Ruthless Affair

Ruthless Affair

last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-13
Oleh:  LovergirlBaru saja diperbarui
Bahasa: English
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Isabella Martinez never expected to trade her dreams for a marriage contract, but when her conniving step-sister flees an arranged marriage, she's forced to take her place. The groom? Alexander Kane, Manhattan's most ruthless CEO, a man known for destroying companies and breaking spirits. The same man who nearly ruined her father's company years ago. At forty, Alexander Kane has everything money can buy, except revenge against the Martinez family. When his intended bride escapes, he finds an even better alternative in her younger sister Isabella – the one person his rival truly loves. It's the perfect opportunity to complete his vendetta. What starts as a cold business arrangement soon turns into a dangerous game of attraction. Behind closed doors, Alexander's icy facade melts away, revealing a man haunted by past betrayals and unexpected tenderness. Isabella discovers that living with her enemy awakens desires she never knew existed, even as she uncovers the dark secrets that drive him. As their fake marriage transforms into something real, Isabella must choose between her family's loyalty and her growing love for Alexander. Meanwhile, Alexander faces his own demons: can he trust in love again, or will his quest for revenge cost him the only woman who's ever touched his heart?

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Chapter 1 : The Price of Duty

Isabella Martinez's hands trembled as she read the marriage contract for the third time, the words blurring before her eyes in the dimly lit study of her family's Manhattan penthouse. Her father's vintage Cartier clock ticked away mercilessly, each second bringing her closer to the moment she'd have to sign."The terms are non-negotiable." Alexander Kane's deep voice cut through the silence like a steel blade.She forced herself to look up at him. At forty, he was devastatingly handsome in that ruthless way that made smart women run for cover, all sharp angles and controlled power. His charcoal suit probably cost more than her car, and his steel-grey eyes held all the warmth of a midwinter storm."You expect me to agree to this?" Isabella gestured at the contract, her voice steadier than she felt. "A one-year marriage with 'full spousal duties' and no divorce option unless you initiate it?"A muscle ticked in his jaw. "I expected your sister to agree to it. But since Victoria chose to...

