In a world where power and loyalty reign supreme,two CEOs from different worlds,one who has never loved and one who vows to never love again, collide in a fiery explosion of attraction and opposition. Lillian Arturo, a brilliant and beautiful business woman has never attempted love, preferring her job all her life. She has built her empire through hard work and determination and she won't let anyone or anything get in the way of her success. Vincent Hanstrup, the charismatic and ruthless CEO of a mafia family, has sworn off love after a devastating heartbreak. He's built his reputation on cunning and strength and won't let anyone get close nor does he show weakness. When their companies are forced to merge for a lucrative project, Lillian and Vincent must put aside their differences and be professional. But as they spend more time together, their initial clash sparks a deep attraction that threatens to destroy everything they've built. Their families are at war, their business rivals are sabotaging them and their own past is hunting them. But Lillian and Vincent try to resist each other, convincing themselves that their love is doomed from the start. Will they find a way to overcome the danger and doubt, or will their relationship become a casualty of their families' bitter legacy. Can they build a future together or will their love be forever forbidden.
"I think we should break up, Lillian." Aaron wears a somber demeanor. Lillian is silent, her face void of expression. Aaron's eyes anticipate her next move, his gaze intense, expectant. Lillian shifts on the sofa, a part of her waiting to see her response. Seconds pass, but she is still void of emotion. Aaron's brows furrow in a "Why aren't you upset?" way. You should be wailing right now."Lillian lets out a sigh. Finally the weight of his words settles upon her. "I think we should tell our parents that it is a mutual decision.
No bad person, simply mutual." Aaron's expression twists into a disbelieving scowl, "You're talking like you don't know who your father is. He would never buy that. What about the promotional advertisement that your father's company and my father's are supposed to carry out? They have planned to use us as their main tool. Our relationship has been the basis of a lot of business deals between them. They have even made vacation plans for the holidays for us."His words cut deep into Lillian's heart. It would definitely not be easy to break the news to their parents and everyone that they know. Aaron's quite popular. Literally the most good-looking and popular guy in their school. Plus he is a super talented basketball player; girls swooned over him like they were under a spell. The summers they spent together, the games they attended, the jersey that she wore-memories will have to be buried. Their friends, or rather his friends-they were never hers-would get to know. She had her father to thank for that. The realization of this is like a twisting knife in her chest. She should be glad that she got the opportunity to tag along with Aaron and his friends. Lillian feels a tightening sensation around her neck, but she refuses to let it show. "It's best we tell them and accept whatever comes with it," Lillian says with a straight face. Aaron's gaze lingers on her, his eyes searching for a crack in the facade.
Lillian remains unshakable. Her demeanor fuels Aaron's frustration. He folds his arms across his chest, clenching his jawline. "I can't believe you're saying that. You never really viewed yourself being in a proper relationship with me, did you? Did you even have any feelings for me? Obviously not. You claimed that you weren't ready for sex when you wouldn't even try to get the smallest amount of intimacy with me. I have been so patient with you, Lili, haven't I? More patient than any other guy would ever be. I have always told you not to worry about the other girls I made out with. They are all in the past. I don't know what to do about you anymore." Lillian nods inwardly, suppressing a lump in her throat. It was all making sense now. She didn't know why her sexual urges seemed to disappear whenever Aaron was in the picture. She didn't want to give him the satisfaction of knowing that his words had an effect on her. "You're being an asshole, Aaron," Lillian says in a firm voice. Aaron finishes the glass of orange juice that was served by Miss Kathy, Lillian's maid."There's no need for you to stay any longer. It's uncomfortable for both of us. You should head home or wherever you want to go," Lillian says, her voice firm but polite. Aaron shifts closer to her on the sofa, bringing his palm to rest on her shoulder. He kisses Lillian on her crown. "Everyone's been telling me to end things for a while now. I mean, my friends that we usually hang out with." Lillian feels disgust forming in her tummy. She forces a smile, not wanting to feel that way. Lillian used to enjoy Aaron's company and maybe friendship until he told her he had a crush on her and they began dating. They had known each other since they were toddlers. A frown forms on Aaron's face. He wishes he could earn some type of reaction from Lillian. "Don't be so sensitive, Lili. It is for our best interests." He stands up and walks out of her room. As soon as the door closes, Lillian exhales deeply, feeling a sense of relief consume her. Although just seventeen years old, Lillian feels it's time for her to take control of her life. Her father, Mr. Arturo, did everything for her. He never allows her to lift a finger without his knowledge.It was only because of him that she agreed to date Aaron. If her father asks her about her and Aaron, she would tell him everything. Her father would not take it lightly with Aaron and his father. Lillian didn't care anymore about him. The moment he walked out of her room, he walked out of her life. Lillian vows in her heart not to let him or any other guy in her heart ever again.
