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How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
Meryl supports her boyfriend, Harrison, only for him to marry heiress Carrie for wealth. Heartbroken, she enters a flash marriage with Tristan, unaware that he is a top Mafia boss. With his help, she finds her grandfather, a medical titan, and reclaims her noble status to ruin her enemies.
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
After being cast aside by the woman he helped rise to power, Arthur Storm—secret CEO of the powerful Titan Group—is thrust back into the spotlight when a mysterious billionaire proposes marriage, shaking high society to its core.
Meryl supports her boyfriend, Harrison, only for him to marry heiress Carrie for wealth. Heartbroken, she enters a flash marriage with Tristan, unaware that he is a top Mafia boss. With his help, she finds her grandfather, a medical titan, and reclaims her noble status to ruin her enemies.
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
Meryl supports her boyfriend, Harrison, only for him to marry heiress Carrie for wealth. Heartbroken, she enters a flash marriage with Tristan, unaware that he is a top Mafia boss. With his help, she finds her grandfather, a medical titan, and reclaims her noble status to ruin her enemies.
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
Meryl supports her boyfriend, Harrison, only for him to marry heiress Carrie for wealth. Heartbroken, she enters a flash marriage with Tristan, unaware that he is a top Mafia boss. With his help, she finds her grandfather, a medical titan, and reclaims her noble status to ruin her enemies.
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
To marry into Manhattan's elite social circle, I fabricated a false identity, transforming myself from a gambler's daughter into a refined lady who had returned from studying abroad. But even con artists can have genuine feelings. I reinvented myself completely, just to earn the right to stand beside Julian as his equal. I finally succeeded in marrying into wealth and entering that untouchable upper-class society. I thought if I worked hard enough and became sophisticated enough, I could spend the rest of my life with him. Until the usually composed and controlled Julian got into a physical fight with a business partner over a high school dropout who worked as a hostess. He lost over a hundred million in business without batting an eye. To handle the aftermath, I arranged to meet with the business partner to make peace. By chance, I overheard a familiar voice from the adjacent private room: "Julian, your perfect wife is probably busy cleaning up your mess right now, isn't she? Tsk, how devoted. Watching her desperately try to put on that heiress act to smooth things over for you—I'm almost moved." "If you weren't rebelling against the family's arranged marriage, how could you have possibly married such a fraud?" "A beggar who crawled out of the slums really thinks that wearing designer clothes and speaking a few words of French can transform her completely?" Julian's mocking laughter reached my ears, dripping with disdain. So he'd known all along that I was acting. Turns out, he was acting too. ... Standing outside the door of the adjacent room, my heart felt like it had a hole torn through it. "I heard her gambling addict father just got out of prison. How about we make a bet? I bet within three months, her father will definitely come knocking for money. When that happens, our dear Julian's wife's carefully maintained heiress image will be completely exposed." "I bet one month!" said Carter, Julian's childhood friend. "The Oxford background story was nicely crafted, but you can't hide that poverty in her bones. Just look at how forcefully she cuts her steak—like she's cutting her enemy. She's so afraid of not following proper etiquette, it's hilarious." Julian chuckled softly, his tone flat: "I bet... a year. She's too proud. To maintain her lie, she'll probably find ways to send her father back to their hometown and keep him from appearing anytime soon." He sighed then. "When my mother forced me to marry that Morgan family girl who's dumb as a pig, of course I refused." "Vivian conveniently offered herself up. She may be from poverty, but she's smart. I needed someone intelligent to help me navigate around my parents. With them fighting among themselves, naturally they'd have no time to manage me." "Watching her work so hard every day to imitate refinement and elegance is actually quite amusing." My blood turned ice cold instantly. So Julian had known all along. My efforts were nothing more than a ridiculous performance in his eyes... More laughter erupted from the room. Julian suddenly shushed them. Through the crack in the door, I saw a girl. She was curled up sleeping on the sofa behind them. Julian's designer jacket was draped over her. She stirred slightly, and Julian immediately signaled everyone to be quiet. "Keep it down, don't wake her. She was working all night last night—she's exhausted." Carter made a "tsk" sound, full of teasing: "Old Julian, she's just a country girl, completely unsophisticated. What do you like about her?" Julian rested his chin on his hand, quietly watching the girl. "Compared to Vivian's fake elegance, I prefer authenticity. A five-dollar t-shirt looks beautiful on her, and her unpretentious attitude is what attracts me." Just as he finished speaking, the girl turned over and woke up. She sat up groggily, stumbling slightly. "How did I fall asleep..." She carefully returned the jacket to Julian. "Mr. Julian, thank you for paying for my brother's......
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
I'm Zhang San. Reborn today, I decided to live differently. In my past life, I was pathetic. This time, I became ruthless. From restaurant server to underworld boss, I crush my bullies and outsmart my father-in-law. I learned that when you stand firm, the world yields to you.
How the heck did I get married to a billionaire?!
