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Bound by debt, Trapped by desire
Elena Thompson’s life has never been easy, but she’s always managed to survive. Working long shifts at a small diner, she’s spent years cleaning up the mess her father made—until the day he makes the ultimate mistake. Drowning in debt to dangerous people, he signs away the only thing he has left to offer: her.
Alexander Calloway is ruthless, powerful, and dangerously cold. When he steps in to settle William Thompson’s debts, he doesn’t want money—he wants Elena. To him, marriage is just another contract, another deal to control. But what he doesn’t anticipate is the fire in her eyes and the way she refuses to bend to his will.
Thrust into a world of wealth and secrets, Elena vows to fight for her freedom. But the more she clashes with her formidable husband, the more she finds herself drawn to the man behind the icy exterior. And as an old flame from Alexander’s past resurfaces, determined to ruin everything, Elena realizes that escaping her new life might not be her biggest challenge…
Surviving it—and resisting the growing tension between her and Alexander—might be.
In a battle of wills, desire, and betrayal, how long can Elena fight the pull of the man who holds her fate in his hands?
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Chapter: Chapter 9Elena couldn’t stop thinking about Tristan Kane.Even after she returned to the mansion, after she changed into comfortable clothes and tried to push the encounter out of her mind, his words clung to her.“You don’t belong in his world.”“You’re looking for a way out.”She had wanted freedom since the moment she was forced into this marriage. She had dreamed of escape.So why did it feel wrong to hear those words now?Why did she feel like she wasn’t trapped anymore?Why did she think of Alexander every time she considered leaving?—She found him in his office that evening.He was sitting behind his desk, his sleeves rolled up, fingers tapping lightly against the polished wood. His eyes flicked to her as she stepped inside, but he didn’t speak.He was waiting.For her to say something.For her to choose why she was here.Elena hesitated, then crossed the room, stopping just before his desk. “I ran into someone today.”His fingers stilled. “Who?”She met his gaze. “Tristan Kane.”A sl
Last Updated: 2025-02-21
Chapter: Chapter 8Elena barely slept that night.Scarlett’s words haunted her, twisting in her mind like a cruel echo.“He ruins people.”“He doesn’t like losing what belongs to him.”And worst of all—Alexander’s response.“Scarlett thinks she knows me. She doesn’t.”“Not yet.”Elena should have been terrified. Should have doubled down on her plan to escape.Instead, she found herself watching Alexander more closely.Looking for the truth.—The next morning, she found him in the dining room.It was a strange, quiet ritual between them. They never made plans to eat together, but somehow, they always ended up in the same space at the same time.Elena’s eyes flicked over him as she sat across from him at the long, sleek table. He was already dressed for the day—black button-up, sleeves rolled up to his forearms, wristwatch gleaming in the morning light.He didn’t look up when she sat. Didn’t acknowledge her at all.And yet, she could feel it—the way he was aware of her.The tension between them from last
Last Updated: 2025-02-16
Chapter: Chapter 7Elena wasn’t sure how long she stood there after Alexander left.Her skin still tingled where he had touched her, and her heartbeat hadn’t slowed, no matter how many deep breaths she took.This can’t happen.She couldn’t afford to feel anything for him. He was still the man who had trapped her in this marriage. The man who controlled her life.And yet, the way he had touched her—the way he had looked at her—No.She needed space.Elena spun on her heel and walked out of the living room, heading toward the back of the house. She had discovered a small balcony the day before, one that overlooked the city. Maybe some fresh air would clear her head.But as she pushed open the glass doors and stepped outside, she froze.Someone else was already there.A woman.Tall. Stunning. With sleek blonde hair and a figure that looked like it had been sculpted by the gods themselves. She was dressed in an emerald-green silk dress that clung to her curves, her posture poised and elegant.Elena didn’t r
Last Updated: 2025-02-16
Chapter: Chapter 6The car ride back was quiet, but this time, the silence felt different. Charged.Elena could feel Alexander’s presence beside her, his arm resting casually on the center console, his fingers tapping lightly against the leather. He wasn’t looking at her, but she could feel his attention—like he was aware of her every breath, every movement.And the worst part? She was aware of him, too.The way his sleeves were rolled up, exposing his strong forearms. The way his cologne lingered in the air, crisp and expensive. The way his jaw tensed when she shifted in her seat.She hated that she noticed these things.She hated that her pulse had started doing this stupid, traitorous thing whenever he was near.She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. His face remained unreadable, as always. Cold. Detached.Then, out of nowhere, he spoke.“You don’t like being taken care of.”It wasn’t a question. It was an observation.Elena frowned, turning toward him fully. “No, I don’t.”Alexander’s gaze
Last Updated: 2025-02-15
Chapter: Chapter 5 Elena sat on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the floor. Her fists clenched in her lap, nails biting into her palms.She had thought she could escape. That she could slip away while Alexander slept, disappear into the city, and take control of her life again.But she had been wrong.The men at the gate—the debt collectors, the predators who saw her as payment—had shattered that illusion.She was trapped.Her breath came out shaky as she recalled the moment she had looked back at Alexander, her heart hammering with the sick realization that he had known all along.He had let her go because he wanted her to see the truth for herself.She hated him for that.A sharp knock on the door made her jump.“Elena.”His voice. Deep. Steady. Unbothered.She squeezed her eyes shut and ignored him.A pause. Then, “Open the door.”She remained still, breathing heavily.A moment later, the handle turned. Of course, it wasn’t locked. Why would it be? This wasn’t her real room—it was just another
Last Updated: 2025-02-12
Chapter: Chapter 4Elena lay awake in the massive bed, staring at the ceiling. The sheets were softer than anything she had ever felt, the room silent except for the faint hum of the city outside. But despite the luxury, she felt suffocated. She was in his house now. Married to him. Her father had ruined her life, and Alexander Calloway had taken full advantage. She clenched her jaw and turned onto her side, glaring at the expensive decor that mocked her. She didn’t belong here, surrounded by wealth that wasn’t hers, trapped in a situation she never agreed to. She had spent her whole life clawing for independence, only for it to be ripped away in a single night. Her fingers curled into the sheets. I won’t just accept this. Her mind raced with ways to escape. The mansion was massive, and she had only seen a fraction of it, but it had to have weaknesses. Exits. Something. Alexander was powerful, but he wasn’t invincible. She exhaled sharply and sat up, glancing at the bedside clock. 2:13 AM. Per
Last Updated: 2025-02-12