|| Featured FREE story with exclusive paid chapters - previously a paid story || When Haley discovers the truth behind Xavier, whose silence holds a deeper meaning, she sets her mind on making his life better one small step at a time. ***** Haley Rosamond is happy with her simple life, content under the wing of her father. Well-protected, she has no idea of the darkness surrounding Xavier Hunt, with his all-black attire and infrequent presence in school-accompanied by his bruises and scars. That is, until Haley catches a glimpse of Xavier's reality and is made to question everything she knows about family and life in general. The truth, she realizes, couldn't be more different from everything she has heard. Supported by her father, Haley sets her mind on helping Xavier any way she can, and what begins with tutoring sessions, free food, and random acts of kindness blooms into friendship and something a little more. But when Haley's admission into her dream college and another tragedy in Xavier's life threaten to undo everything she has worked for, Haley needs to decide if she'll stick by Xavier or simply be another person in his life that disappears. [[word count: 80,000-90,000 words]] Cover designed by Holly Thurston

"You see him as an heir of your empire and not as a family member. All you care about is the inheritance and not the child. If all you want is an heir then why not marry someone and produce as many heirs as you want." She stopped as she narrowed her eyes at him. And then with a mocking expression she continued, "Or is it that you are unable to Re.Pro.Duce??" seeing the angry flush on his face her heart smiled with satisfaction. But before she could celebrate her little victory against him he pulled her from her wrist and she collided with his hard chest. Snaking an arm around her waist he held her tightly as she struggled in his hold. "Don't play with fire, Ms Lilly Jones or don't complain to me later if you end up getting burned." "I've never hated anyone as much as I hate you." she spitted. "The feelings are mutual then, sweetheart." he smiled. _______________ He married her to fulfil a promise he had made long ago. She was supposed to be a bride in name only, a wife just on papers. Then why he felt an undeniable hunger in him every time she met his gaze. Desiring her wasn't a part of his plans. He has never wanted anything as much as he wanted her. And that's where everything started to take an unexpected turn... Started on : 27 Dec 2020 Completed on :12 March 2021 ------------- Word count : I'll tell you when I'm done counting 😪