In chaotic 1990s Fragrant River, a cunning femme fatale doctor and a tragic, ruthless mob heir begin as rivals in a dangerous game of manipulation. But as grudges turn to grudging respect, the two join forces in a twisted tale of love, revenge, and betrayal.
In chaotic 1990s Fragrant River, a cunning femme fatale doctor and a tragic, ruthless mob heir begin as rivals in a dangerous game of manipulation. But as grudges turn to grudging respect, the two join forces in a twisted tale of love, revenge, and betrayal.
🔞When My ex-brother-in-law took my virginity...His liquid spurts inslde and my eyes widen, "Wait we forgot a comdom!" …………………… Chapter 1 He Dumped Me Aria's POV I stood in front of the chapel. Pink roses and white lilies decorated every corner I saw—my favorite flowers. The guests were already seated in their designer dresses and pressed suits. And soon, at the end of the red carpet would stand the man I once loved, waiting to marry his bride. Everything was perfect. Except I wasn't the bride. "I really need to see Jace today." I begged the bodyguard blocking the door. A beat-up suitcase and two boxes sat at my feet—everything I owned in the world. "No you don’t. Get out of here," the bodyguard said icily. I saw it in his eyes—disgust. Yeah I get it. No one has sympathy for the crazy ex who shows up at the wedding. But I have my reason. "If you don't let me see him, I'll just stand here and all the guests will see me," I threatened under my breath. Jace wouldn't want that. Especially not today. Today he was marrying Delilah Hart. Sister to Alpha Grayson Hart of Redstone Pack. A 100% high-society darling. All the guys in the world knew that marrying Delilah would make their wealth skyrocket, including Jace. So he made the easy call—marrying the lady who could turn him from a small-town nobody into a golden boy. And dump the girl who stayed by his side for last 4 years when he had nothing. So it’s normal why he didn’t want any guests to see me here. I represented his broke, embarrassing past. He wanted me nowhere near his glossy, glittering new world. Tears stung my eyes as I thought of that. Like a knife was twisting in my chest. “Let me in or I’m starting to yell.” "Wait here." The bodyguard finally made a call. A few minutes later, he waved me in. I wiped my eyes and struggled into the hall with my suitcase and boxes. Instantly, I felt how out of place I was. Everything reeked of wealth here. Expensive perfume. Manicured nails. Not a hair out of place. It was everything you imagined about the upper-class and way more. And me? I was wearing a baggy T-shirt and jeans. My sneakers had holes. "God, a homeless. She stinks." A woman mutter as I walked by. I just showered this morning. My hair still smelled like strawberries and coconut. But poverty had a scent, apparently. "Mr. Carter is inside. Make it quick." The guard took me to a closed door and warned. “Thank you.” The room inside looked like something out of a movie. Marble floors. Floor-length mirrors. A chandelier that probably cost more than my apartment. I hesitated for a second as I dragged my dirty luggage across the white carpet. And there he was. The man I used to love. Adjusting his bowtie in front of a mirror. He was still heartbreakingly handsome. No wonder Delilah fell for him. When he turned and fixed his gorgeous blue eyes upon me, I still felt my heart race. "Hey, Jace," I said quietly. And immediately wanted to punch myself. Hey, Jace? That’s the best I could do? His face was ice cold. "You shouldn't come. Your ratty suitcase, your ripped jeans, your Vans. None of that belongs here." Well if you wanted to be brutal and vicious, that’s how it’s done. "Don’t you think I deserve an explanation? You dumped me over a fucking email!" I snapped. He shrugged. "Look around you. The wealthiest people in the world came for me today. This suit I’m wearing cost more than you can make in your entire life. What more explanation do you want, Aria?" Wow. I always knew he was a cold, calculating bastard. I just didn’t realize how deep it ran. "Maybe chasing Alpha’s sister got you here faster. But you know what? When she finds out how cold and empty you are. You’ll lose it all." Anger flared across his face. "I know how to love. I just won't waste that on a small-town girl like you.” he said freezingly, “Are we done here?" “No.” I took a deep breath and got into the real reason I came. "You're marrying a rich girl. Fine. But why did you have to get me fired?" Yeah. I used to work for this jerk. From intern to full-time at Apex Corp, he was my supervisor. Our relationship was a secret. And just days ago, I found out he was getting married—and I was out of a job. He fired me. "Right, your job.” The jerk shrugged, “You got it because of me. Now that I’m not around, they finally saw how incompetent you are. Problem?" Was he fucking kidding me?! "I graduated top of my class. Made it through 7 rounds of interviews. My performance exceeded every quarterly target. I earned that job!" I cried. “Come on, Aria. You really gonna be so naïve?” He walked closer, smirking. "You passed the interviews because I said so. Your sales? I made those calls. Without me, you'd be nothing but a pretty face." He seized my chin and looked me over with a disgusting look. I slapped his hand away. "Give me my job back,” I hissed, my voice slightly trembling. “My dad’s debt. My grandma’s medical bills…I need