A Thousand Paths to the Duke's Heart - shalom - Wattpad

Story cover for A Thousand Paths to the Duke's Heart by mimi_micky

A Thousand Paths to the Duke's Heart

Reads 590
Votes 208
Parts 4
Time 43m

Reads 590
Votes 208
Parts 4
Time 43m

arrangedmarriage drama duke enemiestolovers historical lovetriangle rake romance strongfemalelead

Claire Stewart stands at the center of a scandal that refuses to fade. Born from a secret affair that shattered the façade of nobility, her very existence has been whispered about in every drawing room and ballroom. Yet when tragedy strikes, and her father and brother perish on the battlefield, Claire is forced to enter an arrangement to save her family estate and secure her inheritance. The aristocracy she hoped to avoid now becomes her only sanctuary, but it comes at the cost of a marriage she never wanted.
  
  Duke Heath Maclean, renowned for his rakish charm and rebellious spirit, has no interest in a marriage of convenience. He was content with his freewheeling ways, But when he's coerced into an arranged marriage with Claire, the Daughter of the late duke of  silverstone, he finds his carefully crafted world turned upside down. This quiet woman from a scandalous background isn't the bride he envisioned, and their union feels more like a prison sentence than a pathway to happiness.
  
  Yet there is a problem: Despite the defiance and coldness he shows her, Heath can't ignore his growing attraction to Claire. Her beauty and grace draw him in, stirring desires he'd sworn to suppress. The more he fights against his feelings, the more they threaten to unravel him.
  
  Will the hatred that binds them shatter their lives, or will they discover that the deepest connections can emerge from the fiercest conflicts?All Rights Reserved

arrangedmarriage drama duke enemiestolovers historical lovetriangle rake romance strongfemalelead

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4 parts

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Unfinished Vows by Kevin___KT

"I wanted to hate him. I wanted to walk away without a second thought. But how do you forget someone who still lingers in your every breath?" Kate thought she was finally free. Three years of a cold, loveless marriage to Dev-her arrogant, emotionally distant husband-had left her shattered. Now, with divorce on the horizon, she should be relieved. But when circumstances force them to live under the same roof again, she realizes something is different. Dev isn't the same man who once ignored her existence. He watches her now, his eyes filled with something she can't quite name. Regret? Possession? Something deeper? Dev always believed he never wanted this marriage. But as Kate pulls away, he's gripped by an unfamiliar panic. What if letting her go was his biggest mistake? What if, deep down, he never truly wanted her to leave? Dev - "I believed you'd stand by me, even when I couldn't be there for you. I was wrong-you deserve better. I'll grow, I'll change, but I refuse to lose you." Trapped between past wounds and an uncertain future, Kate and Dev are forced to confront the emotions they've buried for years. But is it too late for second chances? Or were their vows never meant to be broken? A gripping tale of love, heartbreak, and the undeniable pull of fate. Will they fight for each other... or walk away forever?

Rich People Problems by treeziaa

As much as Kimberly Astor hated to admit it, she had a slight problem. Okay, so it was theoretically a major problem, but it wasn't entirely her fault. Okay, so it was her fault, (at least to a certain extent, according to her) but her dad didn't need to be all rude about it. He especially did not need to threaten her future role as CEO on it too. And, setting up an arranged marriage to fix said 'problem' is so out of proportion. Okay, it wasn't completely out of proportion, but still. Jace Kingston didn't know what he was getting into when he agreed to be married to a 'problematic heiress'. He certainly was not expecting a sexy vixen, who was hellbent on getting on his nerves and destroying the semblance of normalcy he established in his complex life. So, when the two come together to form a business alliance, they make a simple plan. 1. Fix the problem. 2. Don't ever bring up personal things. 3. Get out. Too bad breaking the second rule is making the third rule look a lot more... difficult. (not edited... i swear i'm trying) ________ trigger warnings: • sexual/mature content (18+) • explicit language • alcohol and drug abuse • a character who can't make the right decisions lmao ________ highest rankings: #6 in romance #1 in mature #1 in ceo #1 in boss #3 in billionaire #2 in steamy #1 in slowburn #1 in couple #3 in humor #3 in enemiestolovers

I Do...I Think by sarahflatt19

Damon Wilson. Head of Wilson & Co. With his business partner Nathan. Complete playboy and doesn't shy away from cameras or ladies. Alice Rogers Getting ready to run the family buisness RR Insdutries. She tries to shy away from the cameras. When Damon finds out that Alice's dad owes money to him. He gives him an ultimatium of either the money. Or he marries his daughter bringing the two busniesses together. Sadly for Alice her father agrees. After falling out with her parents over it she's shipped off to live with her new 'husband.' Alice tries to get know him on thier honeymoon. Realising he's nothing but a prick. He's shut off, mean, dark and too mysterious. Not even a week into the marriage she finds him sleeping with another woman. Hating the situation their in Damon makes her sleep on the floor. Not wanting to share a bed with her. Alice sits and takes insult after insult from him. As the weeks go on she finds herself falling for him. Only to be let down time after time. Will the pair finally become one? Will they finally get along? Full of love, smut, heartbreak, and loss

𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 [Sample of Published Book] by sonysa

The Highest Ranking: #2 Romance |Currently in Hot List| 08-Feb-18 #2 Romance |Currently in Hot List| 08-Jan-17 #2 Romance |Currently in Hot List| 21-Dec-17 The complete book is available on Amazon in ebook and paperback (if you want to purchase it head to my profile, the links are mentioned in my bio). Summary: Chase was a handsome young guy studying in NYU. His goal was simple, to achieve high GPA then take over his family's business. From the day he was born everything was planned for him by his mother and being the good son, he followed all the plans until one day his grandfather was rushed to the hospital. He had always been very close to his grandfather, and he loved him. So, when his grandfather requested him to fulfill his last wish before death played its role, he agreed. But his grandfather's last wish left everyone shocked and destroyed every plan Chase's mother had made all these years. The wish was simple. He wanted him to marry his friend's granddaughter. Despite hating the idea of arranged marriage, Chase agreed to fulfill his grandfather's wish. Hailey was a simple, innocent, and lovable girl with a horrible past imprinted on her mind and heart. She was called a freak, fat, and ugly. She received disgust-filled glances from her own sister and mother. Her mother even pushed her away because Hailey didn't act like her older sister, Emily. Hailey lived all her life under the shadow of her sister, who was beautiful and wanted to become a model. Instead of trying to become like Emily, Hailey found her own escape, which was books. She would read and wait for her Prince Charming to come and sweep her off her feet. But when she agreed to get married to Chase Edwards on the request of her mother to save Emily from an arranged marriage, she didn't know that Chase was no Prince Charming. Read "Broken Hearts" to know how Hailey ended up falling for the man that was no Prince Charming. Copyright ©Sonysa [S.G. sonysa] All rights are reserved

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐕𝐨𝐰𝐬 by reen_tales

**In a world where boundaries are respected and secrets are closely guarded, two souls from vastly different worlds are about to collide.** **Ahana Malik, a devout and modest young woman from Allahabad, India, is content with her peaceful arranged marriage, unaware of the turbulent storm it will bring into her life. Adrian Grayson, an Italian billionaire with a ruthless reputation, is known not only for his notorious charm but also for his cold, calculated cruelty. Forced into marriage under duress from his father, Adrian vows to keep his personal desires at bay for the sake of his family's empire. Yet beneath his sophisticated exterior lies a dangerous man, a man whose anger is as lethal as his power.** **Adrian rules his world with an iron fist, where even the devils fear his brutal methods. His anger issues aren't just temper tantrums; they are destructive forces that leave no one untouched. Those who cross him meet torturous fates-methods so cruel, they haunt even the darkest corners of the criminal underworld. He plays with fear and pain like an artist with his canvas, making his enemies beg for mercy that he will never grant.** **As their worlds clash, Ahana's unwavering values and Adrian's volatile nature create a tension that neither expected. When duty meets desire and faith encounters fury, both will have to navigate a maze of secrets, passion, power, and brutality. Will they find common ground, or will Adrian's dark nature drive them apart, shattering any hope of connection?** **Dive into this intense and steamy romance where cultural boundaries, personal ambition, and the search for true connection collide in a world where love is not just tested but put to the ultimate trial.**

With love Emma by SowmyaVenkatesan1

Meet Emma Zennor, a down to earth country girl who finds happiness in small things. Emma never dreamed of finding a love match, but she didn't expect to get married to a man who called her Miss. Zennor like they didn't take wedding vows. She also didn't expect to fall in love with her husband. It should have been really simple but it was not. Meet Lord Nicholas Advent, duke of Watford. Nicholas never wanted to remarry after his wife's death. But he didn't expect to get married to Emma Zennor, a beautiful young lady half his age and fall in love with her. But he could never be her husband, didn't he already prove he made a terrible husband.

