Novels by GRATEFUL

Avery's POVThe investor, Mr. Porter, arrived promptly, his presence exuding authority and charisma. He was tall and imposing, with a sharp gaze that seemed to assess everything in an instant. Aiden and I greeted him, and as we led him into the living room, I could feel his scrutiny on us, as if he were measuring the authenticity of our relationship.“Thank you for hosting me today,” he said, his voice smooth and calculated. “I’ve heard impressive things about this merger, and I’m eager to see what you both have planned.”Aiden and I exchanged a brief glance, and he took the lead, explaining the benefits of the merger, our shared vision for the future, and how our partnership would strengthen both companies. I added a few comments of my own, playing the role of supportive spouse with practiced ease.Mr. Porter listened attentively, nodding along, but his eyes held a shrewdness that made me uneasy. “It’s clear that you both have a solid partnership,” he said finally. “A marriage of min

Avery’s POVThe days after Aiden’s note blurred into a whirlwind of work and strange emotions I couldn’t quite label. Living under the same roof with Aiden felt like balancing on a tightrope, where one small misstep could send everything crashing. His promise to give me freedom and happiness, to protect me, lingered in my thoughts, yet I couldn’t ignore that I was still a pawn in this game our families had built around us.Aiden was, in many ways, a mystery wrapped in professionalism and cool restraint. He kept his distance physically and emotionally, despite his occasional gestures of friendliness. We could be standing in the same room, sharing polite words, but there was always an unspoken boundary—a mutual understanding that neither of us would cross unless forced. Maybe that was for the best.It was early on a Monday morning when my father summoned me to his office again. His voice had held its usual brisk tone over the phone, but there was something else—an urgency. The merger wa

Avery’s POVI'm married again! As Aiden and I walked down the aisle I couldn't help replaying his words “You tasted delicious, Mrs Backwoods.” I blushed. Our first kiss was surprisingly nice. Don't get me wrong I'm not happy with this arrangement, I just have to give him his flowers, he's a good kisser. I kissed Theo for years and the thought of him being a good kisser never crossed my mind. I guess I was just used to it.“Are you thinking of the kiss Mrs Backwoods?” Aiden’s voice suddenly brought me back to reality and I almost jumped. I looked at him and rolled my eyes.“You wish.” I replied. It was time for the parting away, the time when the new bride and her groom are driven away. I temporary said bye to dad, and the back door of the car was opened for me by one of Aiden's bodyguard. Aiden got into the car through the other side. The driver ignited the engine, and before I knew it we were on the road already. I looked back and saw about three cars behind us already, must be his

Avery's POV I am getting married again tomorrow.The night before my first marriage, I was excited and couldn't fall asleep. I had my bachelorette party three days before my wedding, because I didn't want to have a bad headache from all the alcohol I was going to be forced to drink on my wedding day. However, today I was going to get my wedding dress fitted for tomorrow and to buy some jewellery. The stark contrast between the wedding I did for my failed marriage and this contract bound marriage was so glaring, that I don't even know the people who were going to be in attendance for the wedding.I was ushered into the dressing room by an attendant, as I walked in I saw a beautiful floor length white wedding gown that was embroidered with delicate silver and gold threads in floral patterns. It was an off-the-shoulder gown that looked elegant with a timeless, elegant design.I was too stunned to speak or move as I stared at the dress. I thought I loved the first wedding dress I wore,

AIDEN'S POVToday is the date with my soon-to-be wife and I am dressed as casually as I can, in a plain white T-shirt, black faded Jeans and a Jordan Air Force Three. I was already seated 10 minutes earlier than our appointment because I wanted to watch her walk into this restaurant like I used to do during the public events we attend. Call me a stalker, psychopath or whatever you want but I get this sick satisfaction of watching her power walk her way into a place with her chest out, shoulders back and head held high. I wouldn't love to admit it this early, but it turns me on.By the time I checked my time again, I realized that I had spent the last ten minutes thinking about a woman that didn't give two fucks about me. I heard the door bell jingle and I raised my head up to look at who was coming in, the only thing I could do was to freeze in shock as I sucked in a cold breath. Fuck. Me.Did she dress like that in this tight little dress that leaves little to one's imagination on

Avery's POV"Who is it? Who is the man you want me to get married to, Father?" I asked, pursing my lips, as I thought about what my father had just said.“Aiden Backwoods, CEO of Backwoods Steel Making Company, you've seen him several times during public events that we attend. It's a marriage of convenience and the deal is already signed,” I opened my mouth to say something, but he continued without letting me to, “The wedding date is already set, you would be getting married to him next weekend, but before that I already set a meeting for both of you and you'll be there, no complaints.”After saying his piece, he got up and left, but I could feel the anger radiating off him. He's angry? I should be the one angry!I've almost never seen him loose his composure before. I wonder what Aiden Backwoods must have done to cause this though. I also wonder why he wants to get married to me. Although I've seen him at the events we attend, I've never really had any conversation with him, but I'v