the money. You of all people should know what it’s like to be poor. Don’t. Make. Me. Beg." I was throwing my pride at his feet. But he laughed. "Well, how about I offer you a deal?" he said as though he’d been waiting for this moment. He brushed my hair back, fingers trailing down to my collarbone. I shivered in disgust. "You never let me touch you. You were so clinging to that pathetic no-sex-before-marriage rule. Maybe it's time to grow up. Let me fuck you once and I’ll write you a check you can’t refuse. How does that sound?" I widened my eyes in shock. Then I slapped him. HARD. “WHAT THE FUCK! I’m getting married in front of everyone in fucking 10 minutes!” He roared covering his face. "Fuck you, Jace!” I yelled, “You're a spineless freeloading puss! And hey—congrats on the wedding. Hope your junk is soft like a fucking spaghetti tonight!" Then I stormed out dragging my suitcase and boxes, ignoring his angry curses behind me. Hot tears poured down as I dashed across the hallway. God this couldn’t be any worse. I was prepared to drop all my self-esteem and begged with my life because I needed the job and money. But I still let him get to me. Now what do I do? My salary barely covered my rent, my father’s debt and grandma’s bill. Now with my job gone, I already got kicked out by my landlord. I probably had to sleep in a park tonight. So do I go back and let that jerk win? Let him humiliate me...No. I’d rather die than that— "Hey, watch where you're going!" someone yelled. Too late. I slammed right into the man in front of me. He was tall—so tall I felt like I’d just walked into a brick wall. His diamond cufflink was sharp like a blade, and when we collided, it sliced clean through my thin T-shirt with a loud rip. In one second, the front of my shirt was torn open, exposing my white lace bra. “Ah!” I gasped and looked up. The man in front of me was so handsome. Like a statue carved by a master artist. Yet his expression so cold. He looked down at me, and I swear I was about to drown in those stormy gray eyes of his. And then I recognized who he was. This was Jace’s son-to-be brother-in-law. Alpha of Redstone Pack. CEO of Apex Corporation. THE legendary. Grayson Hart. “Aria Collins?” His voice was sexy and velvety. He lowered his head and his eyes dropped to the exposed part of my bra. Maybe it was just my imagination, but the color of his eyes seemed to darken as he stared. Wherever his gaze landed, my skin started burning up. But wait. How did he know my name? Chapter 2 With Ex's Brother-in-law Aria’s POV Of course I recognized him. God, who didn’t? I’d met him at an Apex gala. His face was on every finance magazine cover, and any time you turned on a TV, there he was—linked to the latest scandal with some actress or model. But there was no way he’d know who I was. “I-I… Hello, Alpha Grayson,” I stammered. He turned his eyes away and said to a nearby guard, “Escort Ms. Collins out.” “Yes, Alpha.” The guards stepped in immediately, stretching out their arms like I was some kind of contaminant that might taint Grayson’s perfectly tailored suit. “Wait a minute. You’re not going to say something about my shirt?” He paused—just for a second—then flicked a piece of paper down at my feet. I looked down. A blank check. “I need a shirt I can actually wear out of here. Not your hush money.” I gritted with humiliation. But he didn’t even glance back as he walked away. “God,” I muttered under my breath. Can you believe these rich bastards? They think they can buy everything with money. People nearby were all staring, snickering under their breath. I tried to cover my chest and grab my things to escape, but it was hard to do all that with just two hands. “Oh my god…Aria Collins?” Three girls emerged from the whispering crowd. I took one look at them and sighed internally. Great. Just when I thought today couldn’t get any worse. “Hello. Layla. Sabrina. Brielle.” I used to work in the same team with these girls back at Apex. We were all under Jace. They adored him—spent more time flirting with at the coffee machine than actually working. Which left me doing their share of the workload. After I got fired—and when news of my secret relationship with Jace got out—they decided I was public enemy number one. “What are you even doing here, Aria? Trying to win back your ex at his wedding? That’s a new low even for you,” Layla snickered. “I’m not here to win anyone back.” I tried to push past them. But they blocked me. “What happened to your shirt?” Brielle snickered. “Did you seriously walk in here with your bra out? Is this like some low-budget fashion statement?” They burst into laughter together. “You could be completely naked and Jace still wouldn’t give a damn,” Sabrina squeaked. “Because he’s marrying Delilah. THE Delilah Hart! Redstone Pack’s sweetheart. And you…well you’re just a poor-ass small-town girl.” I stopped in my track and gave them a cold glare, “Oh yeah? Well at least I’ve actually been with Jace. Do you know how many times I had to listen to him complained about your screechy voices and cheesy perfume? Apparently he rather be with a poor-ass small-town girl than any of you.” Their jaws dropped. “Jace would never say that!” Brielle cried. “Word for word,” I rolled my eyes. “Now move. Or I’m rolling this suitcase over your pretty little skirts.” They looked like ruffled chickens, but they parted. I quickly shoved my dingy luggage