A Love Forged In Ruins

A Love Forged In Ruins

Leeleebari

5.0
Comment(s)
4.8K
View
123
Chapters

Layla Monroe has always been the overlooked daughter in a family that treasures beauty over loyalty. Betrayed by her boyfriend and overshadowed by her stepsister, Celeste, Layla has learned to survive without the support of those who should love her most. But when her family's business teeters on the brink of ruin, they demand a sacrifice: a loveless marriage to Damian Blackwood, a man with secrets as deep as his grudges. Reluctantly, Layla agrees, believing Damian to be a penniless partner in her family's plot. But her husband is hiding an empire-and a vendetta. What begins as a calculated alliance shift into something more as Layla uncovers Damian's plans for revenge against her family and his unexpected role in her future. When old enemies and past lovers return, threatening to destroy everything she's fought for, Layla must choose: protect the family that betrayed her or forge her path with the man who could be her undoing-or her redemption. In a world of lies and betrayal, can Layla find the strength to reclaim her worth and take control of her destiny?

Chapter 1 The ultimate betrayal

Layla's pov

Today marks my second anniversary with Mark. He's been my boyfriend since I met him at a café two years back. It was love instantly, and I have no regrets about having him in my life. I invited him to come to the house to celebrate, but he forgot it's our anniversary and that I want to surprise him.

My car stops in front of my parents' mansion, a place I previously considered home but that now felt like a foreign land. The sight of the grand house makes me feel uneasy, Iike I don't belong here anymore.The expansive windows shimmered in the afternoon light, creating lengthy shadows on the beautifully kept lawn. This place used to feel like home, but now it feels cold, distant–just like my family. I came back sooner than anticipated, aiming to catch Mark off guard. I considered that we might share the afternoon, enjoying laughter as we once did.

I step out of the car, holding my gift for Mark and head towards the door. The front door was slightly open, which was unusual. Pushing it open, I step inside. The sound of my heels echoing on the marble floors, sharp and loud, sending chills down my spine. I ascend the stairs, holding the tiny box tightly in my hand, but the discomfort in my stomach intensifies with every step.

Then I could hear it–a laugh. Mark's laugh, floating down the hallway, light and familiar. I'd recognise it anywhere.

He's talking to someone. His voice sounds relaxed, even happy. My heart beats faster as I walk towards the sound, my steps slower now, my chest tightening.

I opened the door to my room. And there they stood-Mark and Celeste, entwined in one another's embrace. My stepsister, the family's favorite, and my boyfriend, the guy who professed his love for me just last night.

Celeste, always the performer, pulled away from him, gasping like she's the one who's been wronged. "I didn't want you to find out this way." she says, her voice calm, almost bored.

Find out this way? Not a hint of remorse in her tone. Simply shocked that her secret had been revealed.

Mark let out a deep sigh, brushing a hand through his hair. Looking at me like I'm the one causing a scene "Listen, Layla" he says, his voice so calm it makes my blood boil. "I was going to tell you. Celeste and I... it just happened."

It just happened? My chest feels tight, and my hands tremble as I step back. The betrayal cuts deep, the pain almost too much to bear.

"Was everything a lie, then?" I ask, each word taking a part of my soul. "Everything you said to me? Every promise?"

Mark had the audacity to appear emotionless. "Let's be honest, Layla. Things haven't been good between us for a while. You've simply been too absorbed in your own problems that you didn't even notice."

My problems? My anger surged as the pieces began to fit together. He was accusing me, making the situation even worse.

And Celeste... she just stood there, watching me with that same self-satisfied smile she always had. She had won. She had seized it all-my family's love, their attention, and now, the man I thought I would spend my life with.

Unable to endure it any longer, I rushed downstairs. Each step felt more heavy, the air denser. I needed fresh air. I had to break free from the distorted reality that my life had turned into.

But the nightmare had just begun.

At the foot of the stairs, my parents stood waiting, their faces emotionless and calm. My mother had her arms folded and wore a serious expression. My father, glancing aside, avoiding my gaze, his jaw tense.

"Mom, Dad," I started, fighting to maintain my calm. "Did you know?"

My mom looked away, unwilling to meet my stare. Dad cleared his throat. "Layla, you need to understand."

Understand?. His words hit me like a blow to the body. My parents were supporting her. Protecting both of them, as if my suffering was insignificant.

"Oh, I understand." "So, I'm the problem in this family, is that right?" My voice rised, anger and heartbreak mixing in every word.

My father's stare grew intense. "Layla, stop being so dramatic." "We expected more maturity from you."

Maturity?. I bit my lip to prevent it from quivering. I wasn't the one being dramatic. I was the one being betrayed.

I felt the urge to run, to leave this house as fast as I could. But my mother's voice stopped me.