Heart of Stone by elysiumxflowers

(#3 in marriage and #4 in arrangedmarriage 3/17/25 #9 in love 3/18/25) In the business world of high society, Alexander Pearson is the oldest son of a wealthy businessman who suddenly passed away and left his young son to become the CEO of the family company, while Eloise Winter is the daughter of a struggling entrepreneur. Forced into an agreement created by their grandfathers, who were lifelong friends since gradeschool, Alexander and Eloise are to be wed to save her family from financial ruin. 5 years later, Eloise has yet to ever meet her wayward husband who left the country as soon as they were married on paper. One fateful night, Alexander returns to the states, leading to an unexpected and passionate encounter with his unknown wife. What will he do when the enigmatic and captivating woman he can't get out of his head turns out to be the very wife he never wanted? A story of passion, chance encounters, and high emotions, where a stony heart meets soft and lovely, and an arranged marriage of convenience sets fire to a blazing attraction. TW mentions of abuse.

The Lady Who Stayed by greenwriter

When Mary is caught in a scandal with one of the most notorious rakes in town, she believes the only solution to the grave trouble for her dangerous secrets is a wedding. What she didn't account for was her heart--and his. *** Adrien Haverston is a rake caught in his own trap after a seduction goes wrong. One great scandal and a bitter wedding later, he is one angry husband to Mary Featherton. But despite his vow to make her suffer for shackling him to a life he has avoided ever since, he begins to realize that the burning attraction that brought them together in the first place might just lead to something promising. But falling in love with his wife may not be as easy as he first thought, because as Adrien peels off every charming and beautiful facet of Mary, he also discovers dark and dangerous secrets--one of which has the potential to shatter him.

Eleanor's Desire by imthestarr

Lady Eleanor Windsor believed her life would be one of fairytales, living the perfect life she had been born in. The princess. The perfect lady. She had always known her destiny. But despite it all her heart was meant for one man. Her true love. That was until he ripped her heart and betrayed her. In a blink of eye her life changed forever, her heart turning cold on love. Rebelling against her destiny. Craved and desired to be set free, and that begun with leaving what she knew. She needed an escape. exploring the world and letting loose couldn't hurt her right? Fleeing to Italy she had in mind of solitude and freedom... That was until she meet a devilish sinful Italian Rake, Lorenzo Di Angelo an wicked man who invoked her with an desire she had never known. But making a deal with a devil never ends good... and especially when one get burnt. READ MORE TO FIND OUT!

Perfectly Imperfect by RegencyLov3r

Delve into the captivating world of wealthy aristocrats, where the joys, woes, and adventures of their lives are intricately woven together by troublesome mothers. In this tale, two characters find themselves brought together out of convenience and for their own safety. But amidst their forced union, a question lingers in the air: will this arrangement blossom into true love? Aera Burgess has harbored feelings for Elias Alhorn for as long as she can remember. Being the best friend of his younger sister Genevieve has allowed her to secretly admire him from a distance. However, when Elias abruptly departed to another country following his mother's passing, their paths diverged. Now, on the cusp of the bustling social season of 1813, Elias returns to their shared world. As fate would have it, Elias and Aera find themselves entangled in a relationship born out of necessity. Aera seeks refuge from the wrath of her own family, and Elias becomes her protector, awaiting the arrival of a suitable suitor. But when unforeseen circumstances alter their plans, they are pushed into marriage. It is then that Aera plunges into a labyrinth of discovery, unearthing the dark and bloody secrets that shroud Elias's past. She begins to question whether he is any better than the very family she sought to escape... Other info: Each chapter is approximately 4,500~ words. Cast of characters with multiple A and B plots. Cover art by Ashesk_Art. https://asheskart.com Written by myself and my writing partner @stories_by_kiki!

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Slide 1 of 10

Unfinished Vows cover

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I Do...I Think cover

𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 [Sample of Published Book] cover

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐕𝐨𝐰𝐬 cover

With love Emma cover

Heart of Stone cover

The Lady Who Stayed cover

Eleanor's Desire cover

Perfectly Imperfect cover

Unfinished Vows

"I wanted to hate him. I wanted to walk away without a second thought. But how do you forget someone who still lingers in your every breath?" Kate thought she was finally free. Three years of a cold, loveless marriage to Dev-her arrogant, emotionally distant husband-had left her shattered. Now, with divorce on the horizon, she should be relieved. But when circumstances force them to live under the same roof again, she realizes something is different. Dev isn't the same man who once ignored her existence. He watches her now, his eyes filled with something she can't quite name. Regret? Possession? Something deeper? Dev always believed he never wanted this marriage. But as Kate pulls away, he's gripped by an unfamiliar panic. What if letting her go was his biggest mistake? What if, deep down, he never truly wanted her to leave? Dev - "I believed you'd stand by me, even when I couldn't be there for you. I was wrong-you deserve better. I'll grow, I'll change, but I refuse to lose you." Trapped between past wounds and an uncertain future, Kate and Dev are forced to confront the emotions they've buried for years. But is it too late for second chances? Or were their vows never meant to be broken? A gripping tale of love, heartbreak, and the undeniable pull of fate. Will they fight for each other... or walk away forever?