ahead like a weapon and stormed out of the church. Rich people were assholes. Grayson, Jace, and their whole damn minions. I struggled to get my suitcase down the steps, and once I hit the street, cold wind slapped me in the face. I had no idea where to go. I could crash in the hospital with my grandma for a night, but she’d ask too many questions. Like why I hadn’t brought Jace around recently, or why I wasn’t staying at my apartment. I didn’t want her knowing how bad things had gotten. I thought about the park. Sleeping on a bench. But in a ripped T-shirt that exposed my whole front? Horrible idea. So I texted my best friend, May, asking to stay at her place for a few days. She was my rock. If the whole world turned against me, at least I still had her. She texted back right away inviting me to come over. Dragging my suitcase across the street toward the bus stop, I told myself it was going to be okay. This horrible day was going to end. Then I heard them. “Hey, nice shirt!” A group of street wolves were loitering near the stop. I hugged myself tighter and curled into the bench, hoping they’d get bored and leave. “C’mon baby, drop your hands. Let us see what you’re working with.” Go away. Go away. Go away. “You rip that shirt yourself? Damn that’s wild. I like that in a girl.” One of them moved closer, reaching for my shoulder. “Get away from me!” I snapped, my voice shaking. But it only fired them up. “Oh, feisty. Shake those tits for me!” They grabbed my wrists, yanked my arms down. My T-shirt gaped open completely, revealing my lace bra. The cold air made my skin pebble. They laughed even louder. I struggled and screamed. My wolf growled in rage. Shifting in the city was illegal—but right now, I didn’t have a second choice— Just then. Blinding headlights. Followed by screeching tires. A black car skidded to a stop inches away. The door flew open. A deep voice thundered, “Get in.” I was too shocked that I didn’t think twice and obeyed. The car peeled away the second I shut the door. “My suitcase!” I cried. “Someone will get it,” he said darkly. “Address.” I told the driver May’s. Then he pressed a button. A privacy screen slid up between the front and back seats, sealing us in the back. That’s when he turned toward me and leaned in. Like a beast ready to pounce. His scent hit me like a punch—sharp pine mixed with cold metal. My head started to get dizzy. “Walking on the street in that shirt was a mistake,” he said sternly. “It got like this because of you,” I mumbled. He snorted. Then the sound of rustling fabric. A heavy jacket landed across my shoulders—it was still warm from his body and carried his scent. I held my breathe. Wearing his coat almost felt like…he was wrapping himself around me. “You—do you know me?” I whispered. My gut told me that he would never do this for a strange girl. But if he knew who I was, he must know that I was his sister’s husband’s ex. That didn’t explain why he would help. “We’ve met,” he said simply. I stared at him, searching those icy gray eyes. He was staring at me too, with that cold, hungry, possessive eyes. I felt like I was completely naked in front of him. “Aria,” he warned, voice thick and husky. But I couldn’t control myself. I was leaning forward. Shit. Why did my body become so weird? My skin was on fire. My panties were wet. All I wanted was more of his scent, more of his heat. The next second his lips were crashed onto mine—Hard. Rough. I gasped and opened my mouth for him. His tongue slipped in and explored every inch of my mouth, making me shiver. His hands pushed into my torn shirt and grabbed my waist. I couldn’t control my moan when he touched my naked skin. This was crazy! He was a stranger, and most importantly, my ex’s soon-to-be brother-in-law. And I was making out with him at the back of his car. The crazy part was I didn’t even want to stop. He lifted me onto his lap like I weighed nothing. I straddled his thighs and yanked at his tie as he bite my collarbone. Then, suddenly, the car stopped. “Alpha, we’ve arrived.” That’s when it all froze. His lips paused at my neck. I was still squirming on his lap, flushed and throbbing. But he shoved me off. “We can’t do this,” he said coldly. Chapter 3 You're Special To Him Aria’s POV “So you’re telling me this guy made out with you in the backseat of his car… and then just shoved you off like nothing happened?” May asked in shock. 20 minutes later, I was sitting at her place, wrapped in one of her oversized hoodies, a steaming mug of tea in my hands. But I was still reeling from everything that had just happened. “Yup,” I muttered. “Who knows what’s wrong with him.” “What an asshole,” she huffed. “But honestly, this really isn’t like you. You dated that jerk Jace for 4 years and didn’t even sleep with him—which, by the way, was a brilliant choice—and now you're suddenly making out with a complete stranger in his car?” I opened my mouth but had no idea what to say. Yeah, she had a point. “I—I don’t know. Maybe it was the whole Jace-getting-married thing. Maybe I just snapped and wanted to screw around with someone hotter just to get back at him…Honestly, it was so stupid now that I think of it.” She grinned and wiggled her brows. “So… he was hot huh?” My cheeks flushed and my mind drifted back. Those stormy gray eyes, his perfectly shaped lips on my neck, and those arms that could pick me up like I weighed nothing…Shit I need to