marco é meu. — Ela disse em tom de deboche. — O que você vai fazer, Odessa? O padrinho te deu apenas um dia para decidir. Se você não se casar, a Família vai pedir uma compensação e você terá que trabalhar em algum cortiço qualquer, ou quem sabe eles não te vendem para algum maluco com fetiches estranhos. Ela estava enganada, eu não tinha escolha. Mais cedo, eu encontrei meu pai e minha madrasta tendo dificuldades para lidar com aquele contrato. — Eu faço isso! — Eu disse. — Eu me caso com o Padrinho.

When I drink the amber-colored poisonous wine, I can hear the joyful melody of a toast song coming from the manor. The wedding between Emanuela Romano and my ex-fiance, Benedetto Martini, is being held there right now. The elderly butler, Vincenzo Romano, puts away the wine glass with a blank expression. The way he speaks is as somber as one sounds when they give a speech at a funeral. "You know the Don's will very well, Ms. Andreotti. Five years are officially up, yet neither Mr. Andreotti, Mr. Martini, nor Dr. Foscari is willing to pledge their loyalty to you via the blood vow. According to the rules, you must take your own life within seven days. "The Don had left the Ashwine to you as a means of protecting… what little pride you have." Scorching pain begins spreading from my throat. I just smile at Vincenzo in return. Pride? Does a bastard spawn of a loose Iernian woman deserve to retain pride of any sort in the cruel Andreotti family? I begin making my way toward the banquet hall, which is brightly lit. As I walk past the shimmering waters of the pond in the family garden, I can tell that the waters are insanely cold. Then again, nothing is as cold as my icy heart right now. After taking a deep breath, I fall face-first into the pond… only to feel an iron-clad grip wrenching me backward. As such, I collapse onto the lawn heavily. My older brother, Alessandro Andreotti, has bits of grass covering his expensive suit. Disgust is written all over his handsome face. "Eva!" he grits out through his teeth, his voice lowered. "Must you spoil the mood on Emanuela's big day?" He then scoots closer to me, his alcohol-tinged breath fanning over my face. "You want to die, huh? Go ahead and do that, but can you die somewhere further? Don't stain the Andreotti land!" Alessandro turns to walk in the direction of the radiant lights, leaving me on the lawn, completely covered in mud. I can feel the countdown of my lifespan burning my insides. Seven days… I only have seven days to live. Meanwhile, my very own brother wants me to die somewhere further away.