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10 Bab
Chapter 1 : The Price of Duty
Isabella Martinez's hands trembled as she read the marriage contract for the third time, the words blurring before her eyes in the dimly lit study of her family's Manhattan penthouse. Her father's vintage Cartier clock ticked away mercilessly, each second bringing her closer to the moment she'd have to sign."The terms are non-negotiable." Alexander Kane's deep voice cut through the silence like a steel blade.She forced herself to look up at him. At forty, he was devastatingly handsome in that ruthless way that made smart women run for cover, all sharp angles and controlled power. His charcoal suit probably cost more than her car, and his steel-grey eyes held all the warmth of a midwinter storm."You expect me to agree to this?" Isabella gestured at the contract, her voice steadier than she felt. "A one-year marriage with 'full spousal duties' and no divorce option unless you initiate it?"A muscle ticked in his jaw. "I expected your sister to agree to it. But since Victoria chose to
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-19
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The First Night
The penthouse suite at The Plaza felt like a gilded cage. Isabella stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows, watching Manhattan's lights twinkle in the darkness. Behind her, she heard Alexander moving around the massive suite, his shoes clicking against marble floors, his presence impossible to ignore.The wedding would be in three days. Three days to prepare for a lifetime of pretense."Your things will be moved to my residence tomorrow," Alexander said, his voice closer than she expected. "I assume you don't object to leaving your father's penthouse?"Isabella turned to face him, finding him casually leaning against a pillar, his tie loosened and jacket discarded. The casual pose did nothing to diminish his intimidating presence."Do my objections matter?"His lips quirked. "No. But I enjoy hearing them anyway." He moved to the bar, pouring two glasses of amber liquid. "Drink?""I don't—""You'll learn." He pressed the glass into her hand, his fingers brushing hers deliberately. "Consi
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-19
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Public Faces
Isabella woke to the feeling of being watched. Sunlight streamed through floor-to-ceiling windows she'd forgotten to close, and Alexander Kane stood at the foot of the bed, already dressed in a charcoal suit that probably cost more than most people's monthly rent."You talk in your sleep," he said by way of greeting.Isabella sat up quickly, clutching the silk sheets to her chest despite wearing a modest nightgown. "What did I say?""Something about your mother." His expression softened fractionally before hardening again. "Get dressed. We have breakfast reservations at Eleven Madison Park in an hour."She glanced at the bedside clock – 7:00 AM. "It's Saturday.""It's a performance." He tossed a large white box onto the bed. "Wear this. The press will be there."Isabella opened the box to find a powder blue Chanel dress, classic yet feminine. The price tag was still attached, and she nearly choked at the number."I have my own clothes.""Not anymore." Alexander adjusted his platinum c
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-19
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Dangerous Games
"You're pushing your luck," Alexander said as they entered the limousine after breakfast. The moment the door closed, his charming smile vanished. "That little performance back there...""Was exactly what you wanted," Isabella finished, maintaining a safe distance on the leather seat. "The smitten fiancée, remember?"His hand shot out, catching her wrist and pulling her closer. "There's a difference between playing your part and playing with fire." His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Don't test me, Isabella."She met his gaze steadily, despite her racing heart. "Why? Afraid you might lose control?"His other hand caught her chin, fingers pressing just hard enough to command attention. "I never lose control. That's why I'm alive and most of my enemies aren't – metaphorically speaking, of course.""Of course," she echoed, trying to ignore how his touch sent shivers down her spine. "Heaven forbid the great Alexander Kane show any human weakness."Something dark flickered in his ey
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-19
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Secrets & Lies
Le Bernardin glittered like a jewel box, all crystal and candlelight. Isabella smoothed her hands over the midnight blue Vera Wang, conscious of Alexander's heated gaze following the movement. She'd chosen the dress carefully – elegant but daring, with a slit that climbed dangerously high and a neckline that plunged just low enough to be sophisticated rather than scandalous."You clean up well," Alexander murmured as he held her chair, his fingers brushing the bare skin of her shoulders."You sound surprised." She reached for her water glass, the massive engagement ring catching the light."Pleasantly." He sat across from her, every movement precise and controlled. "Though I'm more surprised by what's underneath."Heat flooded her cheeks. The La Perla set she'd chosen was the same deep blue as her dress – a matching game she knew he'd appreciate. The fact that he knew she was wearing it made her pulse race."Mr. Kane!" A booming voice interrupted their charged moment. "I thought that
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-19
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Chapter 6: The Breaking Point
The ride back to the Plaza was silent, heavy with unspoken words and raw emotion. Isabella stared out the window, Alexander's revelations about Marcus replaying in her mind. Next to her, Alexander worked on his phone, but she felt his attention like a physical touch.When they reached the suite, she headed straight for the bar."Teaching me to trust your drinking habits already?" His voice was sardonic as he shrugged off his jacket.Isabella poured herself a generous measure of whiskey. "You don't have a monopoly on needing a drink after difficult conversations." She turned to face him, leaning against the bar. "Did Victoria know? About Marcus's death being more than an accident?"Alexander loosened his tie, the movement drawing her eyes to his throat. "Your sister knew exactly what she was doing. She just didn't care about the consequences.""And my father?""Claimed he had no idea Marcus would be driving that night." His laugh was bitter. "As if that makes a difference."Isabella to
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-04
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The Man behind the Myth.
Isabella didn't sleep. How could she, with Alexander's words echoing in her mind? “Break both our hearts.”The man who claimed to be incapable of feelings had all but admitted they existed for her.Dawn found her curled in an armchair by the window, watching Manhattan awaken. The city sprawled before her, bathed in golden light that belied the storm brewing in her heart. Two days until the wedding. Two days until she became Mrs. Alexander Kane in more than just name.Two days until there was no turning back.She heard the bedroom door open but didn't turn around. Alexander's reflection appeared in the window glass, his tall frame silhouetted against the morning light. He was already dressed in a charcoal suit that hugged his broad shoulders, his hair still damp from the shower."You didn't sleep," he said, voice rough with concern he couldn't quite disguise."Neither did you." She finally turned to look at him directly. The shadows under his eyes confirmed her suspicion.He approache
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-04
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Cold Vows
Isabella's hands trembled as she stared at her reflection in the floor-length mirror. The wedding dress, a sleek Vera Wang creation of ivory silk that hugged her curves before cascading to the floor was breathtaking. Yet it felt more like armor than celebration attire. Her dark hair was swept into an elegant updo, tiny diamonds catching the light with each subtle movement. Her heart beat like a war drum in her chest, thundering with dread and anticipation.The off-shoulder sleeves bared her collarbones, and the lace bodice shimmered with crystals sewn by hand. A long veil, sheer, and hauntingly delicate was pinned to her soft curls, giving her the look of a princess.But she didn’t feel like one."You look beautiful," came a soft voice from the doorway.Isabella met her father's eyes in the mirror. Antonio Martinez stood uncertainly at the threshold, his once-commanding presence diminished by years of stress and the knowledge of what today truly represented."Is that what matters toda
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-05
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The Wedding
The morning sun peeped through the glass stained windows of the cathedral with so much excitement that it made no sense that it's about to witness a union made out of convenience. Isabella standing in front of the mirror with her hair tied in a rough but beautiful bun, she looked beautiful in the Vera Wang lace dress that clung to her curves like a second skin, the off shoulder sleeves bared her collar bones and the lace bodice shimmered with crystals sewn by hand, Alexander had picked this for her, "she didn't even have control over her own wedding dress", she scoffed mentally. Standing there, Isabella wished that her mother was here to tell her that she looked beautiful, she had dreamt of this day right from when she was a kid, marrying the love of her life, walking down the aisle with her father, having the biggest smile on her face but all of that has turned into a wishful dream now.A gentle knock on the door pulled her out of her dreams of a perfect wedding, it was her father. S
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-11
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World’s Apart
The cold leather of the limousine seat seemed to seep through Isabella's wedding dress, chilling her to the bone. Or perhaps it was the glacial silence emanating from Alexander as they sped through Manhattan's neon-lit streets toward his penthouse. Their wedding night, what should have been a celebration, even in their strange arrangement, now felt like a funeral procession.Marcus Kane was alive. The brother Alexander had mourned, the man whose death had fueled part of his vendetta against her family, had materialized like a ghost at their wedding reception. And in that moment, Isabella had seen something she never expected to witness in Alexander Kane—genuine shock."You're shivering," Alexander observed, his voice cool and detached, though his eyes lingered on her bare shoulders.Isabella straightened, trying to regain her composure. "I'm fine.""Clearly," he said, the word dripping with sarcasm. He shrugged out of his suit jacket and held it out to her without looking. "Take it."
last updateTerakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-13
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