stop. “Yeah. VERY,” I whispered, hiding my red face behind the mug. May burst out laughing. “Now we’re talking! That’s exactly what you need right now—a drop-dead gorgeous rebound to get that loser Jace out of your system. Screw your ‘no sex before marriage’ rule. Life is short.” I gave her a weak smile. Honestly, I didn’t need a rebound. I needed a job, money, and a place to live. Grayson Hart was like dessert when you can’t even afford dinner. “So… do you even know who this guy was?” she asked. I hesitated. Right at this moment, the doorbell rang. She jumped up to get it and came back a few minutes later, hauling in my luggage, her face frozen in disbelief. “OMG. You are not gonna believe what just showed up outside.” “Umm… my luggage?” I joked. “Two fucking muscular guys in black suits and guns! And a freaking stretch limo! They called me ‘ma’am’ and said they hope Miss Aria has a wonderful evening. Now, you—” She leapt at me and shook me by the shoulders. “—you tell me right now who the hell you hooked up with!” I squealed and dropped into the couch with her, laughing and giggling breathlessly. “Okay, okay—I’ll tell you. It was… Grayson Hart.” I practically whispered his name. Because honestly, I still couldn’t believe it either. May froze, eyes wide as saucers. “Grayson—THE Grayson Hart?! As in our Alpha? The CEO of Apex?!” “And Jace’s soon-to-be brother-in-law. Now you know how stupid I was earlier?” She let out a full-on scream. Then she grabbed my hand, her face flushed with excitement. “Oh my God! Aria, do you know what this means? Alpha Grayson never even lends his jacket to his model girlfriends. He likes you. You’re special!” “No,” I said firmly. “If I was special, he wouldn’t have thrown me off his lap when I tried to take off his shirt.” “Maybe he had somewhere to be—” “Don’t, May. Let’s be real. Guys like him don’t fall for girls like me.” I took another sip of tea, hiding the ache in my chest. Hell even Jace thought I was beneath him. What chance did I have with Grayson freaking Hart? “Don’t be silly, Aria. You’re gorgeous. And smart and amazing and—WAIT! I just had the best idea ever.” “What?” “That arrogant jerk Jace thinks you’re just some small-town prude who wasn’t good enough for him right? But what if you ended up with Alpha Grayson? It’ll be easy to get him because he’s already obsessed. Oh, it would destroy Jace. That dickhead would never recover.” OKAY. I’d be lying if I said that exact scenario hadn’t crossed my mind when Grayson kissed me back. What girl hasn’t daydreamed about dating the perfect guy and getting revenge in the most dramatic way possible? But right now, I couldn’t afford to daydream. Reality was already breathing down my neck. “Tempting. But right now I need a job and enough cash to keep Grandma in her hospital bed. Dating rich dudes isn’t exactly high on my to-do list.” May looked at me with soft eyes. “So…any plans? I can try to hook you up with a job, but you know I just work at a coffee shop, and with your degree, you deserve so much more.” I hugged her. “Thank you. Really. I’ll figure something out. Apex promised me severance when they fired me, so I’m going to HR tomorrow to get it sorted.” If I could get that money, at least I’d be OK for the next round of Grandma’s medical bills. — The next morning, I showed up at Apex right on time. But the second Brielle walked in with the HR manager, I had a bad feeling. “What’s she doing here?” I asked coldly. “I’ll explain in a minute,” HR replied with a polite, rehearsed smile as she sat across from me. “So Ms. Collins, I understand you’re here to discuss severance?” “Yes. So let’s not waste time. Just give me the check and I’ll be out of here.” “Unfortunately, severance only applies when the company terminates a contract without cause. In your case… it appears you were let go due to misconduct.” Misconduct? What the freaking hell. “Jace made a snap decision and booted me. What misconduct are you talking about?” “But that’s not what Mr. Carter said. He provided evidence that you made a costly error on a sales quote—omitting a few zeroes, to be exact. Cost the company millions. Here’s the email record.” She handed me a printed sheet. I swore I had never sent this email in my life. But there it was—my name in the sender field. No freaking way. Jace forged this. “And Mr. Carter reported that you had a difficult attitude toward your coworkers. Quote: ‘impatient and arrogant.’ Brielle’s here to verify that.” Brielle twirled her hair and smiled smugly. “Yeah. Aria was a horrible team player.” I stood so fast my chair screeched. “The only thing I didn’t ‘teamplayed’ with you was flirt with the boss in the breakroom!” “Liar!” she yelled. “And I asked Jace. He never said my voice was screechy!” Oh my God. I couldn’t believe how stupid she was. “Sit down, Miss Collins,” HR warned. “As of now, not only are you not getting severance, but we’re also considering legal action to recover the losses. If you understand the situation here, sign this acknowledgement—” “Does Alpha Grayson know about this?” I asked. Both of them froze. After a long pause, HR finally found her voice. “What does Alpha Grayson have to do with any of this?” “He owns Apex, doesn’t he? Does he know his team is abusing their power and firing hardworking employees illegally?” HR frowned. Brielle let out a loud snort. “Please. Don’t act like you know Alpha Grayson.” “What if I do? What if I go