Elliana is mocked as her family’s “ugly duckling,” while her perfect stepsister is set to marry a CEO. But on the wedding day, the CEO marries Elliana instead. When everyone expects her downfall, she reveals shocking talents and a hidden beauty. Why did he really choose her—and what happens next?
“Elliana, remember what I told you. Until you turn twenty, never show your beauty or your talents.” For fifteen years, Elliana Marsh had lived by her mother’s final words. She kept herself plain and acted ignorant-just to blend into the background. But today was her twentieth birthday. She was ready to let go of the…
Darin and Kiara stood frozen. Paige’s polished mask cracked right then and there. She was at a loss, her elegant facade gone in an instant. The room turned its focus on Cole. Ruben narrowed his eyes and asked sharply, “Care to explain, Cole?” Cole maintained his poker face. “I’m just as confused as you are.”…
Since even those two morons, Kiara and Paige, had imagined Cole might arrange a widower scenario, Elliana, with her sharp mind, had certainly considered that possibility. Even though Elliana had never seen Cole in person until today, she had heard every tale. People described him as cold-blooded, even cruel. He was the kind of man…
“Have you completely lost it, Cole?” Elliana snapped, her voice fully cracking. Most men would’ve run for the hills after seeing her made-up disaster of a face. But Cole? He didn’t even blink. He was clearly wired differently. A low chuckle rumbled from his throat as he leaned in, his breath ghosting against her neck…
Cole’s mind wandered back to the feel of her against him earlier. She’d been so soft, her body yielding, and her slender waist had settled into his palm like it belonged there. His hand hovered, inches from her cheek, the urge to wipe away the thick makeup growing stronger by the second. But just as…
At the head of the long room, Ruben occupied the central seat, while Jarrett Evans-Cole’s father-sat stiffly at his right. The rest of the clan had taken their places, completing the somber formation. Laughter and murmured conversation had filled the hall, but the moment Cole and Elliana stepped in-hands clasped together like they had something…
After watching Cole silence the entire table with a handful of sharp remarks, Elliana finally broke her silence. Her voice was calm as she said, “Irene has a point. As the family’s matriarch, I should take charge. I’ll handle the online mess myself.” Irene smirked derisively while others exchanged scornful looks. Everyone had the same…
Another video recording? Elliana frowned, baffled by his obsession with recording everything. Grabbing the phone, she hit play. The video showed Cole focused on driving while she dozed against the car window. Then, out of nowhere, she mumbled, “Come here, darling, give me a kiss and a hug…” Elliana stared at the screen, stunned into…
Manley shrugged. “Fine, I’ll check the cameras.” Merlin didn’t even crack an eye, completely checked out. Elliana, meanwhile, trailed the Jones family into a private room. Darin, who’d always treated Elliana like she was invisible, suddenly turned into Mr. Hospitality. “Elliana, order whatever you want tonight. It’s on me.” Elliana found it laughably ironic. For…
With the last lecherous man unconscious on the floor, Elliana tilted her head toward the surveillance camera. A flicker of realization crossed her face. She reached into her pocket, pulled out her phone, and started typing quickly. Within seconds, the screen in the surveillance room went pitch black. “What the-” Manley scrambled to the keyboard.…