"There's something else you should know"

I turned slowly, preparing myself.

"Celeste will be inheriting Monroe Enterprises." "It's what's best for the family," she said, her voice cold and detached, as if she's reading off a grocery list. "You... you've always been too gentle for the corporate world, Layla,"

The room rotated, and I fought to maintain my balance. Monroe Enterprises belonged to me. I spent years getting ready, giving up so much, delaying my dreams to grasp every detail, each strategy, and every connection. Everything had been for this-my future, my heritage. And now, in just one sentence, they were giving it to her. Just like that.

"And regarding you," my father said, cutting through my thoughts, "we've set up your marriage to Damian Blackwood. "Do you remember him?"

My thoughts faded away. Damian Blackwood-the controversial offspring of an ex-billionaire, whose family's dynasty had fallen apart due to accusations of fraud and dishonesty. He was everything I despised-arrogant, ruthless and dangerous.

"That's meant to be Celeste's duty," I said, my voice rising. "She is the one who's supposed to marry for the family." "Not I."

My mother let out a sigh, a look of contempt crossing her features. "You don't have a choice , Layla. Celeste is the future of this family now. "You'll have to do this for her-and for us."

"Is it for her?" My laughter felt empty. "You're throwing my life away for her?" "You want me to marry a total sranger I don't even love, just to make her life easier?"

My father's stare became intense. "It's not about love, Layla." It's about responsibility. You will be taken care of. "Plus, you require the funds for your grandmother, right?"

The reference to my grandmother broke whatever remained of my determination. She was the only person who had ever shown me unconditional care. The only person who had cared for me without expecting anything in return. She was unwell, and the medical expenses were pilling more quickly than I could handle. Without assistance, I wouldn't be able to afford her treatment

I felt the walls closing in on me. This isn't a choice, it's a trap.

This was my decision: give up my happiness, my future, or witness the only person who ever mattered to me in pain.

The voice of my father was steady, unyielding. "Consider this an opportunity, Layla."A chance to prove your worth to this family. Show us that you can make the right choices."

The right choice. Like I had a say in the situation.

"Alright," I murmured, my voice barely heard. The words felt poisonous on my tongue. "I will do it." "I will marry Damian Blackwood."

Continue Reading

Other books by Leeleebari

More

You'll also like

The Ghost Wife's Billion Dollar Tech Comeback

The Ghost Wife's Billion Dollar Tech Comeback

Huo Wuer
5.0

Today is October 14th, my birthday. I returned to New York after months away, dragging my suitcase through the biting wind, but the VIP pickup zone where my husband’s Maybach usually idled was empty. When I finally let myself into our Upper East Side penthouse, I didn’t find a cake or a "welcome home" banner. Instead, I found my husband, Caden, kneeling on the floor, helping our five-year-old daughter wrap a massive gift for my half-sister, Adalynn. Caden didn’t even look up when I walked in; he was too busy laughing with the girl who had already stolen my father’s legacy and was now moving in on my family. "Auntie Addie is a million times better than Mommy," my daughter Elara chirped, clutching a plush toy Caden had once forbidden me from buying for her. "Mommy is mean," she whispered loudly, while Caden just smirked, calling me a "drill sergeant" before whisking her off to Adalynn’s party without a second glance. Later that night, I saw a video Adalynn posted online where my husband and child laughed while mocking my "sensitive" nature, treating me like an inconvenient ghost in my own home. I had spent five years researching nutrition for Elara’s health and managing every detail of Caden’s empire, only to be discarded the moment I wasn't in the room. How could the man who set his safe combination to my birthday completely forget I even existed? The realization didn't break me; it turned me into ice. I didn't scream or beg for an explanation. I simply walked into the study, pulled out the divorce papers I’d drafted months ago, and took a black marker to the terms. I crossed out the alimony, the mansion, and even the custody clause—if they wanted a life without me, I would give them exactly what they asked for. I left my four-carat diamond ring on the console table and walked out into the rain with nothing but a heavily encrypted hard drive. The submissive Mrs. Holloway was gone, and "Ghost," the most lethal architect in the tech world, was finally back online to take back everything they thought I’d forgotten.