to him and then it’s you who gets fired?” She laughed in my face. “Oh, you mean you know him on TV?” “Let’s find out.” I shoved my chair back and stormed out, heading straight for the CEO’s private elevator at the end of the hall. HR scrambled after me, shouting my name. I was too furious to care how this ended. All I wanted now was to blow the whole damn place up. Two guards stood by the elevator. “I need to see Alpha Grayson,” I told them. “Appointment?” “No, but I swear he knows me. Just tell him it’s Aria—from yesterday. He’ll remember.” “You aren’t the first girl here saying that,” one of them mocked. “Come on, Miss Collins,” HR snapped, trying to drag me back. “This is getting crazy. Go back, sign the paper. Take responsibility for your own mistake.” “I didn’t send that email. It was Jace—he’s framing me! I will report all of you.” “Alpha Grayson doesn’t have time for your report, or your visit, or any of your little drama!” “I believe no one but me has the right to decide that,” a cold voice said behind us. Chapter 4 Take Me, Please Aria’s POV A large hand grabbed my arm and pulled me away from HR’s grip. I looked up and my heart almost stopped. Even I couldn’t believe he just showed up here. It felt like a dream. “A-Alpha Grayson,” HR stammered, her face frozen with shock and fear. “I don’t need employees who think they can make decisions for their boss,” he said freezingly while wrapping his arm around my waist. “If I see something like this again, you’re fired.” “Y-yes, Alpha. I’m terribly sorry…” HR’s expression was priceless, but I was in no mood to enjoy it. His icy pine scent consumed me again, making my body weak and hot. My wolf let out a soft purr, urging me to lean into him. But before I could even move, he let go. A pang of disappointment hit me in the chest. “Come,” he said shortly, striding toward the private elevator. I shot HR and the stunned security guards a smug look, then hurried after him. He swiped his card and the elevator doors closed. We started going up to the 58th floor. It was dead silent. My heart was beating so wildly that I was afraid he’d hear it. I snuck a glance at him—he just stared straight ahead, emotionless, keeping a distance, like he wanted to be anywhere but here. Unease twisted my stomach. “So, um… what brings you here today?” I broke the silence. He sighed softly. “I owe this company.” “Oh, Oh…Right.” I wanted to punch myself in the face. The awkward silence lingered until the elevator dinged open. The 58th floor was a wide-open space with no cubicles or dividers—just massive floor-to-ceiling windows and a sweeping view of the entire city. “Wow,” I whispered under my breath. Grayson was already walking ahead. I jogged to catch up as he led me into an office at the far end of the floor. A stunning female assistant closed the door behind us, and once again, it was just the two of us. My heart rocketed back into my throat. He casually unbuttoned his jacket. It was amazing how he made even that look sexy. “So you insisted on seeing me?” he asked. He didn’t ask me to sit. He didn’t even move closer. That distance stung a little. “I worked here till a week ago when I found out I was let go for no reason…” I quickly told him the story of how I was fired. “This is clearly illegal in so many ways… can you help me get my job back?” “Unfortunately, no,” he replied, barely hesitating. My heart dropped like a stone. “Why not?” “I’ll have the hiring department look into whether your termination followed proper protocol. But this isn’t something a CEO handles directly. Anything else?” The hiring department? That could take weeks—and I didn’t have weeks. “No… you don’t get it,” I stepped forward, my voice trembling. “My grandma’s in the hospital. Her bills are getting insane every month. And I’m already deep in debt… If I can’t make money, I don’t even know— I really, REALLY need this job.” I knew we came from two different worlds, but laying out the most desperate parts of my life in front of him still made me feel horribly exposed. I just hoped—begged—that he’d understand. But he didn’t. His gray eyes stayed emotionless. “I’m sorry, Miss Collins,” he said quietly. Tears rushed into my eyes. I couldn’t even breathe. All I could think about were the bills, the debt, the mountain of shit waiting for me the second I left this building. “If there’s nothing else, my assistant will show you out.” he said, reaching for the intercom. I rushed forward and pressed my hand down on his before he could call anyone in. His whole body stiffened—but he didn’t pull away. He just stared down at me. I stepped in closer, tilting my head up. His gray eyes darkened like a storm brewing in the distance. His pine scent wrapped around me again, thick and intoxicating. As werewolves, our scent only spikes during a fight or sexual arousal. It was damn obvious which case this was. “You clearly feel something for me,” I whispered. He said nothing. I placed my hand on his chest and felt his heartbeat. It was racing as well. His breathing had also turned shallow. “What are you doing, Miss Collins?” he asked tightly. “Trying to seduce your way into a job?” “You can do whatever you want,” I locked eyes with him. “I won’t stop you.” His Adam’s apple bobbed. God, I wanted to lick it. And… well, I did. I leaned up and pressed my lips to it. He let out a growl. The next second, I was pinned on his desk. He stood between my spread