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clarissadebs
clarissadebs
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Novels by clarissadebs

HIDDEN FLAMES: A Billionaire's Secret Love Game

HIDDEN FLAMES: A Billionaire's Secret Love Game

Mia James needs a lifeline—fast. Accused of stealing company funds, she’s on the brink of losing her job when billionaire Adrian Knight offers her an unexpected way out: a contract marriage. Marrying him will clear her reputation, and for Adrian, it means silencing rumors, handling the press on his terms and fulfilling his grandfather's last wishes. It’s strictly business... or so they both say. Their plan seems simple enough: smile for the cameras, keep the story airtight, and definitely don’t fall for each other. But when Mia’s furious ex crashes their first press conference, she's forced to get closer to Adrian than she'd ever imagined. Suddenly, staged kisses feel dangerously real, and “pretending” becomes harder with every look they share. Now, Mia’s balancing a fake marriage, a very real connection with Adrian, and the risk of her entire world unraveling. With secrets on both sides and her heart on the line, can she keep her cool—or will they both get swept up in the game they started? In this rollercoaster of passion, scandal, and deception, Mia and Adrian are about to learn that in love and life, nothing ever goes exactly as planned.
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Chapter: Chapter 37
The idea of a real date still lingered between us as we stood there, breathing each other in. Adrian’s hand gently traced my jawline, his touch sending sparks through me.“A real date, huh?” he repeated, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Are you asking me out, Mia?”I rolled my eyes playfully, still breathless from our kiss. “Don’t let it go to your head, Mr. Knight. I’m just... trying something different.”His smirk deepened. “I like different.”Before I could fire back, his phone buzzed on the coffee table. His expression darkened slightly as he glanced at the screen. Business again, no doubt.I stepped back, giving him space. “You should get that.”He sighed but picked up the phone, walking toward the large window as he answered. His voice dropped into that commanding, no-nonsense tone he always used when dealing with work.I watched him for a moment—his broad shoulders tense, his jaw set with focus. Adrian was a man used to carrying the weight of the world, even when he didn’t have to
Last Updated: 2024-12-19
Chapter: Chapter 36
I cradled the phone between my ear and shoulder, pacing the length of the kitchen as Patricia’s worried voice crackled through the line.“I’m fine, Patricia. Really.” I tried to sound reassuring, though the last few days still felt like a surreal nightmare. “It’s over now. They caught the person behind the threats.”There was a long pause on her end. “Are you sure? Mia... you sounded so scared before.”I exhaled slowly, my gaze drifting to the faint morning light spilling through the window. “I was. But it turns out it was someone I used to know… Lisa.”“Lisa?” Patricia repeated, confusion evident in her tone. “From the company?”“Yeah. We were close—at least, I thought we were.” My voice dropped, bitterness lacing my words. “She was... jealous, I guess. She felt like I took everything from her—promotions, recognition... even Adrian.”Patricia let out a low whistle. “Wow. That’s... twisted. You really had no idea she hated you that much?”“No.” My voice cracked slightly. “She hid it w
Last Updated: 2024-12-18
Chapter: Chapter 35
"You can’t run from your past.”The words echoed in my mind long after the intruder was dragged away by the police, leaving behind only shattered glass and broken locks. My hands still trembled as I gripped the edge of the table, struggling to steady my breath.Adrian paced the room like a caged predator, his sharp eyes burning with unspoken fury. The eerie silence that followed the break-in was far worse than the chaos that preceded it.“This wasn’t random.” His voice was low, dangerous. “Whoever sent him wanted us shaken.”I nodded slowly, still haunted by the twisted smirk on the intruder's face. He’d known something—something personal.“What if this is just the beginning?” I whispered.Adrian's phone buzzed, the sharp sound slicing through the tension. He snatched it up, his face darkening as he read the message:“I told you... You were never safe.”A chill ran down my spine. “Is it the same number?”He shook his head. “Different burner. They’re covering their tracks.”I wrapped m
Last Updated: 2024-12-17
Chapter: Chapter 34
After reading the note, my fingers trembled as I folded the paper back, its dark message still burning in my mind. Someone was targeting me—but why? I had no enemies. At least, none that I knew of.Adrian shut the door, locking it securely before pulling the curtains closed again. Patricia sat on the couch, still shaken.“Are you sure you didn’t see who left the envelope?” Adrian asked her sharply.She shook her head, wiping tears from her cheeks. “No... It was just there, on the front steps. I thought it was from a guest who left something behind.”Adrian nodded, though his jaw tightened. “Thank you for bringing it to us.”Patricia hesitated. “Should I... tell the police?”“No,” Adrian said quickly. “We’ll handle it.”I placed a hand on her shoulder. “We’ll be okay, I promise.”Reluctantly, Patricia left, glancing back one last time before disappearing down the hall. As soon as she was gone, Adrian turned to me.“We need answers. Now.”Adrian grabbed a notepad and a pen from a drawer
Last Updated: 2024-12-14
Chapter: Chapter 33
The cold night air seemed sharper now, biting through my skin as Adrian’s grip on my wrist remained firm. His breathing was steady, his dark eyes fixed on the forest’s edge, scanning for any sign of movement. Whatever—or whoever—had been out there was gone. For now.“We need to get back inside,” Adrian said firmly, already leading me toward the reception hall. His protective hold on me never wavered.I couldn’t stop trembling, my mind still reeling from that voice—low, menacing, and chillingly familiar.They knew my name.“Adrian,” I whispered, struggling to keep up with his fast strides. “What if... what if they weren’t here for you?”His steps faltered for the briefest moment, barely noticeable, but I caught it. He turned to face me, his expression unreadable. “What are you talking about?”“That voice... It didn’t sound like one of your enemies,” I said slowly, my pulse pounding in my ears. “It felt... personal.”His jaw clenched. “You’re just shaken up. They were probably trying to
Last Updated: 2024-12-13
Chapter: Chapter 32
The reception buzzed with life—laughter, music, and the hum of conversations. The soft glow of string lights cast a warm, golden hue over the decorated hall, giving the place an almost magical feel. Clinking glasses and joyful cheers echoed through the crowd. To everyone else, it was a perfect celebration.But not for me.Not after seeing that blood-red rose.Adrian’s hand rested protectively on my lower back as we slowly made our way through the crowded reception hall. He hadn’t said much since we spotted the rose, but the tension radiating from him spoke louder than words.“We need to talk,” he murmured, his voice low but firm.I nodded, forcing a polite smile as we slipped outside, leaving the lively celebration behind. The cool night air brushed against my skin, sending a chill down my spine that had nothing to do with the weather.Adrian led me toward the edge of the property, where the shadows of towering oak trees stretched across the quiet, moonlit clearing. He checked the are
Last Updated: 2024-12-11
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