Flash Marriage To My Best Friend's Father

Flash Marriage To My Best Friend's Father

Madel Cerda
4.5

I was once the heiress to the Solomon empire, but after it crumbled, I became the "charity case" ward of the wealthy Hyde family. For years, I lived in their shadows, clinging to the promise that Anson Hyde would always be my protector. That promise shattered when Anson walked into the ballroom with Claudine Chapman on his arm. Claudine was the girl who had spent years making my life a living hell, and now Anson was announcing their engagement to the world. The humiliation was instant. Guests sneered at my cheap dress, and a waiter intentionally sloshed champagne over me, knowing I was a nobody. Anson didn't even look my way; he was too busy whispering possessively to his new fiancée. I was a ghost in my own home, watching my protector celebrate with my tormentor. The betrayal burned. I realized I wasn't a ward; I was a pawn Anson had kept on a shelf until he found a better trade. I had no money, no allies, and a legal trust fund that Anson controlled with a flick of his wrist. Fleeing to the library, I stumbled into Dallas Koch—a titan of industry and my best friend’s father. He was a wall of cold, absolute power that even the Hydes feared. "Marry me," I blurted out, desperate to find a shield Anson couldn't climb. Dallas didn't laugh. He pulled out a marriage agreement and a heavy fountain pen. "Sign," he commanded, his voice a low rumble. "But if you walk out that door with me, you never go back." I signed my name, trading my life for the only man dangerous enough to keep me safe.

The Curvy Ex-Wife's Revenge: The Divorce He Gave, The Regret He Earned

The Curvy Ex-Wife's Revenge: The Divorce He Gave, The Regret He Earned

Nieves Gómez
5.0

Nicole had entered marriage with Walter, a man who never returned her feelings, bound to him through an arrangement made by their families rather than by choice. Even so, she had held onto the quiet belief that time might soften his heart and that one day he would learn to love her. However, that day never came. Instead, he treated her with constant contempt, tearing her down with cruel words and dismissing her as fat and manipulative whenever it suited him. After two years of a cold and distant marriage, Walter demanded a divorce, delivering his decision in the most degrading manner he could manage. Stripped of her dignity and exhausted by the humiliation, Nicole agreed to her friend Brenda's plan to make him see what he had lost. The idea was simple but daring. She would use another man to prove that the woman Walter had mocked and insulted could still be desired by someone else. All they had to do was hire a gigolo. Patrick had endured one romantic disappointment after another. Every woman he had been involved with had been drawn not to him, but to his wealth. As one of the heirs to a powerful and influential family, he had long accepted that this pattern was almost unavoidable. What Patrick wanted was far more difficult to find. He longed to fall in love with a woman who cared for him as a person, not for the name he carried or the fortune attached to it. One night, while he was at a bar, an attractive stranger approached him. Because of his appearance and composed demeanor, she mistook him for a gigolo. She made an unconventional proposal, one that immediately caught his interest and proved impossible for him to refuse.

Chapters
Read Now
Download Book
A Love Forged In Ruins
1

Chapter 1 The ultimate betrayal

11/04/2025

2

Chapter 2 The reluctant marriage

11/04/2025

3

Chapter 3 Shattered illusions

11/04/2025

4

Chapter 4 The weight of desperation

11/04/2025

5

Chapter 5 The confrontation

11/04/2025

6

Chapter 6 Behind closed doors

11/04/2025

7

Chapter 7 Cracks in the wall

11/04/2025

8

Chapter 8 Shadows and secrets

11/04/2025

9

Chapter 9 A silent threat

11/04/2025

10

Chapter 10 The stranger in the dark

11/04/2025

11

Chapter 11 Hunted in the dark

11/04/2025

12

Chapter 12 Trapped by fate

11/04/2025

13

Chapter 13 When fear turns to love

11/04/2025

14

Chapter 14 A dangerous temptation

11/04/2025

15

Chapter 15 Holding on, letting in

11/04/2025

16

Chapter 16 Not just a contract

11/04/2025

17

Chapter 17 Silent, but not innocent

11/04/2025

18

Chapter 18 Pier 13

11/04/2025

19

Chapter 19 The train station

21/04/2025

20

Chapter 20 The choice

21/04/2025

21

Chapter 21 Choosing me

22/04/2025

22

Chapter 22 Becoming sovereign

24/04/2025

23

Chapter 23 Queenmaker

24/04/2025

24

Chapter 24 Born by wolves, raised by fire

30/04/2025

25

Chapter 25 They never said sorry

30/04/2025

26

Chapter 26 Born Monroe, built different

02/05/2025

27

Chapter 27 Not dead, not done

03/05/2025

28

Chapter 28 Daughter of secrets

04/05/2025

29

Chapter 29 A name, not a home

08/05/2025

30

Chapter 30 Half of me

08/05/2025

31

Chapter 31 From ruins, we begin

10/05/2025

32

Chapter 32 Not here for permission

11/05/2025

33

Chapter 33 Power in red

11/05/2025

34

Chapter 34 Collect damage

13/05/2025

35

Chapter 35 Forgiving myself

13/05/2025

36

Chapter 36 Fraud in the family

14/05/2025

37

Chapter 37 Peace is a fragile thing

14/05/2025

38

Chapter 38 History repeats itself

15/05/2025

39

Chapter 39 Blind Loyalty

23/05/2025

40

Chapter 40 The folder

09/06/2025