legs, one hand by my head. I whimpered, clamping my thighs together—the heat between them was almost unbearable. Just like in the backseat of his car. His hand slid from the desk to my throat. It was so big, he could probably snap my neck if he wanted. “You shouldn’t keep tempting me, Miss Collins.” His body was pressed against my thighs—I definitely felt the effect I was having on him. “Why?” I whispered, licking my lips. “Because your self-control isn’t as strong as you thought?” “Because I don’t fuck virgins.” What the actual hell The next second, he had pulled away. I scrambled off the desk, face red, eyes wide. “What did you just say?!” I snapped. “Why—How the hell do you even know—?” “I know who you are. And I know about your relationship with my sister’s husband.” And just like that, everything clicked. It was Jace. That bastard didn’t just dump me—he ran his mouth about my virginity to everyone, including Grayson. Humiliation crashed over me like a wave. “Jace is a fucking asshole,” I snapped shakily. Grayson shrugged. “Obviously. But Brielle likes him. And he’s family now. I’m sorry but I just can’t get involved in this.” I climbed off his desk with my whole body red and shaking. He didn’t want me. And he was taking his sister and Jace’s side. I was so damn stupid to think that one kiss in the car actually meant anything. But this was Grayson Hart for Christ’s sake. He could have anyone he wanted. “I’m sure you’re a very capable employee, Miss Collins. But seducing me won’t help your career. I wish you all the best.” He finally pressed the intercom button. His assistant appeared at the door, waiting for me to leave. “Bye,” I whispered without even look back. I didn’t want him to notice my falling tears. I walked out of that office, numb, and rode the elevator down like a ghost. My mind was a storm of bills, debt, and Grayson’s ice-cold stare. Now I desperately needed a new job. “Miss Collins!” I turned and saw his assistant come rushing out again, holding an envelope. “Alpha Grayson asked me to give you this,” she said, handing it over. “What is it?” Why didn’t he give it to me earlier? “He didn’t say. Maybe you’ll know once you open it.” She gave me a mysterious smile and walked away. I opened the envelope. A blank check slid out first—I held my breath in shock. Then I found a crumpled note. His handwriting, rushed and messy. Haven’t repaid you for the shirt. Hope everything works out for you Aria. Stay strong. —Grayson Chapter 5 Getting My Attention Aria’s POV “That check clearly means something,” May insisted. “Come on. We’re not doing this again,” I sighed. “If he’s not into you, then why did he let his assistant come after you with a check? He probably saw you crying and couldn’t stand it. You should definitely go back and see him again.” “Nope,” I shut it down immediately. “I had one perfect, fairytale encounter with a rich bachelor. That’s enough. I’m not about to go back there and humiliate myself all over again.” “But—” “Hey, you two!” our manager yelled from the other end of the aisle. “Less talking, more working!” We rolled our eyes at each other and got back to inventory. May had helped me land this supermarket job. It was part of a chain under a big corporation, so the pay and benefits weren’t bad. May still thought it was beneath someone with my degree, but honestly, I was just grateful to be employed. Once we finished our section, the manager wandered off to shout at someone else, and May scooted back over to me. “Just imagine it,” she grinned. “You could write a couple million on that blank check and boom! Instant rich girl life.” “I’m not gonna do that.” “Sure you won’t. You’re too nice,” she muttered, half-admiring, half-scolding. “So? What are you gonna write?” I hesitated. At first, I actually considered writing the price of a shirt. 19.99 that was. Because apparently, my dignity still thinks it matters. But let’s be real, if Grayson was just trying to pay me back for a ripped tee, he would’ve handed his assistant a $20 bill, not a blank check. Maybe… he felt bad I lost my job too. “I’m going to write the amount I should’ve gotten in severance,” I admitted eventually. May's eyes bulged. “That’s it?!” “I know it’s not much, but it’s what I actually deserve. And it’ll help me cover two months of bills.” She sighed like I was letting go of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But my mind was made up. This was my chance to walk away from the mess. I still wanted to rip Jace’s smug face off, but the best revenge right now was surviving. 6 hours later, we finished our shift exhausted and aching. Everyone else got to clock out, but not me—I’d volunteered for night shift and closing duties. The staffs left one by one, yawning, including May. Finally I was alone in this big market. Now here’s the big secret— I actually lived here now. Nobody knew this, not even May. She thought I’d found a new apartment and moved out, but I just couldn’t keep bothering her anymore—her roommates were getting irritated with me hogging the living room and utilities. And renting my own place seemed way out of budget now. So I stayed in this supermarket instead. I closed up the store at night and opened it early in the morning. For the 5 or 6 hours in between, I made a bed out of my coat and slept on the floor near the refrigerated section. Now don’t ask me why I can’t sleep in the staff’s break room. That room was too hot