A contract for two: An Ashwood's bride
Halo Remington has spent her entire life in the shadows of her perfect twin sister, Scarlet, the golden child, the chosen one, the family's heiress. No one ever sees Halo, and that’s just the way her family prefers it. Until Talon Ashwood walks into their home with a contract and a choice that was never meant to be hers.
Talon needs a bride, quickly. His father had made it clear, no marriage, no inheriting the Ashwood empire. Choosing Scarlet should be simple, expected. But when a single glance at an old portrait reveals a hidden twin, Talon makes a last-minute decision that shatters the room’s expectations. He no longer wants the golden daughter. No, he wants the quiet lamb hidden in the shadows.
Pulled from her place behind the closed doors of her room, Halo is thrust into a deal she never saw coming. Marry him, and she would finally be free of her family’s control. Walk away, and she would remain unseen and unwanted, a ghost in her own life and a shadow in the footsteps of her sister.
After coming to a decision and going through with it, Halo steps into a world of power, deception, and an attraction she never anticipated. But as secrets unravel and ruthless tactics ensue, Halo realizes that this marriage harboured far more than just a business deal. It was the cost of being chosen by an Ashwood.
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Chapter: A brawl Zorro stood in the center of the room, his face a mask of controlled fury. He paced back and forth, shocked and annoyed."There is no way Esil would hand over the shares to you just like that, she is my wife, how would she hand over the shares to you."Muttering under his breath, He lifted his phone and tried dialing Esil's number. The phone rang once, then twice, but the call went unanswered. The message on his screen read 'Number busy.' Frustration mounting, he switched apps and attempted to text Esil directly. His texts would not deliver. Even his social media messages bounced back to him: it seemed Esil had blocked him."She blocked me? She blocked me?!" he repeated in disbelief, his voice rising in anger.Determined to get an answer, he called Esil's sister. The call went straight to voicemail. He then tried reaching Esil's uncle, and again there was no answer.Not willing to give up, he called Esil's mother, but still, nothing. He paced furiously, kicking the leg of the dining
Last Updated: 2025-04-13
Chapter: Getting the sharesThe boy sat between them in the backseat, his fingers still sticky with sugar from the cookies he'd devoured at the orphanage. Talon didn’t say much during the drive. Halo glanced at him now and then, noting how he kept checking the rearview mirror, not out of caution, but to glance at the kid.They pulled into a wide stone driveway. A house stood ahead, elegant yet warm, vines curling up one side and flowerbeds neatly trimmed along the porch. There was an old bronze wind chime at the entrance, swaging softly in the wind. The scent of something sweet baking could be smelt from an open window.Halo stepped out first, scanning the peaceful surroundings. Talon opened the door for the boy, who stepped out hesitantly, holding onto the edge of Talon's jacket.The door creaked open before they could knock. An elderly man with a thick grey mustache and sleep in his eyes stepped out, blinking at the sunlight. He straightened when he saw Talon."Ashwood. You're a sight.""Eli. Sorry to drop i
Last Updated: 2025-04-10
Chapter: Shares or scandal?Talon picked up his phone and dialed Esil while the boy sat quietly beside him. The orphanage caretaker accepted his card without a word and hurried off to bring the boy snacks and a big meal. The little one was clearly a foodie. His eyes lit up when he saw the plate of treats, and he eagerly dug in. Halo watched him from where she stood, feeling an unexpected fondness well up inside her. She had never been close to children, but there was something about his innocent enthusiasm that captivated her.The boy looked up at Talon and Halo as he munched on his food and said in a soft, cheerful tone, "I never expected this much, thank you." "You're most welcome." Halo responded in a quiet tone.Talon, noticing her softened expression, sat beside her. He engaged the boy in small talk, asking about his favorite food and making silly faces that drew genuine laughter from the child.Halo listened as the boy answered in a clear, high voice, his excitement infectious. She didn't expect him to
Last Updated: 2025-04-06
Chapter: Trump cardTalon narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?" he asked.Halo frowned. "What if your father gave it to Esil so you’d have a chance to take it before she hands it over?"Talon's jaw tightened. The idea had not crossed his mind before. At first he assumed his father was being theatrical, stirring unnecessary tension, but Halo had a point. If Zorro was meant to have the shares, there was no reason to go through Esil at all unless my father wanted an alternative.He muttered, "Esil is loyal to Zorro. She won't keep the shares from him."Halo shrugged. "Maybe not. But this gives you a window. She has them now, not him."Talon glanced down at the empty plate in his hand. His father was a cunning man who never made a move without reason. If this was a test, it meant he had not completely written Talon off yet. That sliver of uncertainty was all he needed to act.His eyes darkened with determination. "Then I need to get to Esil before Zorro does."The question remainedHow?A memory flashed in
Last Updated: 2025-04-04
Chapter: An open windowHalo stood before the heavy oak doors, inhaling deeply before knocking twice. The pause that followed was brief, but it felt like an eternity before a muffled voice granted her entry.She pushed the door open, stepping inside with measured caution. The room was dimly lit, the warm glow of a bedside lamp casting shadows across the walls. Mr. Sullivan lay against a mountain of pillows, his figure reduced to frailness.But he wasn’t alone.Zorro stood near the window, arms crossed, a glass of whiskey in his hand. His presence was a stark contrast to the old man in bed, alive, bright, and daunting, unlike Mr Sullivan's sick figure.Halo stiffened, but she did not let it show. She closed the door behind her and took a few steps closer. "Mr. Sullivan," she greeted, her voice calm despite the tension pressing against her ribs.His tired eyes flickered to her, assessing, calculating. "Halo Remington."A silence settled between them, only disturbed by the soft clink of ice against glass as Zor
Last Updated: 2025-04-03
Chapter: Difficult Mr SullivanHalo swallowed hard, pulse hammering against her throat. Zorro.She didn't move, didn't dare. The grip on her wrist was light yet unyielding, like a snake curling around its prey, not squeezing but reminding her it could. Her breath hitched when he leaned in, his lips just a whisper away from her ear."Eavesdropping? How very disappointing," he mused, his voice barely above a murmur, yet it sent an uncomfortable chill into the air. "And here I was, thinking you were above such things."Halo forced herself to breathe, though it felt unnatural with the weight of his presence pressing against her. "I wasn't eavesdropping."Zorro hummed, a soft chuckle laced with amusement. "Of course not. You just happened to be standing here, pressing your ear against the door. A coincidence, I am sure."Halo clenched her jaw, hating how easily he unraveled her composure. Like Talon did ."Let go of me.""Hmm." Zorro’s grip lingered for a moment longer before he finally released her, but he didn't step
Last Updated: 2025-03-31
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