As expected, her father cut business ties with Aaron's father, causing some loss to them. Aaron and his family had to stay away from anything concerning the Arturos. Lillian spent the next years of her life under her father's wing learning the art of business. She is the only child of her parents and would be the next CEO of her father's company, Artverse. Mr. Arturo makes Lillian the CEO at the age of 23. Lillian is a highly respected and regarded CEO in Los Angeles. She is a role model for many girls. All the projects handled by Artverse were successful. She has been preparing for a very important project for months. It is an urban renewal project proposed by the director of arts and culture in Los Angeles. There are a few days left until she gets to meet with the director about the project. Lillian is seated in her office, her table filled with different files. "What do you know about Vincent Hanstrup?" she asks her personal assistant Bella. "From my findings, he is one of the CEOs who will be an obstacle for you. All the projects he has partaken in are all successful. He also has quite a number of formidable business partners who no doubt would not hesitate to give him their support." Lillian leans back in her chair and scoffs, "We have that as well here. Is there anything else you found that could be a real threat to us?" Bella's eyes brighten, her cheeks becoming rosy. "Mr. Vincent is also quite good-looking. He literally has the body of a Greek god. I have some of his pictures here if you want to see. He is really popular for his looks and utilities it when necessary.I'm quite a fan of his." Lillian waves her hand, signaling loss of interest. Her face contorts in displeasure. "It's only because you are good at your work that I allow you to still have your job. Just look at how red your face is. Just because of some silly photos of a somewhat good-looking man." Bella quickly switches to her professional face, "I'm sorry, Miss Lillian." Lillian dismisses her. However, as the day goes by, she couldn't stop thinking about Vincent.
Chapter 1 The Mask of Perfection
21/11/2024
Chapter 2 A day in the life of Lillian
21/11/2024
Chapter 3 The fallout
21/11/2024
Chapter 4 From feud to frenzy
21/11/2024
Chapter 5 Lillian's dilemma
22/11/2024
Chapter 6 A forced alliance
22/11/2024
Chapter 7 Vincent's vulnerability
22/11/2024
Chapter 8 A life a masks
22/11/2024
Chapter 9 A delicate alliance
22/11/2024
Chapter 10 The art of deception
22/11/2024
Chapter 11 A clash of egos
22/11/2024
Chapter 12 Beneath the surface
02/12/2024
Chapter 13 The perfect facade
02/12/2024
Chapter 14 Preparing for the date
03/12/2024
Chapter 15 When rivals meet
04/12/2024
Chapter 16 Fates cruel joke
04/12/2024
Chapter 17 A web of complications
04/12/2024
Chapter 18 Secrets and schemes
14/12/2024
Chapter 19 The Proposal of Convenience
16/12/2024
Chapter 20 A Threat to her World
19/12/2024
Chapter 21 Crossing paths
19/12/2024
Chapter 22 A heart warming Encounter
22/12/2024
Chapter 23 Whispers of Doubt
25/12/2024
Chapter 24 She is Bound by Duty
26/12/2024
Chapter 25 You are Mine
26/12/2024
Chapter 26 Her shattered Composure
26/12/2024
Chapter 27 A Force to be reckoned with
27/12/2024
Chapter 28 Accepting their Fate
29/12/2024
Chapter 29 Undeniable Attraction
29/12/2024
Chapter 30 Fake it till you make it
31/12/2024