without AC. At least it was cool by the freezer. Tonight I was extra exhausted. The manager made us girls haul too many heavy crates around. I passed out in seconds. But it felt like I’d only been asleep for five minutes—my alarm hadn’t even gone off yet—when I was jolted awake by someone screaming. “OH MY GOD—what the hell are you doing?!” I shot upright, completely disoriented. And froze. In front of me stood an entire group of people—including the manager and several guys in suits, all staring at me wide eyes. And I was only in a tank top and shorts. Half naked. OH GOD. What the hell—Is it morning already?! Why didn’t I hear my alarm? I scrambled to pull my clothes over my body, my hands shaking. The stares didn’t stop. They got more invasive. “Aria Collins! What the fuck are you doing?!” the manager stormed over and roared. “Napping half-naked in my fucking store?! Are you a fucking sex perv?!” My face went beet red, “No! I—I was just staying here temporarily—” “Temporarily?!” he yelled, eyes bulging. “I hired an employee, not a fucking squatter! How much water and electricity have you used free?! Are you stealing food too?!” “No I swear. I shut everything off when I’m done, I don’t use the water unless I have to. And I paid for everything I’ve eaten.” Tears blurred my vision as I tried to explain, but he wasn’t listening. His spit actually hit my cheek as he snarled. “Of all days—you had to pick the day corporate shows up to camp out in my perfect store. You filthy, disgusting little—” “Aria Collins?” A new voice called my name. It came from one of the suited men. I looked up—and my heart dropped. It was Jonathan. A former coworker from Apex. “Holy shit, it is you,” he grinned, raising his brows. “Almost didn’t recognize you at first.” “You… what are you doing here?” I stammered. “Apex owns this supermarket chain. We’re doing site inspections today,” he said with a smirk, his eyes trailing down to my bare legs. “Man! Most people hit rock bottom after getting fired from Apex, but you fall faster than anyone.” “I’m working. Making a decent living,” I said in shaky voice. “There’s no shame with that.” “Oh really?” he sneered. “Does your job include lying around half-naked on the floor? What is this, a new hooker gimmick?” The suits burst out laughing. My furious tears were on the verge of falling. “I’m so sorry, sir. I’ll fire her right away.” The manager groaned. “Hold up,” Jonathan drawled with a smirk. “This chick got fired from Apex for messing up a seven-figure deal. You might wanna check your inventory. She could be stealing.” “You know that’s a lie. Jace got me fired out of spite! I never made a mistake—” “Oh please,” he cut me off. “Everyone in the industry knows how you fucked up. Jace was so embarrassed that he had to apologize for you.” The manager grabbed my wrist. “Then you’re definitely stealing from this market as well. That’s it you are going to jail. When I figure out what you’ve taken, you must pay back everything!” My heart pounded in my chest. I didn’t doubt for a second that the manager would come up with something that I didn’t steal, just like how Jace framed me before. It wasn’t hard for guys like them. But I couldn’t go to jail. My grandma had no one to count on but me. I can’t leave her. The wolf in me surfaced up the next second—I snarled at the manager, yanked my arm free, and ran. “Stop her!” someone shouted behind me. I had no idea where I was going. I just knew I had to escape. I bolted out of the store, desperate and horrified—and slammed right into a solid chest. “Get away from Alpha!” a bodyguard barked. But he pulled me in instead. “Aria?” I was still shaking involuntarily. He unbuttoned the front and wrapped me in, covering my half-naked body. “It’s OK.” his voice was deep with clear hint of rage. I clutched his shirt, gasping for air. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t seem to breathe at all. Tears streamed down my cheeks. Yet I couldn’t make a sound. “She’s having a panic attack,” a woman said nearby. “Alpha, if I may—” I silently prayed him not to hand me over. And he didn’t. “It’s fine, Nova,” he refused. “Aria, you’re safe now. Breathe.” Panicked footsteps echoed behind us. Jonathan’s voice rang out, stunned: “Alpha Grayson! Oh God—w-what’s going on here?!” “Nova,” Grayson said in a cold, dangerous voice, “stay here. Don’t let anyone leave.” “Yes, Alpha.” He scooped me up like I weighed nothing, one arm under my legs, the other around my back. I instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck. Then he carried me through the crowd, into the store, and into a private room. When he set me down in a chair, I was still trembling and sobbing. He finally took off his coat and draped it over my legs, then crouched down in front of me. “You’re safe here,” he said. That’s when I broke down. Crying out loud. Everything—fear, shame, panic—everything spilled out in a messy, helpless flood. I clutched his wrist like it was the only thing keeping me from falling apart, and for once… he didn’t pull away. He said nothing the whole time. Just stayed there with me until the sobs quieted. “Th-thank you…I’m better now.” I sniffled. He wiped a tear from my cheek with his thumb. I trembled at the way he touched my skin. His voice was low, rough, and a little strained. “You’re starting to make me wonder, Miss Collins. If all these run-ins are just your way of getting my attention.”