Velia Angelica Howell's perfect life shattered in a single night when a tragic accident took her parents and left her fiancé in a coma. Just as her world crumbled further with job loss and loan sharks threatening her, Lucas Hernandez, a powerful and enigmatic CEO, made her an offer she couldn't refuse: pretend to be his fiancée to secure a vital business deal. In exchange, Velia would regain financial stability and the means to support her fiancé's recovery. But as their worlds collided, dark secrets emerged, and Velia found herself torn between a love that could heal her and the haunting truths of her past.
Chapter 1 A Night of Shadows
Velia Angelica Howell clutched her handbag tightly and looked anxiously over her shoulder as the cool evening breeze sliced through her flimsy coat. With flickering streetlights casting eerie shadows on the cracked pavement, the deserted street felt oppressive. She walked quickly, the sound of her footsteps echoing from the walls of the silent buildings around her.
Her heart pounded, not only from the fear of being alone at night but also from the weight of the events of the day. She had previously experienced an unexpected loss of her administrative employment, which the firm attributed to "downsizing." The fact that her fiancé, Andrew, had been comatose for months after the car accident that had claimed her parents didn't worry her, nor did the mounting bills. The world was indifferent to her challenges.
"Miss Howell, wait!"
Velia stiffened, her blood chilling at the sound of the rough voice behind her. She didn't need to look back to know who it was. The loan sharks.
"Come on," she murmured to herself, urging her legs to budge. Yet her feet seemed anchored in place. Gradually, she rotated, her large eyes locking onto the threatening stare of the man who had been pursuing her for weeks. Two additional men stood by him, their expressions set with the threat of aggression.
"Your payment is overdue," the man remarked, his tone misleadingly tranquil. He took out a cigarette, igniting it nonchalantly as though they were talking about the weather. "We granted you an extension out of goodwill, but now... goodwill has ended."
"I-I simply require additional time," Velia faltered, gripping her handbag as if it contained the solutions to her pleas. "I will pay." "I promise."
The man laughed ominously, nodding his head. "Time? Promises? Do you believe we're operating a nonprofit organisation? Allow me to clarify this, Miss Howell. You have time until the week's end. "No excuses."
One of the thugs stepped closer, extending his hand to grab her arm. "Maybe we should grab something for collateral," he mocked, his grip becoming excruciatingly tight.
"Please release me!" Velia sobbed and pulled at her arm, but the man's grip held firm. She felt a wave of panic and looked around desperately for help. The street was empty and barren, like a stage set up for her humiliation.
A deep, commanding voice cut like a razor through the tension, "Enough."
All heads moved in the direction of the voice. A towering figure emerged from the darkness of a nearby alley, his pristine dark suit sharp, his demeanour commanding. His defined jawline and striking grey eyes appeared to take in the faint light surrounding him, giving him an air of nobility and peril.
The loan sharks stiffened, their confidence faltering beneath the outsider's chilling stare. The leader advanced, inflating his chest. "This doesn't concern you, friend." "Step back."
The man showed no reaction. Rather, he turned his head a bit, his facial expression inscrutable. "I recommend that you free the woman," he stated, his tone composed yet infused with a subtle command that gave Velia chills.
"And what if we don't?" the leader questioned, although his tone had diminished in confidence.
The stranger grinned, the slightest arch of his mouth. "Afterward, you will regret not having done so."
For a brief moment, the street became quiet. The atmosphere was charged with tension as the loan sharks shared wary looks. At last, with a grunt, the leader signalled to his men. "Let's leave."
With a push, the thug released Velia's arm while silently cursing to himself. The trio retreated, disappearing into the shadows.
Velia staggered back, breathing shallowly and quickly. Her eyes widened in a mixture of gratitude and horror as she turned to face the stranger. "Thank you," she managed to whisper.
The man observed her for a brief instant, his expression inscrutable. After that, he nodded. "You need to exercise more caution," he remarked plainly. "Tonight, not everyone has your good fortune."
Before Velia could answer, he pivoted and started to walk off, his lengthy steps taking him back into the darkness.
"Wait!" she yelled, stepping forward hesitantly. He hesitated but did not look back. With a quivering voice, she questioned, "Who are you?"
He remained silent for a minute. Then he said, "Lucas Hernandez," without turning around. The name was like a shock of electricity to her.
Everyone knew Lucas Hernandez, the affluent CEO of Hernandez Holdings. In the world of business, he was a titan who was both feared and revered.
However, why would someone like him be in such a place? He disappeared into the night before she could ask him any more questions, leaving her alone on the empty street.
Velia's legs buckled, and she fell to a nearby bench, her mind racing. The meeting seemed dreamlike, reminiscent of a moment from the love stories she once enjoyed. However, this wasn't a made-up story. This was her existence-chaotic, uncertain, and balancing on the brink of breakdown.
As the excitement diminished, reality struck her like a speeding locomotive. The loan sharks were not going to yield for long. She required cash quickly, or they would pursue her once more. Her mind drifted to Lucas Hernandez, the person who had rescued her this evening.
What was he seeking? What prompted him to step in? And why did she sense that this was merely the start of something far greater than she could grasp?
Unbeknownst to Velia, the occurrences of this evening would lead her down a path that would change her life forever.
Chapter 1 A Night of Shadows
18/02/2025
Chapter 2 An Offer She Cannot Refuse
18/02/2025
Chapter 3 A Deal with the Devil
18/02/2025
Chapter 4 The First Test
18/02/2025
Chapter 5 The Aftermath of Deception
18/02/2025
Chapter 6 The First Crack
18/02/2025
Chapter 7 The Thin Line Between Duty and Desire
18/02/2025
Chapter 8 Shadows of the Past
18/02/2025
Chapter 9 A Dance with Danger
18/02/2025
Chapter 10 A Dangerous Line
18/02/2025
Chapter 11 Lines We Shouldn't Cross
06/03/2025
Chapter 12 The Breaking Point
08/03/2025
Chapter 13 A Dangerous Game
08/03/2025
Chapter 14 The Edge of Deception
09/03/2025
Chapter 15 Unraveling Intentions
09/03/2025
Chapter 16 Shadows of the Past
13/03/2025
Chapter 17 A War Begins
13/03/2025
Chapter 18 The Next Target
13/03/2025
Chapter 19 A Line Crossed
13/03/2025
Chapter 20 A Battle of Power
14/03/2025
Chapter 21 A Shift in the Air
14/03/2025
Chapter 22 The Silent Storm
14/03/2025
Chapter 23 Unraveling the Past
14/03/2025
Chapter 24 Shadows of the Past
16/03/2025
Chapter 25 The Edge of Trust
16/03/2025
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